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Lewis W. Hine

Lewis Hine, Library of Congress CollectionCreated by: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search EngineDated: 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.
6,940 Media in collectionpage 1 of 70
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. ...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Cherryville Mfg. Company, An adolescent spinner. Cherryville, N.C.  Location: Cherryville, North Carolina / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Cherryville Mfg. Company, An adolescent spinner. Cherryville, N.C. Lo...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

3 A.M. Sunday, February 23rd, 1908. Newsboys selling on Brooklyn Bridge. Harry Ahrenpreiss, 30 Willet Street. (Said was 13 years old). Abe Gramus. 37 Division Street.  Witness Fred McMurray.  Location: New York, New York (State) / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

3 A.M. Sunday, February 23rd, 1908. Newsboys selling on Brooklyn Bridg...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

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...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

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...

Picryl description: Public domain image of children, kids, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Hot Weather Delights, Newsboys' Protective Association, Cincinnati. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Hot Weather Delights, Newsboys' Protective Association, Cincinnati. Lo...

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

Orley Shrouce, 8 Ozark Mill. 10 years old. Said he worked a year, but when new law came in a while ago the mill people turned him off,--too young. "Then they came again and hired me back." Doffer--60 cents a day. Location: Gastonia, North Carolina

Orley Shrouce, 8 Ozark Mill. 10 years old. Said he worked a year, but ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 275. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Clyde Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Doffers in the above mill. 50 operatives, 10 of them small boys and girls like these. Location: Newton, North Carolina

Clyde Cotton Mills, Newton, N.C. Doffers in the above mill. 50 operati...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 454. 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

Sack Race, the Newsboys' Picnic. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Sack Race, the Newsboys' Picnic. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 20. After the word "Picnic" text is cut off on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee ... More

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

Noon Hour at an Indianapolis Meat Packing House. Aug. 1908. Wit. E.N. ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 108. 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

A doffer in the Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

A doffer in the Melville Mfg. Co., Cherryville, N.C. Location: Cherryv...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 269. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Glass works. Location: West Virginia

Glass works. Location: West Virginia

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 180. No city recorded on caption card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library ... 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

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

Photo of boys working in Arcade Bowling Alley, Trenton, N.J. Photo taken late at night. The boys work until midnight and later. I found practically no small boys selling late in the evening and several persons said it was not done except in baseball season.  Location: Trenton, New Jersey / Photo by Lewis W. Hine., Dec. 20, 1909.

Photo of boys working in Arcade Bowling Alley, Trenton, N.J. Photo tak...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A group of people standing in front of a brick building Noon hour, King Mfg. Co., Augusta, Ga. We had not seen these children when we were shown through the mill. See photos 500 to 509. Jan. 14, 1909. Location: Augusta, Georgia

A group of people standing in front of a brick building Noon hour, Kin...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 501. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

Night shift going work. N.J. Nov. 15, 1909. Cumberland Glass Works. Location: Bridgeton, New Jersey

Night shift going work. N.J. Nov. 15, 1909. Cumberland Glass Works. Lo...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 969. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... More

Arthur Therion, 66 South Street. Has been at work ("helping father") in Mill #3, Great Falls Mfg. Co., Somersworth, N.H. for 3 years. Location: Somersworth, New Hampshire

Arthur Therion, 66 South Street. Has been at work ("helping father") i...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 763. The phrase "3 years" is underlined on the card. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Libr... More

Workers in Bibb Mill #1, Macon, Ga. Boy on right on right hand end, Burdick Collins, 2 years in mill work. Next, Scoven Preston, 1 year in mill work. Next, Charlie Benson, 4 years in mill work. Next, Mason Matheson. Next, Robert Collins. Next, Leo House, 4 years in mill work. Next, Frank Leslie. Father in background. Witness S.R. Hine. Location: Macon, Georgia

Workers in Bibb Mill #1, Macon, Ga. Boy on right on right hand end, Bu...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 499. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division... More

