Elisabeth Riis as portrayed by a student from the Immaculate Conception School of Jamaica Estates, NY.
My name is Elisabeth Riis and my husband was Jacob August Riis. We were both born in Denmark. Jacob was a noted author, America’s first photojournalist, reformer and social worker. Our close and personal friend President Theodore Roosevelt characterized him as New York’s most "useful citizen" and the "ideal" American. He created new standards in civil responsibility regarding the treatment of the poor and homeless.
We moved to Richmond Hill in 1885 and three of our children were born in the house that lies just a short distance beyond Kew Gardens Road. Both Jacob and I were very connected with the social and philanthropic life of our village, Richmond Hill. I was a member of the 20th Century Club, a ladies organization that was started in 1898 and was created for the betterment and beautification of Richmond Hill and stayed active for 100 years.
In a small study built behind our house Jacob wrote many of his books. His most famous book was How the Other Half Lives which turned the light on dark tenements, vice centers, lax police administration and other areas of civil neglect. He also wrote "The Making of an American" and I contributed a chapter to the book detailing how Jacob and I met and eventually married.
I supported my husband in his work, which often took him away from his family for long periods of time. We often brought many groups of children from the New York City settlement houses here to Richmond Hill to enjoy a brief day of joy in the country.
In 1900 Clara, our daughter, was married here in Richmond Hill and President Theodore Roosevelt escorted me to the church. Jacob and I celebrated our silver wedding anniversary in 1901 and the King of Denmark bestowed on us the title of Sir Jacob and Lady Elisabeth, honorary titles we never used.
Presented May 22, 2004 by The Richmond Hill Historical Society, Maple Grove Cemetery, and The Immaculate Conception School of Jamaica Estates, NY (Dr. Charlene Jaffie, principal).
Copyright © 2004 Carl Ballenas & Nancy Cataldi.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
No claim to Old Kew Gardens [.com] color photograph.
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