Taking in boarders was one way that a home could generate income. Doing so would increase the amount of labour needed to be done around the home, which was typically completed by the women and the children on the farm.

On page 23 of Lara Campbell’s book “Respectable Citizens” she says “women worked odd jobs, took in boarders, or found work in the labour force despite the cultural proscription against married women’s employment.” There were different ways that married women would generate income during the Great Depression, taking in boarders were one of them.

There was a wide range of reasons why someone would be interested in being a boarder, and taking in boarders turned a home into a place of business. Both of these things came with their own challenges.

The content of this card is directly based off of a Lethbridge Herald classified ad from April 14, 1931. This advertisement is on page 14 of the paper and it says “Board and Room Wanted: Canadian 20, will do light duties and pay $15 a month for board on farm or ranch for summer months.”