This is the journal of Jacob Riis. The first entries were translated from his native language, and some liberties have been taken with his spelling in his younger years. Enjoy!
Please note that this journal is completely fictional, but all events did occur.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
August, 1857
I wish I did not haf to rite in this jurnal. Father says I must tho. He is deturmined that I practise my spelling and grammer. He thinks that maybe I will pursue a literery career if I rite in this jurnal. But I would much rather play outside. I bet all the other boys are fishing rite now. Boy, how I wish I culd be with them.
Father just told me that I shuld record facts about myself. Mama added that when I am older, I will apreshiate having ritten this. I do not think so. But if it makes them happy, I shuld rite those facts about myself, for their sake at least.
Well, I was born on May 3, 1849. I am currently eight years old, and going to this horrible school where they are very mean to me. I wish I did not have to go, but Father makes me because I must get a good educashion. I live in Ribe, Denmark, and it is very old-fashioned here. I wish I could see the world and new-fangled contrapshions that I often hear about. I have lots of brothers, and only one sister. But it is my cousin, Emma, who I love best. One of my brothers drowned two months ago. It made me very sad. I do not like talking about it, so I won’t rite about it either.
Mama has told me that I can stop riting and go back outside now. Hooray for Mama!
Jacob Riis
I wish I did not haf to rite in this jurnal. Father says I must tho. He is deturmined that I practise my spelling and grammer. He thinks that maybe I will pursue a literery career if I rite in this jurnal. But I would much rather play outside. I bet all the other boys are fishing rite now. Boy, how I wish I culd be with them.
Father just told me that I shuld record facts about myself. Mama added that when I am older, I will apreshiate having ritten this. I do not think so. But if it makes them happy, I shuld rite those facts about myself, for their sake at least.
Well, I was born on May 3, 1849. I am currently eight years old, and going to this horrible school where they are very mean to me. I wish I did not have to go, but Father makes me because I must get a good educashion. I live in Ribe, Denmark, and it is very old-fashioned here. I wish I could see the world and new-fangled contrapshions that I often hear about. I have lots of brothers, and only one sister. But it is my cousin, Emma, who I love best. One of my brothers drowned two months ago. It made me very sad. I do not like talking about it, so I won’t rite about it either.
Mama has told me that I can stop riting and go back outside now. Hooray for Mama!
Jacob Riis
September, 1859
I thought I might be able to get away with not writing in this darned journal, but Father found me out and so now I must do it again. I am ten now, and quite grown up, as Mama says. Two more of my brothers have died, tuberculosis killed them. They were my little brothers, I am the third oldest. Only two brothers, one who wishes to become a doctor, are older than me. Mama smiles and hides her tears, but I know it hurts her. And it’s made Papa even more determined to have me in the literary business, if it can even be called a business.
I got in a fight recently. It was the nasty bully, Liar Hans, as I call him, from my new Latin school. He came at me with a skinned cat, and I quickly responded with a horse whip. Father was not happy about it, especially since I’m not doing well in school. It is not my fault, really. My teacher does not like me. But my spelling and grammar has gotten better…I think. Anyway, Father is now having me read books by the American writer, James Fenimore Cooper, and the journal of Charles Dickens, called the All the Year Round. I like it, actually. It is because I read those books that I have made any progress with school. That is what Mama says. Oh, I forgot to mention that we have adopted my cousin, Emma, because her parents died. I am very happy about it. I love Emma, and she is now the best sister I have.
I can smell Mama cooking dinner. I will stop writing.
Jacob Riis
I thought I might be able to get away with not writing in this darned journal, but Father found me out and so now I must do it again. I am ten now, and quite grown up, as Mama says. Two more of my brothers have died, tuberculosis killed them. They were my little brothers, I am the third oldest. Only two brothers, one who wishes to become a doctor, are older than me. Mama smiles and hides her tears, but I know it hurts her. And it’s made Papa even more determined to have me in the literary business, if it can even be called a business.
I got in a fight recently. It was the nasty bully, Liar Hans, as I call him, from my new Latin school. He came at me with a skinned cat, and I quickly responded with a horse whip. Father was not happy about it, especially since I’m not doing well in school. It is not my fault, really. My teacher does not like me. But my spelling and grammar has gotten better…I think. Anyway, Father is now having me read books by the American writer, James Fenimore Cooper, and the journal of Charles Dickens, called the All the Year Round. I like it, actually. It is because I read those books that I have made any progress with school. That is what Mama says. Oh, I forgot to mention that we have adopted my cousin, Emma, because her parents died. I am very happy about it. I love Emma, and she is now the best sister I have.
