Glad you liked it, and thanks for posting that link. That alien registration act struck fear into the hearts of so many; I don't think my maternal GM would ever have naturalized (in 1943) if that hadn't happened.
LOVED my visit to the Tenement museum ten years ago and in so many ways this post resonated with me. It shocked me that people lived in these circumstances but why was I surprised? The chawls of places like Bombay were just the same and these continue to exist in many parts of India. Great post, Cheryl.
Thank you! I actually was thinking I've seen worse! But shove 6-8 people in there, and yeah, no fun. Nor was filling and emptying a tub without a drain. I know places like these exist now in the U.S. and probably in most countries, not just India.
So enjoyed reading this essay, Cheryl. When my grandfather came to the United States from Italy in 1909, he did not stay in NYC. After Ellis Island, he came straight to Colorado. His 7 brothers went on to start new lives in Canada. Interesting and courageous journeys for our Italian immigrant ancestors!
Thanks, Peggy. Yes, it had to be terrifying, especially when you factor in all the dialects—no one spoke standard Italian! Did your GF go to Colorado for the mining?
No, my grandfather actually came to work on the railroads. But so many of the Italian immigrants to Colorado did mining in the mountains and worked in the marble quarries near Aspen. I so admire their courage and skills. I like to think that part of my determination to adapt to my new life here in Spain came from my wonderful, kind and hard working grandfather, Nicola!
Yes, the railroads have many Italians to thank! I’m reading about inherited traits right now and am sure you have some of your ancestors’ drive and courage in you.
Definitely put it at the top of your list; it's really fascinating. It's old wisdom that makes us open our windows every morning, no matter the temperature!
Thanks for this interesting essay. If anyone wants to see an Alien Registration sample document, please see my paternal grandmother's document. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H20Po7Iv6AhpDOFwFeWJXl1WFjcGEc-k/view?usp=sharing
Glad you liked it, and thanks for posting that link. That alien registration act struck fear into the hearts of so many; I don't think my maternal GM would ever have naturalized (in 1943) if that hadn't happened.
LOVED my visit to the Tenement museum ten years ago and in so many ways this post resonated with me. It shocked me that people lived in these circumstances but why was I surprised? The chawls of places like Bombay were just the same and these continue to exist in many parts of India. Great post, Cheryl.
Thank you! I actually was thinking I've seen worse! But shove 6-8 people in there, and yeah, no fun. Nor was filling and emptying a tub without a drain. I know places like these exist now in the U.S. and probably in most countries, not just India.
So enjoyed reading this essay, Cheryl. When my grandfather came to the United States from Italy in 1909, he did not stay in NYC. After Ellis Island, he came straight to Colorado. His 7 brothers went on to start new lives in Canada. Interesting and courageous journeys for our Italian immigrant ancestors!
Thanks, Peggy. Yes, it had to be terrifying, especially when you factor in all the dialects—no one spoke standard Italian! Did your GF go to Colorado for the mining?
No, my grandfather actually came to work on the railroads. But so many of the Italian immigrants to Colorado did mining in the mountains and worked in the marble quarries near Aspen. I so admire their courage and skills. I like to think that part of my determination to adapt to my new life here in Spain came from my wonderful, kind and hard working grandfather, Nicola!
Yes, the railroads have many Italians to thank! I’m reading about inherited traits right now and am sure you have some of your ancestors’ drive and courage in you.
Great post-- I love the Tenement Museum. One of the best things to see in NYC.
Thank you! I'm so glad I went and hope to do some of the other tours another time. I love niche museums!
I want to visit the Tenement Museum the next time I'm in NYC. Thanks for the reminder, Cheryl.
Also I'm thinking of our modern houses with open floor plans, and how nicely the air flows to prevent the spread of TB.
Definitely put it at the top of your list; it's really fascinating. It's old wisdom that makes us open our windows every morning, no matter the temperature!
Great post with really important information. I took that same tenement tour back in 1999 and was, well, quite stunned.
As you are familiar with our plight, which in some ways feels like your story in reverse.
And I'm so sorry!