A Typical Errand Boy Minding Another Boy's Business. Boston 1915 Exhibit. Location: Boston, Massachusetts

A Typical Errand Boy Minding Another Boy's Business. Boston 1915 Exhib...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 940. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs ... More

George Cartwright, 401 North Laurel St., Bridgeton, N.J., is out of School. Hangs around the Cumberland Works looking for job. Says he is 14 years old now (questionable) and has worked off and on since he was 11. (See photo 958). Location: Bridgeton, New Jersey

George Cartwright, 401 North Laurel St., Bridgeton, N.J., is out of Sc...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 985. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograph... More

Leo Franklin, 419 E. 3d St. 12 years of age. Selling papers 2 years. Average earnings 50 cents a day. Selling papers own choice. Earnings not needed at home. Visits saloons. Don't smoke. Investigator, Edward F. Brown.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Lewis W. Hine., May, 1910.

Leo Franklin, 419 E. 3d St. 12 years of age. Selling papers 2 years. A...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Jo Lehman, a 7 year old newsboy. 824 Third Ave., N.Y. City. He was selling in this Saloon. I asked him about the badge he was wearing.  "Oh! Dat's me bruder's," he said. Location: New York, New York.

Jo Lehman, a 7 year old newsboy. 824 Third Ave., N.Y. City. He was sel...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes.Knitters in Loudon. Hosiery Mills, Loudon Tennessee, USA, December 1910..NMFF.003517

William Lynch, 11 years of age, and Cornelius Lynch, 9 years of age, 607 ["606" crossed out] E. 6th Street. Newsboys. William has been selling papers 4 years, average earnings 25 cents per week. Sells from choice. Don't smoke. Visits saloons. Works 5 hours a day. Cornelius selling 3 years, average earnings 35 cents a week. Earnings not needed at home. Sells from choice. Don't smoke. Visits saloons. Works 7 hours a day. Edward F. Brown, Investigator.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

William Lynch, 11 years of age, and Cornelius Lynch, 9 years of age, 6...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Teresa Lamelli, 818 Kate St., Philadelphia, 5 years old. Whites Bog, Browns Mills, N.J. Sept. 28, 1910. Witness E.F. Brown.  Location: Browns Mills, New Jersey / Photo by Lewis W. Hine.

Teresa Lamelli, 818 Kate St., Philadelphia, 5 years old. Whites Bog, B...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A gang of newsies at the office of "Every Evening." "Everybody in this gang sells." Investigator, Edward F. Brown.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Louis [i.e. Lewis] W. Hine, May, 1910.

A gang of newsies at the office of "Every Evening." "Everybody in this...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Elwood Palmer Cooper, 838 French St. (colored). Helper on miller's wagon. 7 years of age. Helper for one year. Carries bags of flour, weighing 25 pounds, from wagon to stores. Receives 25 cents per week. Money not needed at home. Wants money to spend. Investigator, Edward F. Brown.  Location: Wilmington, Delaware / Photo by Lewis W. Hine, May 1910.

Elwood Palmer Cooper, 838 French St. (colored). Helper on miller's wag...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

John Bryan, a young turner in London i.e., Loudon? Hosiery Mills. Location: Loudon, Tennessee

John Bryan, a young turner in London i.e., Loudon? Hosiery Mills. Loca...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1889. There is both a Loudon and a London, Tennessee. UMBC records similar photos as "Loudon," however. Credit li... More