I can smell Mama cooking dinner. I will stop writing.
Jacob Riis
March, 1861
I have had an interesting experience. When I told Father about it, he said I should write it in my journal. So now I must write. This is what happened:
The Rag Hall here in Ribe is a horrible place, with all sorts of ragged children and barely clothed people. It is dreadful to look at. It is two stories high, and there are too many people crowded there. Father says it is a tenement. He told me how to spell it, too. Well, I approached the poorest looking family there and gave them my mark* that I received for Christmas. I told them that they could only have it if they cleaned their home and dressed their children properly. And the father of the family offended me in the greatest manner by asking my parents if I had their permission. It was my mark! I did not need permission. I thought it was very rude.
Mama was very proud of me, though, and said so. She then helped the family by giving them a few more marks, though I would think my mark would have been enough.
Jacob Riis
* A coin worth 25 cents
I have had an interesting experience. When I told Father about it, he said I should write it in my journal. So now I must write. This is what happened:
The Rag Hall here in Ribe is a horrible place, with all sorts of ragged children and barely clothed people. It is dreadful to look at. It is two stories high, and there are too many people crowded there. Father says it is a tenement. He told me how to spell it, too. Well, I approached the poorest looking family there and gave them my mark* that I received for Christmas. I told them that they could only have it if they cleaned their home and dressed their children properly. And the father of the family offended me in the greatest manner by asking my parents if I had their permission. It was my mark! I did not need permission. I thought it was very rude.
Mama was very proud of me, though, and said so. She then helped the family by giving them a few more marks, though I would think my mark would have been enough.
Jacob Riis
* A coin worth 25 cents
June, 1864
Father and Mama will not let me join the army to fight the Prussians. I am very angry about it. But Father has allowed me to drop out of school to be apprenticed as a carpenter to Mr. Goetz. He is very wealthy. Father did want me to become a teacher or scholar, but I refused and am adamant in my decision. Four more of my brothers have been lost to tuberculosis, the poor boys. Mama tries hard not to show her misery. Father just becomes more forbearing in his determination for me to achieve some literary success.
A curious thing happened the other day. I passed Elisabeth Goetz, my employer’s daughter, on the bridge. I have never noticed her before, but it suddenly occurred to me that she is beautiful. True, she is only twelve, three years younger than me, but I fear I might be in love with her. I have been thinking about her constantly. Today, she came into the lumberyard where I was working and I became so distracted that I cut my shin with the adz! I do not think Father approves, or the entire village for that matter, but I will court her no matter what.
Jacob Riis
Father and Mama will not let me join the army to fight the Prussians. I am very angry about it. But Father has allowed me to drop out of school to be apprenticed as a carpenter to Mr. Goetz. He is very wealthy. Father did want me to become a teacher or scholar, but I refused and am adamant in my decision. Four more of my brothers have been lost to tuberculosis, the poor boys. Mama tries hard not to show her misery. Father just becomes more forbearing in his determination for me to achieve some literary success.
A curious thing happened the other day. I passed Elisabeth Goetz, my employer’s daughter, on the bridge. I have never noticed her before, but it suddenly occurred to me that she is beautiful. True, she is only twelve, three years younger than me, but I fear I might be in love with her. I have been thinking about her constantly. Today, she came into the lumberyard where I was working and I became so distracted that I cut my shin with the adz! I do not think Father approves, or the entire village for that matter, but I will court her no matter what.
Jacob Riis
August, 1864
I fear I have made a fool of myself. Last month, I joined the dance school, just so I would be able to dance with Elisabeth and see her more often. Last night, there was a ball that both Elisabeth and I went to, and I insisted that we dance together the entire time. When her father tried to come onto the dance floor to dance with Elisabeth, I, well, I am embarrassed to say that I ordered him off and almost got into a fight with him. You see, it was not yet time for the adults to come on to the dance floor, and I am just so in love with Elisabeth…Well, it does not matter. I have shamed my family and am now being sent to Copenhagen to serve out the remainder of my apprenticeship there.
