Giuseppe Stories #12:  Looking Back, Facing Forward

This entry will be the last in the series Giuseppe Stories. I hope you have enjoyed reading about your family’s history in the United States and will share some of the stories with your own families, especially the children. These are your stories. Whether or not you realize, the stories form the foundation for who you are and what you can become. Giuseppe and Caterina as well as brothers Saverio, Georgio, Francisco, and cousin Nicola and their wives risked all to become Americans. America is their Gift To You. It is a precious gift.  Because of their sacrifices and their dreams, you are Americans–not immigrants, Americans. Keep faith with their dreams and struggles. But most of all, be proud of them!

Despite suburban relocation, assimilation, and fond farewells, the one magnet that bound the “C” family together was–and remains–the cottage by the lake. Wauconda is our constant. Young families and old continue making new memories and writing new stories, often relayed in our picnic publication, The Rose, named in honor of the first picnic chronicle writer, Rose C. Rose, daughter of gUncle George, was the family scribe and golfer extraordinaire. 

My memories of the cottage begin during World War II. gUncle George and gAunt Jennie had a cottage nearby, so the families could remain close even when far from home. It must have seemed a very long trip from Chicago and I marvel how they handled it while gasoline was rationed. Everyone enjoyed the fresh air, Bangs Lake, and each others’ company. [Bathing beauties from the left: Tessie, Ceil, a friend, Katie and either Letty or Rita ←]

    [Family members enjoying a 

     card game, September, 1945 ↑]

When the family first utilized the cottage it was a one-story, two bedroom  building with a small, screened-in front porch and a chicken coop in the back. (Poor Aunt Mary!) The chicken coop didn’t prove too practical, so it didn’t last long. What was important to Caterina was her vegetable garden and the small orchard of apple and pear trees.

We all shared the “baccous.”  (See story #8.)  Family members stocked up on Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs for use in the outhouse. Nighttime visits were to be avoided if at all possible because the structure had no electricity. Eventually toilet paper was introduced–if you brought your own!

A two bedroom dormer on a second floor and an indoor bathroom on the main floor were added later. Sleeping space was at a premium. I usually ended up sharing the living room couch with one or two others. Spots on the screened-in front porch were golden. Because family fishermen liked to get to the lake before 5 a.m. places on the porch might open up before dawn.   

There was no running water supply to the cottage. The “M” family hosted the neighborhood water pump. Grandma would often send Joey (Boy) and me to fetch a pail of well-water. A bratty “M” grandson would try to stop us from taking “his grandfather’s water.” I was prepared to bring the large empty bucket back to Caterina, but Joey had other plans. He told the bratty boy that it was everyone’s water. My brave and bold cousin was prepared to back us up with his fists. We got the water and carefully carried the heavy water-filled bucket back to the cottage.  Eventually a sink pump was installed in the kitchen and, later, “city water” service was provided. 

The annual family picnic began with family gatherings at Giuseppe’s and gUncle George’s cottages. For a while the venues were shared out with gUncle Sam’s son George and his wife. They had a place near Barrington. All current picnics are held at “Aunt Catherine’s” aka Caterina’s place. The picnic is a massive celebration. It is a time to keep up with the large “C” family, a time to see tomorrow’s promise–the children, a time to celebrate golfers, and a time to enjoy good Italian food.  Nobody goes home hungry at a “C” family picnic! 

   

[Cousin Porky upper left; Cherish the Ladies-Italian style upper right; below, “Runners-up” golfers admire the trophy while 1st place Rose was being fitted for the Green Jacket!]

The Labor Day Bonfire / Bats in the Belfry 

The Labor Day holiday ends the season in Wauconda.  Family members search for the “perfect” marshmallow roasting stick. As dusk overtakes day, family members gather to roast hot dogs and sing songs. Their musicality cannot compare with the uncles’ serenade. Instruments brought to the United States were cherished. Uncles Frank, George and Cousin/Uncle Nick often entertained on the screened porch. Someone, I can’t remember who, played a concertina.  

“C” family children, especially the girls, waited for dusk to gather at the bonfire. Every child had their marshmallows ready for roasting on the stick they found earlier in the day. Rita and Joan would appear with their heads covered with large towels. They were convinced that the dark would entice country bats to fly into their hair.   As far as I know, Bats 0 - Girls Hair - 10. The Labor Day bonfire endures as a tradition at Aunt Catherine’s cottage. Many family stories were told while hot dogs cooked and marshmallows browned, silly songs were sung, and inside-jokes retold. New voices are heard now, but somehow I think the spirits of the earlier generations still hover above the light, smiling and nodding. “ Si, si…”

Giuseppe and Caterina, Savior and Theresa, Gregorio and Jenny, Frank and Helen, Nick and Teresa, and, later, Sam and Lisa. The ‘50s and ‘60s brought increased communication with families in Gasperina. American sons and daughters were eager to meet their Italian cousins and to see the town where it all began. They traveled to Calabria to meet their Italian cousins. They still do. 

