In the late 1800s and early 1900s, large leather trunks like these were used by Polish immigrants to carry their possessions to the United States. Many Polish immigrants during this period were single men who expected to return to Poland to buy land after they had earned enough money in America. Trunks this size were most likely used by whole families who were moving to America. In them, they would have brought valuable possessions including; clothing, linens, valuables, kitchen utensils, small tools, and family mementoes–and the trunk itself often came with a dependable lock. Prior to leaving their homeland, immigrating families would also sell their furniture and other large items. In effect, they were called “birds of passage,” and leaving Poland with these trunks symbolized a family’s expectation that it was a one-way journey. Of the 30 million who immigrated here, as many 10 million did not settle permanently.
Provenance: Unknown
Learn more about “Birds of Passage”
As capitalism spread into rural areas of Europe during the late nineteenth century, it caused the price of land to become unaffordable for many peasants. Many of them migrated to the United States hoping to earn enough to bring home so that they could start a business or purchase a farm. In effect, they were “birds of passage.” Some did return home while others stayed and invited family members to join them, but it is estimated that one in three of the 30 million who migrated from Europe to America between 1870 and 1920 did not settle permanently here.
Author: Sherica Rowe, Nursing major, Elms College.