How did the treadmill system differ from other forms of prison labor?
Frequently Asked Question about the extinct profession: Prison Treadmill Operator
The treadmill system, introduced in the early 19th century, differed from other prison labor by focusing on continuous, repetitive physical activity rather than productive work. Inmates walked on large wheels to grind grain or pump water, which served as punishment rather than generating goods. This method aimed to instill discipline and deter crime, contrasting with labor that produced marketable products.