Immigration

Lately, our town right outside of New York has been flooded with immigrants. There are a whole lot of Irish, a few German families, and then hundreds of Chinese young men. These immigrants have flooded the workplace, and they often offer to work at a much lower salary then the owners are paying their white workers now. Being from a minority ethnicity myself, I can sympathize; but when someone tries to take my husband's job I cannot stand for it! Not only that, but these workers are Catholic or worship some ungodly Chinese shrine. These immigrants are really bringing the American standard down a notch.

Wow!

The World's Fair really blew me away. The technology that was on display there was like something out of a movie. They had a television that they showed us, and they said soon this technology would be in every household in America. I really doubt that everyone will have a television soon, as it seems like it would be a luxury item for only the rich. Another thing that was really cool were the new advanced cars of the future. There was one that was for "the highways of tomorrow," which seemed odd to me because we don't have any highways now. I wonder how long it will take for these cars to actually get on the road. Overall, it was a great experience to be able to go and see all the different cultures and businesses that were presented. I would definitely go back again to see more.

The World's Fair

My husband and I are anxiously waiting to go to the World's Fair in New York City! It opens up tomorrow, and we cannot wait to go. Unfortunately, it is going to cost us both 75 cents to get in, but from what we are hearing it will be worth it to see the 'future of America'. I myself am rather interested in seeing the re-enactment of the George Washington presidential inauguration, and my husband is excited to see some of the exhibitions from other countries. We have heard that the new industrial designers have done a great job in displaying "The World of Tomorrow," which is something that I think everyone is interested in. Hopefully this fair will boost America's economy and help us to have a better understanding of other countries.

Going on Strike: Good Idea?

The workers at my husband's job have decided to go on strike for a shorter work day and for better wages. My husband came home and asked me if I thought it was a good idea for him to go on stike because he wasn't sure himself. I honestly don't know, because if it works then he will get paid better and won't have to work as long hours. But I have heard of strikes going horribly wrong and people have ended up dying. I don't want him to end up in the middle of that, and we can't have him lose his job either. The little money that I make will not be enough to support our family. What is he suposed to do?

New Car!

My family is very excited about our very first car. It is a black Ford Model T, and it works beautifully! It is a very high maintenence car though. You have to check and make sure that there is enough oil in it, and also enough kerosene in the lights to make sure that you can light the lamps. To start the car, you have to use the hand crank in the front which is too hard for me to do. I love riding in the car, though it does make me a little nervous when we are taking sharp turns. My husband loves to use the horn as he pulls up to the house to let me know that he is home. This will help my family out a lot because now my husband will not have to take the train to work everyday.

Guess Who Is Working For Ford!

I am very happy to say that my younger brother just got a job working in Ford's car manufacturing plant! He was chosen among the thousands of workers who tried to apply for the job. Not only did the owners of Ford think that he is a good strong, healthy worker; but they said that his style of living met the requirements of those who can work for Ford. He told me that he was put in production as part of the assembly line. I guess this is part of the whole scientific management process that the company is trying out. This job will really help him get enough money to start a family, as soon he may be earning $5 a day! I am so proud of you little brother, and I am sure Mom and Dad are too!

-Ruth

New Andrew Carnegie Steel Plant!

I cannot believe that a new steel plant is going to be built close by to us! The new business that the steel plant will bring will really help the economy in our area of New York. Already a site has been picked out and construction is being started. My husband went to see about employment for the project, and had to wait in a long line of young men (mostly immigrants) to see if he could get a job. Business has been slow along the Erie Canal lately, so it would be best if he could get a job in the fast growing steel industry. Hopefully the job will work out for him. My guess will be that because we will have a steel plant close by us, steel will not cost as much around here which will be a help; we need to save all the money we can. This plant should be a good thing for this family.