Figure 1.- This postcard postograph shows two boys showing off an impressie catch in 1901. Notice the fancy Fauntleroy blouses they wore to go fishing--not exactly what one might expect. Also notice that the boys are wearing knee pants rather than overalls. The photographer was from Saugatuck, Michigan who documented everyday life in his family and around town. Put your cursor on the image to see a full view.

Especially important activities for American boys are hunting and fishing, although this has declined somewhat as America continues to urbanize. A barefoot boy with a fishing pole is a virtual icon for Ameican boyhood, although today out of date. Activities such as sports were more limited in the 19th century. Fishing was a perfect activity for boys. Most boys lived in the country near some kind of waterways: irrigation ditches, lakes, rivers, and streams. Thus it was an activity that most boys could enjoy. Fishing was much less popular with girls, we are not entirely sure why. It was fun and even the poorest boy could afford a fish hook and line. It was conducted away from home beyonf effect adult supervision for there was an element of freedom involved. And on a hot summer day a day of fishing could be topped off by a swim in the pond or river. And unlike hunting with a gun was not dangerous. Thus very young boys could participate with little or no supervision. And if all of this was not enough, the boy brouht back food for the family table. Hunting was a little more complicated because guns were involved. The guns of course were a real attrraction for boys, but here some expense was involved as well as much more adult supervision for younger boys. Aswith fishing, hunting was much less popular among girls.

Fishing

Especially important activities for American boys are hunting and fishing, although this has declined somewhat as America continues to urbanize. This was different than Europe where hunting and fishing in many years was limited to the nobility or the owners of estates. Thus by a large margin, most images of boys fishing are American images. It was an activity that everyone could enjoy regardless of social status or income. Quite young boys could enjoy fushing, although because of the patience involved, it was primarily persued by school age boys. The only equipment needed to be purchased was the hook. The rest could be fashioned from easily available materials, although of course expensive rod and reels were available. A barefoot boy with a simple fishing pole and a straw hat is a virtual icon for Ameican boyhood, although today out of date. Activities such as sports were more limited in the 19th century. Fishing was a perfect activity for boys. Most boys lived in the country near some kind of waterways: bayous, irrigation ditches, lakes, marshes, rivers, and streams. Thus it was an activity that most boys could enjoy. Fishing was much less popular eith girls, we are not entirely sure why. It was fun and even the poorest boy could afford a fishhook and line. It was conducted away from home beyonf effect adult supervision for there was an element of freedom involved. And on a hot summer day a day of fishing could be topped off by a swim in the pond or river. And unlike hunting with a gun was not dangerous. Thus very young boys could participate with little or no supervision. And if all of this was not enough, the boy brouht back food for the family table.

Hunting

Hunting like fishing began as way of obtaining food. Age affected what was hunting. Yonger boys might at first go after rabbits abnd squirles. Animals could bre trapped, but this was almost entirely for food or pelts. Boys in particular looked forward to getting a gun. This made it more of a sport. This continued into the 20th century, although urbanization significantly reduced opportunities for huntging, especially anong urban fanilies which were less likely to have guns. The Depression probably continued the pursuit of huntging for food. Hunting was a little more complicated because guns were involved. The guns of course were a real attrraction for boys, but here some expense was involved as well as much more adult supervision for younger boys. Early guns were very expensive as well as too heavy for younger boys. Also associated with American boys and hunting was the coon dog. Today hunting is primarily a sport, although the bounty is often consumed, deoending somewhat on the animal killed. The importance here varies somewhat regionally. It is especially the case in Alaska. As with fishing, hunting was much less popular among girls.

Created: 4:25 PM 10/29/2007
Last updated: 9:06 PM 10/28/2010