Lower East Side Social Reform Efforts By Kiara Urena

The Lower East Side late 1800s/early 1900s Notably known as the center of Jewish culture Overpopulated area by Jewish immigrants Tenement buildings served as the main source of housing to such immigrants who lacked funds Overpopulated area = crowded living

Effects of Tenement Living Tenement housing provided modest living to the newly arrived immigrants However, overtime tenements lacked required maintenance and improvements. Thus, tenements became unsafe and unhealthy Such unsafe conditions included: cramped rooms, little light, filthy air, no plumbing, and even susceptible to fires With such poor living conditions and close proximity to others, diseases spread quickly and easily

The need for change Living conditions worsened on the Lower East Side Cholera epidemic broke out in 1849 -About 5,000 lives whom lived in overcrowded areas died “Draft riots” in 1863 were not only due to the new military policy -rioters were also asserting their poor living conditions

Building blocks The Tenement House Act of 1867 was the first to set construction regulations -1 toilet per 20 people Though, the tenement legislation was on document it was not fully enforced

Progressive reform In efforts for a change, social reformers began recognizing problems of the “urban poor” and showcased these troubles to the public eye World renowned reformer, photographer Jacob Riis addressed the needs of New York City’s immigrant poor Using flash photography in the 1880s, Riis as well as other photographers captured in door images of such dark and crowded tenements

-Tenement House Commission Outcomes Riis revealed his photos in his famous 1890’s book How the Other Half Lives which influenced NYC housing reforms: -Tenement House Law of 1901 -Tenement House Commission These reforms enforced new safety and health standards in tenement buildings

Other reforms Institutions such as Educational Alliance provided -courses in English and citizenship -artistic activities for children -teach basic hygiene

References http://www.nypl.org/sites/default/files/lowereastsi deguide-final_0.pdf http://www.authentichistory.com/1898-1913/2- progressivism/2-riis/