Jacob Riis
I fear I have made a fool of myself. Last month, I joined the dance school, just so I would be able to dance with Elisabeth and see her more often. Last night, there was a ball that both Elisabeth and I went to, and I insisted that we dance together the entire time. When her father tried to come onto the dance floor to dance with Elisabeth, I, well, I am embarrassed to say that I ordered him off and almost got into a fight with him. You see, it was not yet time for the adults to come on to the dance floor, and I am just so in love with Elisabeth…Well, it does not matter. I have shamed my family and am now being sent to Copenhagen to serve out the remainder of my apprenticeship there.
Jacob Riis
May, 1868
I am now returned to Ribe. I much enjoyed Copenhagen, it was very pleasant there. I have earned my full degree in the carpenter’s guild. Mama is proud once again, but Father is disappointed that I will do nothing related to literature.
While I was in Copenhagen, I did not fail to keep in touch with the now sixteen year old Elisabeth, though her father told me to leave her alone once or twice. I find no joy in my return home, though, because Elisabeth has just refused my proposal. I am heart-broken, yes, but I will not give up.
There is hardly any work for me in Ribe. I am beginning to wonder if America would be a good place for me. It seems very exciting, especially the way James Fenimore Cooper writes about it in his books. Perhaps Elisabeth would think differently of me if I were to go there.
Jacob Riis
I am now returned to Ribe. I much enjoyed Copenhagen, it was very pleasant there. I have earned my full degree in the carpenter’s guild. Mama is proud once again, but Father is disappointed that I will do nothing related to literature.
While I was in Copenhagen, I did not fail to keep in touch with the now sixteen year old Elisabeth, though her father told me to leave her alone once or twice. I find no joy in my return home, though, because Elisabeth has just refused my proposal. I am heart-broken, yes, but I will not give up.
There is hardly any work for me in Ribe. I am beginning to wonder if America would be a good place for me. It seems very exciting, especially the way James Fenimore Cooper writes about it in his books. Perhaps Elisabeth would think differently of me if I were to go there.
Jacob Riis
May, 1870
I am off to America! At this very moment I am on the ship Iowa. And, joy of joys, Elisabeth’s mother kindly gave me a lock of her hair and a picture! Today is truly a great day, even if I did not get a chance to say goodbye to Elisabeth. My friends have been good enough to give me forty dollars to get me started in America. I can only hope that I can fulfill their expectations.
Jacob Riis
I am off to America! At this very moment I am on the ship Iowa. And, joy of joys, Elisabeth’s mother kindly gave me a lock of her hair and a picture! Today is truly a great day, even if I did not get a chance to say goodbye to Elisabeth. My friends have been good enough to give me forty dollars to get me started in America. I can only hope that I can fulfill their expectations.
Jacob Riis
May, 1870
I am very uncomfortable. I am in the steerage class, which means I am squished between dozens of other immigrants. There is hardly any room to move, or even write this passage. I now sleep on the same bed as four other people, strangers who I hardly know! Everything is dirty and extremely unsanitary. The air stinks and smells of vomit, and the toilet emits an awful stench. The food is rotten and inedible. I led a few of my companions to protest this outrageous treatment to the captain by bringing a plate of the disgusting food to him. It was going very well until one of my foolish companions shoved the captain’s face in the rotten meat, which got him locked up in the ship’s ‘jail’. I wish with all my heart that this voyage will soon be over.
Jacob Riis
I am very uncomfortable. I am in the steerage class, which means I am squished between dozens of other immigrants. There is hardly any room to move, or even write this passage. I now sleep on the same bed as four other people, strangers who I hardly know! Everything is dirty and extremely unsanitary. The air stinks and smells of vomit, and the toilet emits an awful stench. The food is rotten and inedible. I led a few of my companions to protest this outrageous treatment to the captain by bringing a plate of the disgusting food to him. It was going very well until one of my foolish companions shoved the captain’s face in the rotten meat, which got him locked up in the ship’s ‘jail’. I wish with all my heart that this voyage will soon be over.
Jacob Riis
June, 1870
Finally, I have arrived in New York! I have been told that this place is called Castle Garden. I am endlessly thankful that I can understand and speak English well enough to be understood. I think it may be a good idea to start writing in this journal in English, too, so as to practice that language.
Jacob Riis
Finally, I have arrived in New York! I have been told that this place is called Castle Garden. I am endlessly thankful that I can understand and speak English well enough to be understood. I think it may be a good idea to start writing in this journal in English, too, so as to practice that language.
Jacob Riis
June, 1870
The first thing I did was buy a revolver, which cost me almost half my money! I strapped it onto the front of my coat, and was immediately stopped by a policeman. The man was very nice to me, and explained that such a thing was illegal in America. So I have learned to leave my gun behind when walking the streets. I found a job in ironworks at Brady’s Bend, Pennsylvania. They have put me to work building huts for miners.
