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From: Michael Stupinski <>
Subject: [POLAND] How Did They Get The Resources?
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 22:07:08 -0400


My brother and I exchanged emails the past two days on a subject I
hadn't considered until he asked about it. Maybe someone here can
comment on it. Here's the subject:

It is 1882 and, as a resident of Southeastern Poland, you have decided
to go to America to pursue your future. Unfortunately, you live in a
small village and are poor. How much would it cost you (US currency
stated at then-year dollars is the preferred economy) to get from your
village to a seaport (by train, I would presume) and then to book
passage (assume steerage) to America? By what means would you be
likely to accumulate the money (assuming no rich uncle is around!)?

The question seemed almost trivial when he first asked it but, based
on the current cost of making that trip, it poses a dilemma.
Wouldn't the cost to a peasant have been out of reach?

...........Mike

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