The New World – Steinway & Sons

The “long 19th century” was marked by pressing life- and work conditions. Hunger and poverty, homelessness and political persecution threatened vast majorities of the population. Around 52 million people therefore turned their backs to their European homeland, to try their luck somewhere else: Namely in Canada, Australia, South America – and most of all in the US. For many immigrants, New York was the first point of contact. The booming city was the largest goods handling hub of the East Coast. The immigrants moved into lower Manhattan near the docks, factories and foundries – where there was work to get. They lived cramped together in overcrowded apartment buildings, with no running water or plumbing. Not everyone was living the dream of success, prosperity and a bright future. Or, to say it in Karl Steinweg’s (1829–1865) own words:

 “Nothing is infinite, not even the happiness of people in America.” 

(Letter by Karl Steinweg to Theodor Steinweg, December 1852, New York, La Guardia and Wagner Archives New York, Steinway & Sons Document Collection, Box 040261, Folder 2, Letter 1)