Lewis Hine - Newsies

Children who sold newspapers on the street in the early 20th century were called "newsies". Lewis Hine took many pictures of these kids as part of his crusade against child labor.

A few years prior to Hine's photographic activities, there was labor unrest among the newsies: the Newsboy Strike of 1899. A very interesting forgotten episode in American labor history.

 2 am February 12, 1908. Papers just out. Boys starting out on morning round, New York

 6 year old George Greentree, sells for 12 year old brother. Both make $1 a day. Stays out often until midnight. Father dead. Mother janitor in church. Jacksonville, Florida, 1913

 7 year old Ferris. Tiny newsie who did not know enough to make change for investigator. 

Mobile, Alabama, 1914

 7 year old twins. Been selling for 1 year. Sell sometimes until 8 pm. 

Hartford, Connecticut, 1909
(Check out the confusing marketing signs on the door: navel oranges are 25 cents a dozen,
29 cents a dozen, and 35 cents a dozen, all specials today!)

A gang of newsies at the office of "Every Evening." "Everybody in this gang sells." 

Wilmington, Delaware, 1910

 After midnight April 17, 1912, and still selling extras. Washington, DC

 Amusing themselves while waiting for morning papers, New York, 1908

 Donald and Myrtle Mallick. Myrtle is 8 years. Average earnings 35 cents per day. Sells from choice. Earnings not needed at home. Visits saloons. Wilmington, Delaware, 1910

 Dora Nevins 12 years old. Been selling 1 year. Hartford, Connecticut, 1909

Girls coming through the alley. The smallest girl has been selling for 2 years. 

Hartford, Connecticut, 1909