This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
First photograph caption dated December 28, 1957 reads "Mrs. Roberta DeMello gives her tired and footsore Sammy big hug and kiss after he was brought home in police car early today. Police had wrapped him in blanket to warm him up after they found him dressed in short pants and short-sleeved shirt in Valhalla cemetery. Boy suffered bruises, but otherwise was none the worse for his all-night hike." Second photograph caption dated February 1, 1958 reads "Death takes boy. Sammy DeMello, 3, North Hollywood child shown snuggling with mother after 10-hour disappearance last month in cemetery, has died of leukemia. Child was son of Mr. and Mrs. William DeMello. Funeral is tomorrow."
Mothers and sons Women Boys Toddlers Missing children Leukemia in children Hugging North Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) Portrait photographs Group portraits
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.