children

Children and Family

The 19th Century

Early Statehood

Apprentice Indenture, Fayette County, 1860 / Typed Transcription

  • In the mid-nineteenth century, charitable aid societies in New York City sent vagrant and abandoned children to homes in the rural Midwest. Farmers needed cheap labor and, it was reasoned, the children would benefit from the fresh rural environment. Special trains were even run from New York to the Midwest for the purpose of placing the children at each stop. This apprentice indenture is for Alfred Lumsden, an 8-year-old charge of the New York Juvenile Asylum. This document is also included on the Philanthropy and Government Aid page.
  • Citation: Turnbaugh, Dr. Roy C. Jr. and Robert E. Bailey. Windows to the Past: A Selection of Illinois County Records from 1818 to 1880. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1985. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The Civil War

Order of the Committee on Schools Providing for Segregation, 23 March 1863 / Typed Transcription

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Early Chicago, 1833-1871 A Selection of City Council Proceedings Files. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1999. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

The Late 19th Century

Law Concerning Adoption, 1874

  • This act revises the laws concerning the adoption of children; it was approved on 27 February 1874. It requires certain factors adoption of children, including the consent of a child over the age of fourteen and the joint commitment of both husband and wife on the petition of adoption.
  • Citation: Gross, William L., ed. The Statutes of Illinois: An Analytical Compilation of All the General Laws of the State in Force at the Present Time, Volume III: Acts of 1873-4. Riverside: H. O. Houghton & Company, 1874.

Law Concerning Apprentices, 1874

  • This act revised the laws concerning apprentices; it was approved on 25 February 1874. It covers several issues including who can be bound into an apprenticeship, how apprentices should register complaints against their master, and penalties for enticing apprentices away from their master.
  • Citation: Gross, William L., ed. The Statutes of Illinois: An Analytical Compilation of All the General Laws of the State in Force at the Present Time, Volume III: Acts of 1873-4. Riverside: H. O. Houghton & Company, 1874.

Law Concerning Guardians and Wards, 1874

  • This act revises the laws concerning guardians and wards; it was approved on 23 March 1874. It allows minors over the age of 14 to nominate their own guardians.
  • Citation: Gross, William L., ed. The Statutes of Illinois: An Analytical Compilation of All the General Laws of the State in Force at the Present Time, Volume III: Acts of 1873-4. Riverside: H. O. Houghton & Company, 1874.

Ordinance Concerning Child Labor, 6 September 1880 / Typed Transcription

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E.and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Communication from the Illinois Woman's Alliance Concerning Child Labor, 16 April 1890 / Typed Transcription

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E.and Elaine Shemoney Evans. From the Ashes, 1872-1900 A Selection of Documents from the Proceedings Files of the Chicago City Council. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1990. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

An Act to regulate the manufacture of clothing, wearing apparel and other articles in this State, and to provide for the appointment of State inspectors to enforce the same, and to make an appropriation therefore, 1893

  • Section four of this act is the first instance of child labor regulation in Illinois. The employment of children under 14 is prohibited and limitations on the employment of children under 16 are imposed.
  • Citation: Laws of the State of Illinois Passed by the Thirty-Eighth General Assembly. Springfield: H.W. Rokker, State Printer & Binder, 1893.

Child Labor and Illinois Law, 1895

  • Residents of the Chicago-based Hull House comment on the status of child labor in Illinois, including the 1893 law.
  • Citation: Residents of Hull House. Hull-House Maps and Papers. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 1895.

An Act to regulate the employment of children in the state of Illinois, and to provide for the enforcement thereof, 1897

  • Approved 9 June 1897, this was the first comprehensive child labor law in Illinois. Stipulations include age limits, hour limits, and conditions, among others.
  • Citation: Laws of the State of Illinois Enacted by the Fortieth General Assembly. Springfield: Phillips Bros., State Printer, 1897.

The 20th Century

The Early 20th Century

An Act to amend sections four and nine of the 1897 child labor law, 1901

  • Approved 10 May 1901, this amendment requires suitable seating for girls and women, as well as adding the punishment of imprisonment for violations.
  • Citation: Laws of the State of Illinois Enacted by the Forty-Second General Assembly. Springfield: Phillips Bros., State Printer, 1901.

Excerpt, The Challenge of the City by Josiah Strong, 1907

  • Josiah Strong (1847-1916) was one of America's leading religious and social voices during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Strong was born into an Illinois family with deep colonial roots, although he left the state at an early age. Strong was a clergyman who proposed revolutionary religion-oriented solutions to perceived inequities in America's social and economic network, and adhered to a brand of Christianity that came to be known as Christian Socialism. In this excerpt, Strong condemns the practice of child labor and notes the pernicious influence of city life on children. He also stresses the importance of play to childhood development.
  • Citation: Strong, Josiah. The Challenge of the City. New York: Eaton & Mains, 1907.

