Tenements Were Small, But jeeze

[MacTheWolf (imported)]

I was watching part 3 of Jewish Americans and life in New York City tenement buildings. Most Jews and other minorities lived on the Lower East Side in small apartments but I had never realized how small the tenement rooms were.

Everything I own fits into two rooms, a bedroom and a den totaling just over 200 square feet. I consider it cramped but sufficient for one person.

Jews on the Lower East Side before 1900 lived in tenements and an extended family of say eight to nine people had to share 300 square feet. Their bathroom was in the public hallway and there was only one or two bathrooms per floor of 10-20 apartments or more. Privacy was a luxury.

I'd feel cramped having a roomate in my 200 square feet of space. With that many family member packed like sardines, I'd imagine arguments could easily erupt and the limited space a good excuse to spend as much time as possible outside.

[Riverwind (imported)]

that was a good series and your right about that space. No wonder they wanted out as fast as they could.

River

[MacTheWolf (imported)]

I can't visualize 300 square feet...is that about the size of a WWF or boxing ring?

I asked Mr.Google which said most rings vary from 16 feet per side to 25 feet per side. That equals 256 sq ft to as big as 625 sq ft. Still crowded for nine people.

[kristoff]

I can't visualize 300 square feet...is that about the size of a WWF or boxing ring?

I asked Mr.Google which said most rings vary from 16 feet per side to 25 feet per side. That equals 256 sq ft to as big as 625 sq ft. Still crowded for nine people.

It is one third the size of my apartment, and I whine all the time about it. At least I own mine, though. Hell my garage is 625 square feet, and I dont even park my truck or the princess mobile (roomy's car) in it.

[MacTheWolf (imported)]

It is one third the size of my apartment, and I whine all the time about it. At least I own mine, though. Hell my garage is 625 square feet, and I dont even park my truck or the princess mobile (roomy's car) in it.

Apartment? I thought the sister lived in her own monastary or was in the process of building or rebuilding a house?

Memo to self: Don't hit up the Red Nun for $25,000

[kristoff]

Apartment? I thought the sister lived in her own monastary or was in the process of building or rebuilding a house?

Memo to self: Don't hit up the Red Nun for $25,000

I own the house (duplex) I live in. I have another house I am renting out and want to sell. No I am poor, broke, busted for ready cash. Nope to the donation. McCain can kiss something, and the other... never mind... oh whatever..

[StefanIsMe (imported)]

I own the house (duplex) I live in. I have another house I am renting out and want to sell. No I am poor, broke, busted for ready cash. Nope to the donation. McCain can kiss something, and the other... never mind... oh whatever..

Yeah, I totally get the broke landlord angle.

I rented living space all my life, then bought two houses in my late 30's a couple of years ago, renting one out... I struggle to meet all the payment deadlines and repair schedules, have no idea what the heck I'm doing, can barely hang a door much less 'do' plumbing (I can spell it, but my ability is limited to having the ass-crack for it), and yet, invariably, my renters assume I'm bathing in their cash and lighting the fireplace with it, and have the ability to pluck tradesmen from thin air on a Saturday at midnight. I do have good relations with them, but good grief...

[kristoff]

Yeah, I totally get the broke landlord angle.

I rented living space all my life, then bought two houses in my late 30's a couple of years ago, renting one out... I struggle to meet all the payment deadlines and repair schedules, have no idea what the heck I'm doing, can barely hang a door much less 'do' plumbing (I can spell it, but my ability is limited to having the ass-crack for it), and yet, invariably, my renters assume I'm bathing in their cash and lighting the fireplace with it, and have the ability to pluck tradesmen from thin air on a Saturday at midnight. I do have good relations with them, but good grief...

My only good fortune is that I do know how to do all that stuff. On the rare occasion when I don't I am lucky to have friends who will help and advise. Otherwise I'd have long ago been in bankruptcy court.