Name/Title
Messenger BoyDescription
This is what kids in the city looked like in the early 20th century...at least the ones who had to work for a living. Taken by Lewis Hine, an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), this was part of a project documenting working and living conditions of children in the United States. Hine and his investigator, Edward F. Brown, interviewed the children extensively. That's how we know that this image features a boy named Richard Pierce and the following details: Photograph taken at 723 Walnut St. Western Union Telegraph Co. Messenger No. 2. 14 years of age. 9 months in service. Works from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Smokes. Visits houses of prostitution."