Duarte Miguel Barcelos Mendon9a Caminho Novo do Galeao, ent. 32, n.O 18 Sao Roque


9020-101 Funchal


Madeira - Portugal


Funchal, 17 de Janeiro de 2006


Caro Sf. Anibal,


Como prometi, aqui the envio a documenta9ao existente no ficheiro do passaporte do seu avo Rufino Moniz. Ele teve de apresentar todos estes documentos no Governo Civil, em 1920, para poder emigrar com toda a sua familia, excepto com a sua mae, como voce sabe.


Seguidamente eu farei uma breve descri9ao de cada um dos documentos pela ordem em que eles se apresentam porque a maior parte dos originais estao escritos a mao e por vezes tornam-se dificeis de ler e compreender 0 que hi esta escrito:


l.a folha: Requerimento feito a agencia de passaportes a 12/211920 para obter 0 passaporte para 0 seu avo e restante familia. A esquerda, numa co luna, existe a descri9ao dos seus familiares (altura, rosto, cabelo, olhos, nariz, boca e complei9ao).


2.a folha: Documento redigidoa 211211920 por Antonio Filipe de Noronha, Comissario da Policia Civica do Funchal, autorizando 0 guarda civico nr. 36, Rufmo Moniz, a poder tirar passaporte para a America.


3.a folha: Certificado de baptismo do seu avo, obtido na igreja do Salvador, em Santa Cruz, a 4/2/1920. Nele e referido que no livro de registo de baptismos do ana de 1874, no assento n.o 41, se encontra 0 seguinte: 0 seu avo foi baptizado a 3 de Maio de 1874 naquela igreja. Ele nasceu as 07:00 do dia 29/311874, era 0 primeiro filho de Rufmo Moniz e de Maria de Freitas, trabalhadores,lnaturais de Santa Cruz e residentes a Ca19ada de Sao GiL Era neto paterno de Joao Moniz e de Basilia de Freitas e neto materno de Antonio Pereira e de Antonia de Freitas. 0 padrinho foi Filipe de Souza, casado, trabalhador e morador no mesmo sitio. A assinatura deste documento foi reconhecido num notario do Funchal a 12/211920.


4.a folha: Pedido de seu avo, datado de 4/2/1920 ao juiz de dire ito da comarca de Santa Cruz para the passar uma certidao do registo criminal. Exista a assinatura do seu avo nesta folha. Na parte de tras da folha existe a referida certidao, data do mesmo dia, dizendo que nada constava sobre ele. Ele foi ainda a um notario de Santa Cruz reconhecer a assinatura.


5.a folha: Certificado de nascimento da sua avo, redigido no Registo Civil do Funchal. Este documento diz que no livro do registo dos nascimentos do ano de 1889 na folha 8, nr. 3, consta 0 seguinte: a 20/111889, na igreja de Sao Pedro, Funchal, foi baptizada a Maria, que nasceu naquela freguesia as 0:15 do dia 24/1211888, filha legitima de Manoel Rodrigues Neto, trabalhador, e de Maria Isabel, domestica, ambos
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naturais da freguesia e concelho de Sao Vicente, mas eram moradores no sitio da Ribeira de Sao Joao (no Funchal) e paroquianos da igreja de Sao Pedro. Era neta paterna de Jose Rodrigues Neto e Maximiana de Jesus. Era neta materna de Manuel Ferreira e Maria de Jesus. Os padrinhos foram Manuel Fernandes Camacho, comerciante, casado, e sua mulher, Maria Helena Camacho, moradores a Rua de Sao Joao. Este documento foi escrito a 101211920.


6.a folha: Requerimento (assinado pela sua av6) pedindo a certidao do registo criminal, que foi escrito no verso a 6/2/1920. Neste documento a mae da sua av6 aparece com mais urn sobrenome do que no registo de baptismo - Maria Isabel de Jesus.


