Immigration
Nearly all Weitz families that immigrated from Russia to the USA came directly to USA ports on steamships. They entered through the ports of New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore. In the earlier years of 1890 -1905 they traveled from Bremen or Hamburg, Germany or Liverpool, England. Starting in 1906 they were able to travel from Libau, Lithuania (part of the Russian empire) to New York with stops in Rotterdam and Halifax. It was common for some of the people of Yagoda to enter through Canadian ports and cross the border into the USA if they did not stay in Calgary, Canada. Passage was cheaper into Canada and there was less of a chance of being rejected and sent back. Very few Weitz individuals entered through Canadian ports.

Immigration List

Border Crossing
The people of Yagodnaya Polyana frequently traveled between Calgary, Canada and locations in the USA. Some were trying to find the best place to settle, perhaps the best place to farm. Others visited relatives or hired out as laborers for the wheat harvests in the Calgary area. Every time they crossed the border into the USA, the US immigrations completed a detailed report on each person which provides a wealth of information. More information about border crossings can be found at this comprehensive site. Unlike most people from Yagoda, few Weitzes traveled between Canada and the USA. Primarily the Weitzes that did make that trek were from Oshkosh, WI.

Border Crossing List

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