e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online

Rural Life

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Before World War II, most women in West Virginia lived on farms. They were responsible for gardening, cooking, preserving food, making clothes, and handling many other household tasks. This work was vital to the family's survival. While men and women had different roles on the farm, they complemented each other. Even though women contributed a lot to the farm’s success, they didn’t receive any wages for their hard work but sometimes made a little income by selling eggs or butter to the nearest general store.