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Many trades, such as butchers, tanners, shoemakers, and tailors, were organized into professional associations called guilds [Gilden or Zünfte or Innungen]. The purpose of a guild was to provide training of apprentices and otherwise regulate the practice of the trade in the area. | Many trades, such as butchers, tanners, shoemakers, and tailors, were organized into professional associations called guilds [Gilden or Zünfte or Innungen]. The purpose of a guild was to provide training of apprentices and otherwise regulate the practice of the trade in the area. | ||
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It was customary for those who had finished their apprenticeships to gain more work experience by becoming journeymen and traveling to various places and work for different masters of their trade. This experience was an important part in preparing for their master's certification. Many of the journeymen married during this travel time and did not return to their original homes. | It was customary for those who had finished their apprenticeships to gain more work experience by becoming journeymen and traveling to various places and work for different masters of their trade. This experience was an important part in preparing for their master's certification. Many of the journeymen married during this travel time and did not return to their original homes. | ||
Guilds made it difficult for large business establishments. As larger businesses did become established, the guilds were no longer sufficient. A good article regarding guilds can be found in the German Genealogical Digest Winter 1994 page 118. | Guilds made it difficult for large business establishments. As larger businesses did become established, the guilds were no longer sufficient. A good article regarding guilds can be found in the German Genealogical Digest Winter 1994 page 118. | ||
Only part of the male population is included in guild records, although their wives and daughters are sometimes mentioned. Guild records are most useful where they exist before the beginning of church records. Because of their antiquity, such records are often hard to read, even for persons fluent in German. They may require an expert's help. | Only part of the male population is included in guild records, although their wives and daughters are sometimes mentioned. Guild records are most useful where they exist before the beginning of church records. Because of their antiquity, such records are often hard to read, even for persons fluent in German. They may require an expert's help. | ||