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Lewis W. Hine

Lewis Hine, Library of Congress CollectionCreated by: PICRYLDated: 1907
Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 7. 14 years of age. 1 year in service. Visits houses of prostitution. Guides soldiers to segregated district. Smokes. Still at school and works from 8:30 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. Investigator, Edward F. Brown. Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Louis [i.e. Lewis] W. Hine, May, 1910.
Hine grew up in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. As a young man he had to care for himself, and working at a furniture factory gave him first-hand knowledge of industrial workers' harsh reality. Eight years later he matriculated at the University of Chicago and met Professor Frank A. Manny, whom he followed to New York to teach at the Ethical Culture School and continue his studies at New York University. As a faculty member at the Ethical Culture School Hine was introduced to photography.

From 1904 until his death he documented a series of sites and conditions in the USA and Europe. In 1906 he became a photographer and field worker for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC). Undercover, disguised among other things as a Bible salesman or photographer for post-cards or industry, Hine went into American factories. His research methodology was based on photographic documentation and interviews.

Together with the NCLC he worked to place the working conditions of two million American children onto the political agenda. The NCLC later said that Hine's photographs were decisive in the 1938 passage of federal law governing child labor in the United States. In 1918 Hine left the NCLC for the Red Cross and their work in Europe. After a short period as an employee, he returned to the United States and began as an independent photographer.

One of Hine's last major projects was the series Men at Work, published as a book in 1932. It is a homage to the worker that built the country, and it documents such things as the construction of the Empire State Building. In 1940 Hine died abruptly after several years of poor income and few commissions. Even though interest in his work was increasing, it was not until after his death that Hine was raised to the stature of one of the great photographers in the history of the medium.
1897
1897
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1932
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1932
6,942 Media in collection ∙ page 1 of 70
A spinner in the Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 3/08. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

A spinner in the Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 3/08. Witness, Sa...

Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 7. 14 years of age. 1 year in service. Visits houses of prostitution. Guides soldiers to segregated district. Smokes. Still at school and works from 8:30 P.M. to 12:30 A.M. Investigator, Edward F. Brown. Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Louis [i.e. Lewis] W. Hine, May, 1910.

Frank F. Gibson, 1305 Linden St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger...

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes .Arbeidere portrettert under oppføringen av Empire State Building. New York. .NMFF.003710

Ivey Mill, Hickory, N.C. Little one, 3 years old, who visits and plays in the mill. Daughter of the overseer.

Ivey Mill, Hickory, N.C. Little one, 3 years old, who visits and plays...

This is where the mill children live. Compare photo 342. Lancaster, S.C. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

This is where the mill children live. Compare photo 342. Lancaster, S....

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 341. Question mark in front of date on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Libr... more

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes.Slovak gra..h- Elis Is-1905.Slavic Mother & Child, Ellis Island (George Eastman House).Portrait of three women and a baby. Just arrived to Ellis Island along with hundreds of other immigrant... more

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes.Portrait of a mother and child. Just arrived at Ellis Island along with hundreds of other immigrants that day. In search of a better life. USA 1905..This image, an iconic and evocative mother... more

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes..Portrait of an Italian mother and child. Just arrived at Ellis Island along with hundreds of other immigrants that day. In search of a better life..USA 1905.."Lewis Hine, Passionate journey.... more

Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Otis Mehaffy. 4 years in mill. Small boy "helps sister" Saturdays and after school. Witness S.R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina

Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Otis Mehaffy. 4 years in mill. Small ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 333. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Mrs. Finkelstein, 127 Monroe St. Bessie (age 13), Sophie (age 7). Girls attend school. Making garters for Liberty Garter works, 413 Broadway. Mother, a widow, earns 75 cents a day by working all day until 12 at night. Bessie works until 10 P.M. Sophie until 9 P.M. They expected to work until 10 P.M. to finish the job, although they did not know when more work would come in. Witness Mrs. Hosford. Location: New York, New York (State)

