IRISH-AMERICAN-L Archives

From: "Jean R." <>
Subject: [IRISH-AMER] EAMES (Rossinver),McGOWAN (Kinlough) - Leitrim immigrants>Ellis Island, NY
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:59:28 -0700

SNIPPET: In the 2006 issue of the yearly "Leitrim Guardian" periodical,
Roger EAMES, (whose photo appears in that issue) tells of a nostalgic trip
to New York. He had been there earlier, in 1949/51, and now wanted to visit
some places he missed on the earlier trip.

Per Mr. EAMES -- "When it was suggested I should visit Ellis Island and the
Statue of Liberty (apparently, with son Aidan and daughter Yvonne), I was
only too keen to go. We took the ferry from Battery Park to the island.
Ellis Island was the place where countless thousands of immigrants arrived
in the peak years 1892-1924, where they underwent strict medical and
disability exams. They came from all over the world. Most of them made
good, but there were those who fell by the wayside. The holding centre on
Ellis Island closed in the late 40s, and as a result fell into disrepair.
In 1982 a big restoration plan was put in place to restore the island to its
former glory. A plea went out worldwide for volunteers to help with the
restoration work. Another son, Declan, who was a young man at that time,
volunteered and along with hundreds of others worked day and night at the
restoration. The official re-opening took place in September 1990."

Continuing -- "The island and its buildings are something to behold. The
main building is beautifully restored while retaining most of its old
characteristics. The registry room, where most of the immigrants were
processed, is on the ground floor. The Immigration Museum contains
artifacts and heirlooms from every country in the world. Over forty percent
of Americans can trace their ancestry to the registry room on Ellis Island.
The baggage room on the ground floor contains a collection of baskets,
trunks and suitcases from all over the world. There are exhibits on three
floors. Listed along the sea wall on the third floor are the names of more
than 400,000 immigrants. Included among them are my wife Vera's father's
name - John McGOWAN, Kinlough, who later became one of New York's finest and
also my Uncle Willie (William J. EAMES), Rossinver. That made my day: that
Vera's family, and mine, played a small part in 'The American Dream.'"

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• [IRISH-AMER] EAMES (Rossinver),McGOWAN (Kinlough) - Leitrim immigrants>Ellis Island, NY by "Jean R." <>