I am lonely. I am homesick. I am tired.
Jacob Riis
The first thing I did was buy a revolver, which cost me almost half my money! I strapped it onto the front of my coat, and was immediately stopped by a policeman. The man was very nice to me, and explained that such a thing was illegal in America. So I have learned to leave my gun behind when walking the streets. I found a job in ironworks at Brady’s Bend, Pennsylvania. They have put me to work building huts for miners.
I am lonely. I am homesick. I am tired.
Jacob Riis
July, 1870
Denmark is to join the war between France and Prussia! I hope to return home- if I become a war hero, maybe then Elisabeth will marry me! And I miss home! I have sold everything I own other than this journal, and I will go to the Danish Consulate to join the regiment they will surely be forming!
Jacob Riis
Denmark is to join the war between France and Prussia! I hope to return home- if I become a war hero, maybe then Elisabeth will marry me! And I miss home! I have sold everything I own other than this journal, and I will go to the Danish Consulate to join the regiment they will surely be forming!
Jacob Riis
October, 1871
I have been through many cold and hungry nights, sleeping in ditches, in carts, on sidewalks. I have starved and I have fought others. I have experienced the worst living conditions known to man: tenements. I have crowded with numerous strangers, lived with unbearable stenches and deplorable sanitation systems. But I have not once begged. Never will I beg. There is little hope now that I will ever be able to marry Elisabeth, beautiful, sweet Elisabeth. Only today have I finally allowed myself to live in the police lodgings. These lodgings are even worse than the tenements.
There is only one living being left that cares about my existence here. That is the dog I have found that has endured all of this with me. And the police will not allow him to come in with me. I can not be more miserable.
Jacob Riis
I have been through many cold and hungry nights, sleeping in ditches, in carts, on sidewalks. I have starved and I have fought others. I have experienced the worst living conditions known to man: tenements. I have crowded with numerous strangers, lived with unbearable stenches and deplorable sanitation systems. But I have not once begged. Never will I beg. There is little hope now that I will ever be able to marry Elisabeth, beautiful, sweet Elisabeth. Only today have I finally allowed myself to live in the police lodgings. These lodgings are even worse than the tenements.
There is only one living being left that cares about my existence here. That is the dog I have found that has endured all of this with me. And the police will not allow him to come in with me. I can not be more miserable.
Jacob Riis
October, 1871
I hate New York! I woke this morning to find my gold locket that contained the picture of Elisabeth and her lock of hair stolen! It was that picture that kept me going through these years! I immediately complained to a policeman, and he accused me of stealing the locket in the first place! I of course argued against him passionately, and he only responded by throwing me out! My dog had been loyally waiting for me, and immediately bit that policeman to protect me, and the cursed man beat my dog to death! I responded by throwing cobblestones at the police lodgings. I do not know who, but a man restrained me, and brought me to the New Jersey Ferry. I sold my silk handkerchief, and they ferried me across the Hudson River.
I am overwhelmed with grief and rage. And I swear that I will not stop until every cursed slum, every cursed lodging, every cursed tenement, every cursed police is reformed and my dog is avenged!
Jacob Riis
I hate New York! I woke this morning to find my gold locket that contained the picture of Elisabeth and her lock of hair stolen! It was that picture that kept me going through these years! I immediately complained to a policeman, and he accused me of stealing the locket in the first place! I of course argued against him passionately, and he only responded by throwing me out! My dog had been loyally waiting for me, and immediately bit that policeman to protect me, and the cursed man beat my dog to death! I responded by throwing cobblestones at the police lodgings. I do not know who, but a man restrained me, and brought me to the New Jersey Ferry. I sold my silk handkerchief, and they ferried me across the Hudson River.
I am overwhelmed with grief and rage. And I swear that I will not stop until every cursed slum, every cursed lodging, every cursed tenement, every cursed police is reformed and my dog is avenged!
Jacob Riis
January, 1872
I have finally established myself in a community in Philadelphia. It is very nice here, and there are pleasant social gatherings weekly. But now that I am here, I know that there is something I am meant to do. What is it? I need to find out. I know I am meant for something greater than what I have done.
Jacob Riis
I have finally established myself in a community in Philadelphia. It is very nice here, and there are pleasant social gatherings weekly. But now that I am here, I know that there is something I am meant to do. What is it? I need to find out. I know I am meant for something greater than what I have done.
