Why Did Our Families Do That

You are what they were.

I can't recreate our ancestors' lives, but I can document what affected them and still influences you and me today.

This is a collection of stories, reminiscences, and historical stuff that usually doesn't make it into our conversations about the old days.

For instance:

Mother Jones.

A butterfly in the Tsar's garden.

Jewish Orthodox and Catholic Orthodox environments.

European Land-Barons and Manhattan Robber-Barons.

A "droopy" eye at Ellis Island.

Immigrant trains.

Egos.

And Bribes ... Oh those Bribes!