Chani Feit interview of Bubby Esther Yellen Steinlauf 2 of 3
Elementary school and then went to Medill High School. When we moved to Paulina Street there was a mixture of nationalities comprised mostly of Italians (Need not mention how many were in the Mafia) and African Americans. We lived near the JPI (Jewish People’s Institute) and the Hull House. Maxwell Street was busy and also entertaining. I still remember the magic stunts people did. Myself and some friends had the merry makers club (I chose the name) where we had loads of fun.
Chani: What were some major world events that happened?
Bubby Esther: When I was six years old in 1918, there was the great flu epidemic where many people got sick and most of them died. Three of my sisters got it but did not die and my brother and myself were both spared. This took place during the Great War (WWI). This was followed by the depression 1929 where everyone I knew lost all their money either by banks or by stocks. Somehow all the people from the wealthier neighborhoods were coming for fruit so we were considered wealthy compared to the masses. My parents were always very orthodox and went to Shul down the block. Most Jewish people could not get jobs unless they worked on Shabbos. My father was lucky to have his own business.
Chani: What was your family life like?
Bubby Esther: I have three children (and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren) with my husband Maurice Steinlauf (who was a wonderful husband and father. He played many musicals instruments. He passed away in 2003 while in Israel.)
Chani: What were some major world events that happened?
Bubby Esther: When I was six years old in 1918, there was the great flu epidemic where many people got sick and most of them died. Three of my sisters got it but did not die and my brother and myself were both spared. This took place during the Great War (WWI). This was followed by the depression 1929 where everyone I knew lost all their money either by banks or by stocks. Somehow all the people from the wealthier neighborhoods were coming for fruit so we were considered wealthy compared to the masses. My parents were always very orthodox and went to Shul down the block. Most Jewish people could not get jobs unless they worked on Shabbos. My father was lucky to have his own business.
Chani: What was your family life like?
Bubby Esther: I have three children (and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren) with my husband Maurice Steinlauf (who was a wonderful husband and father. He played many musicals instruments. He passed away in 2003 while in Israel.)
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