Unwelcome Shamrocks in Boston

St Patrick's day is right around the corner. A day of frolicking, prankster leprechauns who may or not be actually Irish. 

The Irish immigration to America began in 1846, less than a year after the Great Potato Famine of Ireland. Just under 2.9 million Irish men, women and children migrated from there homes. It was the second largest migration to America behind the Germans.

At the time the Irish arrived and were looking for work, Americans liked them for cheap, hard manual labor but alot of people didn't want the Irish taking over, alot of signs stated 'No Irish Need Apply'. The roughest welcome they got of all was in Boston.

Proper Bostonians laughed at their clothing, made fun of the fact they had no education. Landlords forced them to pay $1.50 a week for a room that was no bigger than a jail cell, a place that had no ventilation, sanitation, daylight or water. In such poor conditions, 60% of children born here never saw their sixth birthday. Adults lived about only six years more since stepping of the ship(s).

The crime rate sky rocketed, school children ran through the streets creating mischief, pick pocketing and begging........

Looking ahead to 2013, we have seen in the past 50+ years that celebrating St Patrick's Day has become a way of life every year on March 17th. Cities such as NYC, Boston, Chicago go from Green beer, Green Rivers, Celtic Music concerts and parades to show their support of the heritages, history and folklore.

Fun fact: Boston held its first St Patrick's Day parade march 18th, 1737.

This year's parade starts at 1pm, Sunday March 17th. in South Boston.

Next time on A Mile Above the Syrup: 'Maple Syrup & Patriots'