Food and Farming Industry
Farming:
Rural jobs were often less orderly and regulated than city jobs. Often times, children as young as four or five will work either on family farms or farms that their mothers work on. Jobs varied, but primarily picked cotton and tobacco. Extreme temperatures and long hours were common for young children working on the farms.1
Rural jobs were often less orderly and regulated than city jobs. Often times, children as young as four or five will work either on family farms or farms that their mothers work on. Jobs varied, but primarily picked cotton and tobacco. Extreme temperatures and long hours were common for young children working on the farms.1
Left: Two 14 year old boys and one 13 year old are picking shade grown tobacco on a plantation called Hackett farm. Their seated position is standard for picking this type of tobacco.
Right: Two young girls, one 7 and one 9 are picking cotton. These children could pick up to 4 pails a day.
Right: Two young girls, one 7 and one 9 are picking cotton. These children could pick up to 4 pails a day.
Factory Food:
Although shucking oysters, peeling shrimps and skinning fish were jobs expected of the child laborers working in the food industry, these children also made processed foods for factory workers. These jobs included sharp objects and young children with little to no training or education. Children in the factories were fed oatcakes out of cans for breakfast and supper, and normally were expected to eat while still working.2
Although shucking oysters, peeling shrimps and skinning fish were jobs expected of the child laborers working in the food industry, these children also made processed foods for factory workers. These jobs included sharp objects and young children with little to no training or education. Children in the factories were fed oatcakes out of cans for breakfast and supper, and normally were expected to eat while still working.2