Castle Garden as a Matrimonial Market - 1885
Introduction
The article "Castle Garden as a Matrimonial Market - 1885" provides a fascinating look into a lesser-known aspect of the immigration experience at Castle Garden in the late 19th century. It explores how Castle Garden, New York's primary immigration station, became an informal matrimonial market where newly arrived immigrants, particularly women, were often sought after by men for marriage. The article sheds light on the social dynamics and economic considerations that influenced these marriages, as well as the implications for the immigrants involved.
A Farmer from the Interior Seeking a Wife at Castle Garden, New York. Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine, June 1885. GGA Image ID # 14bd0b013f
A novel industry has recently emerged at Castle Garden in New York City—the practice of wife-hunting among the emigrant girls. This unique phenomenon, where individuals seek wives without the traditional courtship process, is gaining attention. The Superintendent is now receiving letters almost daily from those interested in this unconventional approach to marriage.
In these instances, the girl, who is initially seeking employment through the Labor Bureau, is called for a review. The applicants then make their selection and begin the process of gaining the consent of their chosen ones for a swift marriage. The Labor Bureau, a key player in this unique process, plays a significant role in facilitating these unions.
One person, George W. Dabler, writes from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., that he cannot find a suitable woman for a wife in that neighborhood and regards Castle Garden as his last resort.
His pleas that the names of one or more emigrant girls may be sent to him, with whom he can correspond, are very touching. But he is a most fastidious suitor and details very minutely the appearance and character of such a one as it would be possible for him to make Mrs. Dabler.
She must be a "full-blooded German, "and he denotes the height, weight, hair color, eyes, etc., the woman of his choice must possess.
A number of women, having read of the unsuccessful search for applicants at Castle Garden, have written to Superintendent Jackson, informing him that they can be had for the asking.
We append two of these letters as illustrations of the new style of literature that has developed in connection with this marriage bureau. One woman writes:
"Bondout, Aug 2Sth 1884. "Manager Connolly of the Labor Bureau Castle Garden
"Dear Sir—having read In the morning Journal of N Y the statement of Daniel Shugone the Farmer and others—also, looking for a wife and being refused by the Emigrant girls—I would say that If the Gentleman Is in Earnest in his request and really in search of a wife—and would like to secure a perfect wife he might be suited up in this direction.
I would like to hear from Mr. Shugone. I am a respectable widow thirty-four years of age. I was raised on a farm and understood all the work of the feminine part of the business. However, I am poor and sometimes struggle to make ends meet.
I follow the trade of Dressmaking for a living—but am heartily tired of the struggle for Bread and lonely, and nothing would suit me better than the free and happy life on a farm—If you would show my letter to Mr. Shugone—and tell him I should like to hear from him—I should be grateful—and if you would like my letter to be made I public you are at liberty to do so only please do not give my real name In It—I would not want my name to appear in the papers— hoping to hear from Mr. Shugone and with many thanks to you for what trouble this will be to you.
"I am with much respect, Mrs. Bondout Ulster Co N T."
Evidently determined that her application should not miscarry, the woman the next day wrote directly to the object of her interest, as follows:
"Bondout Aug 29th, 1884
"Mr. Daniel F. Shugone
"Dear Sir—Having read about you are trying to secure the release of Miss Ella Laraboe, the notorious Burglar of Brooklyn, to make her your wife—I ventured to write to you to try and persuade you to think better of your resolve for believe me such a woman would never make a good wife for a farmer— and should you marry her you would be likely to repent of it In dust and ashes—I think that if you are In earnest and want a real good wife and one that is familiar with all work about a farm—you would not regret it if you should send me a letter. I shall be happy to hear from you at your earliest convenience.
"Address Mrs. _____, "Rondout Lister Co NY.
"Please do not allow this to be made public and oblige
Yours respectfully
"Manager Conolly,
"Dear Sir—Please be so kind as to hand this to Mr. Daniel F Shugone, and please do not make It Public."
"Castle Garden as a Matrimonial Market," in Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine, New York: Frank Leslie's Publishing House, Vol. XVII, No. 6, June 1885, pp. 543-544.
Castle Garden: A Unique Matrimonial Market in 1885
The article “Castle Garden as a Matrimonial Market – 1885” unveils a fascinating chapter of immigrant history, showcasing how New York’s primary immigration station became an informal venue for matchmaking. With its bustling Labor Bureau and the influx of hopeful newcomers, Castle Garden transformed into an unconventional matrimonial market, drawing interest from far and wide. This page offers rich insights for teachers, students, genealogists, family historians, and immigration enthusiasts, presenting a compelling perspective on the intersection of immigration, societal norms, and economic survival.
Why This Page Is Vital for Educators and Historians
- For Teachers and Students:
- Delve into the social and economic dynamics of immigrant life in the late 19th century.
- Explore how immigration hubs like Castle Garden adapted to meet both practical and personal needs.
- For Genealogists and Family Historians:
- Discover potential clues about ancestral marriages, including motivations and circumstances that shaped these unions.
- Learn how matchmaking at Castle Garden influenced family narratives and settlement patterns.
- For Immigration Enthusiasts:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how immigrants navigated their new world, balancing economic pressures and personal aspirations.
Key Highlights
Castle Garden as a Matchmaking Hub
- Immigrant women, particularly those seeking work through the Labor Bureau, became the focus of matchmaking efforts by prospective suitors.
- Farmers and men from rural areas, unable to find wives locally, often turned to Castle Garden, writing detailed letters to the Superintendent outlining their ideal match.
Letters from Hopeful Applicants
- Personal letters to Castle Garden’s officials highlight the era’s romantic and practical considerations for marriage.
- Examples include widows seeking a better life on a farm or men specifying detailed physical and cultural traits desired in a wife.
Social and Economic Implications
- These unions were often driven by necessity: women sought stability and security, while men needed partners to share the workload in rural settings.
- The process reflects the resourcefulness of immigrants in adapting to their new environment and finding solutions to personal challenges.
Why This Story Matters
Castle Garden’s role as an informal matrimonial market reveals a lesser-known aspect of immigration history, highlighting the human connections forged amidst the challenges of starting anew. It offers a unique lens into the immigrant experience, emphasizing resilience, resourcefulness, and the universal pursuit of companionship.
Call to Action
Explore this page to uncover the heartwarming and thought-provoking stories of love, survival, and adaptation at Castle Garden. This perspective on immigration history is invaluable for understanding the lives and legacies of the millions who passed through its doors, shaping America’s future.
