An Analysis of Lower Eastside Tenement Museum

... a middle class German population. This is when the area received its first name, when it was known as Little Germany. The second migration, 1880-1920s, was by Eastern European Jews. Shortly after this period the tenements were closed down, never to be re-opened again. Through the years of 1863-1935 there had been over seven thousand people living in these tenements, from over twenty-five different countries worldwide. The buildings held certain structures and guidelines. The buildings were to b twenty-five feet wide and one hundred feet deep. The zoning capacity of this area was eighteen hundred and eleven people. The tenements were five stories, consisting of twenty to twenty-two apartments. Each building had about two stores that sold groceries, shoes, clothing, and so on. As time went by few adjustments were made to the tenement to better the lives of the people in it. The addition of sinks, fireplaces, outdoor toilets, which later became indoor toilets, fire proofing, and ventilation were the major additions. The thorough tour of the Museum allowed the visitor to step into the shoes of a person who lived in them. Every family had its own luxuries, as well as their own hardships. A common theme during the time of the periods was the abandonment of the mother and children. Often, the men would leave their family behind in search of something better. In some cases the women were able to claim six hundred dollars for their husbands disappearance if they claimed that he had died. Although this sounds very unusual it was a common practice. The stories that each apartment told were different, but yet they all rested under a common theme. Times were hard, and the stories told by the tour guide enhanced the understandings for every familys difficulties. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bibliography