Giuseppe Stories: How The Five Families immigrated to the United States of America where they and their families transitioned from Immigrant to Italian-American, to American.
Introducing Giuseppe Stories
The Giuseppe Stories are dedicated to my grandparents, Giuseppe and Caterina, my parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins–many, many cousins. The stories are intended to relate the “C” family history in Italy, in early 20th century Chicago, and in all the special places where the family transitioned from immigrant, to hyphenated Italian-American, to American. For that was Giuseppe’s Dream–that he and his children would become Americans who would identify as such forever. Giuseppe loved this country before he entered it. He saw it as good and free, a place of opportunity, a place to fulfill your dreams, a place to call home.
There will be a limited number of postings, including some Calabrian history. The Stories will end in 1970,
when Caterina died. For family history after the early 1970s please consult the Family Picnic Newsletters
in “The Rose.” I hope to post at least one story a month, but I’ll try for two. (Story #1, some parts of
which you have already seen, will be posted right after the 2024 picnic, so please return soon..) Each of
you have continued to add to Giuseppe, Saverio, Gregorio, and Francesco and Nicola's stories. What
exciting tales you have to tell future generations! As Simon and Garfunkel wrote in the song,
Old Friends, “...preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left to you.”
Any comments, corrections, or additions should be sent through the regular family email chain. I will be
happy to add your stories. The stories I have included are based on recorded oral histories, legal
documents, old photographs (many of which were developed by my father in our 2nd floor bathroom/
darkroom), entries from “The Rose,” and personal memories. I readily admit that I don’t know the
complete family history–no one does. My knowledge of the other four families is spotty.
(That’s where you come in!)Some of my interpretations may be incorrect. If I’ve made a mistake, please correct me so I can remove
the faulty information. I will do my best, with best intentions, but keep me on my toes!
Your founder's family stories are welcome.
Please note that, for our privacy, I have not written family last names. For the purposes of this blog we
are members of the “C” Family. The street many of us grew up on has been changed to Vespucci, fondly
known as ‘Pucci Street. You already know who you are and where we came from, so please
keep it private.
My fondest hope is that you will enjoy what you read, learn something new, question assumptions,
and help preserve our family history.
I love you all. Sheila, one of the ” Black Sheep” (See Story #1)
P.S. If any of you are interested in reading my other blog, “Ettsme,” it can be accessed at
https://ettsme.blogspot.com/It is no longer an active blog but it is still available to read. You might like my comments on the movie
series, The Godfather. (Use the index.)
Photographs above: The Five Founding Families
TOP Photo Right: First row, left to right: Frank, George, Sam, Giuseppe.
Back row on far right: Cousin Nick (also Giuseppe’s son-in-law)
SECOND Photo Left:Front row from left: Caterina, Theresa, Jenny and Helen. Back row at far left: daughter Teresa.
(I will explain my liberties with the spelling of Theresa/Teresa in a later story.)
Photo of Giuseppe, Saverio, Giorgio, and Francesco’s parents ↓
