John Gannon, 14 years old. John cannot secure an employment certificate because he lacks weight and cannot pass the physical test; he is also under sized for his age; has passed the school requirements. Mother is a widow, does day’s work and earns $3 a week. Mary, oldest daughter, fields envelopes at $4 a week. Two children in the orphan asylum. Mother struggling hard to get office cleaning, so that she may take the children out and have a home of her own, as at present they are lodging with friends. We are giving a scholarship to John.

Department of Public Charities report on the tenants of 104 Cherry Street, New York, April 1910