Alex Rezko
Once their homes - temporary or otherwise - were built, migrants were quick to put their gardens to work. Many of the houses were on traditional quarter-acre blocks and there was plenty of room to plant vegetables and fruit trees. While the main reason for growing vegetables was to save money, especially in the case of large families, it was also important culturally. The vegetables were grown and harvested then they would be preserved in traditional ways to ensure a steady supply of the food the migrants were used to.
Alex Rezko's parents Mikolaj and Janina got a perpetual lease on a cottage at Huntley alongside the railway line and while it was basic, they made the most of it:
"There was no electricity, no water, no sewerage. We had cows for milk and butter, we grew our own vegetables, and bread was delivered from Bobeldyk's bakery at Spring Hill. Mum used to pick peas at Worboys' place in Spring Hill for extra money for her kids, and she used to pick apples at Charles and Harry Ironmonger's place at Huntley as well."