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My Birth
I, Julia Feeny, was born in Ireland. Growing up was difficult. Fourteen of my family members lived with me in a one room house. We could not afford anything better. The land we tried to farm was rocky. It did not grow many crops. Food was scarce and money was tight. I came to America to escape poverty. I hope to gain a better life. I am writing this down so I never forget where I came from. -
Arriving in Ellis Island
The first thing I saw when I arrived in America was the Statue of Liberty. It was so tall its arm seemed to touch the sky. I could feel butterflies in my stomach. I am happy to be here, but scared at the same time. When we got off the boat there was a huge line of people waiting to be checked by doctors. The wait took forever, and I was very glad when it was over. After sending a letter home, we went, exhausted, to the place we were assigned to stay in. -
Beginning Life in New York
After seven days, we were cleared to leave. We went to New York City with nothing, not even a penny. Immediately I started looking for a job. I found one in a clothing factory, but the pay wasn't enough to support my husband I. When he continued to look for a job, someone from Tammany Hall gave him one. They even gave us food and money to pay rent. We don't know why they are being so generous, but we can use all the help we can get. The opportunities of America are overwhelming. -
Prejudice
Many people in New York City are prejudice against the Irish. My husband makes less money than some of the other builders he works with. When he tried to get a better job, he was told that Irish were not allowed to apply. I always thought that America was a land of opportunity. Being rejected is terrible. I need to find a way to fit in. I am closely studying the way other Americans talk so I can attempt to change my accent. I will do whatever it takes to fit in. -
Factory Fire
Deadly Factory Fire
Today something terrible happened. Near the end of my shift at the factory I work in, a fire started. All of the fire company's hoses and ladders were too short. The doors were locked so we couldn't get out. It was horrifying to watch some of the women I work with jump out the 8th story window. Many people died. I am very thankful that I survived. -
Fire Safety
Fire Safety
It's been almost twenty years since the fire at my factory job in New York City. Now, the laws are changing. Workers are going to have fire drills. That way, in case of a real fire, they will know what to do. On top of that, sprinkler systems will be installed throughout the city. This will make extinguishing fires much easier. These changes are a huge relief and make me feel much safer.