7.a folha: certificado de baptismo de Mari~.(filhade RufmoMoniz) redigido naigreja do Salvador, em Santa·Cruz a 4/2/1920 e reconhecido num notario do Funchal a 12/2/1920. Neste documento e referidQ .que no livrodos baptizados do ano de 1900 daquela freguesia, no registo 224, ,eµcontra-se 0 seguinte: a 2/12/1900, naquela igreja, foi baptizada a Maria, que nasceu as 16:00 do dia 28/1111900, filha de Rufmo Moniz, guarda civil, e de Maria Rosa, domestica, naturais de Santa Cruz e residentes ao sitio da Cal9ada de Sao Gil. Era neta paterna de Rufmo Moniz e de Maria de Freitas, e neta materna de Jose Joquim Monteiro e de Augusta do Rosario. Foi padrinho Angelo Alvares de Freitas, viuvo, amanuense da Camara de Santa Cruz, morador na vila, e madrinha Maria de Freitas, viuva, domestica, moradora ao sitio da Cal9ada de Sao Gil.


8.a folha: Requerimento datado de 412/1920 (assinado pelo seu avo) requerendo a certidao do registo criminal de sua filha Maria Vera Moniz. No verso deste documento foi lavrada a respectiva certidao dizendo que nada constava sobre ela.


9.a folha: certificado de baptismo de Maria Gl6ria (filha de Rufmo Moniz) redigido na igreja do Salvador, em Santa Cruz, a 412/1920 e reconhecido num notario do Funchal a 12/2/1920. Neste documento e referido que no livro dos baptizados do ano de 1902 daquela freguesia, no registo nr. 62, se encontra 0 seguinte: a 9/311902, naquela igreja, foi baptizada a Maria, que nasceu naquela freguesia as 3:30 (da manha) do dia 2712/1902, filha. legitima de Rufmo Moniz Junior, guarda civil, e de Maria do Rosario, domestica,' paroquianos e residentes em Santa Cruz, no sitio da Cal9ada de Sao Gil, neta paterna de Rufmo Moniz Senior e de Maria de Freitas e neta materna de Jose Joaquim Monteiro e de Augusta do Rosario. as padrinhos foram.o padre da freguesia, Ant6nio Nicolau Fernandes e Augusta Paulina Garces, solteira, parteira, moradora ao sitio dabRochinha.


10.3 folha:Requerimento datado de 4/2/1920 (assinado pelo seu avo) requerendo a certidao do registo criminal de sua filha Maria da Gl6ria Moniz. No verso deste documento foi lavrada a respect iva certidao dizendo que nada constava sobre ela.


........


11.3 e 12.a folha: Certificado de nascimento do Henrique redigido a 10/211920 na Conservat6ria do Registo Civil do Funchal. Neste documento e referido que no livro do registo paroquial da igreja de Sao Pedro, no Funchal, relative aos nascimentos de 1907, se encontra no registo 147, na folha 75, 0 seguinte: a 26/5/1907, naquela igrej~ foi baptizado 0 Henrique, que nasceu na freguesia de Sao Pedro as 05:00 do dia 211411907, filho legitimo de Rufino Moniz, poHcia civil, natural de Santa Cruz, e de Maria do Rosario Moniz, domestica, natural da mesma freguesia de Santa Cruz,


Page THREE paroquianos de Sao Pedro e residentes a Rua daRibeira de Sao Joao. Era neto paterno de Rufino Moniz e de Maria de Freitas.,e materno de Jose Joaquim Monteiro e de Augusta do Rosario. 0 padrinho foi Henrique Tristao Betencourt da Camara, solteiro, empregado de comercio, morador em Santa Luzia, e madrinha Maria Bela de Noronha e Agrela, moradora em Sao Paulo, casada. (0 assento original de baptismo nao levou selo porque os pais do Henrique eram pobres)


13.a folha: Requerimento datado de 5/2/1920 (assinado pelo Henrique) requerendo a certidao do registo criminal dele proprio. No verso deste docurnento foi lavrada a respect iva certidao dizendo que nada constava sobre ele.


14.a folha: Certificado de nascimento do Mario redigido a 11/211920 na Conservatoria do Registo Civil do Funchal. Neste docurnento e referido que no livro do registo paroquial da igreja de Sao Pedro, no'Funchal, relativo aos'nascimentos de 1910, se encontra no registo 35, na folha: 18, 0 seguinte: a 2/2/1910, nesta igreja foi baptizado o Mario, que nasceu em Sao Pedro as 09:00 do dia 8/1111909, filho legitimo de Rufino Moniz, guarda civil, e de Maria do Rosario, domestic a, naturais da freguesia de Santa Cruz, paroquianos de Sao Pedro e moradores na Rua da Ribeira de Sao Joao. Era neto paterno de Rufmo Moniz e de Maria de Freitas e neto materno de Jose Joaquim Monteiro e de Augusta do Rosario. Foi padrinho Joao Isidoro de Araujo Figueira, casado, proprietario, morador na Calyada do Pico, e madrinha Maria Henriqueta, solteira, moradora no Pico dos Frias.


