Christine Brackett’s great grandparents Babci and Dziadek emigrated to Woonsocket from Poland 80 years ago during the 1940’s. They were looking for a better quality of life and decided on the city due to the large Polish population. Since their emigration to the city during the Great Depression Christine’s family faced great challenges such as: learning a new language, discrimination against their Polish heritage, working on the farm as well as working in the mills. Her family worked in the mills in less than acceptable conditions (in those days), some worked the machines as weavers, while others were oilers or greasers for machines which was ‘not a pleasant place’ according to Christine’s 90 year old cousin.
Despite all their challenges, her family was able to become successful farmers, owning their own farm and milk delivery service. ‘I would say my family are survivors who were seeking a better life and worked hard to be successful’, Christine herself is retired but worked for the RI Department of Health in their Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention program. Both her and her family have been able to make positive change in Woonsocket through their culture. Leaning on her Polish community to be able to maintain and celebrate their cultural traditions and identity through: polish picnics, family recipes, church and trying to maintain her language.