Minnie Thomas, 9 years old, showing the average size of the sardine knife as large as this. Minnie works regularly, mostly in the packing room, and when very busy works night. Cuts some, also cartons. She says she earns $2 some days packing. Eastport, Me
|
Three pickers going home from work. Anne, 7 years old, and brother Vincent said 11. Vincent picked last summer. Inez, sister said 6 years old, "and picked last summer wid me mudder." Smallest one not quite large enough to get work. Father works in Parker Mills. Parker Mills, Mass
|
Hine’s long-term impact is also important to the nation. As part of the New Deal, Franklin Roosevelt decided to do something to regulate child labor. His bill, the Fair Labor Standards Act, is still in place today. It gives specific provisions to what minors can and cannot do, and strict penalties for those who don’t follow the laws. Lewis Hine’s photographs also had an economic impact. When children were no longer working, more jobs were opened up for adults. This gave an economic reform to America, as poor families often got to make more money, strengthening the middle class. There was a social reform as well. Children were now permitted to school, some even earning college degrees. A new generation of doctors, lawyers, businesspeople, and teachers came to be because of one man carrying a camera.
Child Labor Section of Fair Labor Standards Act
"Everybody works but....." A common scene in the tenements. Father sits around. "Sometimes I make $9, sometimes 10 a week, sometimes nottin'." All work together, they make 4 dollars a week. Work until 9 P.M. New York City.
|
Young spinners in Elk Cotton Mills. Youngest girl hardly knew her name. Youngest boy runs two sides at ten cents each day. Fayetteville, Tenn.
|