Mother Jones and Illinois Children, 20 January 1916

  • "Mother" Mary Harris Jones was also known for her concern for children's rights. In this speech, Jones commented on working children, child abuse, and juvenile incarceration in Chicago and Illinois. This is an excerpt from a speech she delivered in Indianapolis, Indiana, on 20 January 1916. This document is also featured on the Industry and Labor page.
  • Citation: Mary Harris Jones. Speech at a convention of the United Mine Workers of America, Indianapolis, Indiana, 20 January 1916. Published in UMWA Proceedings (Indianapolis: Bookwalter-Ball Printing Co., 1916), pp. 311-18.

The Great Depression

Exposition of Youth, WPA Poster, 1936

  • This is a poster for the National Youth Administration (NYA) "Exposition of Youth" for May 5-10, 1936. It depicts a male boxer.
  • Citation: “N.Y.A. of Illinois – Exposition of Youth … Pageants, Handcraft, Music, Sports,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Boys-Are You Interested in a Job?, WPA Poster, 1936-37

  • This is a poster for the Illinois branch of the National Youth Administration (NYA) promoting educational opportunities for young men seeking training for employment. It shows a young man admiring his work.
  • Citation: “Boys – Are You Interested in a Job?: Find Out What an Occupation Has to Offer You in Pay, Employment, Security, and Promotion: Free Classes in Occupations,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1937, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Girls-Are You Interested in a Job?, WPA Poster, 1936-37

  • This poster advertises for the Illinois branch of the National Youth Administration (NYA) promoting educational opportunities for young women seeking training for employment. It depicts four women engaged in various job pursuits.
  • Citation: “Girls – Are You Interested in a Job?: Find Out What an Occupation Has to Offer You in Pay, Employment, Security, and Promotion: Free Classes in Occupations,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1937, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Sand Modeling, WPA Poster, 1936-39

  • This poster depicts a boy and a girl playing in sand as part of a WPA Recreation Project for District Number 2--Kane, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.
  • Citation: “Sand Modeling: W.P.A. Recreation Project – Dist. No. 2 / Shari,” Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project,1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Story Hour, WPA Poster, 1936-39

  • This poster shows a girl sitting at the knees of a woman holding an open book. Story hour was part of a WPA Recreation Project for District Number 2--Kane, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.
  • Citation: “Story Hour: W.P.A. Recreation Project – Dist. No. 2 / Shari,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

March on to Health, WPA Poster, 1936-39

  • This poster depicts a line of boys and girls marching and encouraged young people to get tested for tuberculosis through the City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium.
  • Citation: “March on to Health: Get Your Test Now: City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium,” Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Good Grades, Good Health, WPA Poster, 1936-39

  • This City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium poster promoted tuberculosis testing and the idea that good grades and good health complimented each other. It shows a girl roller skating with school books in hand.
  • Citation: “Good Grades and Good Health Go Together: City of Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium: Get Your Test Now,” Chicago: WPA Federal Art Project, 1936-1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Trip Around the World, WPA Poster, 1936-40

  • This poster advertises for Story Hour Club through the WPA Library Center and depicts a boy and girl observing a wooded mountain range while riding atop a book.
  • Citation: “A Trip Around the World at Story Hour Time: Story Hour Club – W.P.A. Library Center / Shari,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Art Classes for Children, WPA Posters, 1936-40 1/ 2

  1. This poster, designed by REK, depicts a child drawing on an easel.
  2. This poster, designed by Erel Osborn, depicts an abstractly-sketched child drawing with a pencil.
  • Citation:
    1. “Art Classes for Children / REK,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
    2. “Art Classes for Children / Osborn,” Chicago: Illinois Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Exhibition of Art by Children, WPA Posters, 1936-40 1 / 2 / 3

  1. This poster, designed by Erel Osborn, promotes an upcoming exhibition of children's art and shows a cow and a house.
  2. This poster is another which promotes an exhibition of children's art. It depicts a girl holding a paintbrush and standing next to an easel.
  3. This poster shows a child's hand on an artist's palette and is another poster for an exhibition of children's art.
  • Citation:
    1. “Exhibition – Art by Children,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
    2. “Exhibition of Art by Children / ET,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
    3. “Exhibition – Art by Children,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Be Kind to Books Club, WPA Poster, 1936-40

  • Designed by Arlington Gregg, this poster depicts a group of five children holding their book club banner.
  • Citation: “Be Kind to Books Club: Are You a Member? / Gregg,” Chicago: WPA Illinois Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Little Miss Muffet, WPA Poster, 1936-40

