Better get your act together guys. The Washington State Legislature in 1913 passed what became known as the Lazy Husbands Act. No kidding. Men who failed to support their wives and children were in violation of the law.
The Act authorized County Commissioners to establish work farms to be staffed by men sentenced to one year of labor. Men convicted under the act received a wage of $1.50 per day, paid monthly to their spouse. The act reportedly was quite popular with women. Authorities were literally bombarded by wives seeking to receive benefits. King county established the Willows Farm in Bothell to put these "bad dads" to work. Work on county roads was another work program also often used by counties. During the first 6 months following its enactment, over $3,000 had been paid to wives back home - big money in those days.
It's time to put down that remote and beer can guys and get to work.
I had never heard of this but it made me smile.
Posted by: Karen | 10/23/2016 at 12:33 PM