July, 1888

I lost a child, Stephen. But my dear Katherine came soon after, just last year. I moved my family to the country; I think it is better for them here.

As I headed into work the other day, my children handed me an armful of flowers, requesting that I give them to the poor in the slums. I of course complied, and the minute I entered the city, I was beset upon by numerous street children, all begging for the flowers. Those who didn’t get any because there was not enough sat in the gutters and cried wretchedly. It was pitiful to behold, and I have now determined to request that my readers send in flowers for all the poor. It is only a small step in reformation, but it is a beginning.

Jacob Riis