Helping Irish Girls At Ellis Island - 1906
Introduction
The article "Helping Irish Girls at Ellis Island - 1906" discusses the efforts of the Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary to assist young Irish immigrant women arriving in New York. It details the support provided to these girls, including shelter, employment assistance, and protection against exploitation.
A Typical Italian Immigrant Family at Ellis Island. Photograph by Arthur Hewitt. The World's Work, October 1902. GGA Image ID # 14f9097c8d
During the past twelve months, the Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary opened its doors to nearly fifteen hundred Irish girls who had landed at Ellis Island. Of all the activities of the Church in this country, few are more effective or singularly attractive than this great work for the protection of young women on the threshold of a new life—one fraught with numerous perils for the innocent and inexperienced.
To fully realize what this mission does, one must make a personal visit to the State St. Home and watch the arrival of the groups of young girls after the immigration officials have permitted them to leave the Island.
Ellis Island, New York Harbor, is a great landing station for steerage passengers. Almost daily, thousands from every land may be seen here, gathered like anxious children at a mother's hem. The immigrants are accommodated in a handsome pile of buildings, well equipped and specially designed for their present use. Within this structure, the candidates are examined by federal officials under a system that has been improved year by year.
No longer in the lead in terms of numbers, Irish immigration is still significant, considering the population at home. According to the records in the statistics department at Ellis Island, the Irish Immigrants for the year preceding June 30, 1906, numbered 28,772, including 6,559 who were here before. In the total, there were 14,617 males and 14,155 females. Of these. 1,171 were under 14, 26,356 were between the ages of 14 and 44, and 1,245 were 45 years or over. The entire money brought amounted to $773,077.00.
From the beginning, the chief aim of the Mission of the Rosary has been to guard the faith and morals of the Irish Immigrant girl and, if necessary, to afford her temporary shelter and hospitality. This it has accomplished faithfully and well, with much other good besides. From continent to continent, its Influence extends. Steamship and railroad companies recognize this and, as a result, are more vigilant in protecting the immigrant.
The Mission has been established for twenty-three years, and from its founding to the present, every ship that brought Irish immigrants to New York was met at the landing by one or more of its representatives. The girls are interviewed briefly, their names and destinations recorded, and information helpful to their guidance and safety conveyed.
A friendly word from the priest, whose presence inspires confidence, an assurance that relatives will be notified, that with a bit of patience, everything will be well, and the heart is happier and the world much brighter. All the Irish girls not discharged before half-past four in the afternoon, as well as those going to points farther than New York but unable to resume their Journey, are taken to the Home and kept free of charge until reputable relatives or friends call for them, or until communication with such is established.
The Mission secures employment in good families for those who have no relatives or friends, as well as for those who have but who wish to get work without delay. It is well to add here that Protestant girls from Ireland, England, and Scotland have often been willing guests and that minor discrimination or interference with their religious beliefs has never been and will never be shown.
Within the last twelve months, the total number of girls received was 1,474, and 337 of these positions were obtained.
The maintenance cost is met chiefly by responses to the appeal in the annual report and from membership fees in the Rosary Society.
The moving spirit of this great work is the Rev. Michael .1. Henry, who has perhaps the most comprehensive circle of acquaintances in all America, for remote indeed is where his name Is not known and revered. In the last report of the Mission, this zealous director pays a tender tribute to the memory of Mr. Patrick McCool, who, for more than twenty years, had been the agent of the Mission at Ellis Island. "He served his country, and he loved his kind."
"Helping Irish Girls At Ellis Island" in Donahoe's Magazine, Volume LVI, No. 6, December 1906.
Conclusion
The Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Irish immigrant girls at Ellis Island. Through compassionate care and practical support, the mission facilitated their smooth transition into American society, helping them navigate the challenges of immigration.
Key Points
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🌍 Irish Immigrant Support: The mission assisted nearly 1,500 Irish girls in one year.
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🏠 Shelter and Safety: Provided temporary accommodation and ensured safe transport to destinations.
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📋 Employment Assistance: Helped secure jobs for 337 girls, supporting their economic independence.
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🙏 Religious and Moral Guidance: The mission offered spiritual support and maintained the faith and morals of the girls.
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🌐 Non-Discrimination: Assistance was provided regardless of religious background.
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👨👩👧👦 Family Communication: Facilitated communication with relatives, offering reassurance and support.
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👥 Dedicated Staff: The mission's staff met every ship carrying Irish immigrants, providing immediate assistance.
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💰 Funding: The mission's activities were funded through donations and membership fees.
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🛡️ Protection from Exploitation: The mission's presence helped prevent the exploitation of vulnerable young women.
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✝️ Legacy of Service: The mission, led by Rev. Michael J. Henry, had a long-standing tradition of service to the community.
Summary
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Overview of the Mission's Role: The Mission of Our Lady of the Rosary supported young Irish women immigrating to America through Ellis Island.
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Assistance Provided: The mission offered shelter, food, and guidance, helping girls transition into American life.
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Employment Opportunities: Many girls received help in finding jobs, promoting their self-sufficiency.
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Inclusive Support: Assistance was offered without religious discrimination, benefiting all in need.
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Communication and Reassurance: The mission facilitated contact with families, providing comfort and information.
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Daily Operations: Staff met each arriving ship, offering immediate support to the new arrivals.
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Funding and Donations: The mission relied on community support for funding.
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Preventing Exploitation: By providing a safe space, the mission protected girls from potential exploitation.
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Spiritual and Moral Support: The mission maintained a focus on spiritual well-being and moral guidance.
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Enduring Impact: The mission's efforts significantly impacted the lives of countless young women, helping them integrate into American society.
