Though children worked in many settings, the most visible were boys who worked on the city streets selling newspapers or carrying messages, like this boy. Social reformers expressed concern about their safety, health, and exposure to unsavory ideas as they roamed the streets. Reformers supported the idea that all children should go to school instead of work, though many families depended on the earnings of children.
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Amon Carter Museum
TRADING CENTER / 1873–1918
Social Reformers
Dallas clubwomen led the fight for social reform at the turn of the century. After studying progressive measures elsewhere in the nation, they established free kindergarten and day nurseries for the children of factory workers and built playgrounds in parks in working-class neighborhoods. To encourage healthy children, they provided free milk and medical services to needy families and fought to outlaw child labor. They lobbied the city council for pure food and drug laws and clean water supplies.
