The Chicago Foreign Language Press Survey was published in 1942 by the Chicago Public Library Omnibus Project of the Works Projects Administration of Illinois. The purpose of the project was to translate and classify selected news articles that appeared in the foreign language press from 1855 to 1938. The project consists of 120,000 typewritten pages translated from newspapers of 22 different foreign language communities of Chicago.

Read more about this historic project.

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  • Skandinaven -- January 01, 1887
    Elgin Watch Company

    The Elgin Watch Company, owned and operated by Rolvestad (H. Rolvestad and A. Rolvestad) Brothers, is now considered a growing industry.

    This is another example of Norwegian success.

    Many large enterprises started by Scandinavians in the last few years have been very successful.

    [Translator's note: The Rolvestad Brothers were Chicagoans and continued to reside in Chicago.]

    The Elgin Watch Company, owned and operated by Rolvestad (H. Rolvestad and A. Rolvestad) Brothers, is now considered a growing industry. This is another example of Norwegian success. Many large ...

    Norwegian
    II A 2, IV

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  • Skandinaven -- January 07, 1887
    The Stockyards

    In November of last year, the National Guard was mobilized and sent to the Stockyards in the strike which had lasted for some time. A few days later, the strike was suddenly called off, without any settlement, but the grumbling has started again.

    We feel that a strike will soon break out again, and it is hoped that at this time there will be no "sell out."

    In November of last year, the National Guard was mobilized and sent to the Stockyards in the strike which had lasted for some time. A few days later, the strike ...

    Norwegian
    I D 2 a 4

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  • Svenska Tribunen -- January 08, 1887
    Swedish Singing Society.

    The Swedish Singing Society presented a good program before a large audience at its first concert at Brand's Hall last Thursday night.

    The new choir, twenty-two men strong, sang several Swedish folksongs under the direction of John L. Svenson.

    The public was appreciative and enthusiastically rewarded the choir with hearty applause....

    The Swedish Singing Society presented a good program before a large audience at its first concert at Brand's Hall last Thursday night. The new choir, twenty-two men strong, sang several ...

    Swedish
    II B 1 a

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  • Zgoda -- January 12, 1887
    Attempts to Organize Polish Clubs and Societies in America

    Dear Editor:

    We hope that the writer of this article has in his heart some of the true feelings Polish people in this country received after reading his article. When I receive letters from different parts of our city, telling of organizing new church societies and political clubs, I am surprised that no attempts have been made to organize a Polish national club in our country for the benefit of all Polish people.

    Sooner or later all Polish immigrants in this country will concentrate on the organizing one big Polish club, which will take care of all Polish affairs pertaining to the welfare of the Polish immigrants in this country.

    It is assumed, that the Polish National Alliance will take full charge of this great movement, but the disinclined will have to change their attitude about this movement; otherwise it will be dropped because one club cannot take care of this alone without the support of all the Polish people.

    2

    This Polish national club will take the utmost interest in all Polish affairs and be of great help to the Polish immigrants.

    I haven't any doubt that no matter where we go this land of freedom will give the Polish people the opportunities they have been seeking.

    In about 30 or 50 years, the population of the Polish immigrants in this country will be a few millions. Our hardships in our native land, and our faith in the Lord are well known, but our main ambition won't be realized any too soon. Judging by our intentions and hard work, we have one thing that means everything to us, freedom.

    Let us always bear in mind that Poland was our native land, but now in the land of freedom, let us all learn to speak a new language, let us not lose faith that some day our native land will fight against its rulers and be a free country. Then we can return to her and have riches and good luck, which are awaiting us.

    3

    All this will not happen unless the poor class of people defy the treacherous rule of the rich. Before the rich will consent to this change and agree to be treated as equals with the poor, the blood of many patriots will flow in our native land.

    In this land of freedom we need many churches where we can receive our daily bread or communion, and we ask that all Polish people take part in this religious obligation, the same way as they have done in Poland.

    We should have a committee to see that the Polish children attend school, that they have books published at a reasonable price, have intelligent teachers, maintain and run the old schools, and build new schools, and organize Polish libraries in the neighborhoods inhabited mostly by Polish people.