Jacob Riis
January, 1873
Elisabeth is engaged to be married. I have known it for some few months now, but it is still all I can think of. The only good news I have is that I now have a consistent, good job. I am a reporter for the New York News Association. It is a very demanding and difficult job. I must cover multiple stories all over New York within one day. But I do not mind. Anything is better than living on the streets.
Jacob Riis
Elisabeth is engaged to be married. I have known it for some few months now, but it is still all I can think of. The only good news I have is that I now have a consistent, good job. I am a reporter for the New York News Association. It is a very demanding and difficult job. I must cover multiple stories all over New York within one day. But I do not mind. Anything is better than living on the streets.
Jacob Riis
December, 1873
Earlier this year, I had been hired by the Brooklyn News. I have just lost my job because they closed their paper. Even worse, I have just received news that my two older brothers have died. It was tuberculosis again. And my oldest brother had just received his degree as a doctor, too. My favorite aunt was also taken by tuberculosis. I am heart-broken, and only one thing keeps me falling down and weeping. Elisabeth’s fiancé died. I know it is terrible for me to think this, but hope is once again rekindled in my heart. I must become successful if I plan on winning Elisabeth!
Jacob Riis
Earlier this year, I had been hired by the Brooklyn News. I have just lost my job because they closed their paper. Even worse, I have just received news that my two older brothers have died. It was tuberculosis again. And my oldest brother had just received his degree as a doctor, too. My favorite aunt was also taken by tuberculosis. I am heart-broken, and only one thing keeps me falling down and weeping. Elisabeth’s fiancé died. I know it is terrible for me to think this, but hope is once again rekindled in my heart. I must become successful if I plan on winning Elisabeth!
Jacob Riis
June, 1874
I have finally paid off all my debts owed on my paper. I am proud to say it has been very successful, and I am established enough to shamelessly ask Elisabeth to be my wife once more. I have just written her a letter of proposal, and now all I need to do is wait. It has never seemed so hard.
Jacob Riis
I have finally paid off all my debts owed on my paper. I am proud to say it has been very successful, and I am established enough to shamelessly ask Elisabeth to be my wife once more. I have just written her a letter of proposal, and now all I need to do is wait. It has never seemed so hard.
Jacob Riis
January, 1875
She has finally written back and accepted! She has asked for us to wait a few years, and to keep the engagement secret for now. I can hardly wait, but I will do anything to please her! I will sell my newspaper, and then return to Denmark to claim her as my bride! How happy I am to finally be able to say Elisabeth will be my wife!
Jacob Riis
She has finally written back and accepted! She has asked for us to wait a few years, and to keep the engagement secret for now. I can hardly wait, but I will do anything to please her! I will sell my newspaper, and then return to Denmark to claim her as my bride! How happy I am to finally be able to say Elisabeth will be my wife!
Jacob Riis
April, 1875
I quit my job at the South Brooklyn News. I had been working as reporter, a far step down from my previous position of owning it. But it was too Democratic for me; they only wanted to publish articles that would help their party. My two good friends, Mackellar and Wells, and I have bought a stereopticon, a most fascinating object. It has kindled my interest in photography. I’d like to know more about photography.
Jacob Riis
I quit my job at the South Brooklyn News. I had been working as reporter, a far step down from my previous position of owning it. But it was too Democratic for me; they only wanted to publish articles that would help their party. My two good friends, Mackellar and Wells, and I have bought a stereopticon, a most fascinating object. It has kindled my interest in photography. I’d like to know more about photography.
Jacob Riis
September, 1877
Traveling to Elmira was not a good decision. Railroad strikes have become common all across the country, and Elmira was no exception. Wells and I were practically thrown out of town and lost all of our money. I am home once more, and I begin to realize that I cannot be traveling around anymore. I need a steady job to help support my family. And I have found just such the job. I have been hired as a reporter for the New York Tribune. Perhaps this will be the job where I can find what it is that I am supposed to do.
Jacob Riis
Traveling to Elmira was not a good decision. Railroad strikes have become common all across the country, and Elmira was no exception. Wells and I were practically thrown out of town and lost all of our money. I am home once more, and I begin to realize that I cannot be traveling around anymore. I need a steady job to help support my family. And I have found just such the job. I have been hired as a reporter for the New York Tribune. Perhaps this will be the job where I can find what it is that I am supposed to do.
