ELLIS ISLAND OVERCROWDING / IMMIGRATION ISSUES
One hundred years ago today, the News dedicated a full page of photos to the problems on Ellis Island, where increased immigration was threatening to swamp the facilities.
Daily News 1 October, 1920, p. 13. Chronicling America.
Note: we previously mentioned problems on Ellis Island in our post about 1920 passports. Immingration and Ellis Island have arisen in numerous posts.
The increase in immigration was raising concerns about other NYC issues, such as the housing crunch.
Daily News 30 September, 1920, p. 8. Chronicling America.
Despite these concerns, the NY papers showed enthusiasm for the new arrivals. And the Immigration Commission, under its new (as of January 1) leader Frederick Wallis, welcomed the immigrants with “Mammoth lunch boxes” for sale, one dollar each, and with free concerts.
Evening World, 13 September, 1920, p.13. Chronicling America.
One such concert featured the popular singer Helene Kanders.
Evening World, 9 October, 1920, p.3. Chronicling America.
And of course, as we have reported previously, the the Salvation Army was present at Ellis Island to offer up donuts.
WRITTEN BY JONATHAN GOLDMAN, OCTOBER 1, 2020
TAGS: Ellis Island, immigration, housing