Group of boys from canning factories. School #1, Buffalo, N.Y. (from left to right): 1) Frank Lefasso, 13 years old last summer. Worked in canning factory at Barker. 2) Anthony Traeisi?, 10 years old last summer. Worked on beans South Dayton, Cannery. 3) James Schillacer, 12 years old last summer. Earned 50 cents a day putting cans in holes in factory St. Catherines, Canada. 4) Peter Delsalvo, 13 years old last summer. Worked in the factory at Brant, N.Y. 5) Anthony Baraone, 11 years old last summer. Worked on apples, beans, tomatoes, in factory at Wilson, N.Y. 6) Thoma Laessi, 12 years old last summer. Worked on beans in sheds at Hamburg, N.Y. 7-9 A.M.; 3-5 P.M. 7) Joseph Lanca, 12 years old last summer. Strings beans in sheds. (All these boys worked on tomatoes.) Location: Buffalo, New York (State)

Group of boys from canning factories. School #1, Buffalo, N.Y. (from l...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 1336. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Div... More

Young boys working in Vermont Marble Co., Proctor, Vt. Very illiterate. Location: Proctor, Vermont

Young boys working in Vermont Marble Co., Proctor, Vt. Very illiterate...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1070. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Closing hour, Saturday noon, at Dallas Mill. Every child in photos, so far as I was able to ascertain, works in that mill. When I questioned some of the youngest boys as to their ages, they said they were 12, and then other boys said they were lying. (Which sentiment I agreed with.) Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Closing hour, Saturday noon, at Dallas Mill. Every child in photos, so...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1777. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Children from school No. 2 in the Italian district Terrace? nr. GeneSt. Many of these children spend their summer vacations in the canning and fruit picking settlements where their parents go to work during the season. Feb. 8, 1910, Buffalo, N.Y. Location: Buffalo, New York (State)

Children from school No. 2 in the Italian district Terrace? nr. GeneSt...

Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Title from NCLC caption card for Hine no. 1220. Hine no. 1221. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints a... More

Group of boys working in American Woolen Mills, Winooski, Vt. Youngest, 13 years, oldest 15. All had been working one year or more. Most are illiterate 27 Children apparently under 15 years, were counted at one gate. (See also N.C.L.C. Photos) (May 1909. 720-745). Location: Winooski, Vermont

Group of boys working in American Woolen Mills, Winooski, Vt. Youngest...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1077. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Some of the workers in Munford Cotton Mills. Smallest boy, in middle, a frail anaemic youngster, said he had been doffing over a year. Said he was twelve, but I doubt it. Other small boy, on left, spinner, runs four sides, been working there two years. Location: Munford, Alabama

Some of the workers in Munford Cotton Mills. Smallest boy, in middle, ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 1794. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Francis Lance, 5 years old, 41 inches high. Sells regularly on Grand Avenue. He jumps on and off moving cars at risk of life. Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Francis Lance, 5 years old, 41 inches high. Sells regularly on Grand A...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 1394. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Noon hour at Obear-Nestor Glass Co., East St. Louis, Ill. Names of the smaller boys are: Walter Sohler i.e. Kohler?, 918 N. 18th. St.; Walter Riley, 918 N. 17th St.; Will Convery, 1828 Natalie Ave.; Clifford Matheny, 1927 Summit Ave. All these boys were working at above glass works. See 1405. Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Noon hour at Obear-Nestor Glass Co., East St. Louis, Ill. Names of the...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Glass factories. Hine no. 1406. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photograp... More

Some of the cartoners, not the youngest, at Seacoast Canning Co., Factory #2. (See Hine report.)  Location: Eastport, Maine.

Some of the cartoners, not the youngest, at Seacoast Canning Co., Fact...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Robert Magee (smallest). 270 Suffolk St., Apparently 12 years old Been working in Mule Room #1, Merrimac Mill, Lowell, 1 year. Michael Keefe (next in size), 32 Marion St., been working in #1 Mule Room, Merrimac Mill, Lowell, for 8 months, about 13 or 14. Cornelius Hurley, 298 Adams St., been at work in #1 Mule Room, Merimac Mill, Lowell, for 6 months, about 13 or 14. Location: South Framingham, Massachusetts