14.a e 15a folha: Certificado de nascimento do Joao redigido a 10/2/1920 na Conservatoria do Registo Civil do Funchal. Neste docurne~to e referido que no livro do registo paroquial da igreja de Sao Pedro, no Funchal, relativo aos nascimentos de 1919, se encontra no registo 164, na folha 83,0 seguinte: as 10 horas do dia 31/1/1919 nasceu na Rua do Dr. Vieira nr. 290, da freguesia de Sao Pedro, urn individuo do sexo masculino a quem foi posto 0 nome de Joao Pedro Moniz, filho legitimo de Rufino Moniz, guarda civico, de 44 anos de idade, natural de Santa Cruz, e de sua esposa Maria Natalia Moniz, domestica, de 29 anos de idade, natural de Sao Pedro, Funchal. Era neto paterno de Rufino Moniz e de Maria de Freitas Moniz e neto materno de Manuel Rodrigues Neto e de Maria de Jesus. Foram testemunhas deste registo, Luis Dias Sequeira (?), casado, cabo da policia civic a, e Abel Ascensao de Vasconcelos, casado, guarda civico, residentes a Rua do Comercio, na Se.


16.a folha: Esta contem as fotos dos seus familiares, tirada antes de eles irem para a America. Os passaportes deles, registados com os numeros 819, 820, 821, 822, 823 e 824 (se alguem ainda os tiver) contem as mesmas fotos.


Este ultimo documento (documento de fianya) foi redigido no dia em que foram passados oS-passaportes da sua familia, a 24 de Fevereiro de 1920.


Nesta folha esta escrito que nesta data foi a secretaria do Governo Civil do Funchal Rufmo Moniz, casado, ex-guarda civico nr. 36, de 45 anos, natural de Santa Cruz, residente na Rua do Dr. Vieira, no Funchal, filho de Rufmo Moniz e de Maria de Freitas Moniz, dec1arou que pretendendo obter passaporte para si e para a sua mulher, Maria Natalia Moniz e seus filhos, Maria, de 19 anos, Maria da Gloria, de, 17, Henrique, de 12, Mario, de 10, e Jooo, de 1 ano, para a America do Norte dava por seu fiador a Justiniano Martinho de Vasconcelos, casado, cabo de SeCyaO, morador na Rua do Pina freguesia de Santa Luzia ...


Page Four
Resumindo e concluindo, estes documentos estiveram desde 1920 e se calhar so viram a luz do dia agora, 86 anos depois, quando eu os pedi para tirar fotocopias para lhe enviar. 
com esta documentacao importante para si e para a sua familia, voce vai ficar a saber mais sobre os seus avos, bisavos e trisavos.
Um abraco deste seu amigo, Duarte Mendonca

The Old Neighborhood!

"In the late nineteenth & early twentieth centuries, the booming textile industry turned many New England towns & villages into industrialized urban centers. This rapid urbanization transformed not only the economic base but also the regional identity of communities such as New Bedford as new housing forms emerged to accommodate the largely immigrant workforce of the mills. In particular, the wood-frame "three-decker" became the region's multifamily housing design of choice, resulting in a unique architectural form that is characteristic of New England. In The Patina of Place, Heath offers the first book-length analysis of the three-decker & its cultural significance, revealing New Bedford's evolving regional identity within New England. Using his concept of "cultural weathering" to explore the cultural imprints left by inhabitants on their built environment, Heath considers whether the three-decker is a generic type that could be transferred, unaltered, elsewhere. He concludes that the ethnic, economic, & geographic conditions of a locale serve as subregional filters that reshape the meaning, utility, & character of a building form, thereby making that form an integral & distinctive part of its community. Specifically, Heath shows how the three-decker was designed, built, & lived in, & then illustrates its transformation by later generations of residents following the collapse of the textile industry in the mid-1920s up to the present day."~FROM: The Patina of Place, The Cultural Weathering of a New England Industrial Landscape, 2001, Kingston Wm Heath~

90 Davis Street, New bedford, Massachusetts. The family's first home in America, they lived on the middle floor. Porches have been removed and vinyl siding added, since the 1920's, a very traditional three tenement house.

