c.1925. Tanning babies at the Chicago Orphan Asylum to offset winter rickets

My name is Esme Osborne; I am a single woman of means working in this orphanage tanning the little tykes.

It always gives me a giggle to see them in their little goggles.

It’s a constant struggle with them constantly wriggling and the never ending struggle to keep the goggles on them. They don’t understand this will keep the rickets off their wickets.

The poor little dears, some are dumped at our door others brought in by the authorities.

We’re encouraged not to attach ourselves to any child.

It’s cold during the winter. I’d hate to live here; it’s a terrible draughty place. Hopefully families will be found for the children.

I give them as many cuddles as I can but it’s hard with so many and me the only one here who sees they need love and attention. Mostly the staff ignore the children.

It makes me sad to see them denied affection.

Young Albert, the one on the left, has a heart defect; his chances are slim of being found a family.

He’s a lovely child.

I’m thinking I might take him home myself.

Written for: http://caveofscribes.starvingactivist.com/2014/10/13/scribes-cave-picture-prompt-43/