Robert Magee (smallest). 270 Suffolk St., Apparently 12 years old Been...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2618. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Boy of 12 years picking cranberries with the scoop. Most of the scooping is done by adult workers, but some scoops ? are made small enough for the children to use. Location: Hollow Branch Bog, near Wareham, Massachusetts

Boy of 12 years picking cranberries with the scoop. Most of the scoopi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 2507. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

Smallest girl in picture is Antionette Pothier, 32 Easton St. (See 2477). Location: Lawrence, Massachusetts

Smallest girl in picture is Antionette Pothier, 32 Easton St. (See 247...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2499. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Ethel Shumate (see photo 2190). Has been rolling cigarettes in Danville (Virginia) Factory for six months. Lives, 614 Upper Street. Said she was thirteen years old, but it is doubtful. Location: Danville, Virginia

Ethel Shumate (see photo 2190). Has been rolling cigarettes in Danvill...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Miscellaneous. Hine no. 2192. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Camille Carmo, Justine Carmo, seven and nine years old. The older one picks about 4 pails a day. Youngest was picking also. Location: Rochester vicinity Eldridge Bog, Massachusetts

Camille Carmo, Justine Carmo, seven and nine years old. The older one ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 2540. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

Making willow plumes under unsanitary conditions. A dirty home, the father and several friends had been rushing the growler and booze was literally flowing around over table and floor. The father is a truck-driver out of work. The mother, Freddie (11yrs. old) and Antoinette (8 yrs. old) all work $1.50 to $2.00 a week now, "but we make $3.00 a week in summer when we can work all day and not go to school." Vincent Tranutolo, 309 E. 110th St., ground floor. Location: New York, New York (State)

Making willow plumes under unsanitary conditions. A dirty home, the fa...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Tenement homework. Hine no. 2706. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photogr... More

Lillian Nettles, an eleven year old spinner in Magnolia Cotton Mills, Magnolia, Miss. Her sister said, " She ain't old 'nuff to draw pay," but she helps regularly, and says she can run two sides. Worked steadily all the time I was in the mill. There are nine in the family; five in the mill, including the father. "We like the mill work much better than farming," they said. Recently moved in from a small farm 50 miles a way. Location: Magnolia, Mississippi

Lillian Nettles, an eleven year old spinner in Magnolia Cotton Mills, ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2091. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

One of the youngsters working in the Danville Knitting works, Danville, Virginia See also photo and label 2193. Location: Danville, Virginia

One of the youngsters working in the Danville Knitting works, Danville...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2033-A. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divis... More

The youngest children I saw going into Tombigbee Cotton Mill, Columbus, Miss., at 6:30 A.M. May 15, 1911. Not many youngsters there. Not working a full force. Location: Columbus, Mississippi

The youngest children I saw going into Tombigbee Cotton Mill, Columbus...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2139. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Mary Gomez, 10 years old. Lives Waquoit. Picked 19 pails one day, generally picks 8 or 10. Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts

Mary Gomez, 10 years old. Lives Waquoit. Picked 19 pails one day, gene...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 2505. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs D... More

Smallest boy is Dorris Fabanks?, been working in Yocona Mill, Water Valley Miss., one year. Larger boy (brother) been there six years. Housing conditions bad. Location: Water Valley, Mississippi

Smallest boy is Dorris Fabanks?, been working in Yocona Mill, Water Va...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2118. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Young "Band-boy" and overseer, Yazoo City Yarn Mills. Location: Yazoo City, Mississippi

Young "Band-boy" and overseer, Yazoo City Yarn Mills. Location: Yazoo ...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2105. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Hodges Gallop, Western Union Messenger No. 16, Norfolk, Virginia Lives, 201 Freeman Street. Been working here one month. He, and several other very young boys, work until 10:30 P.M. See also photo and label 2258, and report on messengers of Virginia Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Hodges Gallop, Western Union Messenger No. 16, Norfolk, Virginia Lives...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 2231. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Group of workers. The smallest boy in the middle of group is Secondino Libro, 34 Walnut Street. Apparently 10 or 11. Works in No. 4 Spinning room. Location: Lawrence, Massachusetts

Group of workers. The smallest boy in the middle of group is Secondino...

Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Title from NCLC caption card for Hine no. 2498. Hine no. 2497. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and P... More

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine , Lewis Wickes.Night scene. 7:30 P.M. January 29, 1912. Making violets, and they often work later. Pollinni family, 5 Carmine St., N.Y. living in a reary [i.e., rear.] tenement. The six year old helps some... More

Ten-year old Sephie, a young oyster shucker, says she does six pots of oysters a day. Her mother works also. "She don't go to school. Works all the time." Maggioni Canning Co. Location: Port Royal, South Carolina

Ten-year old Sephie, a young oyster shucker, says she does six pots of...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Canneries. Hine no. 3277. Year not recorded on caption card; 1912 based on year that appears to be recorded on card for photograp... More

Arthur Newell, doffer in Manchester Mills, Rock Hill. 3 weeks at it. 70 cents a day. Said 12 years old. His father in the mill gets $12 a week, mother $9, sister $4.80, he gets $4.20, total $30 a week. "I had ruther go to school but the mill wanted me." Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Arthur Newell, doffer in Manchester Mills, Rock Hill. 3 weeks at it. 7...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 2951. State not recorded on caption card; based on captions for related photos. Phrase "mill wanted me" is underl... More

Little girl, apparently 6 yrs. old - but didn't know her name or age - tending stand at Washington and 3rd St. for older sister (#3234). Saloon on corner. 3 P.M. Location: Hoboken, New Jersey

Little girl, apparently 6 yrs. old - but didn't know her name or age -...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Street trades. Hine no. 3235. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs... More

Group of some of the youngest workers in the Merrimack Mills. Everyone (except the boy behind the fence) has a steady job in the Merrimack Mills. See Hine report.  Location: Huntsville, Alabama.

Group of some of the youngest workers in the Merrimack Mills. Everyone...

Public domain image of personnel, army, group of people in uniform, parade, historic place, military activity, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Ellis Island Immigrant Portraits

Hine, Lewis Wickes .Boligkvarter ved Floyd Cotton Mill. Georgia, USA 1913. .NMFF.003471

"Renters." Itinerant Texas farmers who rent a farm for a year or so and then move on, giving them nomadic habits and everything is temporary. House unpainted and ill-cared for. The children from five years old up pick cotton and help with the farm work, but get little or no schooling. It is estimated by State University that 300,000 children are thus affected in Texas alone. See Hine report Texas. Beginning with the five year old girl here who picks some, all work including the women. The nine year old girl picks one hundred and fifty pounds a day. Father is in town. Farm comprises fifty acres, and they get about twenty bales of cotton this year, which is not a good year. Been here one year. Farm of J.W. Vaughn. Route 6.  Location: Corsicana, Texas.

"Renters." Itinerant Texas farmers who rent a farm for a year or so an...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Elmer Skinner, 10 yrs. old. Turner in Massey Hosiery Mill, Columbus, Ga. Been working there four months. Works all day. No school. Does not work nights. Location: Columbus, Georgia

Elmer Skinner, 10 yrs. old. Turner in Massey Hosiery Mill, Columbus, G...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3442. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Noon hour at the Dallas Cotton Mill. Location: Dallas, Texas

Noon hour at the Dallas Cotton Mill. Location: Dallas, Texas

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3604. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Harris and Ewing, Washington, D.C.

Harris and Ewing, Washington, D.C.

