Bank Receipt


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Bank Receipts. 

96.41.15 & 96.41.14 - Gift of Kenneth Lind.


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When traveling to America it was and still is important to have a certain amount of the local currency for everyday use. In a time before Visa cards and American Express it might be difficult to find a bank in America willing to accept and change the somewhat obscure Danish Kroner.

When applying for a visa, then as now it was also a requirement that you could prove yourself capable of supporting yourself for at least a certain amount of time without being a drain on the public finances.

When passing through Ellis Island therefore between 1892 and 1954 you were asked how much money you had brought and was required to show a certain sum in cash. It was important to have neither too much nor too little as having too much cash was also a cause for suspicion. The sum was therefore set at certain times at $25, which is what this prudent immigrant brought.

His wife, on the other hand, not subjected to the same requirements, only brought $5.

The receipts were issued in Sweden were Mr. Chris Lind passed through on his way to America in 1946. They state the amount of money brought through Swedish customs by each traveler.

Receipts such as this include the date of travel, the amount brought and the passport number of the individual traveling.