I have run into many in this city that are similar. I think what they went through maybe made them better people. Maybe not a way we would want to happen to us. But they always seem to appreciate things things more than others. They had to start her the hard way and do without and it paid off well. There are probably more of these families that started here than you think from the many I have met here. It must have been hard to keep this so small as it seems like you have so much more you probably could tell. My god parents came from Italy but I don't know where. Must have been about the same time period. They didn't like to talk about it. They were not born here but these kind of people are the real Amercians. I am not fortunate enough to know about my family history. One of my relatives is working on it but just can't find the answers. Some faces seem familar but I can't be sure as I have met so many here. No wonder you don't want to give up and leave. Good work, hope I can do half as good on mine.

AHM,

Yes, I agree. They went through some very difficult times as many who experienced war. Sadly, mom's family didn't stick together as dad's so I have more work to do there. I met them all when I was only 7. In the first video, "Going to America", they were celebrating the first day of May, people of the mountain gave them a few eggs in appreciation for their entertainment, go to everyone's home in the village and in the early hours of the morning, they cook the eggs at a large banquet. Dad's family are filled with a cast of characters, as he was, they are always entertaining. The accordion player was also at their home. They have remained close-knit and are compassionate and generous to all. I was overwhelmed, nothing like I've experienced before. They were so excited to find me--a chance of fate I suppose. There was a friend of the family that united us through his work in Genealogy. My eldest cousins (our fathers- brothers) were the children of my uncle who kept my step sister and brother in Italy so dad could come to the US w/wife. He left them his land and homes so they could survive. I have yet to learn so much more about my heritage--that we are also of German/Austrian ancestry. After the first trip, I did a little research on Italy, found that surrounding countries had a turn in trying to conquer it, wanted sea ports and rich farmland. As France and Spain both failed, Germany did manage to gain footing during WWII.

AHM,

Finding family is like finding lost treasure. My parent's raised me as if I were living in Italy. It was as if they never left.

Yes-still a painful reminder of war times for many. Mom never shared, so I went to Italy to find out & now acquainted with 2nd & 3rd generations, since my parents and their siblings are no longer living.

There are wide differences from each side. Dad's side (country) doesn't seem to have been as badly effected as mom's (city). Although, they grew up on farms, dad's was mountainous, mom's was flatland.

I believe there were tunnels in the mountains where they hid during the war. I found cement doors next to fountains with padlocks and no explanation.

Different culture from here--I can see why lots of people enjoy Europe. They are more open, free-spirited, tolerate differences in others.

Much of it comes from Catholic teachings, also Pagan-Naturalist practice. They believe that the earth nurtures us in all ways--from the plants to the moon. Mom was an herbalist and filled with superstitions and old world intuition--much like the indigenous cultures. They also believed that sacrifice, hardship and giving back was a duty where you would be later rewarded--if you experienced hardship, you would find guidance.

I have only spent 4 weeks with the families, its as though I've known them a lifetime. An emotional roller coaster throughout and one ride that I hope to never let go.

The reason we can't find out about ours is my dad was a state child used as farm labor and didn't know anything sbout his parents. Just 3 years ago we found out he had a brother he didn't know he had now passed awat but was living in Ma. The story I want to write is about someone who was in a nazi concentration camp. Hoepfully you have all this stuff well preserved for the future.

I'm sorry to hear that, AHM. Maybe there is some way you can find other family members. There could be 2rd and 3th cousins somewhere in the state or within the NE region. You should try to find information related to his life and there it may lead you to other connecting links. I have much of it digitized in various places, also sent to family abroad. There are many photos however which I do not have since I am no longer in contact with dad's nephews/neices. His children were in their 40's when I was born, so my upbringing was quite different.

Yes, as you guessed, stories of Old Somerville, days of Scollay Square, Boston. What I learned came as a bit of a surprise, then again, not really. It was a much different world back then. Not many people understand what it's like to go through harsh times--To the point it would make even the most descent, honest people do things they would never imagine, in order to survive.

We had this home, but we barely got by. Even in the hardest of times, the family knew what mattered most-- it was their love and commitment to each other that kept them strong. That's why this place means so much to me and why I will never give it up. Giving away my home is like giving away my family and everything I have cherished.

It would be great to write a book about dad, but it would have to be a work of fiction. It's not so much about him but others he knew.

Why would it be a book of fiction? Seems like you are just writing the facts which would make it non fiction at least. I can only go back to 1950 when we moved here but got many stories from those I have met. I have sitting in my house trunks used by this elderly women's grandparents when they came here and they lived out of them for years. She didn't get married and wanted me to have them as she had no one to give them to. Did feel funny about it and wish she had someone who should have gotten them. Her father was one of the first electricians in Boston and my grandfather(not related that raised my dad) was also one of the first. They didn't live in places with big fancy closets like today. Ate what they could afford and made the best of it. Most had similar stories but were honest and kept their pride. Didn't buy what they could not afford. I would guess in many ways similar to your family. Didn't sound like the kind of people to go out and rob someone for a few dollars.

The events during prohibition are generally not discussed in the open.

