March, 1861

I have had an interesting experience. When I told Father about it, he said I should write it in my journal. So now I must write. This is what happened:

The Rag Hall here in Ribe is a horrible place, with all sorts of ragged children and barely clothed people. It is dreadful to look at. It is two stories high, and there are too many people crowded there. Father says it is a tenement. He told me how to spell it, too. Well, I approached the poorest looking family there and gave them my mark* that I received for Christmas. I told them that they could only have it if they cleaned their home and dressed their children properly. And the father of the family offended me in the greatest manner by asking my parents if I had their permission. It was my mark! I did not need permission. I thought it was very rude.

Mama was very proud of me, though, and said so. She then helped the family by giving them a few more marks, though I would think my mark would have been enough.

Jacob Riis

* A coin worth 25 cents