Home > Arts > Artists > H > Lewis Wickes Hine
Child riding on a tram, Boston, 1909 C014 / 2047
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Child riding on a tram, Boston, 1909 C014 / 2047
Child riding on a tram in the streets of Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 1909. This illegal practice, where children rode on the rear of trams, was known as flipping cars. By this period, trams (also called streetcars) ran on electricity, with the conversion from horse-drawn vehicles taking place in the 1880s and 1890s. This urban street scene, obtained by US sociologist and photographer Lewis Wickes Hine (1874-1940), dates from October 1909. Hine was a photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), documenting working and living conditions for children, and campaigning against child labour and poverty in the USA
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9226839
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1909 Boston Brown Child Child Labour Childhood City Clinging Conductor Cultural Culture Electric Electrical Electrified Illegal Massachusetts North American Passenger Poverty Public Transport Riding Sepia Sociological Sociology Street Tram Transport Transportation Urban Cobbled Flipping Hitching Lewis Wickes Hine National Child Labor Committee Street Urchin Streetcar Tramway Underclass Vagabond
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a poignant moment in the streets of Boston, Massachusetts, USA, in 1909. The image showcases a child riding on the rear of a tram, engaging in an illegal practice known as flipping cars. In this era, trams had transitioned from horse-drawn vehicles to electric-powered ones. The photograph was taken by Lewis Wickes Hine, a renowned sociologist and photographer for the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC). Hine's work aimed to shed light on the harsh working and living conditions endured by children while advocating against child labor and poverty across America. Amidst the sepia-toned urban street scene, we witness both technological advancements and societal struggles. The boy clinging onto the tram represents not only transportation but also cultural aspects such as childhood experiences and social classes. Cobblestone streets serve as a backdrop for this historical moment that symbolizes progress yet highlights the underclass plight. Hine's lens captured more than just a single image; it documented an entire era marked by electrified public transport systems and sociological challenges. This monochrome snapshot invites us into North American history during the early 20th century when issues like child labor were being confronted head-on by organizations like NCLC. As we gaze upon this thought-provoking photograph from LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY collection, we are reminded of how far society has come while acknowledging that there is still much work to be done in ensuring equality for all children around the world.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
