Witness a riveting journey back in time as we shed light on the incredible saga of Italian-American immigration. In an engaging tête-à-tête with Dominic Candeloro, a scholar of Italian American history and culture, we dive deep into this often untold tale. Drawing from the fascinating narrative of Candeloro’s own father, an illegal immigrant who fought tooth and nail to gain citizenship during World War II, we piece together the profound impact of the war on the Italian American community and their subsequent integration into American society. Growing up Italian American post-World War II was a unique experience, one that’s brought to life by Candeloro. We challenge the misconceptions of Italy as a war-torn and impoverished nation, and shed light on how these misconceptions played a role in influencing Italian American pride. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as we discuss the shift in scholarship in the 1960s, leading to the formation of the American Italian Historical Association and a newfound appreciation for cultural continuity. Candeloro’s unexpected journey to becoming a passionate advocate for Italian American culture serves as an inspiring beacon for future generations. Preserving Italian American family history is no easy task, but one that carries immense significance, as Candeloro emphasizes. In an era where younger generations risk severing ties with their Italian roots due to immigration challenges and a lack of media representation, Candeloro offers a ray of hope. He advocates for documenting personal stories and upholding Italian traditions as tangible links to the past. Tune in to our conversation as we celebrate the joy of tracing Italian American ancestry and explore the profound impact of discovering distant relatives. Embrace the importance of recognizing and preserving ethnic identity in American history and culture. This is a journey you wouldn’t want to miss. Dominic Candeloro has been involved in Italian American studies for the past 50 plus years. He is the author of several books on the Italians in Chicago and served as Historical Consultant in the production of “And They Came to Chicago: The Italian American Legacy.” Candeloro was born in Chicago Heights and grew up in an Italian neighborhood, “The Hill.” He holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and has taught History at UIC, UIUC, and Governors State University. He was honored with the Studs Terkel Humanities Service Award by the Illinois Humanities Council in 1999 for his efforts in documenting and interpreting Italian American culture. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Join us on a captivating journey with our guest, Sarah Nielsen, as she unveils her family’s rich Italian heritage and their migration to Australia post World War II. Sarah takes us back in time, sharing the challenges her grandfather faced as a young man in his early 20s, leaving Italy to build a new life Down Under. Discover the profound impact he made on the Italian community in Australia and the intriguing process of ancestral land ownership, as Sarah’s great-grandfather carved out a new existence in a foreign land. This episode takes an exciting twist as we delve into the complexities of cultural differences within Sarah’s family. Be captivated by the contrasting experiences between her family and her father’s Scottish influenced family, highlighting the journey of two distinct cultures intertwining in Australia. Enjoy heartwarming tales of her family’s embrace of Italian culture, their unique reasons for moving to Australia, and the bittersweet emotions tied to visiting their ancestral Italian towns. We conclude this immersive journey with an exploration into the intriguing world of DNA and ancestry. Sarah shares her exhilarating discovery of a distant relative in America and the unraveling of her family’s mysteries. The episode ends on a poignant note as she unravels the complex legacy of her great-grandfather, a man who despite his difficult nature, achieved his dream of securing land for his son. Prepare to be enthralled by the compelling journey of family history, immigration, and heritage. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video

It was the spring of 1965 and I was waiting for the results from the four Catholic High Schools that I applied to for entry. I don’t remember which came first, but I did know I wanted to attend Mater Christi. A lot of my buddies were going there from my class and I had some close friends that were one year ahead of me. When the news came, I accepted right away. I think we had an orientation, but I am not 100% sure, but I do know we got a summer reading list. Two things that I really looked forward to 1) no nuns, brothers and 2) no uniforms, although the girls still had to wear them. Those of us from College Point had the longest trip of any of the students attending Mater Christi, with the exception of some from Flushing up by 165th St. A bus from College Point to Flushing, the number 7 to Queensborough Plaza, change to the R train, and then a short walk to school. It was close to 90 minutes each way. At least the bus stop was right across the street. We had to get a bus pass and a train pass every month to get the student rate and that was always a pain. My two closet friends Tom McClean and John Graci were going into their sophomore year and they helped get me squared away and showed me the ropes.  