Mrs. Finkelstein, 127 Monroe St. Bessie (age 13), Sophie (age 7). Girl...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. Hine no. 10-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General inform... more

Mill School House (in middle) surrounded by mill houses. Maple Mill, Dillon, S.C. Small need here for large schoolhouse. Most of the children in mill. Location: Dillon, South Carolina

Mill School House (in middle) surrounded by mill houses. Maple Mill, D...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 388. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

This was the smallest I could find in the Newton (N.C.) Cotton Mills. Overseer said "She just brings her sister's dinner," but as it was only 9:30 A.M., and as she worked as faithfully as her sister all the time I was in the mill, I judged she was a regular "helper." She looked to be 8 years old. Others there nearly as small. Location: Newton, North Carolina

This was the smallest I could find in the Newton (N.C.) Cotton Mills. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 451. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

One of The Newsies at The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

One of The Newsies at The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Location: Cinc...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 28. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

Mill folks, Salisbury Mills, (N.C.) Location: Salisbury, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Mill folks, Salisbury Mills, (N.C.) Location: Salisbury, North Caroli...

Dickson Mill, Laurinburg, N.C. Robert Black, (smallest) 1 year in mill. John Black, (next) 2 years in mill. Charlie Clark--4 years. Earl Lander--Beginning. Witness, S.R. Hine. Location: Laurinburg, North Carolina

Dickson Mill, Laurinburg, N.C. Robert Black, (smallest) 1 year in mill...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 415. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C. Mother said she is very good hand at spinning. Been at it 3 years. Runs 4 and 5 sides, about 50 cents a day. Little sister Lettie helps. Mother said "she is learnin'." Looked 7 years old. Dec. 208. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Clinton, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 372. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Boys working in Scotland Mill, Laurinburg, N.C. Smallest boy--Junior Bounds--Beginning. Next, Rollin Hudson - 3 years in mill. Next, Lloyd Willoughby - 3 years in mill. Next, Preston Torrent - 8 years in mill. 6 years night work - 14 years old now. "Haven't been in school more'n 3 days in my whole life." Father blind. 2 older sisters and 1 younger brother work in mill now. Has doffed all 8 years. Gets about 60 cents a day. Asked him if he didn't get tired, "No, when you get used to it you don't get tired. Some of the boys goes to sleep when they begin." Showed a remarkable degree of refinement and consideration for others. Work has not blunted this. Sunday, Dec. 6/08. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Laurinburg, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Boys working in Scotland Mill, Laurinburg, N.C. Smallest boy--Junior B...

Noon Hour, Indianapolis Meat packing House, Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Noon Hour, Indianapolis Meat packing House, Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopp...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 98. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

Putting Bottles into the Annealing Oven. An Indianapolis Glass Works, 1 A.M. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Putting Bottles into the Annealing Oven. An Indianapolis Glass Works, ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 88. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... more

10 P.M. in An Indiana Glass Works. Location: Indiana

10 P.M. in An Indiana Glass Works. Location: Indiana

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 129. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... more

"Teaching the young idea." The Boss (who began at 10 years of age, and has been at it for 30 years) showing a beginner (who is apparently 9 or 10) See 169. Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

"Teaching the young idea." The Boss (who began at 10 years of age, and...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 183. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... more

Young doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 3/08. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Young doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 3/08. Witness, Sa...

Spinners and doffers, Lancaster Cotton Mills, S.C. Dozens of them in this mill. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

Spinners and doffers, Lancaster Cotton Mills, S.C. Dozens of them in t...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 348. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

A Western Union Messenger Boy Leaving Office. Cincinnati. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

A Western Union Messenger Boy Leaving Office. Cincinnati. Location: Ci...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 30. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

A.D.T. ? messengers. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

A.D.T. ? messengers. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 53. Handwritten caption difficult to decipher. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Li... more

Newberry Mills (S.C.) Noon hour. All are working here. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina

Newberry Mills (S.C.) Noon hour. All are working here. Witness, Sara R...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 383. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. Work 12 hours at a stretch. No special time off to eat. "Eat a-workin'." 9:00 P.M. Friday, Nov. 6, 1908. Mill was running. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. Work 12 hours at a stretch. No special time...

