You know how some people just keep having more boys while trying to have a little girl?
Well, meet the Harrisons from Johnson City, Tennessee, when they took a visit to New York City. Thirteen barefoot boys.
[A repost.]
Here they are, all lined up:
The Harrison Family in New York
This was a visit in May of 1955, and I’m afraid to say that it really hits the stereotype of the hillbilly family.
And while they were newsworthy, I bet they had no trouble going everywhere barefoot. This was 1955 after all.
There was even a newsreel made about their visit:
Oh, and by the way, the 14th time’s a charm. They did eventually get a sister: Barbara Ann.
Ahcuah 
Makes you wonder why the parents are wearing shoes.
Because they had them take there shoes off for all the pictures I know because am the youngest a girl
Seriously? Even the barefootedness was staged? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised–news organizations need to create a story if they can.
And I guess they were busy building on stereotypes.
Why are the parents wearing shoes? Because, even in rural Tennessee in 1955 adults are expected to wear shoes. Children aren’t considered “civilized” yet.
Its okay, we all have shoes now and are doing fine 🙂
Thank you for digging out the short film segment, I knew the photo already but didn’t know they were on film …
I guess the youngest never get any new clothes, having to wear what has become too small for their older brothers. At least he doesn’t have to put up with their worn out shoes!
Some (I hope many) of them should still be around … Hello, Harrison boys, where are you? Do any of you still enjoy going barefoot? Happy new year to you, wherever you are.
All here in Tn. Except one in Indiana
Three years later, the world’s most famous beatnik, Allen Ginsburg, gets kicked out of a restaurant in NYC:
http://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/HOW-HERB-CAEN-NAMED-A-GENERATION-3018725.php
Love the Harrison’s. One of our long time family friend’s dad is in this picture. One of the sweetest and most caring bunch i know! Some of the children of these in the photo are in the area.
Cool!
This is my father’s family . My grandmother was Elizabeth Harrison
Nice! It must be interesting to have one’s ancestors documented like this.