The Faces Of Irish Child Labor

These pictures come from the National Child Labor Committee, taken by Lewis Hine between 1908 and 1924. They are of three young workers in Fall River, Massachusetts.

James Cooney - Irish - 15 years. 26 Peck St., King Philip. Drop Wire boy. Belongs to Settlement House junior baseball league. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. 1916 June 18.

Evelyn Casey, 129 Gaynore St., 14 years, 6 months - Irish. Went to work on 14th birthday cleaning harnesses in Borden Mills. Left because of no work and expects to learn weaving in Flint mill with a girl friend. At certificate office applying for certificate for second position. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. 1916 June 18.

James Donovan - Irish Sweeper in Fall River Iron Works. Said he was 17 years. Location: Fall River, Massachusetts. 1916 June 18.

Source: Library of Congress, National Child Labor Committee Collection