Julia's Mandolin: The True Story of a Mexican Boxcar Girl

Through one woman's story, local historian Dr. Alejandro Benavides will explore the history and legacy of Mexican workers in Aurora as well as their immigration trends in early 20th-century America.

The immigration of Mexican railroad workers and their families to Aurora is an integral part of our city's history. The president of the Aurora Hispanic Historical & Cultural Foundation, Dr. Alejandro Benavides Ph.D. will tell the true story of Julia, a Mexican girl who emigrated to Aurora in 1923. She lived and worked with her family at the CB&Q West Eola Mexican boxcar camp and scrapyard until the camp closed in 1934. Julia's children still live locally and have preserved an impressive array of documents and artifacts related to their family history. One such artifact is the mandolin pictured here, which will be on display at the program!

Join us in person or virtually via Zoom here. Passcode for the Zoom event: Julia

I acknowledge my participation (or my child’s participation) in this virtual program includes the recording of this program which may include my name as listed on my account, images and/or video footage. I grant the Aurora Public Library District my permission to use the photographs and/or video footage for any legal use, including but not limited to: publicity, copyright purposes, illustration, advertising, and web content.  
 
Furthermore, I understand that no royalty, fee or other compensation shall become payable to me by reason of such use. 

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