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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Leprechauns in the Family Tree

My grandfather, Manny Steen, came to the US from Ireland when he was 19 years old. He is the voice of Ireland at Ellis Island and his story is part of a Broadway play. He died about 12 years ago, but he lives on forever in literature!

   
Ellis Island: The Dream of America: Words of Manny Steen, emigrated from Ireland in 1925, read by Barry Bostwick

It's a shame they didn't have my grandfather read his own part becuase he had the most perfect Irish accent (he could turn it on and off at will). He also looked just like Captain Stubing (sp?) from the Love boat. Really! He was an amazing and yet perfectly ordinary man. You can listen to his story (above) to find out about his adventures as a young man. As my "grandpa," he lived in Hackensack, NJ and took "old people" on trips around the world until he was in his 90's (?!!)

3 comments:

  1. Hi. I'm working on an Ellis Island project for class. I'm looking for a primary source document for my assignment. I thought you could share a story with me about your grandfather.

    I was reading his story and it stuck out to me. My wife and I are going on our honeymoon in Ireland, and I might try to go to his old haunts in Dublin while we are there.

    email me if you would be willing to help. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for your account. My students are looking at immigration through music and have fallen in love with Manny Steen. I can't wait to share your post about him and his vibrant character.

    ReplyDelete

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