Vintage work crew photos

[Jon]

I think of the child laborer era like I think of "sweatshops", in that, given the time and circumstances, the only thing worse than the existing labor conditions is not having any jobs available at all. Similarly, when a sweatshop (I don't think locals call them that) opens up somewhere, it's a comparatively safe and reliable job in a place where people are existing at starvation levels of poverty. Western media crusades to end those practices, without substituting any other employment opportunities for locals. I couldn't find it after a quick search, but there was even a NYT article about how Rwandans were thrilled at the opening of a local sweatshop, because, compared to sifting through garbage for barely-edible food, it provided them with their first real paying job.

If industrialization works, child labor is a transitional phase. Here's an example of that transition, again from the Library of Congress. Ironically, the "normal" child in the poster would be considered a ragamuffin today.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...r_fullsize.jpg

[Jon]

Torpedo storage building with sailors working on torpedoes at the Submarine Base, Los Angeles. 1947.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...e_fullsize.jpg

[IntheGroove]

You would think there would be a bridge crane in that building...

[Ralphxyz]

I wonder how they got the torpedos up on the rack?

[Jon]

More from that same "file unit" at the National Archives website: https://catalog.archives.gov/search?...naIdSort%20asc

[bruce.desertrat]

Looked at the "reception area outside commanders office" https://catalog.archives.gov/id/295466 They sure went out of their way to make the building feel like a sub :-)

[Jon]

Telephone handset assembly at the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company circa 1925.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...s_fullsize.jpg

[Ralphxyz]

Love that lathe in the back left corner must be 10x48.

[Toolmaker51]

Torpedo storage building with sailors working on torpedoes at the Submarine Base, Los Angeles. 1947.

I believe the Naval Base described as Los Angeles was actually Seal Beach. Residents will recall the many hemispherical floats [for submarine nets presumably] stacked like cannonballs along the fence line; southeast corner, the intersection of Seal Beach & Westminister Blvd's. The more recognized name is Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, un-indoctrinated locals puzzled at the many earthen mounds visible from 405 Freeway too. As if that's not enough, it is a prominent Wild Life Refuge, mainly attracting sea birds and majestic great horned owls. I surmise the grounds house rabbits, mice and the like.
Time was, among other things, us card-carrying swabs got small-arms practice there, more or less overlooking the vast Pacific. My second visit, we were accompanied by USCG armorers, and felt direct connection to being a tax payer and proud serviceman simultaneously.
Why? 1st time, the Navy Gunnersmate's [GM] had a big range box with 16 Ruger .22lr Heavy Barrel Mk I's, and who knows how many bricks of white box Federal cartridges.
Nice!

Next time, the USCG GM's toted a handmade box too - with 16 Smith & Wesson Mdl #41's.
And commercial Eley target ammunition. . . What an incredible firearm the 41 is.
Nicer!

[Toolmaker51]

More from that same "file unit" at the National Archives website: https://catalog.archives.gov/search?...naIdSort%20asc

Like https://catalog.archives.gov/search?...naIdSort%20asc "Metal shop at the Submarine Base Los Angeles"
Alternate caption "How many steady rests do you need?"
Oh, I dunno, how long is the lathe bed?
Lol
Shaft lathes for sure; I'm betting Axelson or Monarch, greatest of all.