Angelo's Market, right next door to the family's second home on Earle Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts. This store holds many fond memories from my childhood of penny candy and mounds of ice cream and that of my cousins I am sure. Today, Angelo's seems to be unoccupied.

The family home, pictured in the center, located on Earle Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts. The family occupied the first floor. It is directly across the street from the family parish and a short around the corner distance from the grammar school the children attended.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, directly across the street from the family home on Earle Street.

Sarah D Ottiwell School in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the grammar school the children attended. All of the above photos were taken in February of 2012.

The Feast of the Blessed Sacrament, New Bedford, Massachusetts, held yearly, the first weekend in August on the Immaculate Conception church grounds. Attended by the family to this day, about 90 years in attendance. Traditional Madeira Dance pictured above.
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Memories From Our Trip!

A Journey Into Antiquity!

This photo was taken in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal. As I walked into the bedroom where my grandparents once slept, I was drawn to the light of this open window. As the breeze gently filtered through the lace curtain, I couldn't help thinking how very European this image was in my minds eye. I wondered how many letters had been written, tears shed and precious moments shared in the blush of this delicate light? 
Posted From: Rosemary Aubut's Creative Journal

PaPa, Can You Hear Me?

This photo was taken in Santa Cruz, Madeira, Portugal. The village streets are quaint with outside cafes and rustic old houses showing off their age with dignity and grace. In the center of this township  is of course, the Village Church, surrounded by elaborate stonework and trees to shade. This place of worship is where my grand-father was baptized and his father before him. Once again this was a goose-bump rating of 10 on the emotional richter scale. This window called to me in gratitude from generations past! 
Posted From: Rosemary Aubut's Creative Journal

A Walk Back In Time!

I had the privilege of visiting Madeira, Portugal in the fall of 2009. Everywhere I looked there was a photo to be taken. Standing outside my grandfather's 300 year old house, I snapped this photo, giving my goose-bump rating a perfect 10! I believe this old gent walked past to remind me of a time when we used to walk and grandfather held my eager little hand. His cane always pointed out different objects of interest, that as a child, I might want to collect. Bottle caps seemed to be my favorite. He passed when I was eight years of age. I miss those walks! 

Posted From: Rosemary Aubut's Creative Journal

Settling In, The Early Years!

Left to right: Joseph, Gloria, Alice, John holding Judith

The family settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and would reside at 90 Davis Street in the spring of 1920. They lived on the middle floor and mother was born in the middle bedroom of a three decker tenement house. Sponsored to America by Manole Moniz, grandfather's brother. Manole is listed on the ship's manifest as their sponsor and his brother. Grandparents along with the  three oldest children were listed as able to read and write, a great accomplishment for that time. It was also noted that they were of good health. Judging by the birth dates of  children to follow I do believe grandmother was pregnant with baby Joseph, who would pass in his thirteen month, at the time of the crossing.

Gaze upon the beautiful children pictured above, how very precious! If God be in the details my grandmother was filled with the Glory of God! She made her own patterns, utilizing any kind of paper, placing the paper against the children's small bodies. The fabric was purchased from the avenue fabric store named, The Arabian's, a clever male proprietor who spoke fluent French and Portuguese, assisted with each sale. 

The family received WPA from time to time, which was public assistance. Grandfather, collected a small sum when he was laid off from his factory job as a bobbin filler at the Nashawena Mills, he had been a police officer on the Island of Madeira. The WPA would provide fabric sacks filled with flour, after making her own bread, grandmother would wash and use the sacks to fashion the children's underwear. Nothing went to waste and nothing taken for granted. The girls dresses were hand embroidered by grandmother as she was trained in the fine art of Madeira Embroidery Work. She had been a servant to the wealthy, working at the famous, Reid Palace Hotel in Funchal, Madeira. By the looks of the children pictured above I would say they came from great material wealth! There were six children born in America to my grandparents for a total of seven. Grandfather had seven with his first wife, six had survived. Two remained in Madeira and would migrate years later. 

