The Pioneer: A Journey to the Pacific

by Schwartz, Richard Alan

  After a long silence with Jonah staring out the front window, Beth asked, “What are you thinking?”

  “We lost a good man. Was only twenty-eight. Dad said his heart gave out. Poor man worked two jobs and rarely slept.”

  “You need to remember him. No man, woman or child should have to give their life for their job.”

  It was Jonah’s turn to fold his arms across his chest. “It’s steam power.”

  “What is?” Beth asked.

  “Since steam engines have become common, fewer men are needed on farms. They arrive in the city by the dozens and they’ll work for next to nothing. That’s why there’s so many women and children working. Their families need the income to survive. Also, with steam engines, factories don’t need to be near water or use horses for power. My entire operation is steam powered.”

  “I’ve always thought the most honorable job was farming as it produced food to feed one’s self and neighbors.”

  “It’s the same with steam-powered ships. Don’t need as many men to run them as the sailing ships. Men being Shanghaied doesn’t happen anymore.”

  “Do you have children working for you?”

  “A few.” He shifted his position and avoided looking at her. “Most businesses do.”

  “Adults and children who work for little and lots of them. Must be a good time to be a business owner.”

  After many minutes of reflection, Jonah asked, “Would you like coffee or something?”

  Beth patted the cushion next to her. “Come sit next me.”

  He joined her on his couch. Beth pulled his arm around her and intertwined her fingers in his, resting her head on his shoulder. “Please think of me when making decisions about your workers. Except for meeting you, I might have been one of them.” She cuddled against him.

  “My grandmother Kim lives alone. I’m sure she’d have space for you.”

  “She’s the one who taught you outdoor skills?”

  “Yes. I’ll hitch up a buckboard, we’ll get your things from your room, and go there. You’ll love her and she’ll love you.”

  Chapter Forty-Two: Kim and Beth

  Jonah arrived at Kim’s home on Sunday morning the following week. Beth sat with them in the kitchen while they ate breakfast.

  “I told Beth the story of how I met my husband, Andre.” Kim sighed. “It was near the Columbia River, north of a long lake called Tsi Laan. One of the most scenic locations I ever experienced. My heart warms just thinking of all that beauty.”

  “Perhaps Jonah will take me there one day.”

  “I pray he will. Jonah, get me some paper and I’ll create a map.”

  He left the room.

  “Jonah,” Kim said, “hasn’t mentioned work this morning. I believe this may have been our longest conversation without mentioning business.”

  Beth gave Kim a quizzical expression.

  “He’s been earning money since grade school. Last year, his grandfather David bought a new business for him to run.”

  “His own business?”

  “Jonah needs to mature a bit more before David actually lets him run it alone…but…from getting the workers to do their best to finding ways to grow a business, Jonah is a natural.”

  “His outdoor skills are all I’ve seen and I doubt we’d have survived without them. Jonah said he learned them from you.”

  Kim thought for a while and laughed. “You should have seen his expression when he was eleven-years-old. I insisted he skin and gut an elk he’d shot. I’d never heard the word yuk used so many times.”

  * * *

  Two months later and Kim helped Beth into her bridal gown. She stepped back and smiled, then briefly embraced her. “Getting to know you has been a joy.”

  “I can’t thank you enough for taking a stranger into your home.”

  “Jonah’s face shines when he looks at you. Grandmothers don’t have favorites when it comes to their grandchildren but my relationship with Jonah has been special since he was a little boy.”

  “I hear how special the relationship is when he talks about you. I believe many of his values come from you.”

  “Beth, you’re a strong, intelligent woman and that’s what he needs in his life.”

  “I don’t think of myself as strong or intelligent.”

  “It takes strength of character and intelligence for a child to survive on city streets. You surely possess both. One day Jonah will be in charge of a large business. Many workers will be depending on his decisions to maintain their livelihood.”

  “He doesn’t need me to help with that.”

  “Yes he does,” Kim insisted. “Jonah can be strong willed and only listens to two people. You and his grandfather David. Your words carry substantial weight with him. He needs you to temper his thoughts and actions.”

  * * *

  Three weeks later, Kim was eating breakfast with Beth and Jonah per their weekly Sunday morning routine.

  “Grandma Kim, Jonah mentioned you have two boys.”

  “Alex, the one you met and who runs the metalworking shop at David’s business and Andre, who moved to Alaska.”

  They cleaned dishes, Jonah left for work, and the two women headed out for their three-times-a-week morning walk.

  “How’s the pain?” Kimimela asked.

  Beth glanced at her feet. “Substantially lessened since we’ve taken regular walks.”

  “And you and Jonah?”

  “Doing well but he works such long hours. He’s even working today to finish an accounting task.”

  “These businesses which make things seem to take up huge amounts of time.”

  “Fortunately I have the garden. It keeps me busy. Plus I’m glad you have time to spend with me. Gives me a chance for girl talk.”

  “A good time for both of us.”

  “When I have a child, I’ll be chained to the house.”

  “Nonsense! I was outdoors my entire childhood. I’ll teach you how to bundle a child and the little one will accompany us on our…”

  Kim turned to Beth whose was expression was radiant. “You’re with child?”

