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Interpreting the Evidence

Boarding House for Sick Factory Workers, 1912

Student View

About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Industry
    Labor

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team

  1. Load Boarding House for Sick Factory Workers, 1912 in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
The middle house is a boarding house for sick factory workers, and adverstises "furnished rooms & light house keeping." The house on the right is labeled "The Franklin" and is for sale  from Ahrhart & Son, 1912.
Historical Context
Research ways factories dealt with sick and injured workers in the early 1900s. How does your school deal with sick teachers? In what ways is it easier for a teacher to miss work for being sick today than for a factory worker to miss work for being sick one hundred years ago?
 
Essential Question
How does industrialization change society?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and evaluate the affect of industrialization on these individuals.
Historical Challenges
Research ways factories dealt with sick and injured workers in the early 1900s. How does your school deal with sick teachers? In what ways is it easier for a teacher to miss work for being sick today than for a factory worker to miss work for being sick one hundred years ago?
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
Science: What were some common diseases factory workers suffered from during the early 1900s? What sorts of illnesses keep people from going to work today?
RETURN TO RESULTS