I'm working on a new book, and the main character is going to pay some children to do a simple chore for him each day. I thought about a penny a day for the chore, but I'm not sure if that would be enough. Would a nickle, or some other amount be more appropriate?
There's actually a good amount of answers on this over on the Straight Dope in regards to Little House on the Prairie. Although, that question was asked ten years ago. Based on measuring worth's calculator a penny would be about the same as a quarter today. So, you'd probably be able to get a stick of candy or something similar. This chart only goes back to 1900, but states that a piece of candy would be a penny then. According to this chart two apples were a nickel in 1870.
All that said, is the main character hiring these kids for chores or are they his kids (he's the guardian)? Because, if it's the latter, then allowance didn't really exist. Kids getting an allowance is popularized by Sidonie Gruenberg in 1912.