A poster with a picture of a man on a bicycle, Library of Congress Harris and Ewing collection Portraits and news photographs by Washington, D.C.-based firm, showing people, events, architecture in Washington,... More

Neil Power, 10 years old, he said, "Turns stockings in Rome (Ga.) Hosiery Mill." A shy, pathetic figure. "Hain't been to school much." Location: Rome, Georgia

Neil Power, 10 years old, he said, "Turns stockings in Rome (Ga.) Hosi...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3355. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

Ollie Allen. Been working in Harriet Cotton Mills 2 years. He is a violation according to both his brother and life insurance policy which say he is 12 years old now. These statements are based on the parents' statement, which is probably high. He appears to be 10 years old, and has been working 2 years. His father and older brother are in the mill. They have a house full of children, and the sanitary conditions are frightful. Location: Henderson, North Carolina

Ollie Allen. Been working in Harriet Cotton Mills 2 years. He is a vio...

Title from NCLC caption card. Attribution to Hine based on provenance. In album: Mills. Hine no. 3888. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Divisio... More

[Eight-year-old girl (see label 4006). She is very skilful [sic] topping the beets, but this work is very fatigueing [sic] and dangerous for such children. See Hine report for details of the work.]  Location: [Iliff, Colorado] / Photo by Hine., Oct. 22/15.

[Eight-year-old girl (see label 4006). She is very skilful [sic] toppi...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Families of Henry and John Miller: boy of eleven years, girl of eleven and girl of thirteen, hoeing the sugar beets. They have 80 acres in beets, come out here from the town in May and go back late in November. One of the families has been here for five years and owns its home. See Hine Report, Colorado. Beet Workers, July, 1915.]  Location: [Colorado]

[Families of Henry and John Miller: boy of eleven years, girl of eleve...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

34 children present at the Grant School, Ft. Morgan, Colo., five weeks after school opened, out of a possible 200 that will be here when the beet work is over. They will overflow, this year, into a special school being prepared for them. Mrs. Bell, the Principal here has taught these beet children for years and has watched the effect of the work. She vigorously denounces it. (See Hine Report) Photo Oct. 26/15.  Location: Ft. Morgan, Colorado.

34 children present at the Grant School, Ft. Morgan, Colo., five weeks...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a school, preschool, children, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Kerr Thread Mill. All over 16. Having fun with camera man. Good conditions in this mill. Caps to protect hair from dust and to keep hair from getting tangled in machinery. These girls worked in an operating room - not the cloth room.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

[Kerr Thread Mill. All over 16. Having fun with camera man. Good condi...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Weaver in American Linen Co. See 4159.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Weaver in American Linen Co. See 4159. Location: Fall River, Massachu...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a child labor, factory, plant, manufacture, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

General view of part of the force picking tomatoes on farm of W.T. Hill. There were about 25 children--most of them 8 to 15 years old. "When school opens next month you bet we have to quit workin'" they said. Usually earn 50 cents to $1.50 a day.  Location: Cabool, Missouri / Lewis W. Hine.

General view of part of the force picking tomatoes on farm of W.T. Hil...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Roundstone School. Many poorly built schools in county.  Location: Rockcastle County, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Roundstone School. Many poorly built schools in county. Location: Roc...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Rock Spring School which opened September 5th. Census 49, Enrollment of 28, attendance 25. Expect an enrollment of 35. Tobacco is chief cause of absence.  Location: Henderson County, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Rock Spring School which opened September 5th. Census 49, Enrollment o...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a classroom, college auditorium, school, students, teacher, teaching, studying, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

5-year old Jack and 13-year old Bitsey are regular workers on their father's farm. Worming and suckering now. Bitsey goes to Wallonia School in Div. 1, Trigg Co. "He worms and he suckers. Quite a worker but he aint old enough to go to school yet." The mother said this about Jack. Father, B.F. Mitchell, Route 1, owns farm.  Location: Trigg County--Gracey, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

5-year old Jack and 13-year old Bitsey are regular workers on their fa...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[King Philip - Mule Spinning Room. Back boy - Roving. Charles Cavanagh, 863 Slade St. 15 years.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / [Lewis W. Hine]

