At Home: 1850: Alexander Curtis

Alexander Curtis
Age 31
Pullman, 1881

The following story is based on a decision made by a real person.
At the end of the story, you will find questions and activities.
For more information, click on the pictures with captions.

Who was Alexander Curtis?

It is December 1881. In a squalid tenement in Chicago's ninth ward, Alexander Curtis , age 31, lives with his wife, Frances, and his two daughters, Jennie, 6, and Daisy, 2.

He moved to Chicago from Missouri just last year, but until now has only been able to find work as a street peddler. Suddenly, the dream becomes reality: a new job and with it the astonishing problem of choosing a new home.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Level Three