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Except for the cobblestone paved main street, all other narrow side streets were muddy most of the time and were just wide enough for a horse and wagon to squeeze through; thus they were seldom used for that purpose.
All the houses were one story with attics, built with extra-heavy planks that were well seasoned with age. Paint was not affordable. All houses had steep roofs to keep out rain and melting snow. The attics were loaded with layers of straw for insulation against heat or cold. Some of the houses had straw-covered roofs. (Extreme fire hazard!) Tar paper had either not been heard of or was also unaffordable.
For a glimpse of “high finance” -- only in our village was the kopek (one penny) divided into ten pretas (one-tenth of a kopek) by the authorized tinsmith who punched small round tin discs, approved by the Rov (head Rabbi) and accepted by all merchants. This permitted even the poor to donate to the poor.
The village of Visoko, Litovsk, did not have even a single water pump.
Water had to be carried in pails from the river. The river was also conveniently used as a laundry and for many ... unsanitary purposes. In addition to the multi-seated outhouse located near the shul, there was only one privately owned outhouse at the home of our paternal grandparents. To visit them was a joyful experience.
To all of the foregoing can be added a multitude of other inconveniences, and yet the older generation, the great-great grandparents, were content to live out their lives the same as their forefathers had done. But the younger generation was becoming restless and dreamed of changes for the better. Life as planned for them by their fathers became unacceptable.
We Dream of America
The tales about AMERICA, as told by a few who had returned and from other sources, were exciting as well as fascinating. People [there] were FREE to live their lives without fear of pogroms. Opportunities were unlimited for those with foresight and ambition. They knew the streets being paved with gold instead of cobblestones was only a myth and that a lot of effort must be exerted in order to achieve a higher standard of life than was obtainable in the village..
Our Home Wool Factory
During the same year, 1902, our wool-processing and dyeing business in the village was becoming profitable. Our parents were able to splurge on a new made-to-order suit and a pair of shoes for me... and for others in the family as well. We had plenty to eat, and although the choice was limited, it was nonetheless satisfactory. Our desires were modest and not difficult to fulfill. For us everything was going well.
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