  • This poster was designed by Arlington Gregg to promote reading among children. It depicts Miss Muffet sharing her picture book with a spider.
  • Citation: “Little Miss Muffet … Reading a Picture Book … / Gregg,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Diphtheria Strikes Unprotected Children, WPA Poster, 1936-41

  • This Chicago Department of Health poster shows a flying disc, "Toxoid," preventing a lightning bolt from striking a child.
  • Citation: “Diphtheria Strikes Unprotected Children: Protect Your Child with Toxoid – Toxoid Prevents Diphtheria: Chicago Department of Health,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

A Lifelong Job, WPA Poster, 1936-41

  • Designed by E.S. Reid, this poster from The Cook County Public Health Unit depicts a woman and two children in the rain.
  • Citation: “A Lifelong Job – The Constant Protection of Their Health – The Cook County Public Health Unit / E.S. Reid,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

January - A Good Year of Reading Ahead, WPA Poster, 1936-41

  • This poster for Statewide WPA Library Project, Illinois, shows a child pulling a sled full of books toward a house.
  • Citation: “January – A Good Year of Reading Ahead / Hazlett,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Federal Theater Project, "Created Equal," WPA Poster, 1938

  • This poster announces the Federal Theatre Project presentation of "Created Equal," by John Hunter Booth, at the Springfield Auditorium. It depicts a Patriot writing on a scroll with Independence Hall to the right. The show debuted on May 28, 1938 under the auspices of the American Youth Council.
  • Citation: “Federal Theatre Program Presents ‘Created Equal’ by John Hunter Booth: A Dramatic Chronicle Based Upon the Constitution,” Illinois: F.T.P. Poster Dept., 1938, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Father & Son Banquet, WPA Poster, 1939

  • This poster advertises for a father and son banquet, sponsored by the Chicago Urban League, at the Savoy Ballroom. It depicts a finely-dressed man and boy.
  • Citation: “Father & Son Banquet,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Sand Modeling for Younger Children, WPA Poster, 1939

  • This poster shows children creating a sand sculpture as part of a WPA Recreation Project for District Number 2--Kane, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.
  • Citation: “Sand Modeling for Younger Children – W.P.A. Recreation Project, Dist. No. 2 / Beard,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Doll and Buggy Parade, WPA Poster, 1939

  • This poster by Joseph Dusek shows a parade of girls pushing baby carriages and is another WPA Recreation Project for District Number 2--Kane, Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties.
  • Citation: “Doll & Buggy Parade – W.P.A. Recreation Project, Dist. No. 2 / Dusek,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1939, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

September - Back to Work, Back to School, Back to Books, WPA Posters, 1940 1/ 2

  1. This poster, by V. Donaghue, promotes reading and library use. It depicts a girl pulling a younger boy away from bookshelves.
  2. This poster for the WPA Statewide Library Project shows a boy holding a book in his raised hand.
  • Citation:
    1. “September – Back to Work – Back to School – Back to BOOKS / V. Donaghue,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.
    2. “September – Back to Work … Back to School, Back to Books,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1936-1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Art Classes for Children, WPA Posters, 1940 1/ 2

  1. This poster announces the availability of children's art classes and shows a drawing of a child's face.
  2. This poster, by Albert M. Bender, also promotes children's art classes. It depicts a boy and girl painting on easels.
  • Citation: “Art Classes for Children,” Chicago: Illinois Art Project, 1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Wee Willie Winkie, WPA Poster, 1940

  • This poster promotes the use of libraries by children, It shows a child in pajamas and slippers running through a village at night.
  • Citation: “Wee Willie Winkie Runs Through the Town … to Count the Many Children Reading Library Books / Cleo Sara,” Chicago: Illinois WPA Art Project, 1940, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

Jobs - Get the Facts About Occupations, WPA Poster, 1941

  • This poster from the National Youth Administration of Illinois announces the availability of job training for young men and women. It shows a young woman holding books and a young man holding machine parts, with factories and city skyline below.
  • Citation: “Jobs – Get the Facts About Occupations – Free Classes for Young Men and Women 16 to 25 Yrs. – National Youth Administration of Illinois / Dusek,” Illinois: Federal Art Project, 1941, accessed through "By the People, For the People: Posters from the WPA, 1936-1943." Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/wpaposters/.

World War II

Victory Garden Diagram, March 1942

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Communication Concerning the Dependents of a Naval Enlistee, 18 June 1942

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Defense News from Illinois State Council of Defense, City Children and Farm Work, 22 February 1943

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

Communication from Mrs. Wm. D. Battey Concerning Day-Care, 25 August 1945

  • Citation: Bailey, Robert E. and Elaine Shemoney Evans. Illinois at War, 1941-1945. Springfield: Illinois State Archives, 1994. Used by permission of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.