1923, one hundred years ago, my grandfather came to the U.S. His choice changed the course of our lives. In fact I would not exist if he had not had "Amerika Fever". His young wife, my grandmother, was not really as convinced so he went ahead alone with the promise to send for her and their young baby when he was established and made some money in the place whose "streets were paved with gold".
He traveled on the Bergensfjord, steerage class, headed for Ellis Island. He had 30 dollars and the address of an aunt in Chicago, What could go wrong?
He lived in the basement of the aunt. The Salvation Army had given him a table, rug and bed. He found a job in a Chicago brewery. There was a large Norwegian presence in the Humboldt Park area he lived in. Lots of Norwegian pubs and friends. Life looked great to him. He sent tickets home to his wife and baby. "Join me in Chicago".
Thank you Grandpa,
