Interview with Mike Tribbe, September 22, 2022

Interview Summary

Mike Tribbe narrates the history of the Schwein branch of his family, who immigrated to Cincinnati in 1854 from Barberoth Germany. Tribbe says that, while they were first greeted by a hostile nativist reaction, his great great grandfather, Jacob, and his great great uncle John, each came to own and operate saloons in Over-the-Rhine until the end of the nineteenth century. Jacob, who was Tribbe's direct ancestor, had a saloon at Plum and Canal Street, and he shares some history and stories about life near the canal, including the industries on the west side of the canal and the youth gangs of the area. Tribbe goes into greater detail about other members of his family, and the fate of the saloons over time. Tribbe discusses some of the historical and family research he's done to provide historical context to his family's narrative that includes details about the industries of the area, the early marriages of his forebears, the other kinds of work they did such as cigar rolling and driving, the high infant mortality they suffered, and their short lifespans.

Interview Keyword

Barney Kroger Canals Saloons John Schwein Winton Place Cigars Globalization Cincinnati (Ohio) Over-the-Rhine Furniture industry Nativism

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Interview Usage

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