New Immigrants Spend Christmas At Ellis Island
Introduction
The article "Christmas at Ellis Island" from February 1908 captures the experience of 1,600 immigrants spending Christmas at the immigration station. It describes the festivities, including Christmas trees, music, and gift distribution, organized to bring joy to the detained immigrants.
Emigrants in "Pens" at Ellis Island, New York, Probably On or Near Christmas (Note the Decorations). Photograph shows room filled with immigrants sitting in numbered pens. c1906 Underwood & Underwood. Library of Congress # 2012646352. GGA Image ID # 1483f97a23
Every Congregationalist has heard the name Ellen Stone and remembers the year of her exile and the excitement caused by the raising of the ransom; the wonderful return with Madame Sitka and the baby born in captivity has hardly ceased to be the subject of conversation.
Magazines have devoted columns to editorials, remarks friendly and sarcastic as to the value and expense of missionaries are still being made by. a critical world. Miss Stone never tells the story herself or refers to the experience without expressing the greatest anxiety to return to her girls, that company of attractive, promising Bulgarian maidens just emerging into the joy and freedom of Christian womanhood because she introduced them to that beautiful message.
Christmas Eve, sixteen hundred immigrants were detained at Ellis Island. Some were waiting for friends who had not appeared, some were penniless, some were ill, and families had been separated because of the measles, which, like an evil spirit, had taken possession on shipboard.
One mother, a Russian who could neither read nor write, had seen her husband and three children start for Nebraska while she, with the two youngest, was taken to the contagious ward. Some needed help to pass the Government examination. The fatal chalk mark on the coat sleeve meant "excluded," and the next ship would take them back. There were many and various causes all combined to bring under one roof a company representing every nationality in the world.
The Government and the missionary world joined hands to make the day a truly Christian Christmas. Nine brilliantly lighted trees, decorated in the most approved Santa Claus style, greeted brown eyes and blue eyes, eyes sad, expectant, frightened, and excited.
Commissioner Watchorn had arranged a program of music and speeches in various languages, and while most of it was unintelligible to the visiting guests, people all over the room would suddenly rise when the words of their mother tongue floated down from the central stand.
The children were delighted with the light and the color. Many had never before seen a Christmas tree. But the enjoyment was quiet and subdued. America is an extraordinary place, and Ellis Island is surrounded by water; still, it does not rock like a ship. One can never tell what is going to happen.
Many older faces, strong in the faith that found the courage to leave home, friends, and compatriots, sustained by the hope of better opportunities for their children, quivered and sobbed quietly when the music stirred memories that courage could not crush. The distribution of presents came last.
Everyone from the tiniest baby to the oldest man received a gift: candy, oranges, toys, soap, handkerchiefs, etc. Not one was overlooked or passed by. Over on the other side of the Island, in the corridor of the hospital, was another tree laden with gifts prepared by loving hands for some who were too ill to be moved. The tree was placed where tired eyes could see its beauty day and night.
The simplest toy seemed glorified in such surroundings. Three days later, that tree remained unstripped, for a dolly or a teddy bear would sometimes journey to a little cot for a short visit, then return to its place of honor, ready to sally forth when the pain was not so severe.
What does Christmas mean at Ellis Island? What will it mean to this company one year from now? One year from now, many of these men will be voting, the children will have learned English, and what else? What does this have to do with Miss Stone?
Why, simply this, America has already drawn a dividend on an investment. There is a Congregational missionary at Ellis Island, interpreting in many languages and helping at every turn. She dressed one of the trees and helped distribute the presents. She has faith, courage, and a steadfast purpose that shrinks at nothing we term self-sacrifice. She is the only native Bulgarian. She is there because of three separate influences.
Years ago, the women of the congregational churches sent Miss Stone to Bulgaria as a foreign missionary. This is one of her girls. One year ago, there was a curious complication of circumstances at Ellis Island, and Commissioner Watchorn searched and searched for somebody who understood the Bulgarian tongue and temperament.
He found Miss Panayotova, and the case was settled. Afterward, she gave up a college position and offered services to benefit her people. Six months ago, the Congregational Horne Missionary Society assumed her salary, and today, we turn to you, the women of our Congregational churches, for the necessary funds.
It is a new work, but we believe that Miss Stone's heroism and Miss Panayotova's faithfulness will find an echo in the generous hearts of many women who can neither go nor serve but are enrolled in that noble army whose leader years and years ago announced, "The daughter of Tyre was there with a gift."
Woodberry, M. L., "Christmas at Ellis Island," in The Home Missionary, Vol. LXXXI, No. 9, February 1908.
Conclusion
The Christmas celebrations at Ellis Island provided a moment of comfort and hope for immigrants facing uncertain futures. The efforts by the government and missionaries to create a festive atmosphere highlighted the compassion and support extended to these newcomers during a challenging time in their journey.
Key Points
- 🎄 Christmas Decorations: Nine Christmas trees were set up, adorned with lights and ornaments.
- 🎶 Multilingual Program: Music and speeches in various languages catered to the diverse audience.
- 🍬 Gift Distribution: Every immigrant received gifts, including candy, toys, and essential items.
- 🧸 Hospital Festivities: A separate tree was set up in the hospital for the ill.
- 📜 Immigration Context: The event took place amid challenging immigration conditions.
- 🙏 Missionary Involvement: Religious and missionary groups played a key role in the celebration.
- 😢 Emotional Impact: The festivities evoked mixed emotions among the immigrants.
- 🌍 Cultural Representation: Immigrants from various backgrounds participated.
- 🛑 Health and Quarantine: Some families were separated due to quarantine measures.
- 🧳 Hope for the Future: The event highlighted the hopes and dreams of the immigrants for their new lives in America.
Summary
- Overview of Celebrations: The article describes the Christmas celebrations organized for immigrants detained at Ellis Island, featuring decorated trees and festive activities.
- Diverse Audience: Immigrants from different cultures and languages participated in the event.
- Gift Giving: Gifts were distributed to all, providing a moment of joy amidst uncertainty.
- Emotional Resonance: The festivities brought a mix of happiness and nostalgia, especially for those separated from loved ones.
- Missionary Support: Religious groups played a significant role in organizing the event.
- Quarantine Challenges: Some immigrants were isolated due to health concerns, adding to the complexity of the celebrations.
- Hospital Involvement: Special arrangements were made for sick immigrants in the hospital.
- Cultural Diversity: The celebration showcased the cultural diversity of the immigrant population.
- Compassionate Efforts: The event highlighted the compassion and support extended to the immigrants.
- Future Prospects: The celebration symbolized the hope and aspirations of the immigrants as they embarked on new lives in America.
