This photo was most likely taken by photographer Lewis H. Hine (1874 - 1940) who travelled across America from 1908 through 1912 photographing child (3+ years old) workers. The National Child Labor Committee began in 1904 and was chartered by Congress in 1907. In 1908, Mr Hine worked with the committee to document child worker conditions. This photo was most likely staged by the owner of the mill, having cleaned and clothed the boys before Mr. Hine arrived. In 1938 Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act or Federal Wage and Hour Law that set the 40 hour work week with a minimum wage (which at this time was only 40 cents).
Jun 05, 2012 4:24 pm
reply