[King Philip - Mule Spinning Room. Back boy - Roving. Charles Cavanagh...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Edgar Kitchen 13 yrs. old gets $3.25 a week working for the Bingham Bros. Dairy. Drives a dairy wagon from 7 A.M. to noon. Works on farm in afternoon (10 hours a day) seven days a week--half day on Saturday. Thinks he will work steady this year and not go to school. See previous labels in June. Not in Div. 5 or 6. Lives in Bowling Green.  Location: Bowling Green [vicinity], Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Edgar Kitchen 13 yrs. old gets $3.25 a week working for the Bingham Br...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a rural farming landscape, agriculture, farm animals, livestock, farmers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.

Doffers - Boss said 14 and 15 years old. Indian Orchard Cotton Mill.  Location: Indian Orchard, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Doffers - Boss said 14 and 15 years old. Indian Orchard Cotton Mill. ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a factory worker, plant, manufacture, assembly line, industrial facility, early 20th-century industrial architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. show less

Archie Haydon, 12 years old helping his father, John A. Haydon worm tobacco. Father says their school (Cerulean) was not opened until the first Monday in September on account of so many children needed for work.  Location: Trigg County--Cerulean, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Archie Haydon, 12 years old helping his father, John A. Haydon worm to...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of farming, farmer, agriculture, 20th-century, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Amos is 6 and Horace 4 years old. Their father, John Neal is a renter and raises tobacco. He said (and the owner of the land confirmed it) that both these boys work day after day from "sun-up to sun-down" worming and suckering, and that they are as steady as grown-ups.  Location: Warren County--Albaton, Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

Amos is 6 and Horace 4 years old. Their father, John Neal is a renter ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Scenes from "The Twig of Thorn" given by a club of working girls in King Philip Settlement. Most of them are weavers. All girls.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / [Lewis W. Hine]

[Scenes from "The Twig of Thorn" given by a club of working girls in K...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Theresa Quinlan - 14 years old April 14th - Spooler. Hand cut in Iron Works Mill. Was taking loose band off a spooler. Two weeks learning. Is in picture of girls play at King Philip Settlement. (4324.) Ready to go back to work June 22nd.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / Lewis W. Hine.

[Theresa Quinlan - 14 years old April 14th - Spooler. Hand cut in Iron...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

15-year old boy who says he works some for the railroad.  Location: Mountain Grove, Missouri / Lewis W. Hine.

15-year old boy who says he works some for the railroad. Location: Mo...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Woman's Union. Happy Girls Club. Working girls in foreground. School girls behind.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

Woman's Union. Happy Girls Club. Working girls in foreground. School g...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

American Linen Co. Spooler tender.  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

American Linen Co. Spooler tender. Location: Fall River, Massachusett...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

A typical farm home. Tobacco and corn surrounding the house.  Location: Warren County--Plano [vicinity], Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

A typical farm home. Tobacco and corn surrounding the house. Location...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of farming, farmer, agriculture, 20th-century, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Campbell family picking cotton. W.W. Campbell, Route 1, Box 64, Shawnee. Children go to Pioneer School, 7 miles northwest of Shawnee (see photo of same) Father said: "Both the girls can hoe the cotton as well as any grown-up." Lewis W. Hine. See W.H. Swift Report.  Location: Potawotamie County, Oklahoma.

Campbell family picking cotton. W.W. Campbell, Route 1, Box 64, Shawne...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

"Driving boy" driving sheep into the sheep pens at Carlisle.  Location: Nicholas County--Carlisle [vicinity], Kentucky / Lewis W. Hine.

"Driving boy" driving sheep into the sheep pens at Carlisle. Location...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

6-year old Jewel Walker. See 4564 and 4565.  Location: Comanche County--[Geronimo], Oklahoma / Lewis W. Hine.

