heater n. a crime or criminal case that attracts a lot of (media) attention. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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There was in the 1800’s and early
1900’s an occupation known as a
‘heater’
Does anyone know what that occupation involved ? What type of industry ?
Could be any number of jobs. Dozens, maybe. Like a guy who heats up pitch. You’re going to have to be more specific about context and where you heard or read the term.
While doing research about Pittsburgh Firefighters from the turn of the century I came across several whose previous occupation was “heater.” I thought that it might be related to the steel industry. The term was found in several old Pittsburgh newspapers and also that occupation is listed in the census from 1880-1900-1910-1930.
Thats all I have.
I too am trying to learn what occupation a “heater” was. I have an ancestor whose occupation is listed as “heater” in the 1904 Pottstown, PA Directory. There was a small iron/steel industry in the Pottstown area in 1904.
Any additional information would be welcome.