When some bully with a stick says...

Florence Kelley Live from 1890s Chicago. When some bully with a stick says: "You can’t go here. You can’t do this," That is the reason to do it! To beat down the door. If we need a law, or an officer to come in. We’ll get that uniform.

"If you don't come in Sunday, don't come in Monday." Back cover image for Florence Kelley Factory Inspector in 1890s Chicago and the children

We knew cold winters in Chicago then

We knew cold winters in Chicago then. No 60 degrees in February. When I needed a coat, I borrowed one. When I went to court, or to the legislature, I borrowed a proper silk dress, which rustled when we marched, and when we entered into a silent room, a room where people were waiting for us. And a hat. I borrowed a hat to help keep the warmth inside, and to help me hold my head high.

Image of men walking on the partially frozen ice of Lake Michigan, with a steamship or tugboat in the background, in Chicago, Illinois. DN-0001833, Chicago Daily News negative collections, Chicago History Museum

Find Allies!

Florence Kelley Live from 1890s Chicago: Find allies. When things look bleak, everywhere dreadful, there is someone who will help you.

Post-mastoiditis surgical patients (young children) at Cook County Contagion Hospital; Chicago, IL (G1986:484). Source: ICHi-26997. Chicago History Museum. Reproduction of photograph, photographer unknown. Date: 1912

Unchained

After the Law was passed we got one 12-year old girl, Rebecca, unchained from a sewing machine. We washed her face and her hair; and took her to learn how to read at the Jewish Training School. It was enough for one day.

Sewing class in 1892 at the Jewish Manual Training School in Chicago. Courtesy of the American Jewish Historical Society

Don't give up

Don’t give up. You can’t give up. There has to be hope. That what you do. The little you can do will make even a little bit of a difference.

Large group of children standing under showers over the street. Image of a large group of children standing under showers over the street in Chicago, Illinois. Source: DN-0076144, Chicago Daily News negatives collection, Chicago Historical Society. Date: 1923