Jacob Riis
March, 1879
I knew I could succeed. I have become the best Police reporter in New York, though I really don’t like to brag. But this is not what I wish to be doing. I am reporting crimes, but I can do nothing to reform them. I tell everyone how horrible New York can be, but I cannot tell them what they can do to make it better. I find myself exploring the slums more often, and familiarizing myself with the conditions, though Heaven knows I should be familiar enough by now. But perspective changes when you are not living in the slums, and only examining those who do live in them. I do not know why I do this. I only know that I do.
Jacob Riis
I knew I could succeed. I have become the best Police reporter in New York, though I really don’t like to brag. But this is not what I wish to be doing. I am reporting crimes, but I can do nothing to reform them. I tell everyone how horrible New York can be, but I cannot tell them what they can do to make it better. I find myself exploring the slums more often, and familiarizing myself with the conditions, though Heaven knows I should be familiar enough by now. But perspective changes when you are not living in the slums, and only examining those who do live in them. I do not know why I do this. I only know that I do.
Jacob Riis
February, 1885
Finally, I am a U.S. citizen! My heart fills with joy to know that I truly am a citizen of America. Since I am now official, I find myself burrowing deeper and deeper into the slums. It shocks me how different they are to the country. One is crowded, unsanitary, uncomfortable, constricted, and the harsh reality of life at its worst. The country is the complete opposite. I must find a way to make it better.
Jacob Riis
Finally, I am a U.S. citizen! My heart fills with joy to know that I truly am a citizen of America. Since I am now official, I find myself burrowing deeper and deeper into the slums. It shocks me how different they are to the country. One is crowded, unsanitary, uncomfortable, constricted, and the harsh reality of life at its worst. The country is the complete opposite. I must find a way to make it better.
Jacob Riis
July, 1888
I lost a child, Stephen. But my dear Katherine came soon after, just last year. I moved my family to the country; I think it is better for them here.
As I headed into work the other day, my children handed me an armful of flowers, requesting that I give them to the poor in the slums. I of course complied, and the minute I entered the city, I was beset upon by numerous street children, all begging for the flowers. Those who didn’t get any because there was not enough sat in the gutters and cried wretchedly. It was pitiful to behold, and I have now determined to request that my readers send in flowers for all the poor. It is only a small step in reformation, but it is a beginning.
Jacob Riis
I lost a child, Stephen. But my dear Katherine came soon after, just last year. I moved my family to the country; I think it is better for them here.
As I headed into work the other day, my children handed me an armful of flowers, requesting that I give them to the poor in the slums. I of course complied, and the minute I entered the city, I was beset upon by numerous street children, all begging for the flowers. Those who didn’t get any because there was not enough sat in the gutters and cried wretchedly. It was pitiful to behold, and I have now determined to request that my readers send in flowers for all the poor. It is only a small step in reformation, but it is a beginning.
Jacob Riis
September, 1912
I believe I have fulfilled what I was needed to do. I have written various books opening the eyes of people to what the slums really are. I have reformed what was in need of reforming. Though there are still many housing and work conditions that are dreadful, America realizes her duty to care for the immigrants, her poor, her homeless, and the deprived.
Over the years, I befriended Theodore Roosevelt, and we have remained close all this time. My dear Elisabeth died in 1905, eleven years after the birth of our last child, Roger. But I found comfort in my second wife, Mary, whom I married five years ago. I used photography as a way to show New Yorkers what tenements actually were, and who actually inhabited them, and what their living conditions were really like. I believe I found what it was that I needed to do, and I did it. I have fulfilled my promise of reform from long, long ago when I was one of those immigrants living in deplorable conditions: my dog is avenged.
Jacob Riis
I believe I have fulfilled what I was needed to do. I have written various books opening the eyes of people to what the slums really are. I have reformed what was in need of reforming. Though there are still many housing and work conditions that are dreadful, America realizes her duty to care for the immigrants, her poor, her homeless, and the deprived.
Over the years, I befriended Theodore Roosevelt, and we have remained close all this time. My dear Elisabeth died in 1905, eleven years after the birth of our last child, Roger. But I found comfort in my second wife, Mary, whom I married five years ago. I used photography as a way to show New Yorkers what tenements actually were, and who actually inhabited them, and what their living conditions were really like. I believe I found what it was that I needed to do, and I did it. I have fulfilled my promise of reform from long, long ago when I was one of those immigrants living in deplorable conditions: my dog is avenged.
Jacob Riis
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
