In 1908, fourteen-year-old Harold Bothwick was not asking for much. He simply wanted to work.
His widowed mother was struggling to support four children in a tiny New York City flat. The family had little food, a broken stove, and illness in the household. Harold believed his wages could help keep a roof over their heads.
But when a truant officer discovered the situation, the boy and his mother were summoned to court.
What happened next turned an ordinary truancy case into a small story of poverty, responsibility, and compassion. After hearing the circumstances, the magistrate tore up the summons and told Harold to keep working so he could help support his family.
Boy Who Helps Mother Wins Court’s Approval
NEW YORK CITY. — “Mamma, let me go to work to help you pay the rent,” said fourteen-year-old Harold Bothwick to his mother in their two-room flat on the top floor of No. 131 East Third Street, about a week ago.
Yesterday, Mrs. Bothwick was summoned to the Essex Market Police Court with her son.
Child Workers Having Ice Cream Break
William Wheatley, truant officer, said he found Mrs. Bothwick, a widow, with her four children. Huddled around a broken stove and with barely enough to eat. In addition, the woman and one child were ill.
Upon learning the facts, Magistrate Cornell tore up the summons and dismissed the case, telling the boy to work all he could to support his mother, sisters and brothers.
The boy left the courtroom smiling, to return to work for $3 a week and pay the rent of the tiny flat.
Source: The Washington Times. Washington, D.C. February 27, 1908.
