I just discovered this message board, and saw your post. Couldn't agree more about the Ellis Island site you referred to. Having been a frequent visitor to the site, I've learned you must use the alternate-spelling feature to produce any meaningful results.

My grandmom is known to have entered the U.S. through Ellis Island, in 1910, and I've used every spelling I can think of (except the one they used!). I'm patient.

Jerry Mikaelian