Steel and Identity: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans in Lorain, OH

This section looks at the community organization, Neighborhood House Association, which helped "Americanize" the families of Mexican and Puerto Rican decent.   

The Neighborhood House was established in 1926 as the Americanization Center on East 30th, only two blocks away from the steel mill.  Located at the heart of South Lorain, which housed many immigrant steel workers and their families, the center provided citizenship and English classes.  The Neighborhood House conducted a sociological study on the Mexican community in 1931 to help its staff members "understand" their Mexican neighbors.  The Mexican population was first targeted by the the Neighborhood House in 1933 with the creation of Las Amigas de Mexico, a mother's group. The House helped create many Mexican clubs including the Los Doncellas, mexican Damsels, Sierra Club, and the Pro-Mexican Club. 

Research the settlement house movement during the Progresive era.  How does the Neighborhood House in Lorain compare and contrast with other settlement houses? 

Noting the maps above, the Mexican population in Lorain grew steadily between 1930 and 1950. As they settled into the community they received assistance by the Neighborhood House Association but also desired to form their own community organizations. 

As the children of the first generation of Mexican immigrant labors began speaking less Spanish and more English, many parents became alarmed at the situation.  According to a sociological study, many parents "organized a school for the 'Mexicanization' of their children under the direction of Senora de Rocha, a local Mexican play producer.  Three afternoons each week, some thirty to fifty children met at the de Rocha home after their regular school hours to learn the history and customs of old Mexico." (Jacinto, 4)

Why would Mexican parents become alarmed by their children speaking English?  Explain.

"I was compelled to demonstrate my pride in my Mexican decent.  A guero stranger hearing my Midwestern English once asked if I was Spanish.  'No, I'm Mexican,' I stated.  'But you can't be Mexican.  You talk just like me.' he said. 'No! I am Mexican!" I reiterated.  It was an unwitting paraphrase of the Chicano inside joke: 'After you make a million dollars, you are no longer Mexican, you are Spanish.'  And the listener's rejoinder: 'Some Mexicans don't wait to make a million dollars.  They become Spanish at the first opportunity.' Mixing with gueros I was Mexican.  Living with Mexicans, I was an American.  In high school I could not resolve these disparate pressures on my psyche.  In my mind, I was a person without a nationality.  It was a state of being that held me captive for years." (Mendez, 37-38)

What challenges do first generation Americans have?  Explain.