Results: 4 Children for Sale (Part 1 of 6)
This photo was first was published in The Vidette-Messenger of Valparaiso, Ind., on Aug. 5, 1948, with the caption, “A big ‘For Sale’ sign in a Chicago yard mutely tells the tragic story of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Chalifoux, who face eviction from their apartment. With no place to turn, the jobless coal truck driver and his wife decide to sell their four children. Mrs. Lucille Chalifoux turns her head from camera above while her children stare wonderingly. On the top step are Lana, 6, and Rae, 5. Below are Milton, 4, and Sue Ellen, 2.”
1.
1.
The photo (possibly posed) was published across the country. Offers of jobs and financial assistance poured in, and a Chicago Heights woman offered to open her home to the children. But within 2 years, the 5 children (including one baby 24-year-old Lucille was pregnant with when the picture was taken) were sold or given away. Had you seen this photo before?
Yes
11%
•
103 votes
No
68%
•
626 votes
I'm vision-impaired.
3%
•
31 votes
N/A
17%
•
161 votes
2.
2.
The story was viewed as a symbol of the desperation and hardship after the Great Depression; and the parents' effort to improve their children's lives and secure their futures. But actually, Lucille and the kids had been abandoned by her husband who didn't return because of his criminal record. Daughter RaeAnn claimed she was sold so her mother could get money to play Bingo, and because the man Lucille was dating at the time didn't want to have anything to do with children. Hypothetically, could you imagine dispersing your children without screening prospective parents?
Yes
5%
•
43 votes
No
54%
•
494 votes
I can't imagine how I would feel if I had children.
14%
•
129 votes
N/A
28%
•
255 votes
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