Ester found herself in a whirl-wind of activities during her first days in Chicago. After the tiring train ride from New York, Astrid and Lars Chalberg made her welcome in their home in Evanston, Illinois. They introduced her to their neighbors and to their church. She was told about the English classes at the Svea club on Clark Street in Chicago. Her new friend Anya invited Ester to supper at her boarding house on Clark Street where she lived. There she met other young women her age and learned about the work they did in clothing factories on the south side of Chicago. Anya even helped her get an interview for a job. She was only in Evanston at the Chalbergs for a week when she was on her way to meet her new employer.
Anya hurried Ester along, “We promised Mrs. Jansen we would be there by 6 am,” She said as she grabbed Ester’s sleeve to pull her towards the streetcar.
It was just before dawn, as they approached the waiting streetcar on Chicago Ave. Both woman wore the working-woman’s fashion of the day, the long black skirt and puff sleeved high collared shirtwaist, which accentuated their small belted waists.
Ester said smiling at her friend, “I wish we had time to meet young men like that.”
She tilted her head indicating for Anya to take a peek at the slender young man standing on the corner. Just as Anya looked in that direction the young man lifted his cap in greeting and both the girls laughed as they climbed into the front of the streetcar and sat down on the long window seat that was unoccupied.
“Ester, please, “Anya said in a huff, “We have to work first. Mrs. Jansen said you would have Sundays off to go to Church. There would be refreshments after Church where we can meet young men.”
Ester made a face with pursed lips and raised an eyebrow at her companion. Looking out the window, she thought of her arrival from New York. It was exciting taking the train to Chicago with her family friends, the Chalbergs, but she wasn’t happy when they told her at dinner her first night in Evanston that she had to pay for her board with wages from the job she hoped to get at the University food hall. She had planned on saving her wages for her baby and sister’s voyage to America thinking she would not have to spend much by staying with the Chalbergs.
Ester crossed her arms. With a frown she said to Anya, “What do you know about this food hall?”
Anya, answered in Swedish, “I wash dishes, serve the food and do the clean-up and you help in the cooking.”
Anya had been in this country a year now. Her family was from Malmo, Sweden just southwest of Ester’s home in Vislanda. Anya spoke hardly any English when she arrived but after attending English classes at the Svea Club, a Swedish social club in America, she surpassed Ester with her knowledge of the English language.
“This job will give you time to go to English classes at the Svea Club.”
Ester sighed as the streetcar moved down Chicago Avenue toward the University building where the food hall was housed. She couldn’t wait until Sunday, her only day off. The tree lined streets with their stately homes slid past as Ester contemplated her first job in America. She knew how to work hard. She had been working since she was a child on her brother’s farm. Ester thought if only Mama had not been sick, I could have gone to school and would know English already.
The conductor announced “University Place” and the girls got off the streetcar and walked toward the large multi-story brick building behind the wooded landscape. There were young men strolling around the building, in and out of the front door dressed in stiff collared shirts and black suits with different colored vests, some with bowler hats. All the men carried books as they rushed around the building. Ester and Anya walked around the back of the building where the employees entered. As they approached the back entrance, Ester noticed she could see the lake through the trees. Anya rang the doorbell and a gentleman in uniform answered. She said in English, “We come to see Mrs. Jansen in the food hall.”
The gentleman pointed to the stairs ahead and said, “Down the stairs there, ladies.”
Inside the building they faced a wide staircase with tile floor landings. Tall windows above them brought in the morning light, as they descended the steps to a long hallway. Anya pointed out the glass-encased sign which had several locations listed on it. ‘Food Hall’ appeared on the list near the bottom. An arrow pointed the way down the tiled hallway. As they got closer to the ‘Food Hall’ entrance Anya stopped at a small door marked ‘Food Hall Manager’.
She knocked on the door saying to Ester, “Mrs. Jansen’s office”.
Mrs. Jansen opened the windowed door and smiled at the girls as she asked them to come in.
“You must be Ester,” offering her hand to Ester. “Good to have you join us. Anya has told me of your arrival and we look forward to having your help at University House.
“Anya, you can go through to the food hall and get ready for work, and I will talk with Ester now.”
“Please sit down, Miss Nilsson.”
