History
Trapper was often the first job a young was given once old enough to be allowed underground. Being a trapper boy was boring but important. These doors needed to stay shot to control ventilation but open to let coal cars pass. The work of the trapper boy was to wait in the dark for coal cars pulled by mules to approach their door and open and close the door for them.
Description
In this image, a boy is waiting sitting beside a large door. Writings and drawings can be seen on the door.
The long title for this image is: "Vance, a Trapper Boy, 15 years old. Has trapped for several years in a West Va. Coal mine. $.75 a day for 10 hours work. All he does is to open and shut this door: most of the time he sits here idle, waiting for the cars to come. On account of the intense darkness in the mine, the hieroglyphics on the door were not visible until plate was developed. Location: West Virginia."
Item Details
- Materials: Graphic material
- Archival Reference: 2018673797
- Other reference: LOT 7477, No. 0163
- Author: Hine, Lewis Wickes
- Credit: Image courtesy of the National Child Labor Committee collection, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.