Visit to 'The Bottoms'

Oddly enough, it is a place that looks somewhat forbidding to those unfamiliar with it, and yet the kindliness to be found there makes it a haven for the weary traveler.

By scratching under its coarse surface, one can find many things of refinement, tenderness, warm love and artistry.

It is the little neighborhood in Richmond along Seventeenth, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, between Main and Broad Streets, not far from the Poe Foundation. It is called "The Bottoms" because it lies at the bottom of a long, steep hill. On clear nights one looks up the hill to see the gleaming lights of Richmond's business section towering in the west.

Feeling rather melancholy and troubled because of the distressing news in the papers, we went into this neighborhood to become acquainted with the people. There a lovely and simple thing was found--genuineness.

The Jewish people who live in this neighborhood have been in Richmond a long time. One meets third and fourth generation Americans in this group. They are good citizens, proud of their city and their country.

The first sight that confronts the visitor is the old market scene. Row upon row of trucks and produce fresh from farms line some of the streeets. The multi-colored vegetables and fruits set out for display touches up the neighborhood with realistic colors, and it brings to mind good paintings of market scenes often shown at art museums.

The farmers back their trucks to the curb as early as 4 o'clock in the morning and many remain until 11 and 12 o'clock at night. Both white and Negro farmers mix freely, chat amiably, and pass their opinions around in a group united by one strong element which rules out prejudices--the soil.

This group is shabbily dressed and scarcely dressed for winter weather. One wonders what prevents them from freezing--and yet they look sound and healthy and if age is any indication of wholesome living there are plenty of aged farmers who are evidence of the hardiness of their lot.

They sell their produce to peddlers, wholesale and retail stores, the neighborhood stores, and in smaller quantities to residents of the area. Generally speaking, most of their trade is with Jewish people. Anytime a fast day occurs, their business is at a standstill.

There is a myriad of small stores in the area, including music shops, furniture stores, electrical repairing, tailor shops, bakeries, second-hand clothes, second-hand most anything, plumbing stores, art and curiosity pieces, glassware, a liberal supply of food stores, and numerous others.

The women help the men in the stores and are as much a part of business as the men. While their advice in business matters is not always sought by the husband, it is almost always given--and generally heeded. Even the children dutifully help their parents on busy days.

The prosperity in business is about the same as in other sections of Richmond. When commerce and trade is bad, it hits these small shops; when good, they feel its warmth. Generally, most of the stores and property is owned by the shopkeeper--and that is one of the reasons why some of people have stayed in the same places for decades.

Another reason for remaining in this spot is traced to the market. The jewish people demand fresh foods--meats, vegetables, fruits and other articles. Their proximity to the market makes these easy to obtain.

A gourmet would find much delight in these homes. The women pride themselves on the bounty and beauty of their table and tastefulness of their meals. The smell of fresh baked bread, the roasting of tender duck, the aroma of gravied potatoes, and the fragrance of other well cooked food starts the salivary and digestive glands working overtime. It's a treat to eat at one of these homes!

There is a characteristic in the neighborhood which comes to the attention of one who talks with a number of people--and that is the interest of men and women in their neighbors. Practically everybody in the area know each other, and mingle in business and social occasions. Business circumstances may make them appear like bitter foes, but when the business day is over all animosity melts away over a hot cup of tea. Their interest is not one of curiosity, but of genuine concern for a neighbor's welfare.

The children grow up together and the fact that they have been together many years is attested by the frequent marriages of schoolboy and schoolgirl sweethearts. Many of the older families in the neighborhood are related through marriages.

Usually, the men and the women are too busy to do much social calling on one another, but when they grant themselves this amenity, they make a big time of it. When a few families unexpectedly get together it winds up in a party and in addition to quantities of cakes and sandwiches, the bottle of mellow wine is usually uncorked.

The young men and women attend a number of social clubs in and outside of the neighborhood, and develop their friendships. There are clubs which start with the primary school age, and clubs attended by grandmothers and grandfathers.

The younger people are well protected by their parents. The home is one of the chief interests in the Jewish boys' and girls' life. That they are reared well is evidenced by the fact that there is practically no delinquency among their youth. Naturally, they have problems similar to those of other youths. These are generally worked out with the parents, spiritual leaders and mature friends.

As a religious group, the people in the neighborhood are mostly orthodox and regularly attend their congregation. Their religious center is the Keneseth Israel Congregation at 211 North Nineteenth Street.

In keeping with the orthodox custom, religious services are held twice a day; at 6:30 A.M. and 6 P.M. The daily morning services are set at such an early hour so that the people may pray and then go about their occupations. Friday services are held at 5:30 P.M., and Saturday morning services at 8:30 o'clock. Children are enabled to have a religious education through the school affiliated with the synagogue.

The Jewish people are very active in welfare work. Next to their occupation, religion and home life, this is the thing they attend to most wholeheartedly.

Although the people are interested in all welfare movements, there are five which come closer to their immediate administration. The Hebrew Sick and Aid Society helps sick Jewish people with hospital costs, doctors' fees and other medical expenses.

The Hebrew Sheltering and Aid Society is designed to help traveling Jewish people with food, lodging and in any manner which will assist the traveler reach his destination. Jewish people who come into Richmond as strangers and need some advice and a friendly hand, usually are referred to this society.

The Hebrew Free Loan Association lends money without any interest charge to business men who need capital. Many of the business people make use of the association.

The Ladies' Hebrew Association cares for indigent Jewish families. Their help is given in a multitude of ways, and this is a very active organization.

The Matzoh Fund is something like the plan of giving Thanksgiving baskets. Jewish people contribute to the fund so that Matzohs for Passover can be bought for needy Jewish families.

Through these welfare agencies the Jewish people take care of practically all their own poor families. However, the work of these agencies is not strictly limited only to Jewish people, as some families of other religions are also aided.

The women are leaders in these welfare functions. They devise plans for raising money, they obtain speakers and entertainers, sell tickets, bake breads and cakes and auction these, and stand toe to toe with the men in administration and organization.

As a group, the people are exceedingly charitable and hospitable. People who need a meal are not turned away from their doors. Thus, in some respects, the section is better known, both in actuality and by reputation, to out-of-town people than local Richmonders.

The Jewish people have a prayer for the third Sabbath of the month which expresses the feeling in their hearts and the wishes in their souls:

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
For there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for ever.
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.
My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy."