, the men could only hope to escape their daily routine and "tell the mills to go to hell"(33).In the novel, Kracha's family is a full one. He has three daughters and a world of problems at home. Despite this he refuses to waste away at the mill after a couple of years. So he sees opportunity, and becomes a butcher. Unfortunately he fails at his attempts to climb the "ranks" economically. Kracha, like most workers of the time, drowns him self in alcohol to hide from the problems of bills, finances and taxes. Kracha's wife, Elena, had to take in boarders to lighten the economic load. This is a typical practice of women in the mill towns. Not only did they take in boarders, but also they took care of the house and had to raise the children wile sometimes taking odd jobs to make ends meat.The second part of the novel is about Mike Dobrejcak who married, Kracha's eldest daughter, Mary. Mike is also a mill worker, migrated to America when he was still in his teens. This second generation of Slovaks is becoming more aware of politics, and how important their votes are in elections. With a greater understanding of the issues around them the second generation of immigrants started to vote. Still working in the mills they hold fast to the American dream. Faced with the same problems that the first generation had, now he was faced with wage cuts along with the never-ending struggles with the union. The next part of the book is about Mary. When her husband (Mike) dies she is compensated from the company and the local or lodge he is a part of. Since fatal accidents were common and the reality of families trying to support them selves were apparent many mill workers belonged to these "clubs". These organizations also worked toward a better working environment and a higher wage. Later, Mary is diagnosed with Consumption and she dies.The last part of the novel is about Dobie, one of Mike and Mary's children. This period of time is a time of change, p...
