Breaker boys, Ewen breaker

Breaker boys, Ewen breaker

Anthracite Coal Region Breaker Boys

All work in Ewen Breaker, Pennsylvania Coal Co. (see photos taken at breaker later). Philip Kurato (on left end of photo) 177 So. Main St., Pittston, Pa. Working in breaker for 6 months, said he was 12 years old, but doesn't appear to be that. Told the school Principal the other day he was 13 years old. Jo Tabone (middle) 141 Thompkin St., benn [i.e., been] working three years in Ewen Breaker. Said 14 years old but doesn't appear to be. Charlie Bootha (right-end) said he was 12 years old. Works at Ewen Breaker. Lives in Sebastopol. Couldn't spell his own name and didn't know name of street he lives on. Seems to be under 12 years old. All were suspicious of my sending them to school. Philip Kurato's step-mother told me (through an interpreter) that he has a birth certificate showing him to be 13 years old; that he has been working in the breaker for two years - and that Squire Barrett gave him his working papers. The step-mother owns a home near by, said to be worth $1,500. Location: Port Griffith, Pennsylvania.

Lewis Wickes Hine

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C.

January 1911

No known restrictions on publication.

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