Reaching Lady Liberty: Imagining my Great-Grandmother's Journey to the New World

Written by Bessie about United States. Feelin' thoughtful

My mouth nearly dropped open, when I saw her. I looked out the window across the glimmering water from my host's apartment to see her standing on her pedestal. Her glowing torch in hand, the Statue of Liberty called to me.

Boats passed through the Hudson, and I couldn't help but to be transported, thinking of generations before me. I imagined my great-grandmother, Bessie who I'm named for, with other relatives from Eastern Europe aboard a ship, seeing Lady Liberty for the first time. What would they have felt? Excitement? Trepidation? Relief? I imagine them overwhelmed with disbelief as they neared Ellis Island, finally seeing the land they'd dreamt about. Soon they'd be stepping into their new lives, leaving their past behind them.

A few days later, Kyle and I stood in line slowly shuffling, feeling the 90' heat. "I could imagine other ways to be spending the day in NYC," he huffed. But I persisted, "We'll take the tour now, and I promise we'll head anywhere you want later".

As we floated along, I found myself surrounded by a melting pot of ethnicities. How fitting. A mexican girl spoke with her family and took my picture. Bits of Hindi, German, and French whipped around me. Jewish men held onto their kippahs, and Indian women straightened their saris. We all smiled for our camera phones.

As expected, children aboard the Statue Cruise boat jumped in their foam crowns, eager to reach the island. Once there, Lady Liberty didn't disappoint. She stands dignified, welcoming guests to her island. Cameras abounded, and I grabbed as many as I could, taking photos of visitors as excited as I was to reach this spot.

Next stop: Ellis Island. As we pulled into the dock. I imagined my great-grandmother again. How she would have stepped onto solid land after weeks aboard her ship. The smells would be gone, but she'd imagine the sway of the boat for days.

She'd be renamed - Peshi was too Old World; She'd be Bessie now in the New World. She'd have a medical examination and maybe get a hair cut. She'd sign an entry book, and she'd pose for a photo. Here began a new life.

The museum on Ellis Island was filled with larger than life photographs of immigrants that had passed through there a 100 years ago. Their eyes were doe-like, hesitant, and full of anticipation. Photos showed the hard lives of immigrants in the New World: working in factories, living with extended family under one roof, and looking toward a brighter future. I can't say what kind of life my great-grandmother Bessie would have wanted for her namesake: opportunities, health, love? All I can say is I'm proud to be here appreciating her journey.

A few photos from the Museum.

Waiting to enter Ellis Island.

Children reaching Ellis Island.

A new arrival to Ellis Island.

Men displaying their New World riches.

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July 08, 2010 mumsie: My Bessie, Grandpa would have been so touched if he knew that one day you would visit Ellis Island and think of his Mother Bessie (Peshi) arriving in the United States for the first time! And your 16-yr old great-great grandmother, 7-yr old great grandmother and, later, your 17-yr old great grandfather. I'm sure that you and Kyle can appreciate the differences they experienced in language, culture, environment. And homesickness... It's great to have you back in Chicago for a while! :)

July 12, 2010 Bessie: It was a really cool thing to experience, and I think I do look at it differently than used to since we've been traveling and out of the country so much. There's nothing like the feelings of missing home and the nostalgia it brings. I think it was a brave step to take to move to a new land - not to mention a big sacrifice - even if you were in search of new opportunity.

July 08, 2010 Shannon OD: I didn't make it to Ellis Island this time to NYC but those old photos are just amazing as you had mentioned! I have no doubt that your grandmother would have been so pleased to see the life you are able to lead now thanks to her decision to make it to America :-)

July 12, 2010 Bessie: Thanks Shannon, I definitely suggest a visit to Ellis Island. Historic tourist site are a bit more interesting now that I've been traveling. I've seen many beautiful sites in other countries, and it's making them more exciting to see back home.

July 08, 2010 Earl: I don't think I've ever made it to Ellis Island or even the Statue of Liberty despite dozens of trips to NYC. It's always been hard to think of it as anything more than a tourist sight these days but this post sure puts it into a bit more perspective. Well written story Bessie and a great way to honor those who made our lives possible!

July 12, 2010 Bessie: Thanks, Earl. Glad to have an audience to share it with. Kyle started out more in your camp of not wanting to get ushered through a tourist site, but he came out a bit converted. Especially if you can trace family history passing through Ellis Island, it makes it a cool place to visit. The museum upstairs is really worth a visit!

August 10, 2010 Linda: The Statue of Liberty is an inspiring and awesome site....even for an American. Until you stand at her feet, you cannot get a good perspective of her size. I can only imagine what seeing her meant to incoming newcomers after leaving unhappy conditions elsewhere. She really tugged at Dad and my heartstrings when we visited in October, 2001 with the twin towers still smouldering in the background.

August 12, 2010 Bessie: I'm sure your visit was quite moving - even under normal circumstances she's impactful, but those would be even more so!

And I think you're right, it's the historical significance that makes it such an important place to visit. Such amazing history!