Free Bird

March 4, 1906
I saw a free robin today out in the pasture today, before we left Sweden. That's what I want for me, Holly Rubin. We are going to America today. Papa is already in America, waiting for us. Papa wrote to us saying: "I have an apartment already for you. It's small but you will be in the Golden Country soon, just like me." I don't want to leave, but I know Mama and Papa only talked about how wonderful America would be. I don't know what's so exciting, after all it is just another country. I love Sweden, with its pretty mountains and hills, I could never leave........................................

March 17, 1906
We have just reached Ellis Island, New York. We have been standing in lines for hours. I tell Mama, "I'd much rather sleep on the floor." "No you can't. It's filthy, besides we'll be home soon. Now hush!" My four older brothers: Jacob, Fred, Carlos, and Julian are just as exhausted as I am. The doctors, all day long, inspect us and ask us questions. "The doctors stare at you, and always watch the way you walk, be careful. Whatever you say or do, they will remember." This is what Papa tells us in his letters. I walk quickly and gracefully as I can. Mama does the same and so do my brothers. I feel their eyes upon us. "If they inspect a disease on you, (examples: lameness, heart disease, and so on), they mark you on your shoulder with a piece of chalk. (Example: L for lameness, H for heart disease)." Mama tripped on a bag, luckily wasn't hurt. But they did inspect her leg. "You'd think we would get sick from all that." I muttered. Mama's leg wasn't hurt, and so we were passed on.

April 1, 1906
After long days and hours on Ellis Island, we fianally made it to our tenament apartment. Papa showed us three rooms: the kitchen, the parlor, and one bedroom. Us kids will sleep in the parlor, while our parents will sleep in the bedroom. Papa also showed us the sink, with RUNNING WATER!!! Mama is so excited! She says it's much easier than having a well. Papa says there are free schools that we can attend, all except for Jacob. He is past 14, and will work in the Uptown Coat Factory with Papa. The law says a child under 14, can't work. Fred will turn 14 soon, he says he can't wait.

April 10, 1906
Papa and Jacob get paid 5 cents a day! Papa brought home 10 cents! We are so happy. Fred, Carlos, Julian, and I attended school today. We are placed in lower classes, until we learn proper English. Here are some words I know so far that I can write:
I like cats.
Mama says she is so proud of me. I told her I wanted to be a teacher when I grow up. I told her it's  a BIG  start for me.

April 16, 1906
A  lot has happened. School is out for 3 weeks of spring break. Fred had a birthday last week April 13. He now has a job. He works in a shoe store where he shines and fixes shoes all day long. He earns a dollar a day!!! Our family is proud of him. We are going to have a small party for him tomorrow. Mama bought a small icebox with the money we've earned. I guess I was wrong, America IS the Golden Country. I saw a bird yesterday in Madison's Square Park with Carlos. "Look at that bird. He's free, just like us. Free bird. Free in America."


THE END

Children worked in factories, such as young as this girl.

Ellis Island, another known as Inspection Island.

Mother and her children in America.

Families on a baot to america.