Tag Archives: Immigrants

The First Seven Years

Posted on September 1, 2016 by vanbytheriver

“Give me a child for the first seven years, and you may do what you like with him afterwards.” St. Ignatius Loyola. In honor of that belief, I’d like to repost a piece of writing dedicated to the woman who … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Entertainment, Family, Food, Home | Tagged Czechoslovakia, Ellis Island, Immigrants, Jesuit Saying, St.Ignacius Loyola | 85 Comments

Babushka

Posted on May 21, 2015 by vanbytheriver

It’s a Russian term of endearment for Grandmother. It’s also used to describe those nesting dolls we remember. For me, it was something else. It meant that it was raining, snowing or windy, and I’d be wearing one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Education, Family, home | Tagged 1950's, Babushka, Catholic School, Head Scarf, Immigrants, Nesting Dolls, Russian | 52 Comments

Sophie’s Choice

Posted on January 6, 2015 by vanbytheriver

It was an Oscar-winning performance from Meryl Streep. It also described a life choice made by my great-grandmother. The movie was released on VHS right about the time of the birth of my first child. It was about the 3rd … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Childhood, Family, Memories | Tagged Auschwitz, Brooklyn, Budapest, Holocaust, Hungary, Immigrants, Kevin Kline, Meryl Streep, Oscar Winner, Peter MacNicol, Sofia, Sophie's Choice | 2 Comments

The Steamer Trunk

Posted on November 12, 2014 by vanbytheriver

After the death of my father, there was very little from my childhood home that I really wanted. The piano I grew up with had already been given away to a small neighborhood church that my grandparents had supported. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Depression, Photography | Tagged 1920's, Chester County, Childhood, Czechoslovakia, Depression, Ellis Island, Farming, Hungary, Immigrants, Pennsylvania, Photo Album, Steamer Trunk | Leave a comment

The Twenty Year Suicide

Posted on November 3, 2014 by vanbytheriver

The Great Depression of 1929 hit my family in a big way. My grandfather lost his farm, lost his mind. Would it have been better if he had taken a gun to his head ? This has occurred to me … Continue reading →

Posted in Depression, Mental Health | Tagged Bank Repossession, Embreeville, Guns, Hunting, Immigrants, Mental Health Industry, Mortgage Foreclosure, Suicide, The Great Depression | 6 Comments

Paprikash

Posted on October 31, 2014 by vanbytheriver

My grandparents were immigrants from Eastern Europe, mostly Hungary and Czechoslovakia, who came here for a better life. They brought with them a rich culture, which was reinforced when they settled in ethnically diverse communities such as my home in … Continue reading →

Posted in Childhood, Family, Food, home, Memories | Tagged Billy Crystal, Chicken, Czechoslovakia, Dumplings, Eastern Europe traditions, Ethnic Cuisine, Hungary, Immigrants, Native Language, Paprikash, Steelworker, When Harry Met Sally | 9 Comments

Chester County Farm

Posted on January 31, 2012 by vanbytheriver

While living out West shortly after marriage, and feeling a bit homesick, I came across a copy of an Andrew Wyeth painting called “Chester County Farm” Most of his works are on display in Chadds Ford, PA , very near … Continue reading →