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'Street Arabs, Gutter Snipes And Waifs': The Problem Of Wayward, Abandonned And Desitute Children In New York City, 1840-1920, Robert G. Waite

Robert G. Waite

The problem of wayward and destitute youths plagued New York City throughout the later 19th century. During these years an estimated 40,000 children lived much of their lives on the streets. A number of civic reformers launched a number of programs to combat these problem, to aid the children. This article focuses on the problem of the wayward youths. The essay is available on-line at the website newyorkhistoryreview.com (see attached) and it will be published in the annual volume for 2012.