Respondent
Bloch, Minnie
Interview Date
Unknown
Abstract
Cigar Factory Mentions synagogue in Europe and provides biographical details. Respondent mentions pogrom that wrecked father's shop and loan that permitted his emigration. Respondent indicates relations with non-Jews. Respondent describes father's difficulties in U.S. and public assistance in Pittsburgh. Father's wage for public work on Schenley Park is indicated. Respondent details cost of father's room and board and of family's ship tickets. Respondent recounts being swindled in German bathhouse (in Yiddish). Respondent mentions stay in German speakeasy and explains replacement of stolen tickets. Respondent extensively recounts hardships during crossings of English Channel and the Atlantic Ocean. Cost of rented rooms and first meal in Pittsburgh are detailed.
[T1S2] Changes in religious observances are noted. Father's work and wages as rag peddler are indicated. Respondent indicates initial factory wages and describes hiding from inspectors. Strike picketing is mentioned; small tobacco companies are noted. Respondent discusses wages and union activities. Decline of the industry is discussed; its unionizers are enumerated. Unsanitary factory conditions, and its victims, are extensively described. Respondent indicates school attendance recounts acquiring English. Respondent's husband's education and political activities are described. Respondent discusses factory strikes. Marriage information is provided. Respondent mentions parents' reaction to non-religious son-in-law. Respondent's husband's shop and his dealings are recounted.
[T1S2] Changes in religious observances are noted. Father's work and wages as rag peddler are indicated. Respondent indicates initial factory wages and describes hiding from inspectors. Strike picketing is mentioned; small tobacco companies are noted. Respondent discusses wages and union activities. Decline of the industry is discussed; its unionizers are enumerated. Unsanitary factory conditions, and its victims, are extensively described. Respondent indicates school attendance recounts acquiring English. Respondent's husband's education and political activities are described. Respondent discusses factory strikes. Marriage information is provided. Respondent mentions parents' reaction to non-religious son-in-law. Respondent's husband's shop and his dealings are recounted.
Subjects
Immigrants--Travel--Personal narratives; Labor unions; Tobacco industry
Birth Date
1890
City
Prosnakovic (Soval province)
Country
Russian Poland
Emigration Date
1900
Profession
Stogie factory worker
Work
Standard Cigar Company
Residence
Hill District, Fifth Ave.; South Hills
Occupation (father)
Blacksmith, Rag peddler
Length (hours)
1
Collateral Materials
None
Identifier
ais196440.046
Rights
All rights reserved. University of Pittsburgh
Reproductions