Episode 41: No OSHA, No Parents, No Notes
Chimney Sweeps
Because chimney's are tight spaces small children were the perfect choice to clean them and prevent chimney fires. This wasn't without risk however as many children became trapped and died in the process.
The risks to chimney sweeps
In this ad from 1834 we see the risks to children who were sold to chimney sweepers (yes sold). If you look at the chimneys from the left you can see the various places that the children can get stuck and asphyxiated. On the right you see the mechanical sweeper which chimney sweeps fought against as it would cut into their profits.
Father of the Year
Jack Abernathy encouraged his sons, Louis and Temple to ride from Oklahoma where they lived to New Mexico on horse back. Safety first though, they were only allowed to ride their horses 35 miles a day!
On the Road
Shortly after Louis and Temple were babysat by highway men on their adventures Louis, age 9 ,and Temple, age 5 rode 2500 miles from Oklahoma to New York City to meet their father who went by train.
Almost Legal
Louis and Temple gained national fame for their travels, with a combined age of 16 at the time they bought a car and drove it home from New York to Oklahoma. There were not paved roads or GPS to guide them.