John the oldest of the second seven was born in Madeira, and arrived here at the age of one, followed by Joseph who passed at thirteen months, followed by another Joseph, Maria Gloria, Maria Alice, Maria Judith and Elvira Antonia, would follow. Elvira (Vera) was born a year later and is not pictured in the photo above. There were two Joseph's, two Gloria's and recently I learned two Vera's. Do you think maybe they just ran out of names or was this some sort of tribute to the children that had passed? Maria Viera, as listed on the ship's manifest, the oldest of the fourteen is listed as Maria Vera, on her birth certificate. The girls, all except one were named Maria and luckily for the rest of us went by their middle names. The deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was the inspiration for their names, It was the custom of the time. 

I can't even imagine a moment of free time for either grandparent. A plot of land was shared and farmed, fruits and vegetables were always in abundance. The most perfect specimens were sold to the local grocer for extra cash. A swing was erected for the younger children, hanging from the sturdiest of grape vines, while the older siblings helped with the farm's many chores. It was a five mile walk to the farm and a daily family event. Grandmother, pushed the younger two girls in a wicker carriage, while grandfather and the boys towed a hand built wooden wagon. Blemished produce were consumed by the family, always carefully washed and prepared. The family, years later would purchase an acre and a half of land on Marbourough Street, to farm alone. Grandfather would greet the incoming fishing boats where their catch was shared with the needy before it was sold to local fish markets. Wine, moonshine and root beer were also produced by the family. The quality of the wine was gauged by the moon and held up to it's light to assure purity. By today's standards they ate better than most of us would like to admit to on a daily basis. Odd carpentry jobs and stone work were also performed by grandfather to support his family during lean times. If this was considered poverty, sign me up! Such wealth in family values and work ethic were instilled, a proud and noble people they were! What lessons for all of us to hold dear and pass along. Sunday afternoons held a few spare moments for grandfather, fully dressed in his Sunday best, he would play his mandolin after a large Sunday feast, while singing to the children. The mandolin is now displayed at the Madeira Museum, in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

As the children grew grandmother would eventually find work and secured a job at Colonial Textile making and pressing pajamas. She is pictured below on the far left. As the textile industry was slowly diminishing, work became scarce and the family would relocate to California. Grandfather, traveled first to find work and secure housing, which he did at 1421 Alviso Street, Santa Clara. Grandmother and the six younger children would drive cross county along with family friends, Jean and Jenny Picard. In a large moving truck, they drove three thousand miles to seek yet another new life. Fruit was purchased along the way, an abundance of peanut butter was consumed and they slept on mattresses placed in the back of the truck. My mom says she was about eight years of age at that time. It is hard to confirm accurate timelines, this would have made it about 1931 as she was born in 1923, yet they are listed in the 1930 census as living in New Bedford? She may have been a little older than she remembers. The older siblings, Maria Vera, Ralph, Mario and Henry had already moved to California some time in the late twenties where they remained for the rest of their lives. 
Grandfather and his younger family, would stay in California for two years, work was scarce there as well, picking fruit the only job grandfather would encounter. They moved back to New Bedford, Massachusetts, a train ride cross country, provided by the government, was their mode of transportation. Back to the same floor, three tenement house, where family remained for several more years, moving to Earle Street, New Bedford, sometime later. The family pet Tilou, a grungy old cat, greeted the family upon their return, cared for by the neighbors during their absence. 
A very large religious feast and festival is celebrated each year in New Bedford, called The Feast Of The Blessed Sacrament, it is deep in tradition and folklore and the family would save for months to buy new clothes for the children to attend. It was a very happy time for them and we still attend the feast to this day. It is held the first weekend in August every year. It is said that 300,000 people attend during the four day event. The food is incredible, traditional dance and entertainment the highlights. My mom will be in attendance this year, it will be her 88th time, a deep sense of pride goes along with this tradition for me, my roots defined.
Life was as good as could be expected for the time, they were living the American dream and never, ever, would they give up, not even for a moment! 

Colonial Textile: Grand-mother far left

The Black Arrow!

Rufino Moniz & Maria Natalia Moniz

The Black Arrow, it's name alone conjures up visions of pirates, mystery and adventure. Docked in the harbor of Funchal, the Arrow awaited it's anxious passengers ready for adventure and the promise of a better life. Word had reached the shores of Madeira that life was good in America. It was the land of opportunity, offering work, housing, education, hope and abundance. 

I can only imagine how grandmother felt? Walking the dock of anticipation with her one year old son John in arm, grand-father and four of his seven children from his first marriage.