To Ester’s surprise Mrs. Jansen addressed her in Swedish. She went over the terms of her employment then Ester was given her uniform and told to see the main cook, Mrs. Anderson, in the kitchen. Her uniform consisted of a white cap that tied in the back to keep her hair covered, a white jacket with long sleeves and a purple apron with gold trim. Ester guessed she was to wear this over her street clothes. As she walked out the back door to Mrs. Jansen’s office she found herself in the kitchen. Large long tables for preparing food and ovens for baking with a giant coal burning stove faced her across the room.
She went up to the first woman she saw and said, “Fraun Anderson?”
The woman turned to face Ester with a big “Yaj!”
Ester stood there holding her uniform and she said again with a puzzled look, “Fraun Anderson?”
“Yaj, Yaj, I am her. Froken Anderson,” she said, with a loud “Oh! You are Ester. Come, Come get your uniform on.” She moved Ester to the closet in the corner showing her where to put her things and dress in her uniform.
Miss Anderson was not a young women. Full-breasted and large hipped, her face was worn and wrinkled. She pointed to a chair at the long table. As she did so, Ester noticed that when the woman smiled her soft gray eyes laughed kindly. Ester quickly dressed. When she was done she closed the closet door and rushed to the chair.
Miss Anderson placed a large basket of potatoes at Ester’s feet and gave her a knife. She really didn’t have to say anything further. Ester understood she was to peel the potatoes. Two large bowls appeared on the table near her seat, one empty and one with water. Miss Anderson pointed to the sink next to the cloak room and the large refuse bin next to it. With a big sigh, Ester began her first job in America thinking at least she didn’t have to dig the potatoes out of the ground.
The day went fast within the hectic food hall kitchen. Miss Anderson’s booming orders died down as the lunchroom customers gradually disappeared.
The University House bells rang 3 pm, and Miss Anderson said, “Ester, time to change into street clothes your first day is over.”
Ester sighed with relief and took off her apron walking towards the closest for her clothes.
“Would you like some coffee before you go?” Miss Anderson asked, as she sat down at the cook’s table with her cup.
“Yaj, tack. I will take some coffee.” Ester filled her cup from the pot on the stove and sat down next to the cook.
“When did you arrive in Evanston?” asked the cook.
“Only just a few days ago. I came with my Mama’s friends the Chalbergs. That’s where I’m living now. Have you been here long, Fraun Anderson?” Ester asked.
Miss Anderson sighed, “Only twenty years” Her eyes crinkled as she smiled at Ester thoughtfully. “Why have you come to America, Ester?”
Ester didn’t know why but she told Miss Anderson about baby Marie. It was almost a relief to tell someone here about her situation. It was so hard to talk easily with anyone in English but here she could speak freely in Swedish.
Miss Anderson commiserated and said, “We all have our burdens.” Gently patting Ester on the shoulder, Miss Anderson rose from her seat to take her cup to the sink.
Ester realized she should hurry off. She had to meet Anya to go to English classes. Getting her coat she ran out saying good-bye to Miss Anderson on the way.
Astrid Chalberg had insisted Ester go to English classes at the Svea Club (*) near their home in Evanston. She and her husband had been members since they’d arrived in Evanston. For the many years they struggled to make their fortune in America, besides the Swedish Lutheran church, only the club had provided the Chalberg’s with any social life. Astrid had instructed Ester to go straight to her English classes after getting off work. Anya was just as adamant with Ester, too.
“Ester hurry!” Again Anya had to drag Ester along the corridors of the University House to get her to her English classes.
“You will be late for class. Here take this schedule so you know the times for tomorrow.’ Anya insisted.
Ester, as always, moved reluctantly as Anya rushed to the Chicago Avenue Line street car, trying to get to the Svea Club at Clark and Catalpa Streets on time. The ride into Chicago was half an hour, this time taking closer to where Anya lived. The classes were an hour long, and then Ester had a return ride back to Evanston for dinner at the Chalbergs. Since the Chalbergs had a cook and housekeeper, Ester didn’t have any duties at their home. She did pay room and board along with having to repay her passage ticket. Her $4.00 a week wage at the University House lunch room did not go far. She didn’t have much leftover for entertainment.
In the evenings Ester spent time in her room writing letters home to August and Margit and Mama and Carine. Margit had sent her a picture of August and baby Marie that she had carefully framed and placed on the table by her bed. Looking at the picture she wrote in Swedish.