A spinner in Cycle Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. She was 49 inches high. Been there "bout 2 years." 50 operatives and there were 10 children that looked to be under 12 years of age. Location: Newton, North Carolina

A spinner in Cycle Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. She was 49 inches high. B...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 452. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Group of Miners, Drivers and Trapper. Macdonald, W. Va., Mine. Oct. 1908. Witness E.N. Clopper. Location: MacDonald, West Virginia

Group of Miners, Drivers and Trapper. Macdonald, W. Va., Mine. Oct. 19...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Coal mines. Hine no. 145. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Div... more

Holland Mfg. Co., Gastonia, N.C. 8:00 P.M. Mill running nights. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Holland Mfg. Co., Gastonia, N.C. 8:00 P.M. Mill running nights. Locati...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 287. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Dickson Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. Eddie Williamson (taller). Been in mill 3 years. John Eliot--Been in mill 7 years. Witness, S.R. Hine. Location: Laurinburg, North Carolina

Dickson Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. Eddie Williamson (taller). Been in mil...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 413. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Amusing themselves while waiting for morning papers. Location: New York, New York (State)

Amusing themselves while waiting for morning papers. Location: New Yor...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 25-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... more

A Group of Young Fellows Working in a Cannery, In Indianapolis, Aug. 1908. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

A Group of Young Fellows Working in a Cannery, In Indianapolis, Aug. 1...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 86. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divis... more

Noon hour. Muncie Wheel & Jobbing Co. Most of the boys were gone home to dinner. Location: Muncie, Indiana

Noon hour. Muncie Wheel & Jobbing Co. Most of the boys were gone home ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 224. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Boys at Lehr glass works. Location: West Virginia

Boys at Lehr glass works. Location: West Virginia

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 68. No city recorded on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library o... more

Newberry Mills, (S.C.) Noon hour. Dec. 3, 08. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Newberry Mills, (S.C.) Noon hour. Dec. 3, 08. Witness Sara R. Hine. L...

Interior of Kesler Mfg. Co., Salisbury, N.C. Location: Salisbury, North Carolina

Interior of Kesler Mfg. Co., Salisbury, N.C. Location: Salisbury, Nort...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 426. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Maggie Wooten (Largest), creels on warper. Lillie Anderson--Oldest of two sisters. Been in mill five years. Runs only 4 sides. Minnie Anderson, - youngest- runs 8 sides. Been in mill 4 year. One finds many such cases where youngest sister does twice the amount of work. Nov. 2808. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Maggie Wooten (Largest), creels on wa...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 332. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

A Glimpse from the Outside into The World Furniture Co., Evansville, Ind. During working hours. Location: Evansville, Indiana

A Glimpse from the Outside into The World Furniture Co., Evansville, I...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 199. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Group of mill hands working in Salisbury, N.C. Cotton Mills. Location: Salisbury, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Group of mill hands working in Salisbury, N.C. Cotton Mills. Location:...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 430. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Willie Lee, 24 Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. 10 years old. Been in mill 2 months. Doffer. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina

Willie Lee, 24 Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. 10 years old. Been in mill 2...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 273. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Daniel Mill, Lincolnton, N.C. Group of women and two girls. Shows type of adolescent. Location: Lincolnton, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Daniel Mill, Lincolnton, N.C. Group of women and two girls. Shows type...

A Basket Factory. Boys making grate bottoms. In summer, many more young boys and girls. Location: Evansville, Indiana

A Basket Factory. Boys making grate bottoms. In summer, many more youn...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 221. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Watching The Races, The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Cincinnati, Ohio

Watching The Races, The Newsboys' Picnic, Cincinnati. Cincinnati, Ohio

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 19. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

Bob Burton, Gastonia, N.C. 15 years old. A typical adolescent, overgrown, thin, anaemic sic. Been in mill for 8 years. Doffing still in Ozark Mills. Gastonia, North Carolina

Bob Burton, Gastonia, N.C. 15 years old. A typical adolescent, overgro...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 240. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Noon Hour in a Furniture Factory, Indianapolis. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Noon Hour in a Furniture Factory, Indianapolis. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. C...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 51. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.... more

Gastonia, N.C. Boy on right hand works nights. Sunday, November 9 [i.e., 8?], 1908. This mill was running nights at the time this photograph was taken. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Gastonia, N.C. Boy on right hand works nights. Sunday, November 9 [i.e...

Noon Hour in an Indianapolis Furniture Factory. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Noon Hour in an Indianapolis Furniture Factory. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. C...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 63. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.... more

Group of boys working in Lancaster, S.C. Cotton Mills. Smallest boy in middle said has been in the mill off and on for 5 yrs. Spins now. Nov. 30, 1909sic. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

Group of boys working in Lancaster, S.C. Cotton Mills. Smallest boy in...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 338. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

In neighborhood of Maple Mill, Dillon, S.C. Lawrence Faircloth (taller boy) "Don't know how old I am." Been in mill 2 years. Runs 3 sides Albert Bartlett (barefoot) Looked 8 years old. In mill 2 years--Beginning to spin. Runs 2-12 sides = 25 cents a day. Bad conditions. Saturday, Dec. 5, 08. Location: Dillon, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

In neighborhood of Maple Mill, Dillon, S.C. Lawrence Faircloth (taller...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 363. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Cherryville Graded School, Cherryville, N.C. These are all the children in town who attend school. 2,000 population. One-third of these raised their hands when asked, "How many have worked in a cotton mill?". Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

Cherryville Graded School, Cherryville, N.C. These are all the childre...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 310. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

122 Sullivan St. 2nd Floor rear. Leveroni family. Earn 4 cents a gross making violets. Can make 20 gross a day when children work all day. Father has work. Mrs. Leveroni; Tessie Leveroni, age 9; Stephen Leveroni, age 6; Margaret Leveroni, age 7; Josephine Cordono, age 10. These children work on Saturdays on afternoons after 3 o'clock, and evenings until 8 or 9. Location: New York, New York (State)

122 Sullivan St. 2nd Floor rear. Leveroni family. Earn 4 cents a gross...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Tenement homework. Hine no. 6-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photogra... more

Postal Telegraph Boy. David Caplan, 9 Monroe Street. Said he was 15 years old. Works from 11 P.M. to 8 A.M., often down around the docks. Location: New York, New York (State)

Postal Telegraph Boy. David Caplan, 9 Monroe Street. Said he was 15 ye...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 23-A. No date recorded on caption card; estimate based on date recorded on caption cards for photos with ... more

Noon Hour, Bosse Furniture Co., Evansville, Ind. Oct. 1908. Location: Evansville, Indiana

Noon Hour, Bosse Furniture Co., Evansville, Ind. Oct. 1908. Location: ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 204. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

View of Scotland Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. All these boys work in mill. Sunday, Dec. 608. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Laurinburg, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

View of Scotland Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. All these boys work in mill. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 419. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. View of spinning room. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. View of spinning room. Location:...

