Legend? Fact? Fun?
The story was that the Irish came to America bacause the "streets were paved in gold." So it was no surprise when Pat and Mike stepped off the boat from Ireland and saw money laying in the street. When Mike asked Pat why he didn't pick it up, Pat said "Ah sure I just arrived in America, I don't start work till tomorrow." And so begins my tale of the Irish-Americans in the Bronx and the stories⎯legends and facts that informed their way of life.
For those unaware, the Bronx is a borough in New York City that was a magnet for many Irish-Americans coming to the United States for employment and religious freedom.
My father, Patrick J. Rafferty, arrived in New York in 1929 in the midst of the Depression. He was 23 years old, the eldest in his family and the only one to emigrate. Patrick was a farmer and looked to parlay his experience to whatever New York City offered. Patrick waited on many lines for employment. Signs saying, "Irish need not apply" were rampant. It did not discourage nor diminish his enthusiasm. He needed to work and would do whatever he could to get a position. Finally, he secured a position. 1441 Broadway. The Fashion District. He would work there for more than 40 years.
For those unaware, the Bronx is a borough in New York City that was a magnet for many Irish-Americans coming to the United States for employment and religious freedom.
My father, Patrick J. Rafferty, arrived in New York in 1929 in the midst of the Depression. He was 23 years old, the eldest in his family and the only one to emigrate. Patrick was a farmer and looked to parlay his experience to whatever New York City offered. Patrick waited on many lines for employment. Signs saying, "Irish need not apply" were rampant. It did not discourage nor diminish his enthusiasm. He needed to work and would do whatever he could to get a position. Finally, he secured a position. 1441 Broadway. The Fashion District. He would work there for more than 40 years.
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