Image
Description
Breaker boys worked in the coal mines. Their main job was to separate chunks of coal by hand. As coal came down the conveyor belt, they would break up the coal into common sized pieces and also separate out any things like rocks, clay and soil. Boys were usually between the ages of 8 to 12, but sometimes were as young as 5 or 6. The breaker boys would work 10 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Source-Dependent Questions
- Look closely at the photo. Describe what you see.
- A breaker boy worked in the coal mines separating and breaking up chunks of coal into common sized pieces by hand. Why would young boys be selected for this job?
- The breaker boys would work 10 hours a day, six days a week. Knowing this, look at the photo again and discuss the working conditions for breaker boys.
Citation Information
"Breaker Boys, Woodward Coal Mines, Kingston, Pa.," Detroit Publishing Co., ca. 1900. Courtesy of Library of Congress