Coal Mine Boys, 1911
Coal Mine Boys, 1911
Back in 1911 before labour laws were introduced in the USA, this picture was taken of young boys who spent their days working at a coal mine. While it is difficult to imagine staffing children even in retail or the service industry in today’s America, it was standard practice that children participate in some of the most dangerous and punishing jobs. We have come a long way in the last one hundred years!
Queenie, The Water-skiing Elephant
Queenie, The Water Skiing Elephant
This is Queenie, who rose to international fame in the 1950s for being the world’s first and only water-skiing elephant! This Thailand-born elephant was born in the wild during 1952 and was soon brought into New York during 1953. While this may seem like a cute and fun show, the reality was a terrifying and dangerous life for Queenie, who was once washed off her skis by the waves of a nearby towboat.
