MADE IN HAMILTON
20TH CENTURY
INDUSTRIAL TRAIL

SITE 24
A NEW LIFE

In 1900, Hamilton's population was still predominately British. Within years, however, many workers from southern and eastern European countries had come to work in the city. Newcomers often did the hottest, heaviest and dirtiest work in the new east end mills. Members of the same ethnic group often found work at the same plant - Italians in Stelco's blast furnaces, Armenians in International Harvester's foundries, for example.

Many male migrant workers came to Hamilton every year to earn money for their families back home. As time went on, many decided to stay, often saving for years to bring over family members. These families formed close-knit communities. To be close to work, many immigrants lived in the neighbourhoods north of Barton Street on either side of Sherman Avenue. The diversity of backgrounds is evident today in the multi-ethnic mix of businesses along Barton Street.

Institutions such as the church of St. Stanislaus Kostka, built by the Polish community, reflect the vitality Hamilton's newcomers brought to their new home. Construction of the church began in 1912. Polish workers employed in factories nearby committed a portion of each pay check to help finance the project. They did much of the building themselves.