    A committee of finance, consisting of trusted and intelligent men of high standing, should take it upon themselves to see that the Polish soldiers and the Polish churches are kept in the best of conditions.

    4

    I am interested in only one thing; that the Polish papers and the employees take the utmost care in publishing articles concerning the welfare of all Polish people. Almost daily we hear of Polish societies and churches being started, which is a good sign that soon we will be a strong group, united as one.

    Let this idea of unity remian deep in our hearts, so that the new Polish immigrants may profit by our sincere and hearty efforts. I hope the editor can place a few of these words in his paper.

    A. Patriofil.

    Dear Editor: We hope that the writer of this article has in his heart some of the true feelings Polish people in this country received after reading his article. When ...

    Polish
    III A, III B 2, III C, I A 1 a, I E

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  • L'italia -- January 15, 1887
    A Benefit Concert for the Italian Church

    The Most Reverend Fathers Moretti & Compagina gave a concert for the benfit of the Italian Church at "Uhlich's Hall". The big hall was full of both men and women, many of whom were representatives of social parties of the colony. These societies are considering the opening of an Italian school similar to the school in New York which is under the direction of Father Mazziotta.

    The Most Reverend Fathers Moretti & Compagina gave a concert for the benfit of the Italian Church at "Uhlich's Hall". The big hall was full of both men and women, ...

    Italian
    II B 1 a, I A 2 a, III B 2, III C

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  • Skandinaven -- January 21, 1887
    The Danish Pioneer

    The Danish Pioneer, published in Omaha, is by a decree forbidden in Denmark, and all copies entering Denmark through the mails will be confiscated. The reason is that the managing editor, Mark Hansen, is said to have insulted the King of Denmark in a series of articles, which he wrote.

    [Translator's note: Mark Hansen was a Chicago resident at that time, also Editor-in-chief and local editor.]

    The Danish Pioneer, published in Omaha, is by a decree forbidden in Denmark, and all copies entering Denmark through the mails will be confiscated. The reason is that the managing ...

    Danish
    II B 2 d 2, III H

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  • Skandinaven -- January 25, 1887
    August Spies--Van Zandt Wedding

    A few days ago, Sheriff Matson forbade the wedding of Mr. Spies and Miss Van Zandt in Cook County.

    Sheriff Matson reached this decision (to forbid the wedding) only late on Tuesday evening, after having declared in the afternoon of the same day that he would interpose no obstacle to the marriage. According to the report, it was the Scandinavian religious influence which caused this change of mind in the Sheriff.

    The statement in regard to the Sheriff's sudden change of mind we think is wholly unfounded, and will hardly be credited to such by anyone who knows Sheriff Matson. Be this, however, as it may, it is the extraordinary fact that the Staats Zeitung accords all the credit for saving 2Chicago and the world from the tragi-comic scandal of a wedding under the gallows to "Scandinavian religious influence" which startles us.

    The Scandinavians are not an irreligious people, and are pleased to have this fact recognized, but that a plain act of common sense and good judgment in the government of Cook County is attributed to this source alone does great injustice to the people of Chicago and the well-known good sense of Mr. Matson. We are not indifferent to the opinion of our German neighbors, and are pleased with a compliment from the Staats-Zeitung, but when that compliment on its very face is insincere and stupid, and, moreover, is intended as a slur on the character of a respected citizen, we decline with thanks.

    A few days ago, Sheriff Matson forbade the wedding of Mr. Spies and Miss Van Zandt in Cook County. Sheriff Matson reached this decision (to forbid the wedding) only late ...

    Norwegian
    I B 3 a, I B 4, I C

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  • Skandinaven -- January 26, 1887
    [Intolerance]

    Your article in yesterday's edition of the Scandinaven is the height of intolerance.

    It is to the credit of the wealthy Nina Zandt that she wishes to marry August Spies "in the shadow of the gallows," as you term it.

    I am neither a Socialist or Anarchist, nor do I agree with either party, but I do know that according to the Constitution no one has the authority to stop the marriage, and with all due respect to your Norwegian sheriff, I think it is the height of ignorance, intolerance, and stupidity for him to try to stop the marriage.

