Like many others in the early 1900’s, my great-great grandparents came over the Atlantic in search of a new life in America. While my family isn’t exactly sure where in Europe they came from, they do know that it was somewhere in Eastern Europe. Like many in my family, when handed a second chance at something they knew they wouldn’t take it for granted. So once they settled into New York City, they set up shop on the Lower East Side. Their store was a mix of a general store along with a place to get your clothes trimmed if you had a special event coming up. Unfortunately though, the store has closed down because I’m assuming either nobody wanted to keep it running, or the rent got too high to keep it running stably. It’s likely that it’s either been replaced with an apartment, or another small shop just like theirs. However, this mindset of getting an opportunity and making the most of it is still something that sits strongly in my family’s hearts today. If it weren’t for them, my family and I for sure wouldn’t be in the same position that we are today. If it wasn’t for them moving to America, my whole family would still be in Europe most likely, doing who knows what. 

– Duncan Levine

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more