Lewis Wickes Hine (1874–1940) was an American sociologist and photographer. He used his camera as a tool for social reform.
Working families in New York in the early 20th century
In 1908, Hine became the photographer for the National Child Labor Committee. Over the next decade, he documented child labor in American industry to aid the NCLC’s lobbying efforts to end the practice. His photographs were instrumental in changing the child labor laws in the United States.
These amazing photos from The U.S. National Archives were taken by Lewis Hine that documented poverty life of working families in New York in the 1900s and 1910s.
Leveroni family. Earns 4 (cents) a gross making violets. Can make 20 gross a day when children all work. Father has work. Mrs. Leveroni, Tessi, age 9, Stephen, age 6, Margaret, age 7, Josephine Cordono, age 10. These children work on Saturdays, on afternoons after 3 o’clock, and evenings until 8 or 9. New York, January 1908
Malestestra family. Get 6 (cents) a gross and make regularly from 10 to 12 gross a day. Mr. Malestestra has been ill for 2 years, and can do no heavy work. But makes artificial flowers all day. Mr. Malestestra helps because health too bad to work out. Mrs. Malestestra, Frank, age 14, John, age 11, Lizzie, age 4. Boys work on Saturday, afternoons and evenings till 10 or 11. Lizzie seperates petals. New York, January 1908
Mrs. Battaglia, Tessie (12 years), Tony (7 years), 170 Mulberry St. Rear house, 5th floor. Garment workers. Husband crippled by a fall, tends to basement. Mrs. Battaglia works in shop except Saturdays, when the children sew with her at home. Get 2 or 3 cents a pair finishing men’s pants. Said they earn $1 to $1.50 on Saturday. Father disabled and can earn very little. New York, January 1908
A family picking nuts. Mother nursing baby while picking nuts. Was suffering with a sore throat. Rosie, 3, hanging around; Genevieve, 6, Tessie, 6, picks too. Make $1.50 to $2 a week. New York City, December 1911
A reflection on the parent. Reflection in looking glass shows the father who has been picking nuts but refused to be photographed. He is out of work. Tomy, 5 years old, picks some, Minni, 7 years old, Rosie, 9, and Angeline, 11. Make $3 to $4 a week. New York City, December 1911
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