Evanston, Illinois, America
Dear Margit and August,
I loved the picture you sent. Marie looks so big. She is walking now too! I miss her so much. I think every day about her being here with me in America. I’m working now at the University House lunch room. Lots of other Swedes also work there. My friend Anya from the Caronia voyage found the job first and then told Fraun Jansen, her supervisor, that I was also able to work there so I went with Anya there and she gave me the job.
I go to English classes every night after work. Lots of women my age in the classes. I haven’t gotten to know any of them yet except Anya, of course. I ride the trolley and the streetcars from Evanston to Chicago and from Chicago to Evanston. It’s not too hard even without much English. There are so many Swedes and it’s not bad for single women here. It’s really doesn’t seem like a big city in the neighborhoods where I am working and living.
The Chalbergs have been very kind, but I look forward to being on my own. I went to their Swedish Lutheran Church in downtown Evanston. The parish just built a new sanctuary and they have huge stain glass windows from a company called Tiffany. It is a very plain sanctuary besides the beautiful windows. There are so many things to do and see in Chicago. I have not even started to experience all there is to offer here. I pray for you both and my baby girl and I work hard to bring her here.
Your sister, Ester
Just when Ester thought her life was going to be routine, she met a young woman named Elsa who also attended the English classes. Elsa was newly married to an older man who had his own business. Ester was impressed with this young woman who had made such a suitable marriage in America. Elsa and her husband also lived in Evanston, but further north off of Central Avenue. The days continued like that for many weeks. Then one evening, during dinner, Astrid pointed out that Ester had received a letter from Sweden.
On her way up to her room after dinner, Ester opens the letter. She starts to read the words from her Mama, happily seeing the words in a familiar language and hearing her Mama’s voice speak.
Vislanda, Sweden
My dear daughter, Ester
We miss you so much. Baby Marie is growing. She talks all the time in her baby talk. No words in Swedish yet though. She is starting to walk, but just standing up and rocking up and down. Thank you for sending the money for Carine’s travels. I know you are working hard in America. Please understand that August and Margit have your best interest in mind. I love you my darling girl but you must move on with your life. Marie is happy with August and Margit. You have given them a gift and they cherish her. You can now stop being angry and be happy for your second chance.
Ester, please sign the adoption papers August sent you. Marie will always be in your life even as your niece. You can love her just as much. Carine is happy in school now. She will write you when she decides to come to America. I have the same troubles with my health but the pain is less. We pray for you every day. You are always in our hearts.
Mama
Ester’s tears were uncontrollable. She collapsed in absolute sorrow on the stairs going up to her room. Astrid found her lying on the stairs.
She said as she helped Ester get up, “Ester, my child what is wrong?”
Ester could not speak through her tears but let the letter drop from her hands and Astrid retrieved it, only reading it after she got Ester to her room.
“Sit down here on the bed, Ester and I will get you some water.” Astrid said. Then she walked to the water pitcher on Ester’s dresser and poured her a cup of water. She handed the cup to Ester sitting on the bed and sat next to her putting a hand on her arm while she read the letter Ester had dropped.
“Oh, my dear,” Astrid sighed. “You know your Mama is right and that makes the pain worse, ‘Min Kara lilla en.’ (My dear little one)
Ester put down the cup on the bed table and Astrid hugged her as she sobbed.
“Sh, Sh, you are not alone my dear.” Astrid comforted her.
Ester sat up and wiped her tears and took a deep breath and said. “I never thought my own Mama would be against me.”
Astrid stood up patting Ester’s hand but she said nothing as she walked from the room. She knew this was grief speaking.
The next day Ester was in a frenzy. Even after a fitful night sleep, she got up early for work, but then, she decided she would go to the Immigrant Assistance Office first. She had not yet heard from them since her last visit. Then she remembered August had said Mama would write to her, too. She thought Mama must have written after she had sent her angry letter to August and Margit. Then she decided to just go to work and tell them she had to leave to go to the Immigrant Assistance Office.
She went straight to the food hall and talked to Miss Anderson.
“Fraun Anderson, I have to go to the Immigrant Assistance Office on an urgent matter now. I cannot work today. You must come with me to translate? It’s about my baby.”
“Yaj, Ester you must ask Mrs. Jansen.” Miss Anderson directed her.
Ester immediately went to Mrs. Jansen’s office. As she knocked on the door, Mrs. Jansen opened it.