Young doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 308. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Young doffers in Mollahan Mills, Newberry, S.C. Dec. 308. Witness, Sar...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 378. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Geo. Rabholz, 14 years old, 724 Main St., Cincinnati, Ohio, Delivers bundles for a printing office. Aug. 1908. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Geo. Rabholz, 14 years old, 724 Main St., Cincinnati, Ohio, Delivers b...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 31. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

Carolina cotton mill worker and his family all are working. Location: South Carolina

Carolina cotton mill worker and his family all are working. Location: ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 395. No city or date recorded on caption card. Date based on date recorded on cards for photos with neighboring n... more

Wylie Mill, Chester, S.C. Tommy Ashville, (smaller boy) 2 years in mill. "Specks I'm about 11." Arthur Shelly, 8 years in mill. 14 years old. Other boys agreed he had been in mill 8 years. Location: Chester, South Carolina

Wylie Mill, Chester, S.C. Tommy Ashville, (smaller boy) 2 years in mil...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 323. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. View of spinning room. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. View of spinning room. Location: ...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 305. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Closing hour Loray Mill, Gastonia, N.C. November 7, 1908. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Closing hour Loray Mill, Gastonia, N.C. November 7, 1908. Location: G...

Lena Lochiavo, 11 years old, 209 W. Sixth St., Basket Seller, Sixth Street Market, Cincinnati. In front of saloon entrance. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Lena Lochiavo, 11 years old, 209 W. Sixth St., Basket Seller, Sixth St...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 46. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... more

Newberry Mills, Newberry, S.C. Going home to dinner. Dec. 3/08. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Newberry, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Newberry Mills, Newberry, S.C. Going home to dinner. Dec. 3/08. Witnes...

Indiana Mfg. Co., Boy working at circular saw. A number of young boys here working around saws, belts, planing machines, etc. Location: Peru, Indiana

Indiana Mfg. Co., Boy working at circular saw. A number of young boys ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 225. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Boys taking away from saws and brading. Schultze, Waltman & Co. Planing Mill Evansville, Ind. Location: Evansville, Indiana

Boys taking away from saws and brading. Schultze, Waltman & Co. Planin...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 194. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Some of the larger spinners in Catawba Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North Carolina

Some of the larger spinners in Catawba Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Loca...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 456. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Men and boys of this family all work in Eureka Cotton Mills. H.O. Roof. B. F. Roof --10 years in mill. Lawrence Roof--4 years in mill. Albert Roof--(Smallest) 1 year in mill. Doffs--50 cents a day. 56 inches high. Witness S.R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina

Men and boys of this family all work in Eureka Cotton Mills. H.O. Roof...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 367. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

National Child Labor Committee, #200. S. W. Brown Mfg. Co., Evansville, Ind. Location: Evansville, Indiana

National Child Labor Committee, #200. S. W. Brown Mfg. Co., Evansville...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 200. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... more

Maple Mills, Dillon, S.C. Lonnie Baker (tallest). Has doffed 4 years. Gets 40 cents a day. Bertie Baser--10 years old. 3 years in mill. Runs 3 sides = 30 cents a day. Location: Dillon, South Carolina

Maple Mills, Dillon, S.C. Lonnie Baker (tallest). Has doffed 4 years. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 392. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. Work 12 hours at a stretch. No special time off to eat. "Eat a-workin'." 9:00 P.M. Friday, Nov. 6, 1908. Mill was running. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Ozark Mill, Gastonia, N.C. Work 12 hours at a stretch. No special time...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 285. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

A Saturday ball game. Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Boy with glove, Malcom Rogers. (See photo 329). Next to him - Ben Deaton--12 years old. 52 inches high. Weaver. Runs 6 looms at $1.00 a day. 2 years in mill. I asked him if it wasn't hard work. "Hardest part if it is I have to stretch so much to reach up." (Tallest boy) John Lewis--12 years old. 1 yr. in mill. Weaves--4 looms. Got 40 cents to start. 60 cents now a day. Brother and father in mills. Nov. 2808 Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

A Saturday ball game. Springstein Mills, Chester, S.C. Boy with glove,...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 330. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

9 P.M. in an Indiana Glass Works. Aug. 1908. Location: Indiana

9 P.M. in an Indiana Glass Works. Aug. 1908. Location: Indiana

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 124. No city recorded on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library ... more

Cherryville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Plenty of young boys and girls. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

Cherryville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Plenty of young boys and girls...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 293. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Some of the operatives, Dickson Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. Dec. 6, 1908. Witness, Sara R. Hine. Location: Laurinburg, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Some of the operatives, Dickson Mills, Laurinburg, N.C. Dec. 6, 1908. ...

