NEWS ARTICLES ON IMMIGRANTS
The Poles in New Britain: articles mentioned in a Federal Writers’ Project finished in 1940 by Stan Dabrowski
Interest in ethnic studies isn’t just a post-
Roots
happening. Several Connecticut writers did projects for the Federal government as employment projects during the Depression of the 1930’s. This material was gathered by one man about New Britain. Unfortunately, the
New Britain Records
are not all still in existence. Some are in the State Library on Capitol Avenue in Hartford. You might wish to verify some of his stories.
Jan. 14, 1897 Polish Births in New Britain in 1896 amounted to 52.
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April 7, 1893 Eight Polish laborers employed by a mason contractor went on strike. Earned only 25 cents a day, and contractor claims they weren’t worth that much.
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Nov. 7, 1895 Beer and Broken Glass.
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Angry Poles Charge on A Crowd of Boys..Stone Thrown Through the Windows of the Old N. Lee Shirt Factory. Tells of Poles bothered by youngsters . . . Poles were supposed to be making merry and were annoyed . . . details.
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Nov.11, 1895 Another Polish Fight. Details . . . Judge Andrew gave the Poles some good advice about the evils of intemperance and told them to let liquor alone.
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APRIL 23, 1892 Editorial Nearly 50 Polish immigrants arrived in this town last week. Tells editorially what they were thought of, their using up other people’s jobs for less money. Referred to as “human live-stock”.
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Dec. 26, 1895 A Big Polish Fight. On Myrtle street..took half police force to quell . . . details.
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July 21, 1893 On advertising letters to foreigners. The number of Poles in the city with unpronouncalbe names makes distribution difficult.
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Jan. 4, 1896 Story throwing light on Rev. Kaminsky, who tried to organize another Polish parish on Chestnut street. Bishop Tierney disapproves of him.
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August 7, 1897 Poles Leaving Town for Old Country to get away from depression. (Extracted in whole) Gives reasons why.
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Oct. 7, 1897 Page 4 Col. 2 Y M C A Opening.
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Oct. 22, 1897 Polish Laborers Hire Their Own Conveyances to Ride To Work. Tells how several Poles got fired from a city job because they secured one of their own countrymen to take them to and from work, rather than do it from an Irish firm, at higher wages, without telling the foreman.
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Oct. 26, 1894 Pole calls at Record office and Makes Unwarranted Attack on Human Language. (Treatment of article shows prejudice against this Pole. Extracted in full for future use)
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Nov. 2, 1894 There are 1000 members in the Polish parish who bought land from Horace Booth to build church. Rev. Misicki is at present in charge. The site was on Lafayette Street, 100x200 feet, for $1,500 dollars.
Oct. 26, 1897 An Italian boy arrested this afternoon for absence from school. The boy was locked up for a short time at the police station while he was under lock and key he did more than cry and yell. Finally the boy’s father took him home and promised to have him in school later on.
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1. What example does he give of newspaper bias against the Poles? What prejudice are they encountering?
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2. What work-related difficulties do they have?
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3. What example does he give of cooperation and growth within the Polish community?
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4. What seems to be the position of Sacred Heart Church in the Polish Community?
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5. What areas of the city are mentioned?
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6. Is there a pattern to be seen in the immigration of Poles?
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7. What will be the next immigrant group to arrive in large numbers?
8. In a paragraph, summarize what seems to be the pattern for life of the new immigrant groups. Do you think this pattern would hold true for others?