A "hovel" of the 1900s

A "hovel" of the 1900s

This home is considered to be a “hovel”. It is the home to two African American families in Washington, D.C in 1935. The home is very tiny, especially for two families living it in. There is not much more to the house other than what is seen in the picture. The only other room, other than maybe a bedroom, in the house in a bathroom that is not seen in the picture. During this time period and up until the 1950’s, these homes were considered the slums. The majority of people who occupied these type of homes were African Americans and people who lived in poverty. “Hovel” has a very negative connotation. This home could be seen as a cute and homey house, but instead it is described as a hovel or a shack. This shows the exploitation and harsh treatment that the African Americans and poor suffered as they were extremely looked down upon. Wharton, in “The Old Maid” uses “hovel” to describe orphanages and to show that people also exploited orphans for their own benefit.

US Library of Congress

"Hovel home of two Negro families, Washington, D.C. Near ice chest is the privy, although unseen in this picture. A recent relief visit accounts for the food on the table." Library of Congress. USA Government, n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2015

https://www.loc.gov/item/fsa1997000366/PP/#about-this-item

December 10, 2015

Laura Watters

1850