The Struggle for Economic Survival

The long strain of poverty that followed the Antin family from Polotzk through the slums of Boston and finally relaxed through education.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Prosperity in Polotzk

Prosperity in Polotzk The Well-to-Do Household The Antins had a good business, a large house, servants, and a place among the best in Polotzk. Children wore fine clothes and ate cheese cakes on Saturday nights. The Shop and the Sabbath The family kept open house for merchants and guests, while the store supported them. Raphael the Russian's grandchildren were known as aristocrats. The Fragility of Fortune This security rested on health and trade. Both were soon to fail.

Illness and Ruin

Illness and Ruin The House Becomes a Hospital Pinchus fell ill, Hannah Hayye lay in bed for two years, and the children sickened in turn. Money drained away to doctors and apothecaries. Pawned Silver and Satin The silver candlesticks, the featherbeds, and the mother's satin dress were sold. The family sank from wealth to a hired room. The Turning Point After partial recovery, Pinchus took a mill supervisor's position and the family briefly revived. Then the mill was lost and poverty returned.

Father's False Starts in America

Father's False Starts in America The Greenhorn's Apprenticeship Pinchus arrived with empty pockets and untrained hands. He peddled, worked, and failed as thousands of immigrants did. The Sordid Drama The man with the untidy beard carried citizenship papers in his bosom. He could not make a living in the new land. The Vision Remained Though business failed, his conviction in education never wavered. He sent for his family to begin the real American work.

The Chelsea Grocery on Arlington Street

The Chelsea Grocery on Arlington Street The Basement Store Pinchus rented a tenement with a store in the basement, put up a sign reading Strictly Cash, and gave credit indiscriminately. Hannah Hayye weighed and measured while learning English. The Cosey Kitchen The kitchen behind the store became the family's centre. Customers waited while the storekeeper salted the soup. A Thin Smile of Fortune Pinchus said, "One makes a living," with a shrug. Mary felt free to devote herself to school.

Wheeler Street and Dover Street Poverty

Wheeler Street and Dover Street Poverty The South End Slums The family moved from Wheeler Street to Dover Street, each tenement cheaper than the last. Rent was always in arrears and Mrs. Hutch came on Saturday. Joseph's Newspaper Money The only steady income was Joseph's earnings from selling newspapers. Pinchus aged as he offered himself for any work at a boy's wages. The Dragon Poverty Mary rebelled against the vulgarity of the slums and escaped to the public library. Poverty was a superficial, temporary matter if education could be seized.

Familial Investment in Mary's Future

Familial Investment in Mary's Future The Sacrificial Choice The family kept Mary in school while Frieda worked and Joseph sold papers. Rosenblum the grocer extended credit without complaint. The Immigrant Ethic A promising child was an investment in the future. The grocer and his wife pulled Goldie aside to point to Mary as an example. The Debt Repaid Mary eventually earned enough to pay Mrs. Hutch the arrears. The family's faith in education proved its worth.

before the family illnesses

a long chapter of years in Polotzk

the three years Pinchus lived in Boston before the family joined him

after the move from Crescent Beach to Chelsea

the years in the South End slums

throughout the Dover Street years