  “Yes.”

  “You’ve filled my heart with sunshine like a bright spring day!” They briefly embraced then resumed walking. Beth stared off to the side. “I’m frightened.”

  “More nonsense. You’re strong as an ox. You’ll be fine.”

  “If I have questions…”

  “If I have the answer I’ll tell you but don’t forget Jonah’s dad. They say he’s most knowledgeable about babies and children.”

  “I wish I knew a lady doctor. It would be easier to ask questions.”

  “Jonah’s Aunt Abbey is the only lady doctor I’ve ever met.”

  * * *

  “Was Kim your Indian name?” Beth asked when her pregnancy was in its eighth month.

  “It’s actually Kimimela, which means butterfly.”

  “A lovely name. May I call you that?”

  The old woman smiled. “My mother was the last person to use my actual name. It would be an honor if you did.”

  Jonah brought in tea and joined them as they sat in the parlor.

  Beth put her hand on Kim’s arm. “Grandmother Kimimela, Jonah and I have a huge favor to ask.” Beth paused briefly, looked at Jonah who nodded then took a deep breath, and sat upright. “Our first child will be arriving soon. I don’t have my mother to help me. We were hoping you would move in with us and assist with the baby.”

  “What about Jonah’s mother or his grandmother?”

  Beth said, “They’re good to me and I love them but …”

  “She feels closest to you,” Jonah said.

  “I don’t have strength like I used to.” Kimimela held up her hands. “My joints ache and my hands quickly tire. I can barely sew. I’m not sure how much help I can offer.”

  “Grandmother Kimimela,” Beth said in a subdued voice and looking directly in the old woman’s eyes, “I…we…need your counsel; not your strength.”


  Kimimela put a hand on each of their shoulders. “I was tired of living alone.” She glanced from one to the other with a broad smile. “A new purpose in my life will be good for me.”

  Beth relaxed. “Thank you.” She leaned over and grasped Kim’s hand with both of hers. “I’m so relieved knowing you’ll be here.”

  Kim leaned back, briefly looked at the ceiling then at smiling Jonah and Beth. “The day I took her in, my mother predicted one of my children or grandchildren would do the same for me. I’m sure it will happen for you as well.”

  * * *

  The Midwife attempted the delivery but found the baby’s bottom presenting.

  “Bring your father,” she said to Jonah.

  Upon return, William asked for wine. “White if you have it.”

  He cleaned his hands and administered a light amount of ether to Beth. William performed a rapid caesarian section.

  Kim leaned over and quietly said to Beth, “It’s your daughter.”

  William tied the umbilical and said to Jonah. “Your child, you cut.”

  Still drowsy, Beth smiled as Jonah wiped off their daughter then wrapped her in a blanket. The bundled child was placed on Beth’s chest. She softly put her hands around her daughter. “Monica is beautiful.”

  “Like her Mom.” Jonah said, as he kissed Beth’s forehead.

  Kim gasped. “What did you say? Monica?”

  “Do you mind?” Jonah asked.

  She stood straight as tears welled up. “Children, you honor my daughter and me.”

  Jonah turned and embraced her. “You’ve done so much for us.”

  “Grandma, please hold Monica,” Beth said.

  Jonah took her from Beth and passed his daughter to Kim.

  She moved to a rocker, swaying and singing.

  “Precious Monica. She will bring joy to all who meet her.”

  Chapter Forty-Three: The Kaplan Family Grows

  Five-year-old Mark Landau yelled for his brother. Seven-year-old Thomas came racing into the kitchen of their tiny apartment.

  “Mom isn’t moving,” Mark said. “When I talk to her she doesn’t answer me.”

  Thomas waved a hand in front her face.

  “Mom? Can you hear me?”

  “Stay here. I’ll get Dr. Kaplan.”

  He did a quick exam and talked to the boys. “It saddens me to tell you this but your mom is quite sick.”

  “Will she get better?” Mark asked the doctor.

  “I’m not sure. She may not.”

  “Where will we live?”

  “I’ll talk to Mrs. Blaze, your neighbor. I’m sure she and Mrs. Mendoza will take care of you until we can find a permanent arrangement.”

  * * *

  “I need everyone’s attention, please,” Sixty-year-old Edna Blaze shouted before the Friday night service began in the synagogue. She stood behind two forlorn appearing boys, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. Edna waited for all the conversation to end before she continued.

  “Our Jewish community has a crisis. Most of you know, these two boys are Tamara Landau’s children. They’re currently homeless. Many of us remember their father who passed away five-years-ago. Tamara suffered from melancholy since Mark was born. Now she’s taken a-turn-for-the-worse. Dr. Kaplan told me she’s incoherent, no longer recognizes her sons and may not recover.”

  William nodded, affirming her words for the benefit of those who turned to him.

  Bernice Mendoza said, “The boys are staying with Edna and me but we’re too old to raise them. If no family takes them in, they’ll go to an orphanage.”

  Beth Kaplan, holding nine-month-old Monica, slowly shook her head while listening. She approached the despondent looking boys. “I’m Mrs. Kaplan. I lost my mom when I was young. It was certainly painful. What are your names and how old are you?”

