A photo of barefoot boys in a mill. So dangerous!
This is a photo of a textile mill in 1873 New England. All that big machinery, and they're barefoot!
Little coal miners
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
These messenger boys were on strike - and they really were just boys!
12 hr days - 5 yrs old
This 5 yr old worked at a sardine factory up to 12 hrs a day.
Big smile, hard work
This boy has a great smile although his days were long and the pay was small. 1924
Handle with care
BIG knife! This boy (1911) is showing how he processes fish at a cannery.
That’s coal dust!
This 1911 photo isn't degraded - that's coal dust in the air. These boys were breaking coal off of mined rock.
Lost limb
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
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
Children often began working at this mill (and others nearby) about the age of 8.
Small fingers, small fish
This little boy (1911) is showing how he cut off his finger cutting sardines in a cannery.
Barely fits the chair
This little mill worker isn't even big enough for her legs to touch the floor.
Doll legs makers
These children helped their moms make Campbell Kids doll legs, often until 10p. At least they got to work at home?
