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Before Child Labor Laws: Every Boy & Girl had a Job

Updated on May 03, 2023. Originally added on Sep 20, 2017 by Kathy Pinna

You may be surprised to know that until the Great Depression children were an important part of the work economy in the United States.

In textile mills and coal mines where their small size was an asset, in canneries, and on farms (not just family farms), children performed many vital tasks.

Working conditions were rough, and thanks to photographers like Lewis Wickes Hine we have these photos to document what these children endured.

We were shocked by these photos, and think you might be too.

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Photos of Child Labor History

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A photo of barefoot boys in a mill. So dangerous!

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This is a photo of a textile mill in 1873 New England. All that big machinery, and they're barefoot!

Little coal miners

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These are "breaker boys" - boys who broke the coal from rock, by hand. Their faces are full of coal dust. They were usually 8 to 12 yrs old.

Messenger boys, 1916

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These messenger boys were on strike - and they really were just boys!

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12 hr days - 5 yrs old

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This 5 yr old worked at a sardine factory up to 12 hrs a day.

Big smile, hard work

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This boy has a great smile although his days were long and the pay was small. 1924

Handle with care

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BIG knife! This boy (1911) is showing how he processes fish at a cannery.

That’s coal dust!

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This 1911 photo isn't degraded - that's coal dust in the air. These boys were breaking coal off of mined rock.

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Lost limb

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This boy went to work as a breaker boy in a coal mine at 9. Looks like he lost a leg and then went to work inside.

Veteran workers, 1908

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The girl on the left is 10 and has been working at this mill for over a year - the girl on the right is 12.

Hosiery mill workers, 1913

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Children often began working at this mill (and others nearby) about the age of 8.

Small fingers, small fish

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This little boy (1911) is showing how he cut off his finger cutting sardines in a cannery.

Barely fits the chair

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This little mill worker isn't even big enough for her legs to touch the floor.

Doll legs makers

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These children helped their moms make Campbell Kids doll legs, often until 10p. At least they got to work at home?

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