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memoirs

In this "I remember" memoir, Estonian Reet Sikkemae recalls arriving at Seabrook in the early 1950s. Reet's family had been relocated to a displaced person's camp in Germany, and then had emigrated to Lincoln, Nebraska, via the United States' policy for war refugees. This experience was not favorable, so the family relocated to Seabrook as soon as they were able. However, because they arrived at Seabrook long after many families had already been established there, they had to live in cramped dormitories, and Reet's parents were not able to work many hours. Reet remembers these first few years as being extremely financially insecure. Afterwards, as Reet's parents were able to secure better jobs at Seabrook, Reet was able to experience many firsts, such as the family's first car, first Halloween, first time at the ocean, and their first television set. Reet remembers attending English school during the summer. The family also wanted Reet to attend Estonian school because they believed that one day they would return to Estonia. Reet did not believe this, though, and felt that cultural events at Seabrook felt like funerals for dying ways, instead of celebrations. Reet preferred learning about and melding with all of the diverse cultures at Seabrook. The Seabrook Educational and Cultural Center has been soliciting current and past residents of Seabrook Farms for an "I remember" project. Residents are asked to create narratives regarding their experiences at Seabrook Farms. These memories help preserve the history and multi-cultural heritage of Seabrook Farms.

http://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.3/SBFarms.Article.199

rutgers-lib:3002

doi:10.7282/T30000M5

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