I don't think that's attitude on her face, Rob. One shoulder down, as though she's pulling back--arms crossed in a protective stance--head slightly tilted toward the shoulder that's raised, the shoulder up to protect her face--whereas four of these girls have wrinkled brows showing mistrust or anger, the little girl you've provided color to has slightly puffed eyebrows, indicating worry--and look at her mouth... under her bottom lip she's pulled the skin and muscle inward and upward and her lips are pinched. What I'm seeing are classic symptoms of fear. This child has been abused, and may still have been when this photo was taken. It's been almost 109 years since then, and nothing can be done for her now, but I hope someone recognized these signs and helped her. She appears to be around 8 or 9 years old. It's possible that she didn't want to be there, working in a cotton mill at that age, or perhaps one or more of these girls were bullying her because she's small and maybe hadn't been there long. Bullying and worse happens today, I know, I was a victim of that as a child (and I can fully understand how she may be feeling in this photo)... it wouldn't surprise me at all that that's what was happening to her then, particularly considering what was happening to many thousands of children. She's also easily the prettiest girl in the bunch; another possible reason for abuse from other girls or, even worse, an adult. Sorry, Rob; I don't mean to be a Danny Downer, but what I'm seeing here is more tragedy than just child labor. It's one helluva photo... thanks for bringing it to us.

-Nik

In response to Niks comment above I have decided to change the title to
..... Stepping out of time a troubled girl maybe fear.... think Nik was right on this at a loss for a better title for now...thanks Nik.

Rob, our friend 'Nik' has given (as always) a well documented comment. I love however this 'psychological analyses' in this one. Think he's right, or better I can say that I'm almost sure he's right.
Has to conclude that you agree with his comment as well, because you've changed the title.
To me it's an intriguing post, what can write its own (tragedian) story by judging the look on the faces of the girls.
In spite of your usual perfect way of colorization, I'm glad that I haven't lived in that era.
Perfect work again, my friend!

Another excellent post. I think there may be several groups of "sisters" in this picture. Some look remarkably alike and some have outfits made from the same cloth pattern. Whatever the truth may be, it is still a period of time in our history when children lived daily in such horrors while used to supplement the family income.

I have to disagree slightly - I believe this whole group of child workers are upset and brassed off because they have been told by their boss (there he is glowering from behind) to come and get their photo taken outside during their very short break.
In this day and age workers so young are still being abused in some parts of the world. We, the 'civilized' ones would not tolerate it. . . . We just expect our children to participate in every activity possible - sport, culture etc as well as academic achievement which possibly tires them almost as much and certainly in some cases causes much stress and and fear of not performing as expected.
Expectations have changed for us all - I feel so sad seeing these child workers.

Family history is a great interest for me...I adore any Urban, especially where people are included...
You do good work.

None of them look to happy, they are all worried about something. Nice work on this.

The fear might have been of the camera Rob. Funny how we all see different things in a photo. I see disgust more then fear.
I am always curious as to why you choose the one you do for colorization. Not that I disagree, just curious.
I am thoroughly enjoying this series.

TicK

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Photographs like this were probably one of the main factors in outlawing child labor. The dangerous and near slavery conditions in many of these textile factories ensured that generations of children grew up uneducated and broken to serve. And since their only value was in how much they could produce, even the sickly could be used and then discarded. We treat our pets far better now.

....as to why you choose the one you do for colorization....

Tick in answer to your question as you said we all see different things me me its expressive eyes and faces also like something with an interesting background well that's about it I think... thanks for your thoughts on this one much appreciated.

Russ in response to....Photographs like this were probably one of the main factors in outlawing child labor.... cant agree more with you if it wasn't for these pictures the squalor grief and suffering would have gone on for decades more.

My wife is a teacher and has worked with kids for many years, exhibiting an insight into kids that is sometimes almost scary on how truly accurate it is. I asked her to take a look at this image and she thought perhaps the girl is anxious about the photography shoot to be over, that maybe she's upset about something but it's hard to tell. She agreed that some of these other girls look upset, maybe put out for the same reason? I think that if that guy in the back is their "handler", and they're upset because he's upset about wasting work time on a photo, I think we'd see it in his face. Instead he appears mildly interested, his head tilted just a bit. We'll never know for certain. Great photo, though.

-Nik

To me she aged beyond her years from the hard work she had to endure, growing up way too fast when she should be enjoying her childhood, very well done Rob. tigs=^..^=

I think that all the girls & one fellow really don't looked pleased to be having their picture done. Hopefully the pictures did help with banning child labour, so hard and unhappy time plus so hard on the health and well beyond their years