Expert: Docs99 - 8/11/2009

Question
I may be asking this question in the wrong category; I wasn't sure whether to post it under history or economics.  I'm trying to find out what wages a bellboy might have earned in a hotel in Washington, DC, in 1865.  My character (it's for a story I'm trying to write) is 13 years old and has no prior experience.  Thinking of what I've read wages were like as late as the 1920s,I was thinking perhaps five cents a week.  Would this be reasonable, or too much for the era in question?  

Thanks for your help.

Thanks for your help.

Answer
Certainly a good question!!!! I would imagine that a kid that age would work for room and board mostly in those days. Given the time you have chosen, he could be a war orphan taken in by the inn keepers.  I really do not know if 5 cents a week is a market wage for those times.  Have you looked into the history of hotels in DC? Maybe there is some reference to wages paid. Sorry I can't be of more help. Would certainly be interested in reading the book.