Twenty million immigrants came to America between 1880 and 1924.
Most would come from Eastern and Southern Europe, others from Germany and Ireland, still others from Asia and Latin America. They passed their stories of struggle and triumph down to us, their children and grandchildren. One of those immigrants, Bessie Markman left Lithuania in 1906—alone—at the age of 18. One of thousands of Jewish immigrants who will leave Europe to escape persecution, she travels to America completely alone. Not your usual story about an immigrant to America in the early 20th century, it’s a story of courage, of resilience, and love that never ends.
A captivating story for audiences aged 10 to 110!
RL: 4.8
A Modern Woman in the Early 1900s
How We Really Got Here
Bessie’s Pillow, A Young Immigrant’s Journey is the true story of the author’s grandmother who immigrated to the United States of America as an 18-year-old in 1906.
Widowed with young children, Bessie had to become a full-time entrepreneur, take care of her 4 children, and manage the household on her own.
In an age where it is estimated that women own over 12 million businesses in the United States, it’s easy to forget that there was a time not so long ago when the only socially acceptable option for the use of a woman’s talents was in the care of her children and household.
Historical Resources
The Author talks about Bessie at the 92nd St. Y.
Family Photos
More images in the link above. . .
At a Milstein family wedding in Manhattan
L-R: Selig, Ann, Bessie, Feggy, and Al
The Dreizens at home
L-R: Ann, Feggy, Bessie, Al and Selig
Rabbi Joseph Markman (Tateh)
Bessie brought this sketch of her father with her in 1906. Until the day she died, it remained on her dresser.
Sarah Markman (Mamaleh)
Discovered among family photos during the writing of the book, the woman in the photo above is believed to be Bessie’s mother. No other photos of her exist.
What Bessie’s Readers Say
History at it’s best
“You don’t have to be Jewish or from New York to love this or take away some of its wisdom. This is history as it’s meant to be told—in a story.”
Jan Lowe, Publisher, United Writers Press
Exceptional woman
“She was the embodiment of pioneer women. Instead of going across the country, she went across the ocean. She looked forward and faced everything with such courage. She did it. She did for others. Her valor. She was a role model for what people should do for others. She had common sense and heart and acted upon it. Forthright, brave, an exceptional woman.”
Wendy Greenberg, Retired Reading Specialist
An Outstanding Resource
After I finished reading Bessie’s Pillow, my only regret was that it ended. What sheer enjoyment on every page…even as I occasionally wiped away the tears. You made the immigrant experience come alive….I wish every history student would read this for class…a century later, Bessie’s story will still inspire everyday people to embrace life.”
Ellen Purcigliotti, Student Teacher Supervisor, Secondary Social Studies Education, SUNY New Paltz
