The Lost Code

Children in the City

Fathers who worked in factories did not earn enough to provide for their family's needs, which meant other family members also had to work. In 1920, the salary of the average worker was estimated at $1,050 a year, and working class families needed about $1,100 to survive.

Children often began working in factories at as young as 8 years of age, earning less than a man's wages. It was not uncommon for children to be beaten by foremen and they had no protection against injustices. In 1871, 25% of boys between the age of 11 and 15 worked. In 1885 a provincial law set standards for employers. From then on, they were not allowed to hire girls under 14 or boys under 12. Children could work only a maximum of 60 hours.