Envisioning a very early start, a thick fog lending to the mystery that lie ahead. All dressed in their Sunday best each carrying some sort of satchel and maybe a small hand carved wooden toy for baby John. Grandmother had to have been nursing John as this was not the age of sterilization. My God, can you feel her butterflies and hear her heart pounding, leaving everything she knew behind. They were never to return.

Such sorrow had befallen this grand lady. She had lost her first husband and three small children to the dreaded influenza that swept across Europe. How does one soul endure such heartache and move on? She was only thirty one years of age the day she embarked this vehicle of opportunity, she would go on to bear six more children in America. 

What might their accommodations have been like? I can only hope that they had some sort of privacy? What kind of food did they consume and what were the rest room facilities like aboard? Can you picture the long lines not to mention sea sickness? My mother says that it took close to thirty days to cross the Atlantic to Ellis Island and I am not sure if they stopped in the Azores or not. It would make sense that they did to pick up more passengers. Their passports were issued in February of 1920 and stamped by the American Consulate, March 6th 1920, possibly their date of departure. I recently learned from cousin Hank that there were Italian immigrants on board as well, relayed by his dad, Henry aged twelve at the time of the crossing. Sign language a form of communication for sure. 

Mother says that they never really spoke of their hardships or their trip across, you just did what you had to do and move forward. How different my life would have been had they not taken this enormous leap of faith. Luckily the earth was proven not to be flat years earlier by Christopher Columbus, who married a woman from Madeira with the maiden name of Moniz. Hmm? Grandfather said his family were the first Monizs' to settle in Madeira from the mainland. No proof here just word of mouth! 

Someday I will return to investigate their linage at greater length. Records were kept in churches, the church where my grandmother was baptized burned to the ground in Funchal where she was born. Grandmother was born in 1889, her birthdate December 24, hence her name Natalia, a Christmas blessing. In her thirty first year at the time of the crossing, she passed at the age of 76 in 1965. She was the daughter of Manuel Roderiques Neto and Maria Isabel de Jesus. Grand-father was born in Santa Cruz, Madeira in the year of 1874 on March 29, he passed at the age of 82 in 1956, we visited his church and place of baptism. He was 44 years of age the day he embarked the ship and celebrated his 45th birthday aboard. He was the son of Rufino Moniz and Maria de Freitas. I have no idea of the family that they left behind and if their parents were still alive at the time of their departure? Grandmother had two brothers that lived in Fall River, Massachusetts, John and Jesse Neto. How many more siblings did they have? I understand we have cousins in Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela and Hawaii. Questions I hope to answer thru out our journey!

Their mode of transportation from New York to New Bedford is unknown to me at this time. Maybe one of my relatives has more information. My guess would be the railway. According to the photo of the ship's manifest they arrived at Ellis Island with the grand sum of $22.00, hopefully a sizable amount for that time. It was Friday, April 2 1920. They were sponsored across by grandfather's brother who resided in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Mary, Mother of the Archangels, how did they endure? Twenty two dollars, five children, transportation, food and housing yet to be found. I will never take the small amount of twenty two dollars for granted again! 

The four older children were, Maria Viera, age 19, Maria Gloria, age 17, she would pass at sea and buried there. Henrique, age 12 years, Mario, age 10. There is no mention of Ralph the eldest son, who came a few years later. Hopefully the reason coming soon for his late departure. Caroline and Jordan stayed behind and would come many years later. 

Grandfather's first wife would die in childbirth bearing their seventh child, Jordan. Once again such heartache and to lose a child while crossing the ocean, my heart weeps for their sorrow. Was their decision ever questioned??? 

We can only wonder...

The Black Arrow Photo Courtsey: Peabody Essex Museum

Built by Bremer Vulkan Shipbuilders, Vegesack, Germany, 1904. 6,600 gross tons; 409 (bp) feet long; 52 feet wide. Steam quadruple expansion engine, single screw.  Service speed 13 knots. 900 passengers (100 first class, 800 third class). Steel hull, two decks.

Built for Hamburg-American Line, German flag, in 1904 and named Rhaetia. Mediterranean-New York service. Seized by U.S. Shipping Board, in 1917 and renamed Black Hawk. Transferred to United States Navy, American flag, in 1919 and renamed USS Black Arrow. Chartered by New York & Cuba Mail Steamship Co., in 1919. Mediterranean-New York service. Scrapped in 1924.~EllisIsland.org~

A Brief History of Madeira Island!