6-year old Jewel Walker. See 4564 and 4565. Location: Comanche County...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of child, child labor, farmer, early 20th-century farm, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Going to School. About 14-16 years. Watson School - Flint Village.]  Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. / Lewis W. Hine.

[Going to School. About 14-16 years. Watson School - Flint Village.] ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a school, preschool, children, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[c/o W.A. Daniel - Route 2 - Woodburn, Ky. Lester Daniel, [...] years old and 17-year old cousin stripping tobacco. See Kentucky report and special card.]  Location: [Woodburn, Kentucky] / [Lewis W. Hine]

[c/o W.A. Daniel - Route 2 - Woodburn, Ky. Lester Daniel, [...] years ...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

[Acme School #24 (4 miles northwest of Shawnee): Miss Lois Millard, Principal. (P.O. Dale, Okla., Route 1). 26 present, 40 expected after all families return from southern part of the state where they have been picking cotton. Lewis W. Hine. See W. H. Swift Report.]  Location: [Potawotamie County, Oklahoma]

[Acme School #24 (4 miles northwest of Shawnee): Miss Lois Millard, Pr...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a school, preschool, children, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Edgar Kitchen 13 yrs. old gets $3.25 a week working for the Bingham Bros. Dairy. Drives dairy wagon from 7 A.M. to noon. Works on farm in afternoon (10 hours a day) seven days a week--half day on Saturday. Thinks he will work steady this year and not go to school. See previous labels in June. Not in Div. 5 or 6. Lives in Bowling Green. Location: Bowling Green vicinity, Kentucky Lewis W. Hine

Edgar Kitchen 13 yrs. old gets $3.25 a week working for the Bingham Br...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 4449. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the Na... More

French - Albertine Angelhart, 35 Gangion St. - 14 years old January 2nd - left in 4th grade. Weaver in Flint Mill. Apply for certificate. Had been a weaver one months in one mill and two days in next but it was a stop motion loom which she didn't know how to operate. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. Lewis W. Hine

French - Albertine Angelhart, 35 Gangion St. - 14 years old January 2n...

In album: Miscellaneous. Title from NCLC caption card for Hine no. 4295. Hine no. 4296. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General info... More

Tending the chicks--16-year old girl. Home of William Olliges. The children go to Parochial School. Location: Hardin County--Stithton, Kentucky Lewis W. Hine

Tending the chicks--16-year old girl. Home of William Olliges. The chi...

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Agriculture. Hine no. 4520. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the Na... More

Part of the Merchants Mill. One section built in 1867 and one in 1871. Most of the windows closed even in mid-June. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts Lewis W. Hine

Part of the Merchants Mill. One section built in 1867 and one in 1871....

Title from NCLC caption card. In album: Mills. Hine no. 4285. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information about the National... More

King Philip Spinning Room. Spare Hand on spinning frames Hannah Mills, 603 Dwelly St. 15 years old. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. Lewis W. Hine

King Philip Spinning Room. Spare Hand on spinning frames Hannah Mills,...

In album: Mills. Title from NCLC caption card for Hine no. 4260. Hine no. 4261. Credit line: National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. General information ... More

[Calesthenics [i.e., calisthenics] Every day, every school in Lawton has 15 minutes of this out-door work.]  Location: [Lawton, Oklahoma] / [Lewis W. Hine]

[Calesthenics [i.e., calisthenics] Every day, every school in Lawton h...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a school, preschool, children, education, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

Young office boy, working for J.J. O'Brien and Sons on East 23 Street. Past 16 years.  Location: New York, New York (State) / Lewis W. Hine.

Young office boy, working for J.J. O'Brien and Sons on East 23 Street....

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

15-year old girl punching sheets. Boston Index Card Co.,.  Location: Boston, Massachusetts / Lewis W. Hine.

15-year old girl punching sheets. Boston Index Card Co.,. Location: B...

Picryl description: Public domain image of child labor, exploitation, children workers, economic conditions, free to use, no copyright restrictions.

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