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November 1908. "Chester, S.C. -- Springstein Mills. Archie Love. Said (after hesitating), 'I am 14 years old.' Doesn't look it. Been in mill three years. Worked nights five months at the start." Photo by Lewis Wickes Hine. View full size.
This is Joe Manning, who wrote the story about Archie. The link to this story has been changed. It is now:
http://morningsonmaplestreet.com/2014/11/26/archie-love-page-one/
Hines' caption seems to suggest that Archie may be lying when he says he is 14 years old. But if you read Joe Manning's excellent background info, Archie was born in 1894, so he really was 14 at the time. And moreover, as an adult anyway, Archie was very strongly against telling lies.
I'm sure Hines was perfectly reasonable in his assumptions, but it's always interesting to dig a little deeper.
A report produced for the City of Chester by the University of South Carolina provides a wealth of historical information. The financially troubled Chester Manufacturing Co. was purchased in 1898 by a group headed by Col. Leroy Springs, who renamed it Springsteen Mills after his family's original Dutch surname. For a time, the Springsteen Mills shared the name Eureka Mills with the Chester company's spinning facility. All became part of Springs Industries.
But for a twist of fate, the name of this site might well have been "Archie."
An excellent story, Joe Manning. It is good to read this when I think how tough life is. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Joe, for the great work you have done to bring to light the stories of these people and their families. There is a story that goes with each face in a photo and you have helped to reveal those stories that would otherwise have been lost. I am glad to learn that Archie Love went on to marry, have children and be loved by his family. Rest in peace, Archie.
Thanks Joe. I really enjoyed reading the background article you wrote. The boy's photo was so endearing I couldn't wait to see if there would be any comments, and there was your research piece.
Good work
This is Joe Manning, of the Lewis Hine Project. I tracked down this young man's story back in 2007. I interviewed his son. Archie turned out to be an almost epic character. He is one of only two of the more than 300 children I have tracked down who apparently remembered being photographed by Hine. You can see the story here.
I live near Chester. I've heard of Springs Industries, but not "Springstein" Mills and I wondered if there was a connection. I did a little research and my findings are inconclusive, especially since there seem to be so many variants of the spelling. Link.
Is the mill still there? Nope!
I wonder if any of Archie Love's family are still in the area. Probably not many. Not much opportunity in Chester unless you want to commute to Charlotte.
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