The Rogarshevsky Family Story

Learn about the Rogarshevsky’s, a Jewish American family who lived in 97 Orchard Street in the 1910s.

This Family Story is part of our Upper Elementary Unit Plan.

Overview

This article shares the story of the Rogarshevsky family—the parents, Fannie and Abraham, raised six children in 97 Orchard Street, balancing work, family, and their religious faith. Students consider the difficulties of factory work for teenage Bessie Rogarshevsky, and learn about labor unions, working conditions, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory through Bessie’s perspective. Primary sources include a census record from 1900, a factory photograph from 1910, and a photograph of women on strike in 1911. The teacher guide includes student-facing questions and writing activities.

Time Period

1910s

Related Topics

• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911
• Garment Industry Work
• Labor Unions

Primary Sources

• 1910 Census – See the type of work an immigrant family from the early 20^th century, The Rogarshevskys, are doing based on this census. (See below)
• International Ladies Garment Workers Union 1910 Photograph – View a garment factory that employed many young immigrant women in the early 20^th century. (See below)
• Photograph of Picketing Women on Strike, 1911 – Look at two women fighting for better working conditions in the garment industry in 1911. (See below)

Associated Lessons