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Immigration
Valentina and Gunther Alekseev come from Russia and live in the West. -
Husband in America
My husband, Gunther Alekseev, has found himself in America after he recieved a letter from his brother. Their mother is sick and dying and he must leave Russia to see her before she passes on. He is currently in New York and he really loves it there. I, Valentina Alekseev, am so sorry to see him go and can't wait until he returns. -
Goodbye Russia, Hello America!
I have recieved a letter from Gunther! Instead of him coming to me, he wants me to come to him. He has a small room in a tenement and he has a job at what is called a sweatshop that will pay me ten whole American dollars a month. He says that the Americans have been so inviting and he can't wait for me to join him. I am also excited to leave so that we can escape the predijuce that we have been facing for being jews. The only people who will communicate with us are other people who are jewish. -
What Did You Just Call Me?
I have finally made it to America. The boat ride was awful, I was in steerage, for I couldnt afford anything nicer. The ship was so crowded but Ellis Island was no better. They asked some rather odd questions and I couldnt understand what they were saying. I think they changed my name to Valentine Smith but I will never call myself something that I am not. -
Ten Dollar Sweat
The job that Gunther had found for me is hard work but it pays the rent of the tenement room. I work in a building called a sweatshop and I am surrounded by hundreds of people at all times here. I am given ten dollars at the end of every month if I work hard at my job and slack off. The Americans are so generous and giving! Just like the neighbors, they have made it possible for Gunther and I to support ourselves. -
Come to the Settlement House?
Gunther and I were inviteted to go stay in a settlement home for a few months. We told them that they should take the neighbors instead, they have seven children and they all share one small room, so, Gunther and I remained in the slums while the children were saved. -
No Jews Allowed
I cannnot believe that this kind of predijuce is allowed here! America was supposed to be a free land but Gunther and I were kicked out of our room for practicing Jewdism! I had heard of others in the sweatshops being kicked out for things such as this but I didnt know we would be kicked out of our home. Gunther and I are now living on the streets and some nights, if we're lucky, we can find an empty room or house to sleep in. -
The Race for Land
Gunther and I finally have a home again. After we were kicked out of the slum, we heard romors of a race for land in Oklahoma and decided to participate. On April 22, 1889, Gunther and I rode on a fine stallion and raced. We found some land that is on some nice soil and would be wonderful for farming. Now all we need to do is build a house! -
Baby on Board
Gunther and I needed money after building our home on the Oklahoma land and Gunther got a job working on the railroads. He found a nice friend and his wife, Elizibeth, and myself get along very well! Poor thing is pregnant and can't seem to keep anything but water down so we invited them to stay at our place until she had her child and could care for herself. -
Welcome to the Family
I am deeeply sadenned to report that my dear friend Elizibeth has passed away during child birth. Not all is lost though! Her husband cannot currently care for a child so Gunther and I have been given full custody of the newborn. I am so filled with joy when she laughs and reminded of Elizibeth's upbeat self and manner. I will miss my friend dearly but her baby is a true jewel. -
Buffalo Jerky
We can no longer afford to pay for food if we are to keep our home so Gunther has learned to hunt. He shot a massive buffalo and I have stored all the meat for future meals, it will keep us fed for weeks! Gunther's friend, Albertm, also taught us how to skin the creature so we have warm blankets spread throughout our home. -
The Strike of the Railroads
I am so afraid for Gunther. There was a huge strike on the railroads and he almost lost his job! He was only allowed to continue his work if his weekly pay was lowered from six dollars a week to four dollars a week! Gunther will have to start finding other ways to support myself and our child if we are to keep our land. -
Goodbye, my Angel
My darling Gunther has passed on after being gored be a buffalo. My darling husband will always be in my heart and prayers. Now, I must manage our farm all by myself and raise a child on my own. I will never forget Gunther Alekseev and the adventure he brought to me. I will never forget that it was he that brought to this amazing country called America and is responsibe for my and our child happiness and healthy lives today.
