Friday, October 20, 2017

How did Marie Svoboda journey to America?

The records that I have found tell me she came with 3 of her children.  They traveled in the Steerage level of the ship.

"Even in steam ships, the immigrant's voyage was no luxury cruise. If they could not afford a cabin, they had to travel steerage. This was in a large space, rather like a dormitory, called steerage because it was in the stern of the ship, near the steering gear. Conditions were cramped, food was poor and the atmosphere often bad, especially during rough weather when access to the upper deck was restricted. The only consolation was that steam ships were faster and safer than sailing ships. There was less time spent feeling seasick, and much less chance of a shipwreck."
http://www.plimsoll.org/SeaPeople/StartingNewLife/
howtheytravelled/steerageandcabinclass.asp

I encourage you to read further about the harsh conditions of Steerage.  Visit this Archive web site:
http://www.gjenvick.com/Steerage/index.html#axzz4w4fLTJce (cut and paste the link into your browser).  Many did not make the voyage.  


This is a picture of 1905 Europe as people with a ticket in steerage wait on the docks to be called last after all other passengers have boarded.  Many have no baggage.  Once the ship sets sail the immigrants are only allowed on the ship's main deck at certain times.  The travel conditions were almost impossible.

Here is the ship's log for Marie Svoboda Wondra and 3 of her children. Traveling in Steerage.



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