Princeton in Mercer County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

March of the Mill Children

100th Anniversary

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2011

1. March of the Mill Children Marker

Inscription. Princeton, New Jersey
July 1903 – July 2003
Mary Harris “Mother” Joneswas a crusader for workers’ rights. She led several hundred children who worked in the textile mills on a march from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to President Theodore Roosevelt’s home in Oyster Bay, Long Island. Their demonstration publicized and protested the unspeakable crime of child labor. Mother Jones called upon Princeton’s mayor, H. L. Robinson, asking for permission to speak opposite the University campus. She said she wanted to speak on higher education. The mayor agreed. A great crowd gathered: professors, students, and the people. Mother Jones showed the crowd James Ashworth, who was 10 years old and stooped over like an old man from carrying bundles of yarn that weighed 75 pounds. “He is paid $3 a week and his sister, who is 14, is paid $6. They work in a carpet factory 10 hours a day while the children of the rich are getting their higher education.”

In 1906, New Jersey passed a law preventing children from working in the mills before the age of 14.
Dedicated by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO
July 9, 2003

Erected 2003

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by New Jersey State AFL-CIO.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #26 Theodore Roosevelt series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1903.

Location. 40° 20.973′ N, 74° 39.664′ W. Marker is in Princeton, New Jersey, in Mercer County. It is at the intersection of Nassau Street and Palmer Square, on the right when traveling west on Nassau Street. Marker is located in front of the tiger statue in Palmer Square. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Princeton NJ 08542, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Jersey.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 250th Anniversary of Princeton University (a few steps from this marker); Nassau Inn – 1756 - 1937

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2011

2. March of the Mill Children Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); The First Presbyterian Church of Princeton (within shouting distance of this marker); The President’s House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); English Boxwood Plants (about 300 feet away); Nathaniel Fitz Randolph (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named 250th Anniversary of Princeton University (about 400 feet away); Princeton Speech (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.

Marker in Palmer Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2011

3. Marker in Palmer Square

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,674 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 21, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.