Immigration & Living in New York

All of the locations starred on the map above marked significant towns and cities that Sam lived in at some point in his life.

Cause for Immigration

There were several factors that contributed to the large number of Jewish immigrants who came to the United States in the 1910s. One factor was political unrest and persecution in Eastern Europe, where many Jews lived at the time. Another factor was the economic opportunity that was available in the United States. Many Jews were attracted to the country's growing industries and saw immigration as a way to improve their economic prospects. Additionally, the United States was seen as a place of political and religious freedom, which was appealing to many Jews who were facing persecution in their home countries. Finally, the United States had relatively liberal immigration policies during this time, which made it easier for Jews to enter the country The wave of anti-Jewish pogroms that swept Russia in 1905 reflected the ethnic and political tensions and hostilities that characterized popular unrest and marred the social landscape of late Imperial Russia in that revolutionary year. In the weeks following the granting of fundamental civil rights and political liberties, pogroms directed mainly at Jews but also affecting students, intellectuals, and other national minorities broke out in hundreds of cities, towns, and villages, resulting in deaths and injuries to thousands of people. In the port city of Odessa alone, the police reported that at least 400 Jews and 100 non-Jews were killed and approximately 300 people, mostly Jews, were injured, with slightly over 1,600 Jewish houses, apartments, and stores incurring damage. These official figures undoubtedly underestimate the true extent of the damage, as other informed sources indicate substantially higher numbers of persons killed and injured. They were losing their freedoms, so they traveled to the country known for its celebration of freedom.

Sam and his family's path to America looked something like this

Brooklyn, New York & Waterbury, Connecticut

Sam Fieldman made the journey to the United States on July 8, 1910, traveling aboard the S.S. Mauretania and arriving at Ellis Island, New York City. His brother Joseph had already established a home in New Britain, Connecticut and had prepared the way for the Fieldman family's emigration to America. As soon as he arrived in the bustling city, Sam set out to find work and temporarily made a home in a Jewish housing facility. Each day, he took the time to prepare himself a modest lunch. However, after only a few short days at his new job, Sam made the decision to resign. Despite the fair pay, there were a few challenges that proved to be insurmountable for Sam - namely, the lack of a suitable place to eat and an uncomfortable experience when a colleague attempted to set him up with her daughter. After settling in New York City, Sam made his home in Waterbury, Connecticut until 1917. During this time, he became an official United States citizen in 1916 and he worked as a toolmaker and was an active member of the Workman Circle, a secular Jewish organization founded in New York City in 1892. It was a fraternal organization that provides social, educational, and cultural services to its members and the broader community. The organization was founded by Jewish immigrants who were seeking a way to preserve their cultural traditions and values while also participating in the broader American society. In 1917, Sam moved to Springfield and was drafted to serve in World War I. However, instead of being sent to the frontlines, he was placed with a machine company that produced parts for machine guns, as his expertise as a toolmaker was deemed more valuable for weapons production than for combat. The demands of his work left Sam with little time for socializing. At 26 years old, he spent his evenings assembling weapons in a cramped rental room and would travel to Waterbury on weekends to visit with friends. When the war ended in 1918, Sam returned to New York City and secured employment as a toolmaker after spotting a job listing in the New York Times.

New Rochelle, New York

After living in Brooklyn, Sam preferred the smaller city of New Rochelle, where he had a friend and found the Jewish community to be very welcoming. He lived there for 3 years and worked in the snap fasteners industry. Sam was employed by a local mechanic and there was competition with a German company in the same field. In order to better understand English blueprints for his job, Sam decided to take night classes and spent 4 months working on his language skills after arriving in the United States. The necessity of being able to read English at work motivated him to improve his language skills.

World War I Experiences

After the First World War, many people's incomes decreased, but they were still able to meet their basic needs. In 1910, life was more challenging than it is today, as people did not have access to modern appliances such as washing machines. Instead, they used a washboard and hand dryer to clean their clothes. Despite these difficulties, life was generally simpler and there was less pressure to constantly acquire new possessions. Family life was a priority, and people often stayed at home and led a more traditional, domestic lifestyle. This person was hopeful about the future and did not worry about the possibility of another war.

At the time, the average wage was three dollars per day, which is the equivalent of about eighteen dollars per day in today's currency. Sam worked a 9-hour shift and was able to save a lot of money due to his single status and budgeting skills. He lived in a boarding house for three dollars per day, which included three meals per day, seven days a week. This was a great value, as most people paid between ten and eleven dollars per week for similar accommodations. The value of money was stronger then than it is today, as a loaf of bread only cost seven cents. Sam was able to use his hard-earned money to purchase many things and live comfortably.

Ellis Island, New York City in 1910

South Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut in the 1910s

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