These children may not have lived in the best house in town, but they look well-fed and adequately clothed and shod. Believe their parents did what it took to keep those little folks cared for and cared about. And I weep for my little children, who always lived in a nice house and always had at least enough, but whose mother abandoned them years ago, when my daughter was 8 and my little fellow 5.

I'm convinced this is a young Bonnie Franklin.

What a neat connection with the pictures of the other children from Weslaco & Harlingen, Texas, posted earlier. That fruit box is from the Rio Grande Valley, maybe even from the farms/orchards worked by the FSA workers. Small world.

The reason my eyes tear up when I look at this photograph is because it makes me remember how sweet and innocent my own children where at that age.

Maybe the dirt is the reason for their smiles, no? All these years removed, it's not always easy to remember the fun of being carefree, running and exploring the outdoors from sun up to sundown -- but it's there, tucked away. Something tells me there was no need for the photographer to apply any more dirt than was already on those adorable faces!

Sad or happy, these children tug at my heartstrings!

My mother, born in 1919, grew up poor and also with a crossed eye, she always said it developed her backbone in life. My father found a doctor in 1957 to correct it. Many photographs later she was convinced it was fixed.

Since the first picture of these kids I've wondered if maybe the photographer dirtied their faces up for effect. Guess I'm of a cynical nature.

[You should read up on John Vachon. - Dave]

but we didn't know any better. This photograph is definitely my favorite of the two. It's showing them with a winning smile and a "we can make a better future" look, which is what America is all about.

They look a lot happier here. Why does that comfort me?

Also? Check out the buckles on the little girl's shoes. FABULOUS. I'll bet she loved them.