.Sharing ~ Learning ~ Growing ............................... The World Stories Project.

A Time Past continued

My grandparents came to the United States with a hope that life would be better for them and their family. The family dynamic did not change with the move. They were sponsored by my grandfather's brother, who had been here for several years. My great-uncle had gotten an apartment and a job ready for my grandfather. They arrived in Manchester, New Hampshire with what little they had to a new beginning. The apartment was on Manchester's west side. Around the early 1900's this area of town was called "Little Canada". Everyone on the west side spoke French, so communication was never a problem, as long as they stayed on the west side of the Merrimack. You could shop in any store and get what you wanted by using French. The West Siders had difficulty getting loans to buy houses, so St. Mary's Bank was started by the French pastor of St. Marie's church. Now, West Side families could save money and get the homes on the West Side. My grandparents were no different. They worked hard and saved enough money to buy a three decker on Rimmon Street.

Grandfather joined the workforce in the mills and learned the English language. He was smart and went up in the ranks to become foreman in the Amoskeag Mills. My grandparents were proud of their heritage, and taught their children that with hard work you can be successful and better yourself. Grandfather worked an eight hour day five days a week. The Amoskeag Corporation would allow their workers to use lots (usually 50 by 50 foot lots) of land to grow vegetables. Grandfather was given permission to have two lots, because of the size of his family. One lot was on Youville Street (no house yet), and the second lot was what is now called Derryfield Park. After working all day he and the children would go and work on the gardens. They had no car so the only means of transportation was their feet. They walked everywhere and during harvesting time they used wagons to help carry their produce home. My grandmother would can the vegetables for the winter. They dried fruit on the shed roof for the winter. Wood was cut for fuel. Wood stoves were used for heat as well as for cooking. You might wonder who took care of the young children, it was the older children. As you see the family worked together. My grandparents had high expectations for their children. Their children, my mother included, would never have disappointed them.

As you can see, everybody had a stake in the family dynamics. They relied on each other, which made for a close relationship. They knew that the family grew, prospered, and cared for each other. The siblings always kept in contact and knew that they could rely on family. As one of sixty-seven grandchildren I have been nourished by these thoughts. We, the grandchildren, are all hard workers, but now in many different fields of study. Education was a priority to my parents. These were opportunities that made life easier for them, were lessons that showed us that work, caring and education go hand in hand. We look at life and try to carry on the torch that is our true heritage.

This is only one story, as they say, "there are many untold stories in the naked city?", that might be entertaining, but this is from the heart, where my parents and grandparents will always have a special place. I will never forget the past, because in ensures my future.

Louise- Retired Teacher - Manchester, New Hampshire, USA back to home page