Migrations Through the Boston Slums

The family's restless movement from one immigrant quarter to another in their search for a living.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Union Place in the West End

Union Place in the West End The Alley That Looked Glorious Union Place was a short box of an alley off Wall Street, but to the new arrivals it looked like two rows of palaces. Brick was underfoot instead of earth. Three Rooms and a Rocking Chair The flat held only the necessary beds, wooden chairs, and a mysterious iron stove. Everything was American and therefore glorious. Lessons on the Street Neighbors taught the family to use the stove, the washboard, and the speaking-tube. They learned to trade with the fruit peddler through the window.

The Basement Store in Chelsea

The Basement Store in Chelsea Arlington Street Chelsea's wrong end was inhabited by poor Jews, poor Negroes, and poor Irish. Pinchus rented a tenement with a store in the basement. Strictly Cash He put up a gilt-lettered sign and gave credit indiscriminately. The good customers paid on Saturday and the bad ones did not. A Cosey Kitchen The kitchen behind the store hosted customers who waited while Hannah Hayye salted the soup. The family was at home.

Wheeler Street in the South End

Wheeler Street in the South End The Crooked Lane The family moved to Wheeler Street, a dirty lane between a saloon and houses of ill repute. Mary was fourteen and pronounced it good. The Arc Lamp and the Sidewalk The space under the arc lamp was the neighborhood playground. Mary played tag with the boys and watched the saloon's side door. Morgan Chapel She went to Morgan Chapel for free concerts and admired Brother Hotchkins in spite of herself. The mission was soap and water for the slums.

Dover Street Tenement

Dover Street Tenement Five Small Rooms Dover Street meant five small rooms up two flights, with a windowless air-tight bedroom and a kitchen overlooking a dirty court. Rent was a standing trouble. The Noisy House Mrs. Rasnosky scolded, fat Mrs. Casey came home drunk, and a scabby baby fell out of bed. The neighborhood was a rubbish heap of damaged humanity. The Escape Route Mary ran away to the South Boston Bridge and the public library. The slums taught her the meaning of poverty and possibility.

Rosenblum's Grocery Credit

Rosenblum's Grocery Credit The Poor Grocer's Faith Mr. Rosenblum supplied the Antin family with tea, sugar, and whatever they needed on credit. He accepted partial payment with thanks. The Embryo Scholar He detained Pinchus to discuss Mary's future and called his wife to hear of her triumphs. He urged his own daughter to follow Mary's example. The Immigrant Ethic It was wretched economics but noble faith. The grocer helped keep Mary in school for years.

the first two weeks after arrival in Boston

after moving to Chelsea

after leaving Chelsea

after Frieda's marriage

the Harrison Avenue years