Here is a report from Alexander McGillvray, from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, described to the Royal Commission on the Relations of Labour and Capital in 1887 of what it was like to live in a company town.
Q. Look at this paper. That is the statement of your account for the month of July, 1887?
A. Yes.
Q. Making a total of $35.13?
A. Yes.
Q. Against this you were charged rent $1.50, coal 25 cents?
A. Yes.
Q. You are charged with oil 80 cents?
A. Yes.
Q. You are charged with powder $3.24?
A. Yes.
Q. You are charged with school 15 cents?
A. Yes.
Q. For doctor 40 cents?
A. Yes.
Q. For the tally 30 cents?
A. Yes.
Q. You are charged for store account $28.49?
A. Yes.
Q. So the credits and the debits for the month exactly balance making $35.13?
A. Yes.
Q. You received that month no cash?
A. No.
Q. Is it generally the case that at the end fo the month no cash is coming to you?
A. On many occasions.
Source: Royal Commission on the Relations of Capital and Labour in Canada (Ottawa: Queen's Printer, 1889)