#37. (See also #36 & #38.) Harry McShane. Cincinnati. See account of accident, attached to photo #36. Aug. 1908. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio. Photo by ...

#37. (See also #36 & #38.) Harry McShane. Cincinnati. See account of a...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 37. Text cut off on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Pr... more

Machine used in Gary W. Va. mine that digs the coal and loads it on the car. With it 3 men can do the work of 50 in the old way. Yet they use boys to drive and trap. Location: Gary, West Virginia

Machine used in Gary W. Va. mine that digs the coal and loads it on th...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Coal mines. Hine no. 71. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divi... more

Indianapolis Furniture Factory's Water Boy. Witness, E.N. Clopper. Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Furniture Factory's Water Boy. Witness, E.N. Clopper. Loc...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 65. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.... more

Group of mill hands working in Salisbury, N.C. Cotton Mills. Location: Salisbury, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Group of mill hands working in Salisbury, N.C. Cotton Mills. Location...

Group of Newsboys on Frankfort Street near World Building. Witness, Fred McMurrry. Location: New York, New York (State) Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Group of Newsboys on Frankfort Street near World Building. Witness, Fr...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 33-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the ... more

Maple Mill, Dillon, S.C. Azy Warn--Winds. Stella Warn (little one) spins 4 sides. "Been at it a long time." Location: Dillon, South Carolina

Maple Mill, Dillon, S.C. Azy Warn--Winds. Stella Warn (little one) spi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 391. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

A spinner in Clyde Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

A spinner in Clyde Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North C...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 453. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

John Ghent has worked at spinning for 1 year. Goes to school now. Been Sick. Lancaster, S.C. Cotton Mills. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

John Ghent has worked at spinning for 1 year. Goes to school now. Been...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 337. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C. Mother said she is very good hand at spinning. Been at it 3 years. Runs 4 and 5 sides, about 50 cents a day. Little sister Lettie helps. Mother said "she is learnin'." Looked 7 years old. Dec. 2/08. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Clinton, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Grace Harper (Looked 10 years old). Works in Lydia Mills, Clinton, S.C...

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Smallest chap said he had been in mill for 2 years. Many youngster here. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Smallest chap said he had been in...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 297. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Dillon Mills, Dillon S.C. (Boy) Ransom English--doffs, been in mill 6 years. (Next) Florence Burr--runs 5 sides. In mill 4 years. (Next) Bessie English - 3 sides, 3 years in mill. (Next) Alphie Burr - 2 sides, 1 year in mill. (Next) Lela English, 1 year in mill. 48 inches high. Saturday, Dec. 5, 1908. Location: Dillon, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Dillon Mills, Dillon S.C. (Boy) Ransom English--doffs, been in mill 6 ...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 403. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

Types of adolescents. Boys working in Eureka Cotton Mills, Chester, S.C. Rob Dover--(Tallest boy). Been in mill eight or nine years. Melvin Reilly (next). In mill one year. Boyd McKowan (shortest boy). About 15 years old. Been in mill 5 years. Sunday, Nov. 29, 08. Witness Sara R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina Photo by Lewis W. Hine

Types of adolescents. Boys working in Eureka Cotton Mills, Chester, S....

