This is the second of three posts dealing with child labor in the early twentieth century. The risks of having young children at work in the mills and fields often and predictably led to tragedy. What else could you expect from seeing toddlers in packing factories and frail children in the fields picking crops?

But young girls faced unique perils in the mills. My first book, The Poisoned Glass, was about Jennie Bosschieter, a mill girl in 1900 in Paterson, New Jersey. Jennie’s fate was a tragic one and stemmed partly from her social status. Researching her story gave me some insight into the lives of the girls in these situations. There wasn’t much hope for them. They didn’t make much money and they couldn’t advance.  But in most cases, they couldn’t quit either since their family relied on the money they earned for survival.

I came across this video by director David Hoffman a couple of years ago. This lady, whose name was Nettie, tells an amazing story about Emmeline. It’s of the “real life is stranger than fiction” variety. Watching it before you look at the photos may give you an interesting perspective on the girls captured here.

The first two mills were very close to where I once lived in North Carolina. A lot of the old mills are still standing in that area. The last photo was from Massachusetts, where Emmeline’s story took place–at least part of it.

Nov 1908. Spinner in Vivian Cotton Mills, Cherryville, N.C. Been at it 2 years. Where will her good looks be in ten years? Location: Cherryville, North Carolina

Hine, Lewis Wickes, 1874-1940, photographer. (LOC)

Jan 7, 1909. A few of the hands on night shift Highland Park Hill, No. 3, Charlotte, N.C. 10:30 P.M. January 7/09. (See photo and label 484) Boy in middle been in mill 2 years. Girl next to him in mill 4 years. Been said it was hard work to get night hands. Location: Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hine, Lewis Wickes, 1874-1940, photographer. (LOC)

September 1911. Comparison of Ages: Left end, Marion Deschere, just passed 13 years. Helps sister in mill “some.” Next is Mildred Greenwood, “going on 14.” Goes to school. Next is Mamie La Barge, 13 years, but said 14 years. Right end is Rosina Goyette, said 14, probably 12 or 13. Mamie and Rosina have steady jobs. Location: Winchendon, Massachusetts.

Hine, Lewis Wickes, 1874-1940, photographer. (LOC)

Coming soon… Lewis Wickes Hine’s anger at what he sees through his lens boils over!