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1912 Alfred Benoit 11 year Old Sweeper In A Mill New Bedford
Alfred Benoit was a sweeper in a mill, in New Bedford.
He lived at 191 North Street in the city.
He was a prime example of the abuse of children as laborers. He was 11 years old.
Many children did not get an education because they were forced to work at too early an age.
His father had 11 children and was shiftless.
People said that when Albert got older he was a jolly guy and a checker champion.
He played at checker tournaments in Canada representing the New Bedford Driving Club on Acushnet Avenue.
Alfred enjoyed bowling on the green in the park and was friends with the Mayor Francis Lawler.
They enjoyed going to the dog track together. Later in life he built a house for himself on Nash Road.
If you click on the photo you can see a more detail.
In an enlarged view we can see the details of the clothing of the day.