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 364. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National ... more

(Tallest) Sam Bigham, Eureka Cotton Mills. Been in mill 10 years. (Next) Washey Dover--Been in 3 years. (Next) Lloyd Barnado--2 years in mill. (Smallest) Ernst Floyd--10 years old, 52 inches high. Been in mill 2 years. Spins--60 cents a day. Witness S.R. Hine. Location: Chester, South Carolina

(Tallest) Sam Bigham, Eureka Cotton Mills. Been in mill 10 years. (Nex...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 369. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Doffers in Trenton Mills, Gastonia, N.C. Others as small and some smaller. Little girls too. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina

Doffers in Trenton Mills, Gastonia, N.C. Others as small and some smal...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 288. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Dillon Mills, Dillon, S.C. Lizzie Davis, (smallest). Been in mill 2 years. Next--Nettie Arnet - Been in mill 8 years. Next--Monnie McCraney, been in mill 3 years. Next--Vater Arnet, been in mill 8 years. Next--Mattie Connor, spinners and Winders. Saturday, Dec. 5, 08. Location: Dillon, South Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Dillon Mills, Dillon, S.C. Lizzie Davis, (smallest). Been in mill 2 ye...

Rhodes Mfg. Company, Lincolnton, N.C. Old man inspecting yarn. Been in cotton mills over 20 years. Location: Lincolnton, North Carolina

Rhodes Mfg. Company, Lincolnton, N.C. Old man inspecting yarn. Been in...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 306. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Lancaster (S.C.) Cotton Mills, Wesley Strand (with gun). Has been in mill 1 year. Been sick lately. Rochel Stokes. In mill 1 year. Said he had trouble and quit. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

Lancaster (S.C.) Cotton Mills, Wesley Strand (with gun). Has been in m...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 343. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

1 A.M. near the World Building, ready to start out. Two of the sleepers (See No. 21A) Larger boy Abraham Jachnes, 13 years old. Newsboys Lodging House, 14 Chambers St. Has not been home for 6 months because step-mother has been trying to put him into a House of Refuge. Could not get name of smaller boy, but he was younger, probably 11 years old. These boys are hanging about and snatching and occasional sleep in sheltered spots. Location: New York, New York (State)

1 A.M. near the World Building, ready to start out. Two of the sleeper...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 22-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... more

A spinner in Clyde Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

A spinner in Clyde Cotton Mill, Newton, N.C. Location: Newton, North ...

Day Scene in an Indiana Glass Works. Aug. 1908. Location: Indiana

Day Scene in an Indiana Glass Works. Aug. 1908. Location: Indiana

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 125. No city recorded on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library ... more

Girls in Packing Room. Central Glass Co., Wheeling West Virginia. Several very young girls pack here. Location: Wheeling, West Virginia

Girls in Packing Room. Central Glass Co., Wheeling West Virginia. Seve...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 175. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... more

Group of boys working in Lancaster S.C. Cotton mills. Smallest boy said he had worked in the mill off and on for five years. Spins now. Location: Lancaster, South Carolina

Group of boys working in Lancaster S.C. Cotton mills. Smallest boy sai...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 336. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Lincoln Cotton Mill, Evansville, Ind. Boy sweeping small boy picking up and carrying away. (Bad light and shaking floors.) Location: Evansville, Indiana

Lincoln Cotton Mill, Evansville, Ind. Boy sweeping small boy picking u...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 217. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more

Group of Drivers and Trapper Boys: A Mile from Entrance, Turkey Knob Mine, Macdonald W. Va. Oct. 1908. Witness, E.N. Clopper. Location: MacDonald, West Virginia

Group of Drivers and Trapper Boys: A Mile from Entrance, Turkey Knob M...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Coal mines. Hine no. 142. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Div... more

Whitnel (N.C.) Cotton Mills. Everyone in this family except the mother, works in the mill. Father earns $1.00 a day. Smallest girl, Annie Philips, been there only a few months, earns nearly a dollar a day. Next in size, Clara Phillips, 13 years old, Been there 3 or 4 years, earns over a dollar a day. Next, Daisy Philips. Next, Mary Philips. A dollar a day each. Oldest is married and husband is in the mill. The superintendent said it is unusual for the father to work when children get large enough to work. He usually loafs. That's why the mills are so full of children. Location: Whitnel, North Carolina

Whitnel (N.C.) Cotton Mills. Everyone in this family except the mother...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 460. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... more