Medina's Immigrant Heritage

Medina's Immigrant Heritage. Area 9. , Often forgotten, their part in the rise of Medina's 19th and 20th century industrial prowess was essential. It was the immigrants- the Irish, Poles, Italians, Germans and others who provided the manpower to run the quarries, factories and foundries. In the early part of the 19th century, Irish immigrants fueled the sandstone quarry industry and helped establish a large Catholic community Medina. Later, Poles, Italians and Germans began their immigration to America- the victims of religious persecution, war, cultural suppression and hard economic times. They found work on farms, in stone quarries, foundries, and factories, often in harsh, unforgiving and life-threatening conditions., These immigrant groups were integral in the growth of Medina, and to contributions made both culturally and economically to a burgeoning municipality. They were a crucial part of the larger Golden Age of Industry upon which our nation and community grew to become an industrial power. They became citizens, raised families, founded churches and schools- St. Mary and Sacred Heart Roman Catholic, St. Peter and Trinity Lutheran. These congregations and schools became the center of their ethnic communities. Their children went on to continue building this community in the post-war years. They remain a shining vestige of their faith, sacrifice and irrefutable contribution to the culture and heritage of Medina, Western New York, and the nation., The New Colossus, Many of Medina's ancestors gazed upon these words when they arrived in a new land with nothing but faith and hope:, Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame. With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name, Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. "Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor. Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!, Emma Lazarus 1883, (Caption):, The S.S. Lithuania bore thousands of immigrants to our shores- one of hundreds of similar ships. One of its manifests below reflects an immigrant passenger bound for Medina from Suwalki, Poland- over 7,000 miles away. Thousands of similar journeys occurred over many years, driven by the desire for freedom and opportunity.