Please click on Blog Archive in right hand column to see older posts in sequence!
"When the Infante Dom Henrique, better known in English as Prince Henry the Navigator, gathered together the finest cartographers and navigators of Portugal at the beginning of the 15th century, his plan was to extend the knowledge of the coast of West Africa. Armed only with square-rigged ships, compass, hourglass and astrolabe, the initial sea captains were severely handicapped in their endeavours. But in the course of their ventures, the finest hour of Portuguese maritime history, luck brought greater riches than the purities of science and logic.

Two young sea captains, João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, were blown off course on their journey around the African coast and after many days at sea found land on a small island that they named Porto Santo - the very first of the many discoveries made by Henry's school of navigation. On reporting to Henry they were promptly ordered to return and colonize the island. The year was 1419. Seductive as are the charms of the golden sands of Porto Santo it seems somewhat incredible today that it took a further year before the next discovery was made. The captains had reported a dark mass of clouds visible on the southern horizon. They were now encouraged to explore this foreboding mass. As theories to whether the world was flat had yet to be completely disproved, it took an enormous leap of faith to cross the traverse. As they approached, the huge Atlantic rollers breaking along the north coast and the boiling turbulence of the cross currents at the Ponta de São Lourenço cannot have eased the concern of the superstitious sailors. But on rounding the headland they discovered the bay of Machico, the threshold to the heavily forested island that they named Madeira. Prince Henry immediately organized the colonization of the island, with the first families coming from the Algarve region of Portugal."~google search~


 ~A Timeline of the History of Madeira, By Jorge Barbosa~


"1425

Colonization begins. The first settlers set fire to the dense forest near the areas where conditions are ideal for the cultivation of sugar cane. Sugar, the white gold, transforms the island into a rapidly important economic unit for the Portuguese crown. Mostly noble families are entrusted to these ventures.

1478

Christopher Columbus visits the archipelago to buy sugar. He marries Filipa Moniz, daughter of the first governor of Porto Santo Bartolomeu Perestrelo. He finds flotsam of various plants of foreign origin on the beach of Porto Santo to inculcate the theory of other lands or islands even further west from the archipelago. This way is hatched his plans for the future discovery of the Americas.

1514

The archipelago undertakes its first census. There are more than 5000 inhabitants on the islands.

1542

The city walls, to protect Funchal from Pirate attack, are completed.

1566

Despite the protection of the city walls 1000 (one thousand) French corsairs attack Funchal. They assassinate the governor and plunder the mansions and churches dotted around the successful community. This marks the worst act of aggression ever perpetrated on the island.

1580

Phillip II of Spain assumes the throne in Portugal and Madeira falls under Spanish rule.

1614

The total population of Madeira is now calculated at 28,345 inhabitants. Of these, at least 3000 are slaves.

1640

Under the leadership of King John IV, Portugal revolts the Spanish rule and recover independence from the Spanish crown. Madeira is Portuguese again.

1662

Catherine of Bragana, daughter of King John IV, marries Charles II, the king of England. As part of the pre-nuptial agreement English trade and merchants are given privileged access to the Madeiran economy. Over time they gain strong control of the emerging and lucrative Madeira wine industry. Many choose to reside permanently in Madeira.

1775

Slavery is abolished in Portugal.

1803

In one of the worst natural disasters on the island, 600 inhabitants drown during some flash floods in Funchal. Preparations are made for the building of high walls on the banks of the three rivers that run down to the harbour in central Funchal.

1807 - 1813

British troops land on the island. Their purpose is to act as a defense against the encroaching and marching forces of Napoleon as his armies conquer most of Europe. Indeed, Madeira is briefly under the dominion of British rule and the Union Jack is hoisted over that of Portugal's flag when Napoleon takes control of the country. Madeira never sees a French soldier close to its shores.

1852

In one of the worst health problems the island has ever suffered, more than 7000 inhabitants fall victim to cholera. At the same time, a devastating mildew destroys the vines across Madeira and economic hardship is rife. New varietals of grapes are planted and the introduction of the banana as an alternative cash crop is promoted.

1887

Madeira starts enjoying the first inklings of what would become its mainstay for the insular economy: tourism. The island's new fortunes are a result of the increased and intense traffic of ships between cold northern Europe and the warmer tropical climates of the south by a new bourgeoisie class of Europe.

