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Newer Yorkers: 1920

1920. "Herald tour -- York, Pennsylvania." Our second photo in as many weeks from the Washington Herald's auto tour shows what looks to be a passel of pupils outside their schoolhouse. 4x5 inch glass negative, National Photo Company. View full size.

1920. "Herald tour -- York, Pennsylvania." Our second photo in as many weeks from the Washington Herald's auto tour shows what looks to be a passel of pupils outside their schoolhouse. 4x5 inch glass negative, National Photo Company. View full size.

 

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Springtime photo

I wonder what the barefoot kids did when it was winter. How did they get to school in the snow?

Not the children of PA coal miners

At the time this photo was taken, the York Motor Car Co. had just ceased operations in York. Pfaltzgraff pottery was probably the major employer in the area.

The two older girls tell me it's possible, but not probable to stay in school past a relatively young age. None of these students appear to come from a family of means, but the barefoot boy in rolled-up overalls probably lives a particularly hardscrabble life. The boy in front, just right of center, with his hands in his pockets reminds me of the character S.J. Tuohy in the movie "The Blind Side." He has a "What's in it for me" vibe.

Good old Golden Rule Days

Looks like the two barefoot guys are brothers.
Makes you wonder what they all became as grownups.
Also wonder how today's kids would fare with the lessons and tests these guys had.

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