I heard others talk about family members making it big in America, so after a few talks with my father and many drinks, I decided to hop on the next ship to the land of opportunity. There is nothing like an Irish send-off.

Having heard stories, sense I was a kid, about gold in California I took a train out there shortly after my process through Ellis Island. First thing I discovered, was that there was NOT gold just laying around on the ground. The things you hear as a kid, compared to true facts. Disappointed, I wondered the streets looking for something to do.