“What do you wish to speak to me about, Miss Nilsson?”
Ester looked down at the floor and asked, “Mrs. Jansen, I must leave work today. I have an urgent family matter that I have to take care of now. Fraun Anderson must come with me since I can’t speak English well.”
“Ester, this is a place of business. There are many other young ladies who would show more respect for their employment.” Mrs. Jansen scolded.
Ester was stunned. She never thought it would be a problem. She said, “I don’t understand. This is just a food hall for young people. I won’t be gone long. I’m only a cook’s assistant.
Mrs. Jansen merely scowled at her and closed the door.
Ester collapsed in the hall in tears. She couldn’t move. She couldn’t stop crying. The students and the professors walked by only staring at her but none stopped to ask her what was wrong.
Finally, Miss Anderson came out into the Hall with her hat and shawl on. She picked Ester up off the floor and walked her out of the building.
“I talked to Mrs. Jansen. We must get back as soon as we can.” Miss Anderson held up Ester as they walked to the Immigrant Assistance Office.
The women met with the Immigrant Assistance Office worker but afterwards, Ester told Miss Anderson she would not go back to work. Before they parted Ester hugged Miss Anderson with gratitude saying she would let her know her when she decided what she would do.
Ester walked and walked after she left the Immigrant Assistance Office. At first she didn’t recognize the streets passing, breathing heavy as she took long strides. Eventually her heart stopped beating so fast and she slowed down to a regular pace as she walked along. Finally looking up, she found herself on Chicago Avenue and Howard Street. She had walked quite a distance lost in her frustration and sadness. Realizing she was more than halfway to the Svea Club, she decided to just continue to the Club and go to her English class today. When she arrived at the classroom, she saw her new friend Elsa was already there. They were both early. Ester was relieved to have someone to talk with while she waited for the class to begin. She called out to Elsa, “God eftermidag” as she walked toward the seat next to Elsa.
Elsa turned to see Ester coming towards her and said in English, “Hello Ester, Good you are early. We can speak our English together.”
Ester said in Swedish, “Not now, I have to talk to you. English is too hard for now.”
Elsa listened to Ester tell her about the letters and her baby and the Immigrant Assistance Office and her job. She didn’t say anything until Ester was finished.
Then Elsa said, “Herregod! Ester you have taken me by surprise with your story.”
Ester realized what she had done. Raising her hand to cover her mouth gasping, she took Elsa’s hand. She spoke softly, pleading, “Elsa, you must not tell anyone. Please, only my family and close friend’s know this about me.”
Elsa answered, “Then I am happy to be your close friend.” She smiled embracing Ester. Then speaking softly she said, “Ester, we all have stories and mistakes we bring with us to this new country. The joy is, this is a new place. We can forget our past and start over.” Ester hugged Elsa as others started arriving to the classroom.
After the class Elsa spoke to Ester as they walked out of the classroom,
“Ester, would you do your close friend a favor and help me with a project for the Swedish community?”
“More than anything,” Ester said smiling, I want to help my close friend. What is the project?”
Elsa explained further. “The Svea Club has received a bequest of land in north Evanston. They have decided to build a home for elderly Swedes. Members want to hold a fundraising picnic on the street by the bequeathed land. I need help organizing the potluck and the games. It will be held on a Sunday afternoon when church goers are free.”
Elsa gave Ester her address on McDaniel Avenue in Evanston and they set a date to start the planning. Then Ester left the classroom and walked to the streetcar stop on Clark Street.
Anya came up behind her asking excitedly, “Ester, how are you? I didn’t expect to see you at the English class after what happened at work. Is everything alright?”
Ester linked arms with Anya and said, “I do feel better. I have more to think about and a new job to find but I feel like I can do it.”
Anya smiled at her friend and said, “After you left one of the professors gave me a message for you.” She handed Ester a note. “He said you should meet him tomorrow at the University House.”
“What can he want?” Ester questioned as she opened the note. Starting to read the message she was surprised to see it was in Swedish.
“What does it say?” Anya asked.
“He says his wife is looking for a cook. He wants to meet me at 9 tomorrow morning to talk with me about the job.”
Both woman let out a yell. “Ahhh!” laughing with enthusiasm they spun each other around on the sidewalk.
Ester said, “What a day this has been!”