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Messenger boys playing poker in the Western Union Messenger waiting room in Hartford, Connecticut. Photograph by Lewis Wickes Hine, 1909
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Messenger boys playing poker in the Western Union Messenger waiting room in Hartford, Connecticut. Photograph by Lewis Wickes Hine, 1909
BOYS PLAYING POKER, 1909.
Messenger boys playing poker in the Western Union Messenger waiting room in Hartford, Connecticut. Photograph by Lewis Wickes Hine, 1909
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Media ID 7832329
1909 Anonymous Card Game Child Labor Connecticut Game Hartford Hine Lewis Messenger Playing Poker Tee Nager Waiting Room Western Union Wickes
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken by Lewis Wickes Hine in 1909, transports us back to a time when innocence and mischief intertwined. In the Western Union Messenger waiting room in Hartford, Connecticut, a group of messenger boys find solace from their demanding duties through an illicit game of poker. The sepia tones add a nostalgic touch to this snapshot of American life during the early 20th century. The image captures the essence of camaraderie as these young boys huddle together around a worn-out table, engrossed in their card game. Their faces reveal both concentration and excitement as they strategize their next move. These anonymous teenagers embody the spirit of adventure and rebellion that often accompanies youth. Beyond its surface appeal lies a deeper narrative about child labor during this era. The messenger boys were part of an extensive network responsible for delivering important messages across town. This photograph serves as a reminder that even amidst arduous work conditions, children still found ways to carve out moments of joy and connection. Through Hine's lens, we witness not only a simple card game but also glimpses into the lives these boys led - lives filled with responsibilities far beyond their tender years. As we contemplate this poignant image today, it prompts us to reflect on how society has evolved since then and how we continue to strive for better opportunities for our children.
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