I have been in many homes and it is funny how you can be treated so different. Some of the old italian familes would treat you like one of their own. Make you sit down and eat with them. Sending food home with you, some homemade wine. You knew they were not rich. Plus some of them I could not communicate with. I had to assume they are the ones that went through tough times and were just so very respectful. I go in homes worth several million dollars and you can't get a drink of water. I am glad I had the chance to meet so many nice people here. I miss all the ones that have passed on.

AHM,

Not the Kennedy's, another through a marriage not a blood relative with another well known, but rather not say. We are not well acquainted--the eldest sister's husband's side, but still surprising when I heard the connection. Our city was a very small place at one time. It was so interesting for me to learn that some of the same names came up in the area of Italy as in Somerville--Resmini, Boiardi, Ferrari, Zambernardi, Zani, Maccini and Solari. It's fascinating to see how everyone is connected. Many traveled in groups so when they arrived, they could each play a role in helping each other to survive. They would swap clothing, furniture, tools and handmade goods. It still goes on today in the area my family are located. They make their own wine, harvest chestnuts and mushrooms for friends and relatives and they in turn give something else which may not be easily acquired. There was never lack of food, to the contrary. I walked 3 miles everyday up the mountainside to burn calories from rich foods--variety of cheese, deli meats and pastries. The more they would tell me to eat, the more walking I did just to avoid it. They lamented I would get lost or run into a wild boar, but I went regardless.

Days of Scollay Sq., sounded pretty crazy from what I heard by relatives willing to share. I should see if there is any literature on the subject, but it's always better to talk to someone who knows what really went on during that time period.

Yes, many of the people of that generation are different from what we experience by others. They understand that quality time with family and friends is most important. Employers provide 5-6 weeks vacation in the month of August where most businesses shut down. Can you imagine if they tried to provide the same for Americans? There would be a revolution and by the employers. It's at the point where people can't even take a sick day anymore for fear of losing their jobs. Many are only concerned with status--power, money driven workaholics who convince themselves that if they can collect a bunch of worthless toys, they win! But soon find out that one of two things is inevitable--death and taxes. If one doesn't get you, the other surely will. I've been poor and I've had money--rather be broke because it's when you are without material possessions that you discover who really cares and who your true friends are--when you have money, there are people who will flock all around digging into your pockets if you let them, some you can't avoid and you never know who you can trust. In many cases, it's a very lonely place. You can have a thousand people at the grand estate, but still feel completely alone because it's never the same as with those who are the salt of the earth. Maybe one day I will retire there, we shall see. I know I will always have a place of my own if I ever decide to go, but not sure I could make that leap. Maybe a few months out of the year...I would do.

The Kennedy thing I was kidding around, maybe didn't get the <G> on it. I am not italian but do remember Haymarket and North End. Also went to Italian festivals with my godparents in Cambridge. Guess I figured if I can't be one then maybe I should marry one. Her side of the family are ones we really don't want around here. All the transplants I got to know from those places are long gone now. There were quite a few here in Somervile from the West End. Not so many from the North End, at least from the many I have met. I understand the food thing,, but it was so good.

AHM,

Do you remember a local pol by the name of Dennis McKenna? We would get a personal Christmas card from him every year and even as a child I knew something was not quite right, but mom just said it was an old friend of dad's. The distant relative is not him but another who is currently in politics, the previous generation of aunts and uncles, the link was there. But finding out some of those missing dots now connected has illustrated a much broader picture of affiliations and the tiers of station. I use to believe that they were all separated by professions, not the case. It was a very different world back then and being surrounded by many relatives much older than myself has provided a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, specifically of that era. There is still so much more I would like to learn. There is also a photo of dad with James Michael Curley, by what a family member stated, someone had a copy, but it's now lost and don't know where to begin to look. I only discovered this over the past 10 years, no one ever talked about it until a family member shared some things.

I remember the McKennas. If you can keep pursuing this you will have somethig really nice to hand down plus hopefully more positive stuff about your family.

This is a city of immigrants, and this post is a poignant reminder of that heritage. It tells us there was a time when you knew your neighbors, you looked out for each others' kids. Community was the glue that held the city together...

Now, working-class people of Somerville are struggling to hang on here, to not be swept away by the rising tide of gentrification.

Yes, the city is changing, as are the times, but when the game gets noxiously rigged by house-flippers, seedy developers, and their cronies in local government, then the soul of the city is in peril....

I met a very nice lady a number of years ago that bought a place here. She lived out of her car for 2 years(as I recall) so she could get the down payment to buy a house here. Very interesting and nice person. Some people still will go without and work hard and not have it handed to them.

I think your article and pictures are fabulos,I am 100% ItalianAmerican,I have been to Italy a few times to some of the places were you took your pictures and never saw some of the images the same way you showed them..Great job and God Bless

Thank you, Jo-Ann. I enjoy sharing with others who appreciate this part of the world.
I feel fortunate to be a part of their rich heritage and hope to spend more time learning about my long-distance family members of the past and present. My goal is to visit every two years until retirement and then spend 3-6 months each year traveling throughout the region. We also have family in Switzerland who moved from Italy years ago. They wanted us to visit in October, but there was not enough time. I hope you can travel to Italy again. God Bless you, as well.

We need more politicians like Bernie Sanders:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMf1uFKgF48