Part 1: The Early Years  |  Part 2: The Worst of Times  |  Part 3: The Best of Times
Part 4: Coming To America  |  Part 5: Ivan Opens Art Studio
Part 6: Ivan's Collapse - The Final Chapter

Part 4: Coming To America

On August 21, 1951, Ivan Garikow sailed to the United States from the German port of Bremenhaven aboard the USNS General Harry Taylor. He arrived in New York City on September 10, 1951 and stepped on American soil at Ellis Island as passenger #126.

Thirty-three year old Ivan's first American address was Presbyterian, U.S.A., 156 Fifth Avenue, N.Y. 10 N.Y., but his stay in New York lasted only a few days. On Tuesday, September 18, 1951, he left NYC at 3:30 PM on train #177 named The Senator, and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the 30th Street Station approximately 5:03 PM the same day. Philadelphia was to become Garikow's home for the rest of his natural life.

It only took a few weeks for Ivan to be offered a job with Newman Art Galleries located on Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Newman Galleries was one of the most respected art galleries in the United Sates, and Garikow's talent was welcomed into the organization. Ivan was beginning a new life in a new land and that inspired him paint even more when he was not at work. His enjoyment of being in America could not be denied.

It did not take long for Ivan's talent to be noticed in the United States. Ignoring his own safety, Ivan stood for weeks on a traffic island at the intersection of South Broad and Pine Streets while he painted a view of Philadelphia's city hall. On July 7, 1952, less than one year after immigrating to the United States, his photograph appeared in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin's Section B-3.

Garikow loved everything about city life. With his love for the arts, Ivan regularly attended the theatre, the ballet, musical events and art exhibits all around the Philadelphia area. He enjoyed the freedom of being able to socialize with fellow artisans without the fear of political retribution, and that was a dream come true for Ivan.

It was during the same year that Lili realized she could no longer support both herself and her son, Arnold. In 1953, thanks to the Red Cross, she sent Arnold to the United States, but because Ivan was still single, arrangements were made to have Arnold live with Lili's mother, Maria Schneider, Arnold's grandmother.  This news delighted Ivan since he had a good relationship with his in-laws even after his divorce with Lili.

Ivan's life had improved dramatically since coming to America. Not only was he beginning to prosper as an artist, but his son was now in America, too. Life was good again.

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