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Ellis Island: An Illustrated History of the Immigrant Experience
Both a rich oral history and a complete gallery of images expressing the full range of emotions of a people who left home to find a home, this complete illustrated history focuses on the drama of Ellis Island during its peak years--from 1880 to 1924. Full-color photographs. Line drawings.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
287 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 23, 2021
Reading "Ellis Island" was like taking a peak at important events in the lives of my grandfathers, both of whom passed through those doors. Richly illustrated with period photos as well as modern ones in color, I could almost feel the salt air and the excitement or anxiety of those climbing the steps to that great hall to face the clerks and doctors who would determine their fate. Would they be allowed to go ashore in that glorious land of golden opportunity or would they be sent back from whence they came? Some arrived in the hope of a better life while many came in the hope of just preserving their lives. This was especially true for Jews from Europe as well as minorities such as Armenians from Turkish lands.
My father's father came over after serving in the Austro-Hungarian army in the horror of WWI. By that time ethnic quotas were in place, but at least conditions were better than those before Theodore Roosevelt placed capable men in charge to counter the crime and corruption. Millions came to these shores over the years, and believe it or not, many returned to whence they came by choice. At a time when single women traveling alone were frowned upon, one lady dressed as a man convinced those in charge that she would be able to support herself without turning to prostitution or living on the dole.
Those from steerage of the great ships often numbered 2000 or more. In order to appear that they were better off than they actually were, they often wore their finest clothes and carried pre-purchased train tickets to distant cities. One man carried an empty borrowed suitcase. Some carried all their belongings in bundles as well as suitcases. Most coming over couldn't speak a word of English. They were often greeted by benevolent societies that helped them find a place to live and employment. Now I understand the reason for the "little Italy" or Chinatown that sprang up in certain sections of the city. My father grew up surrounded by Czechs. Children picked up English far quicker than their parents and often had to argue over bills and with landlords. I remember the story of one uncle who got in trouble at school. He talked his way out of it by explaining to the teacher that his mother just got off the boat!
Ellis Island was shut down in 1954 and it fell into disrepair. In 1986 the National Park Service, along with generous support of American people, began the restoration of this historic landmark.
This book made for fascinating reading of an important part of American history.
My father's father came over after serving in the Austro-Hungarian army in the horror of WWI. By that time ethnic quotas were in place, but at least conditions were better than those before Theodore Roosevelt placed capable men in charge to counter the crime and corruption. Millions came to these shores over the years, and believe it or not, many returned to whence they came by choice. At a time when single women traveling alone were frowned upon, one lady dressed as a man convinced those in charge that she would be able to support herself without turning to prostitution or living on the dole.
Those from steerage of the great ships often numbered 2000 or more. In order to appear that they were better off than they actually were, they often wore their finest clothes and carried pre-purchased train tickets to distant cities. One man carried an empty borrowed suitcase. Some carried all their belongings in bundles as well as suitcases. Most coming over couldn't speak a word of English. They were often greeted by benevolent societies that helped them find a place to live and employment. Now I understand the reason for the "little Italy" or Chinatown that sprang up in certain sections of the city. My father grew up surrounded by Czechs. Children picked up English far quicker than their parents and often had to argue over bills and with landlords. I remember the story of one uncle who got in trouble at school. He talked his way out of it by explaining to the teacher that his mother just got off the boat!
Ellis Island was shut down in 1954 and it fell into disrepair. In 1986 the National Park Service, along with generous support of American people, began the restoration of this historic landmark.
This book made for fascinating reading of an important part of American history.
September 30, 2011
Fascinating. Great pictures.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews