These [Cleveland] communities tended to congregate along lines largely defined by occupation. Big Italy became the center of the city’s fruit industry since many of the settlers came from Sicily. It was here that Frank Catalano introduced Cleveland to oranges, olive oil, figs, anchovies, and garlic. In Little Italy, stonecutters flourished. Seizing the opportunity for monument work in Lake View cemetery, Joseph Carabelli established what eventually became the city’s leading marble and granite works. Tailors worked in the garment industry. Landscapers tended to estates. And almost all who could read scoured the pages of La Voce Del Popolo Italiano. La Voce interpreted American law, emphasized citizenship, and offered news from the homeland. It was the first newspaper in the country to publish articles in both English and Italian. “
L’America, Chapter 17
Rag and Bone Man in early 20th century NYC
Those masterful images, because complete
Grew in pure mind, but out of what began?
A mound of refuse, of the sweepings of a street,
Old kettles, old bottles, and a broken can,
Old iron, old bones, old rags, that raving slut
Who keeps the till. Now that my ladder’s gone
I must lie down where all ladders start
In the foul rag-and-bone shop of the heart.
—William Butler Yeats, “The Circus Animals’ Desertion”
Very excited to share this poster of my upcoming lecture and book signing at Falvey Memorial Library o the Villanova campus Monday October 21st at 12:30 pm. I will be covering some unknown events during the early emigration of Italians to this country.
Light refreshments will be served at this Ciao Philadelphia co-sponsored event that is free to the public.
You are invited to attend!
Please join us on Monday, October 21 at 12:30 p.m. in Falvey Memorial Library’s room 205 for a talk by me – ’72 CLASS on L’America. I will discuss the late 19th and early 20th century emigration of Italians to this country, including the reason for the exodus of millions and the brutal passage via steamship during those years. I will cover the challenges of assimilation, concluding the largely unknown events (the labeling of Italians as enemy aliens, internment in camps throughout the country, and forced relocation on the west coast) leading up to World War II.
I hope to see you all there!
Villanova University ADdress
800 E. Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085
“They began life in the new world shunted through chutes from
holding pens to processing stations on the modern model of
efficiently slaughtering livestock …
They believed with all their hearts in the pursuit of happiness,
and had pursued it all the way to this maze of chutes.”
—Carmine Sarracino, “Twelve Facts about the Immigrants”
Latest release to PRWEB :
https://www.prweb.com/releases/amid_immigration_tensions_in_the_u_s_author_and_playwright_details_italian_immigration_experience_through_new_historical_fiction/prweb16397563.htm
“Amazing Book. Not a mystery yet I could not put it down! So beautifully written it makes you long for more and more.
I was familiar with many of the places and traditions because that is exactly where my people are from. Reading about those places and people in such a beautiful way meant a lot to me.
This is a book your children must read!” Gene C. 8-1-2018
Many Italian immigrants sought the familiarity of their customs and trades as they eventually settled in America in the early 1900’s. Tailors found their way to New York City; stone cutters made their way to the Midwest and fishermen found comfort and labor along the West Coast.
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