German-Americans make up one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States; yet their very success at assimilating has also made them one of the least visible. What were their experiences? What cultural baggage did they bring with them; and how did it affect their lives in America? How did the German-speaking immigrants differ among themselves; and how did these differences influence their behavior and reactions? Contented among Strangers attempts to answer these questions by examining the central role German-speaking women played in preserving their ethnic and cultural identity in rural areas of the Midwest. Even while living far from their original homelands; these women applied traditional European patterns of rural family life and values to their new homes in Illinois; Iowa; Kansas; Missouri; and Nebraska. As a result they were often more content with their modest lives than were their Anglo-American counterparts. Through personal recollections - including interesting diary accounts translated by the author; church and community documents; and migration and census data - Pickle reveals the diversity and richness of the women's experiences.
#2629610 in Books 1997-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .87 x 7.23 x 10.19l; #File Name: 0252024001368 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I wish it had more information about the Norwegian communities in Jesey City; Bay Ridge; and Staten Island.By doug olsenIt should be in bookshelf of anyone with Norwegian heritage. For that reason I would recommend it and buy it again.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A link to the pastBy CustomerAs a Norwegian-American; second generation; I enjoyed this historical edition...I grew up on Lapskaus Blvd; ( 8th Avenue Brooklyn) and was aware of only a partof the hardships and backgrounds the earlier Norwegian settlers endured...I highly recommend this book......Hilsen.fra;A.M.Olaf Bergman from 57 Street2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Norwegian HistoryBy Maurice BergmanA book that sparks the interest of any Norwegian-American livingin the United States. A detail of the arrival and settlementof our Norwegian ancestors who arrived by boat and took up residencein their new country. A well-worth reading.Maurice Olaf BergmanKristiansand; Norway / Brooklyn; New York2009