Giuseppe’s (et al.) sister Marianna remained in Calabria. She had a granddaughter, Lisa, who married Sam, a man from Gasperina. Sam R. had emigrated to Argentina earlier so Lisa traveled to that country to begin their married life in South America. It was more difficult to immigrate directly into the United States in the ‘60s. With the help of gUncle George and gAunt Jenny, Sam and Lisa eventually made their way to Chicago. Sam was a tailor by profession and gUncle George had some connections. A job was secured for Sam and a home was found for them on ‘Pucci Street. ‘Pucci once again fostered a “C” family, giving the security and comfort that Rita wrote about earlier.  Daughters Anna, Silvana, Adrianna, Gabriella, and sons, Saverio and Mario grew up where so many of the family did. (See story #7: 1920-1926 for a photo of Anna.)

I chose to end this series in 1970, the year Caterina died. My youngest child was born on her 69th birthday! Although she missed her Giuseppe after he died in 1947, she had a fulfilling life in George and Gloria’s home. Caterina died a few months before her 90th birthday, living  long enough to see her sons and her daughters marry and have families of their own.  Color photos taken in late ‘50s or early ‘60s; black and white snap was about 1930.

 

Caterina’s life had not been easy, but her dream was as big as Giuseppe’s. Their marriage lasted for 44 years. Their love lasts forever. They are buried next to each other, separated no more. 

Caterina used her “gifts” to make a home, two businesses, and a family that would thrive in America.  Oddly enough, she never learned English. She was a strong determined woman, courageous and bold–a worthy companion for Giuseppe as they created a new life in a country of opportunity and freedom.  And in so doing, Giuseppe and Caterina, as well as the founders of the other families, shared their vision and virtues–gifts for future generations who honor our immigrant forbearer's’ pain, poverty, loneliness, fear, and sacrifice. 

Their children, and children’s children, have not taken the Gift of America lightly. We Pay It Forward. We honor their sacrifice in our daily lives, as Moms and Dads, workers and volunteers.  Cousin Florence “reminded everyone of our good fortune to have had parents who instill in us the importance of good work ethics, honesty, integrity, and, most of all, love of family. They were the type of immigrant that made America so great.” (The Rose August 3, 2008.) 

By our actions we acknowledge their sacrifice, hopes, dreams, and great love of the country that chose them. Sons and grandsons served their country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the more modern Middle Eastern conflicts. Cousin Andre received the Medal of Honor from the Vietnamese Government for service to their country as a top Naval Aide to their Navy. Sal G. made the military his lifelong profession. 

 

We have an extraordinary number of Teachers at all levels - preschool, elementary and high school, college, and professional education.  We have a Golden Apple Award winner for teaching excellence–Dom B. Many family members served in the fields of Math and Information Technology–often in the forefront of their professions like Cousin Joe who was VP of computing at Loyola University as well as an IT leader at the University of Illinois. We have MDs, Dentists, Nurses, Psychologists, and other Healthcare Professionals; PhDs, Lawyers, Librarians, and Journalists; Truckers, Realtors, and Businessmen and Businesswomen; Bankers and an author of “Bodice Busters” (Valerie K.)

Cousin Kathy – an award-winning journalist and the editor of a suburban newspaper, Elizabeth G. – the editor of professional publication of the American Dental Association.  The “C” family can take credit for a Christmas Toy Catalog model, and an expert horsewoman and a Barrel Racer (Ava P.), Vice-Chancellor of the University of Illinois, Chicago (Arthur C.). The list continues: Jesse White tumblers, Actors, College Hockey Teams Coach (Val B.), and a Gold and Silver medals winner in the Special Olympics (Mickey C.)  And this is just a sample. There are so many more who have honored our immigrant forefathers. 

Our Country has benefited from the dreams, sacrifices, and hard work of the Five Families. Each member of the “C” family has recognized their good fortune and reciprocated, sharing Their Special Gifts with others. In so doing, they honor Giuseppe, Caterina, Savior, Theresa, Gregorio, Jenny, Frank, Helen, Nicola, and Teresa. Only a few of the stories are recounted in this blog; you know even more. You're creating new stories everyday whenever you go about the business of living. You, too, have sacrifices to make, hopes and fears. Giuseppe Stories was written to help you know that fears and problems can be overcome. New and wonderful stories await your children, and your children’s children: Your Stories.

I began this blog with the dedication of our family park, and shall end them as I began. Former Illinois State Attorney General, Jim Ryan, sent a congratulatory letter in honor of the dedication. Little did I know that he, too, had a ‘Pucci Street connection.

Tell these stories to your children; keep the dream alive.

What stories will your grandchildren tell about you?

One last note to my cousins: I am sure that I have omitted many of the old stories because I have forgotten them, or never knew about them. I have most probably made some inadvertent errors–primarily because of my ignorance. Use the “Comments” section of each story to add your thoughts, make corrections, or comment…I’m done.  

Alla Nostra!

   Sheila

Special note to Mario R.  I omitted your brother, Saverio's, name in the original post. I have made the correction. Sorry. Thank you so much for your family's story!

Librarian note:  the term “Bodice Buster” refers to a type of romance novel, especially ones with long-haired, good-looking guys on the cover.

For a fun look back at what life was like “Growing Up Italian” in the ‘50s, see this You Tube video:  (The photos repeat, but the story line is SO TRUE!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKITsQ7NQVw