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Birthday
Espen Bendixen was born on May 21st, 1847 in Norway. Life in Norway is tough at this time. Jobs outside the farm were scarce. Espen had 3 older brothers that left home at 18 and two of them married into a rich family. His father died when Espen was just a boy so he had lots of responsibily. After his mother died in 1846, the farm now only had him and his one other brother to help with the upkeep and it just wasnt worth it. Epspen then made the desicion to move to America and start a new life. -
Dorm Room at Castle Gardens
Since Espens train wouldnt go out until the next day, he had to stay in the dorm rooms. They were seperated by men and women. The children stayed in the womens dormitary. The rooms werent in the best conditions, but he knew that it would be better than the ship on which he had been on the night before. Beds lined the large rooms. The lines for the bathrooms where what seemed like miles long. Later there was an optional meal that cost $1 per person for a small bit of meat and afew vegtables. -
Boat experience
Espen Bendixen arrived here on a boat. The voyage here wasnt a very pleasant one. It was probably a first experience for him. Common boats used for transportation were coal boats, large dirty boats. Seasickness was common. At first Espen wasnt used to sailing and he did puke over board but after afew days he was fine. Other deseases were common on these populated boats and that caused it to spread and get worse. Passengers slept in narrow bunks that moved about the cabin as the boat rocked. -
Arriveing on Ellis ISland
Entering Ellis Island, Espen was greeted by Lady Liberty and was overjoyed. This was where his now life would begin. Espen filed into Castle Gardens where he would be given a medical exam. He waited for around 5 hours for his turn. Later he traded Norweigian money for US money and ended up with around $75 cash. Then he bought a train ticket to New York city where soon to be buildings were abundant. Espen is very excited to start his new life. -
Meeting Boss Tweed
On the train to New York city, Esepn ran into Boss Tweed who offered him the job that he wanted, a construction worker. His next project will be a houseing building in the city. Boss Tweed convinces him to vote in his favor. He also hooks Espen up with a cheap appartment. That ensured that he would vote in his favor. Boss Tweew has now completed his mission. Espen will later discover that he was a scam artist just looking for his vote. -
Working in the cities.
Espen's experience in the city hasnt been great but better than back in Norway. Working on the high skyscrapers is a hard job that takes lots of balance. One of his other immigrant friends already broke a leg falling from a second story rail. Falling any higher up wouldve been fatal. The city is a very dirty place that needs work in order for people to enjoy living there. But Espen eventually got used to it and is now very greatful for the oppertunity he was gotten in the free world, America.
