The New Labor Exchange at Castle Garden - 1868
Introduction
The article "New Labor Exchange at Castle Garden - 1868" provides a detailed account of the establishment of a labor exchange at Castle Garden, New York’s primary immigrant processing center during the 19th century. The labor exchange was created to help newly arrived immigrants find employment, ensuring they could quickly integrate into American society. The article highlights the purpose of the labor exchange, the types of jobs available, and the impact it had on both immigrants and the labor market of the time.
The Labor Exchange -- Interior View of the Office at Castle Garden, New York. Sketed by Stanley Fox. Harper's Weekly, 15 August 1868. GGA Image ID # 14805c4868
The rapidly increasing business in the Labor Exchange at Castle Garden has induced the Commissioners of Emigration to erect a new and commodious frame building to be used as a labor depot.
The present office was built only about twelve months ago, but as the bureau's business has increased threefold in that short period, much additional accommodation has become necessary. To meet the need, a new building has been erected on the land side of the rotunda, near the old office.
It is 80 feet long, 50 feet wide, and the sides 12 feet high to the roof, which slopes upwards. In the middle of the roof, and running nearly its whole length, an open skylight and ventilator rise to 8 feet. The roof is entirely covered with tin, which is painted brown—the same color as the outside of the building.
At each end of the building, there are six windows and a door. Five oaken pillars support each side of the raised skylight and divide the room into three nearly equal parts.
The interior is not yet fitted out, but it is intended to have seats at the sides for emigrants' accommodation, while the middle of the floor will be appropriated for the officers' desks and the convenience of employers.
Once completed, the labor depot will exude a bright, cheerful ambiance, promising a comfortable and convenient experience for all users. The ongoing work by the painters and carpenters is a testament to the commitment to providing a welcoming environment for emigrants and employers.
The contractors are Messrs. W. H. Gedney & Co., builders, 143 West 40th Street, and the painting is in the hands of Mr. Hall, 8 James Slip. The building will cost about $6,000 and will be ready for opening on the first of October. Architects, Ritch & Griffith.
The Labor Exchange plays a vital role in aiding immigrants, a fact that is often overlooked. The amount of good it does is truly immeasurable, and its value can only be fully appreciated by those who arrive in a new land, devoid of money and friends.
The Exchange is constantly engaged in procuring employment for those who want it. The names, occupations, and other particulars regarding them are taken down as soon as they land, and according to applications for help received, they are sent out to supply the demand.
Those sent out remain under the ægis of the institution for five years. If they are wronged or ill-treated by their employers, they can obtain redress by applying at the bureau.
Useless complaints are not listened to, and as great care is exercised in ascertaining the character of employers seeking assistance, and as none but proper parties need to apply, complaints like angels' visits are few and far between.
Emigrants leaving the city are provided with railroad and steamboat tickets at the lowest rates. Duly authorized officers protect them from sharpers and runners, only allowing them out of sight once they leave for their destinations.
Persons requiring help cannot do better than to call the Labor Exchange. Applications for laborers, servants, etc., are constantly received from this city and all cities and States in the Union.
While we were there lately, fifty laborers were employed at $15 a month to work in the interior of the State; many girls were also employed as domestics in respectable families.
The Commissioners expect that when the department is reorganized and located in its new building, it will be more efficient and extend its sphere of usefulness more widely. Mr. O'Callahan, an Irishman, is in charge of Irish immigrants, and Mr. Kock, a German, is in charge of his own countrymen. Bernard Casserley, Esq., is the general agent and superintendent.
John W. Kennion, "The New Labor Exchange, Castle Garden," in The Architects' and Builders' Guide: An Elaborate Description of All the Public, Commercial, Philanthropic, Literary, & Ecclesiastical Buildings Already Constructed, and About to be Erected Next Spring in New York and Its Environs, With Their Cost Respectively, and the Names of the Architects and Builders, New York: Fitzpatrick & Hunter, 1868, pp. 55-57
The New Labor Exchange at Castle Garden - 1868
A Gateway to Opportunity for Immigrants
The "New Labor Exchange at Castle Garden - 1868" provides a fascinating exploration of the establishment and impact of the labor exchange at Castle Garden, the 19th-century immigrant processing center in New York City. This detailed account highlights the essential services offered to newly arrived immigrants, the innovative design of the facility, and the significant role it played in helping immigrants transition into American society. This page is an invaluable resource for teachers, students, genealogists, family historians, and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the practical and compassionate measures taken to support immigrant integration during this era.
Why This Page is Vital for Exploring Immigration History
- Educational Value for Teachers and Students
- Illuminates the operations of the first labor exchange designed specifically for immigrants, making it a perfect subject for history lessons on immigration and labor reform.
- Offers insights into how infrastructure and policies were developed to accommodate a growing immigrant population.
- A Goldmine for Genealogists and Family Historians
- Highlights the process through which immigrants found employment, including the careful record-keeping of their names, occupations, and destinations—key details for tracing ancestors.
- Provides context for the employment and living conditions faced by immigrants, enriching family stories and historical narratives.
- Inspiration for Historians and Enthusiasts
- Sheds light on the collaboration between architects, builders, and government officials to create a space that was both functional and welcoming.
- Demonstrates the societal impact of the labor exchange, a forward-thinking solution to labor shortages and immigrant welfare.
Key Highlights of the Article
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Purpose of the Labor Exchange:
The exchange was established to help newly arrived immigrants secure employment quickly and efficiently, enabling them to integrate into American society. -
Facility Design and Construction:
A new, spacious building was constructed to accommodate the rapidly increasing demand for services. The well-ventilated, bright facility symbolized a welcoming environment for both immigrants and employers. -
Employment Services:
Immigrants were registered upon arrival, and their skills and occupations were matched with job opportunities throughout the country. Domestic servants, laborers, and skilled workers found employment through the exchange, with protections against mistreatment. -
Support for Immigrants:
Immigrants were provided with low-cost transportation, protection from exploitation, and access to complaint mechanisms. The exchange ensured a fair and just experience for workers while maintaining high standards for employers. -
Impact on Immigrant Life:
The labor exchange not only provided immediate employment but also extended its protective services for five years, helping immigrants establish stable lives in the U.S.
Call to Action
Explore the Castle Garden Labor Exchange to gain a deeper understanding of the practical and compassionate measures taken to support immigrants during a transformative period in American history. This page offers unique insights into the innovative efforts to bridge the gap between immigrants and employers, a testament to the resilience and ambition of the nation’s newcomers. Whether you're a teacher, genealogist, or simply an admirer of history, this resource provides a compelling look at the foundations of immigrant support in the United States. Discover the labor exchange that turned dreams into opportunities!
