Old Is Gold

Four Children For Sale

Newton’s third law of motion says that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Similarly, war has its own effects. In 1940, America was a turbulent place to live. World War II had kicked in and went through the first half of the decade leaving its mark on the better part of the world. It wasn’t until 1945 that it all came down and the world war came to an end. During the war, food and supplies were rationed, and even though the war had ended, it gave rise to an economic uproar in America.

Amidst all this, a picture of ‘children for sale’, taken in August of 1948 which got published in Chicago Newspaper, reflected the dire circumstances of those who bore the brunt of the wreckage of the war. When just the thought of any mother selling her children, with a sign kept in her front yard, feels unbelievable, even by today’s standards, this picture shook all those who saw it.

This picture that depicted a tragic story left an indelible effect. In this image, four small children sit huddled on the steps outside a home in Chicago, with a sign that reads “4 Children For Sale. Inquire Within.” Their pregnant mother wearing a floral dress – turns her head and shields her face from the camera. On the top step are Lana, 6, and Rae, 5. Sitting below are Milton, 4, and Sue Ellen, 2.