One income in a two income world

How was it done so many years ago? Why is it that in the 50's and 60's mothers were able to stay home and families thrived on the income that the father brought home? Why has "bringing home the bacon" turned into a two person job? One to cut and carry and one to clean and cook.
I know it can be done, that is for one person to earn and the other carry on the duties of the house hold. But why does it seem so difficult?
I can't decide if it would be worth the hassle of finding a job that will allow me to bring Lily just to bring in an extra $1000 or not. Can I get her out of bed in the morning? Would it be fair to her to play with other kids while I taught if I worked at a daycare? Can I get out of bed in the morning?
This pretty much has started because we want to get in a house this year. The lender tried to qualify us for a $100,000 loan and said we are short some moolah a month. I understand and don't want that much home. I think if we can bite the bullet for a few months with me working, maybe we can qualify, pay off the car and I can quit and go back to being at home with Lily and me and the pets.
God will do what He wants to do, so I'll leave it in his hands.