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Johann And Rike Research Paper

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The American Civil War ended in 1865. In 1866 and 1867, the Johann and Rike are living at 1111 Allen Avenue. As a renter, they often change residences while always remaining in the Soulard neighborhood. The streets in Soulard are lined with two story brick houses most of which are multifamily flats that are rented. This house is a 4-family flat with two families living upstairs and two living downstairs. Johann and Rike live in three rooms arranged one after the other with a cooking stove, beds, and basic furniture. Those who live downstairs enter through the front and those who live upstairs enter through a back door. Their back yard is cluttered with a coal sheds for coal is burned to provide heat during the chilly winter months. (L15) (L207)

In 1868, the Johann and Rike rent at 1010 Geyer (pictured right). Like so many in the area, they are built near the street. Now 40-years-old, Johann works as a laborer. Rike, only 32-years-old, stays home to cook, clean, and …show more content…

Johann and Rike are living in Soulard when the first four congressionally designated federal holidays are created in 1870. They are New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. This is strictly a federal acknowledgement of four holidays that that have been celebrated in St. Louis for many years. Christmas, largely a private, family-oriented holiday, is certainly celebrated by Johann and Rike. This probably includes exchanging a few small inexpensive gifts, a trimmed tree with strings of popcorn and cranberries, hand-crafted ornaments, and candles. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, greeting cards, and turkey or goose dinners are traditions that have been firmly entrenched in the German community. The Fourth of July celebration is celebrated with parades, brass bands playing music, and fireworks in the evening. For Johann, this holiday undoubtedly brings back painful memories of what took place in Hyde Park in 1863.

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