    And as for your drivel about Norwegians and Germans, let me say we are Americans, and Americans only. You with your internal strife only retard progress 2and cause racial hatred.

    I know that all decent and right-thinking people are in sympathy with Mr. Spies and Miss Van Zandt, and besides, Mr. Spies has not been proven guilty. It is clear that the entire Haymarket affair was a frame up.

    Your article in yesterday's edition of the Scandinaven is the height of intolerance. It is to the credit of the wealthy Nina Zandt that she wishes to marry August Spies ...

    Norwegian
    I B 3 a, I F 6, I C

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  • Skandinaven -- January 26, 1887
    New Cable System

    A new power cable has been invented by a well-known Dane, R. Rasmussen. It has been tried out by the Cable Car Company and found to be a great improvement over the old underground cable.

    This new cable is housed in a "box" on the surface between the rails, thus facilitating the repairing of the cable in case of a break.

    Several other improvements over the old system are to be found, among them being better control of speed, easier stopping, less wear and tear, and higher degree of safety.

    No doubt this new cable will soon be in use throughout Chicago.

    A new power cable has been invented by a well-known Dane, R. Rasmussen. It has been tried out by the Cable Car Company and found to be a great improvement ...

    Danish
    II A 2, IV

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  • Zgoda -- January 26, 1887
    Slander

    There are many Americans who give our forefathers credit for their splendid support of the Catholic religion and their undying love for their native land.

    Not long ago something was said in regard to the above mentioned which caused hard feelings and misunderstanding among Polish people; we feel that it should be overlooked.

    American citizens attending the Polish National Alliance convention began collecting donations to support and maintain the academy and convent of the Ursulan Sisters. Donations were given good-heartedly.

    During a church mission in a small town near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a Polish Catholic priest, Father Koluszewski of Cleveland, ascended the pulpit and denounced sternly the donations given to support the "n Home."

    2

    "Who gave them permission," said the Reverend Father to the congregation, "to take care of the collections for the Ursulans? Do not believe them; they are liars, these Ursulans; they are a suspicious group of ladies. In the old country the devil sent women to do his bidding where he himself had failed."

    I will not say anything that you can hold against me but I will add this - that the reason for the sudden anger of Reverend Father Koluszewski against the Ursulans is that the Polish National Alliance of America is taking care of the donations for the Ursulans and is being fully supported by its 3,000 members and by different societies and Catholic institutions.

    Reverend Father Koluszewski is himself working against the Polish National Alliance; he cannot understand how an organization as big as the P. N. A. can undertake so great a responsibility and still have so many Roman Catholic priests striving for an opportunity to join it.

    Reverend Koluszewski's speech from the pulpit only caused the people to 3leave in great anger; it caused ill feeling among the P. N. A. members because they were willing to contribute to the support of poor Ursulan Sisters' Convent.

    Another priest said: "As a priest, I am humiliated at the sudden outburst of Reverend Father Koluszerski; as a Pole, I cannot find words to apoligize for his behavior. I know that from our native country the poorest class of people crossed the ocean in search of a country where they could be taken care of in their old age, as for example, the Home of the Ursulan Sisters. This institution is also striving to save our children from the shame put upon their souls because of the lack of education. They are working to teach our Polish children the success and pleasures of life received from having a good education and from the teachings of the Catholic religion.

    It also shows in old records that the head of this institution, Superior Sister Morawska, donated her farm and all her money in her home town of Poland for the building of this home, Ursulan Sisters. This shows that any propaganda or slander said against these "Sisters" is only used as an obstruction against the Polish people in their effort to advance and their 4undying love for the Catholic religion.

    Almighty God will punish the trouble-maker who spoke so rudely about the Ursulan Sisters and their undying love for the Catholic religion.

    Dr. Rev. Father Kanonik.

    There are many Americans who give our forefathers credit for their splendid support of the Catholic religion and their undying love for their native land. Not long ago something was ...

    Polish
    III C, I A 2 c, III B 4, I K, III B 2, II D 5, I A 2 a

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