Date: August 1948

Photographer: From “The Vedit Messenger” Newspaper

Details: The photograph of a mother with a sign indicating she is offering her children for sale reflects a difficult period in U.S. history. The 1940s were marked by the aftermath of World War II, which left many families struggling with food shortages and economic challenges. Although the end of the war eventually led to economic improvements, recovery was slow for some families.

The photograph features Mrs. Lucille Shalivo, a 24-year-old mother of four—Lana (6), Ryan (5), Milton (4), and Sue Ellen (2)—and her husband Ray, aged 40. Facing the threat of eviction due to Ray’s job loss and the family’s inability to provide for themselves, Mrs. Shalivo made the difficult decision to auction her children, as depicted in the photo.

The image, while distressing, was genuine. The children were sold under harsh circumstances. Ryan was sold for a small amount, and Milton was purchased by a farming family in August 1950. The Zweitman family, who adopted him, changed his name to Kenneth and subjected him to difficult conditions, including long working hours.

David, another sibling who was still an infant at the time of the photograph, was adopted by a loving family named Harry and Luella McDaniel. Despite their strict values, they provided a supportive environment for him. David occasionally visited his siblings and tried to help them during these visits. Unfortunately, Ryan faced severe abuse in her new environment, leading to significant challenges. Milton also experienced hardship due to his treatment in his adoptive home.

Lana and Sue Ellen, the other siblings, were later found through social media. Lana passed away in 1998, while Sue Ellen remained alive and lived near her original home. The mother eventually remarried and had additional children. When her older children visited, they noted a lack of emotional connection and remorse from her.