1891

The emblematic and token hotel, The Reid's, opens its doors to the public. It caters specifically to a very wealthy and distinct upper class of clientele.

1916-1917

German submarines firing from the harbour of Funchal bombard the city on two separate occasions. The damage incurred is minimal.

1931

Inhabitants on the island revolt against the stringent economic measures put in place by the government of Oliveira Salazar. They go on general strike. The government in Lisbon sends troops to the island to quell the rebellion. After the suppression, many Madeirans start to seek new lives abroad and begin a long tradition of emigration to many different parts of the world. Initially, these would include the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii), the USA and Brazil. Later it is Venezuela, South Africa and France that collect the many departed.

1964

Santa Catarina Airport (or Funchal Airport) is inaugurated. The first commercial flights are introduced and the island adapts to a new type of tourist.

1974

On the 25^th of April a bloodless revolution takes place and the dictatorial government is overthrown. A democratic regime is installed and Portugal starts to relinquish its colonial territories.

1976

The archipelago of Madeira is accorded self-rule and is given autonomous status by the Portuguese government. Madeira has its own regional government, presidency and legislature. The military and judiciary remain under Portuguese auspices.

1986

The entry of Portugal into the European Economic Community heralds a new phase of development for Madeira. Madeira is considered one of the poorest regions of the EEC and the islands are given incredible financial support for the development of infrastructure and the economy.

Today Madeira Island relies on tourism. It is famous for it's fine wines and is a glorious place to visit.

Our Visit!

Visiting the Island of Madeira, Portugal, along with my mom, aunt, daughter, cousin and husband, I quickly came to realize that this was an opportunity of a lifetime. To visit the place where my grand-parents were born and generations before them an overwhelming and memorable experience. Touring the Island the question arose, "why would my grand-parents leave this tropical paradise?" The mountainous terrain rose abruptly and majestically from the ocean floor creating breathtaking sea views from every angle. Tile roofed houses scattered about seemed to hang in suspension from mountain terraces, red the color of choice. It was the month of September, the tropical climate hovering around 82 degrees everyday of our nine day visit, the climate compared to that of Hawaii. The air permeated with sweet smells of the sea, invigorating, a warm breeze always to grace yet cool our adventuresome spirits along with that of the flesh. 

An awesome group we were, appreciating everything this Pearl of The Sea had to offer. The food and wine incredible, tile paved streets and sidewalks a sight to behold, swept and scrubbed It was everything European one could possibly imagine.

Beautifully manicured rows of grape vines graced the mountain sides. Banana farms mostly on the west side of the Island flourished from the warm Atlantic breezes. There was no way that heavy equipment could be utilized here, everything must be done by hand, I thought. How ingenious to have figured this intricate maze of an agricultural phenomenon. Flat land in Madeira almost non-existant and every free space utilized and put to optimal use. 

My senses were overindulged and my heart sang a song of joy and adventure. What could we discover next our only care. We hired a tour guide and thus our adventure less complicated. We met up with our cousin Anibal who lives in America and visits Madeira on a regular basis to care for the family home which belonged to our grand-father's sister. We also met several cousins on my grand-father's side who greeted us with open arms and a bountiful feast fit for a king! 

Food is fresh and their garden busting at the seams with vegetables and plump colorful fruit. It was harvest time and they allowed us to stomp grapes with our feet, new rubber boots a must. I have to say that it was a great deal of work stomping those grapes, their vines producing about forty gallons per year. Enough for family consumption only they explained. I watched a video of Lucy and Ethel stomping grapes with my grand-daughters hoping to learn a couple of tips before I left. Luckily our cousins broken English was understandable for us, although mom speaks and writes Portuguese fluently if a translation issue arose. 

Why then would my ancestors leave this beauty and abundance with five children, board a ship and travel across the ocean to seek a new life? What courage, tenacity and spirit of adventure, I thought, such a hearty and robust people. 

All of the stories I had heard over the years came to light and seemed more real, I must write them down I thought, a legacy for our children and generations forward. My family is on board and I will share their memories, stories and photos to the best of my ability and anyone's recollection.

Grand-father sired fourteen children and married twice each wife bore him seven children, there were seven boys and seven girls altogether. All have passed except for the four youngest daughters all in their eighties now. The aunties four, will be a great source of information and I can't wait to record their knowledge! 

Our journey begins.......