  “I’m Thomas. I’m seven.”

  “I’m Mark. I’m this many.” He held up five fingers.

  “This is my husband,” Beth said.

  “Hello boys,” Jonah said, leaning down and shaking their hands.

  Beth turned her back on the boys, motioned Jonah to bend forward so she could whisper to him. “We should take them home.”

  He straightened and stared at her without reply.

  “We have room, Grandmother Kimimela knows about raising boys, and we can afford it.” She poked him in the ribs and said with an impish grin, “You accepted an orphan readily enough when I entered your life. Now it’s my turn.”

  Jonah nodded. “Home with us. That’s fine.”

  Beth turned to the boys and shifted her daughter so she was facing them. “Monica, this is Mark and Thomas who are coming to live with us, if they like.”

  “We’d have a sister?” Mark asked.

  “Is that okay?” Beth asked.

  Thomas touched the little girl’s hand then grinned when Monica’s tiny hand gripped his finger. “She’ll have big brothers to watch out for her.”

  “We have lots of room in our home. We’d love having you live with us.”

  The boys looked at Edna who nodded to them.

  Jonah said, “I’ve never had boys living at my house. You’ll have to tell me how to take care of two big boys.”

  “We can do that,” Thomas said with a grin while his brother nodded.

  Mark tugged on Mrs. Mendoza’s skirt. He whispered something. She laughed. “He’s wants me to teach you to make my honey cake. I’ll write it down for you.” Mark thanked her.

  “So…” Jonah turned and eyed the boys. “Do you know how to fish?”

  “No, sir,” Mark replied.

  “On Sunday, my father, grandfather and I are going salmon fishing. We get up early and head to the Sound to see what we can catch…you can join us if you’d like.”

  “I would,” Mark said.

  “Me too, Mr. Kaplan,” Thomas said.

  “Come on boys,” Jonah said placing a scullcap on each of their heads. “The service is about to begin.” He walked to the rows of benches and the boys sat on either side of him.

  * * *

  On the way to the river the Kaplan men passed a few of their employees who were also fishing.

  They heard yelling from Bruce Goldman.

  “Bruce, what are you cursing about,” Jonah said shortly after he caught and released a fish.

  “You threw it back.”

  “It was a bit small.”

  “You don’t pay us enough to live on and then throw back a fish that could’ve provided three meals for my family.”

  One of the men pushed Bruce. “Shut your damn mouth or you won’t have a job to complain about.”

  Undeterred, Bruce continued, “We break our backs ten to fifteen-hours-a-day. If one of us gets hurt and can’t work anymore, how’s he supposed to feed his family? I suppose when my children are old enough you’ll find a place for them and…”

  The same man put a hand over Bruce’s mouth and a second man helped drag him out of earshot.

  “What’s he talking about?” Jonah asked. “We pay like everyone else.”

  “We’ll talk to the supervisors,” David said. “They’ll know.”

  * * *

  “Did you and your grandfather have a meeting with your supervisors?” Beth asked.

  “We did.”

  “And?”

  “My head’s been spinning ever since. Had a terrible argument with my Grandfather David.”

  “Evening meal is ready.”

  Jonah sat at the kitchen table which was laden with a wide variety of food. He didn’t move.

  “You’re not hungry?” Kimimela asked.

  “Based on their pay, one of our worker’s families would have to make this meal last a week.”

  “What are you talking about?” Beth asked.

  “We pay them by the day. Ten-hours or fifteen-hours they get paid the same pitiful amount.”

  “Can you pay them more?” Kimimela asked.

  “I think so but my grandfather doe
sn’t. He said we’d go broke if we paid more. That started the argument.”

  “Over worker’s pay?”

  “Bruce Goldman, the man who mentioned the lousy pay when we were fishing last Sunday, his supervisor fired him first thing today for complaining about work conditions. Bruce snuck into the office when he saw me arrive, apologized and pleaded for his job.” He glanced around the table. “Kids. Eat.”

  “Did your grandfather find out?” Kim asked.

  “He did and we had one hell of an argument when I said we should give him back his job. He insisted, I let the supervisors run the production floor the way they see fit. I pointed out that I asked around and a number of men have been severely injured. He replied he didn’t know. I told him either Goldman gets his job back or I’d quit.”

  * * *

  “What do you mean, he quit?” Myra shouted at David.

  They’d just sat down to evening meal with William and Celeste.

  “He doesn’t want to work for me any longer,” he said without looking at her.

  “What happened?”

  David began eating.

  Myra shouted. “Put your damn fork down and tell me what happened.”

  “He gave me an ultimatum. It’s my company and nobody gives me an ultimatum.”

  “Oh heaven forbid,” Myra said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. “Kaplan men butting heads like Billy goats, neither one willing to give an inch.”

  “No, it wasn’t like that,” he said, shaking his head and waving his hands.

  “You, Nathan, William and Jonah,” Myra said in a sarcastic tone, “You make up your mind, put on blinders and quit thinking.”

  “Please don’t include me in that group,” William said.

  Now Celeste spoke in a sarcastic tone. “How many years did you talk about bad air causing cholera instead of admitting you had no idea?”