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Have You Seen This Iconic Photo Of Young Oyster Shuckers Girls? Discover The Heart Wrenching Story Behind It

At first glance, it appears to be just another photograph from a distant past—three young girls, seemingly lost in time, standing in a coastal town. Their clothes are worn, their expressions tired, and their surroundings stark. 

But beneath the surface lies a story that goes beyond the frame, a narrative that echoes the struggles and sacrifices of a generation lost to history.

This isn’t just a photograph; it’s a window into an era where childhood was sacrificed for survival, where the innocence of youth was overshadowed by the relentless demands of labor.

Join us as we delve into the story behind this iconic image, exploring the lives of three young girls caught in the harsh reality of child labor. 

What the image portrayed

Josie, six years old, Bertha, six years old, Sophie, 10 years old.

This photo shows three girls—Josie and Bertha, both six, and Sophie, ten—engaged in the tough work of shucking oysters. They worked at the Maggioni Canning Co., where child labor was common.

Bertha, 6 years old – her job as a shucker begins at 4AM

These girls were part of a larger group of child workers, forced into labor to support their families, often at the cost of their education and well-being. 

Sophie, ten years old, “tending the baby,” in between her shucking position with Maggioni Canning Co. in Port Royal

The photo captures their exhaustion, showing just how normal this harsh reality was, with long hours and dangerous conditions for only a few pennies.

The making of the photo

Lewis Hine portrait

According to the Library of Congress’s records, this poignant photograph was taken in February 1912 by Lewis Wickes Hine, a sociologist and photographer who dedicated much of his career to exposing the inhumane conditions of child labor in the United States.

The housing for those working for the cannery, which sheltered about 50 at a time

Hine’s work was not merely about capturing images but about telling the stories that those in power would rather keep hidden. 

These youths – often the sons and daughters of immigrants – were forced to live in shanty towns, which were often owned by the oyster companies

His role in child labor law reform is undeniable, as his photographs stirred public sentiment and eventually led to significant legislative changes.

These children shuck for four hours before school and three after. On Saturdays, they work from 4AM to early afternoon.

To capture these images, Hine often had to assume various disguises.

Children stand among millions of oyster shells

The dangers of exposing the brutal realities of child labor were very real, so Hine would sometimes present himself as a Bible salesman, a postcard vendor, or even a photographer documenting industrial machinery. 

This girl, Rosie, is pictured in 1913

This particular photo was taken in Port Royal, South Carolina, part of Hine’s broader project that spanned from the Northeast to the Deep South, capturing the lives of child workers in different industries.

Hine photographed children for the National Child Labour Committee’s campaign to end child labor in America.

The Maggioni Canning Co., where these girls worked, was one of many companies that employed children in such roles.

Sisters

Interestingly, the company is still in operation today, albeit under very different conditions.

The child labor before reform

A young girl looks close to tears while shucking an oyster

Before the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, child labor was rampant, with children like Josie, Bertha, and Sophie enduring harsh exploitation.

Group of oyster shuckers, including little Tenny on the left, who shucks despite not knowing her age. Location: Pass Christian, Mississippi

They worked in poor conditions—long, grueling hours in unsafe environments for minimal pay. 

Hine wrote: ‘Henry, 10 year old oyster shucker who does five pots of oyster [sic] a day. Works before school, after school, and Saturdays. Been working three years. Maggioni Canning Co. Location: Port Royal, South Carolina.’
The Industrial Revolution’s economic boom came at a steep cost, forcing children into jobs that left them physically exhausted and deprived of education. 

Group of oyster-shuckers all working in Alabama Canning Co., from seven years upward. Location: Bayou La Batre, Alabama

These conditions were not just dangerous but inhumane, trapping families in a cycle of poverty.

Entire families often worked together, with women and children handling lighter tasks, while fathers did manual labor.

Lewis Hine’s powerful photographs shed light on these grim realities, showing the dire need for change. His work was crucial in pushing for laws to protect children from such brutal exploitation. 

Children were expected to work well before dawn and stay until after sunset. Hours were even longer in the winter

Today, while much progress has been made, Hine’s images remind us of the importance of safeguarding the rights and well-being of children everywhere.

Written by Phyllis Brown

Phyllis Brown, the historian behind The History Insider, started the site to share interesting and accurate history stories. Passionate about making history easy to understand, Phyllis brings the past to life, helping readers connect with stories that still matter today.

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