The school seemed enormous, how will I ever navigate remembering my locker code, changing classes, the bigger than life seniors barking commands, student government, student court. Small fish in a big pond, after being an 8th grader and a grammar school big shot! Homeroom. My homeroom teacher was brother Daniel, and honestly he’s the only homeroom teacher that I can remember for sure. But jeez, he’s like my older brother’s age. There was only one other kid from College Point there, Bobby Kerr. We kind of knew each other in grammar school, but we became the best of friends after our first year, as we had to bond and explain to everyone where College Point was located, especially brother Dan as he was always asking. Now back then, the seniors ran the show and I remember vividly them trying to convince the Freshman to go to the fourth floor. That was where the brothers lived and was no man’s land. They used to try to convince you that there was a swimming pool up there. Ha! Thankfully, there were several juniors from College Point that I befriended and they looked after me. We also became very close and hung out for several years during HS and after. Ed’s dad was president of the NY PBA and boy was that a big perk. Midway through the year, we had about a week off due to the transit strike Jan 1 1966.   Once sophomore year rolled around in the fall of 1966, at least we were no longer the rookies, as the attention always seemed to be on the Freshman. Several things I do recall during the time at MC, as it was a sort of coed school, with the girls on one side and the boys on the other was split lunchroom and the split gym. For a while the cafeteria had the boys on one side and girls on the other. I don’t recall when, but in junior or senior year they allowed us to intermingle. Not so much in the gym. I recall going up to the gym from the lockers and the doors that divided the gym being open and the nuns bolting to get them closed lest we get a glimpse of the girls.  My first real girlfriend was from Flushing and we met in school, although I do not remember the circumstances. My upperclassmen friends were now seniors and they knew some girls from Flushing also, so I could get a lift there. Also, as we all had to catch buses in Flushing, we would often meet after school at Jahn’s or the Hurdy Gurdy.  In the spring of 1967 my buddy John got his license and car, cutting the trip from 90 minutes to about 25. We had a straight run on the Grand Central from College Point to Astoria!  Third Plavce Wine Newsletter In the summer of ’67 I was working for my cousin Lou who owned Mina’s Fuel Oil in Corona. I also met my first wife that summer and naturally looking forward to being a junior and Drivers Ed! I remember driving through warehouse areas with very little traffic. I already had my car waiting. It was a 1963 Ford Falcon, black with red interior, that I bought from my cousin Lou. He had it stored in his warehouse in Corona.  April 1968, and I have my license. Freedom! I worked it out with three friends, Bobby K being one naturally, to ferry them to school. I think I collected a dollar or two a week each from them, which was more than enough to pay for the gas. My buddy John would wait for me to blow the horn before getting dressed, so we always had to allow for a little extra time.  It was around this time when I became good friends with Ralph Salzano from Rego Park and Bobby, Ralph and I would often triple date.  I think a few things of significance happened at MC in Junior year, First, brother Paul became the Vice Principal in charge of discipline, second, they instituted the whacky 7 day rotating schedule and third the ramped up the senior smoking room. I say this, but I may be off by a year.  Senior year and we are in charge! I think by this time they did away with the senior kangaroo court. But still, senior-ship had its perks. Entry into the smoking room was the biggest perk, especially with the rotating schedule, as every seven days you got a triple lunch, roughly two hours. Also, if you had the double period at the start or end of the day you could come in late or leave early. We also had a routine for Chem class where every week one table would cut class and others in the class would fill in the gap.  Of course the prom was great. Ralph, Bobby and I took our dates and they all looked stunning. Prom, night club in Manhattan, four hours sleep, Rockaway beach the next morning, and Palisades park the following night. Ah, to be young again.  Graduation day it was very hot and the boys did not have to wear the caps. Afterwards my parents and Bobby’s parents took us and our girlfriends to Joe DiMaggio’s restaurant in Flushing for a celebration. Brother Paul I think is was junior year when Nick M and I got into trouble with brother Paul. We were picking on someone in class and brother Paul found out. He went on to tell us that we aren’t so tough, that he grew up in Woodside etc. And wham Nick gets one across the face. I think brother Paul maybe thought twice about this as I was spared.  Our history teacher was always late, and one test day, Ralph and another kid get to class and there are two seats left. Last row last seat and right in front of the desk. Ralph and the other guy both run for the last row seat and as they are fighting over it, and we are cheering,  brother Paul walks into the room. Now, we all shut up, but they don’t notice and keep fighting. Finally, they realize and look up. Brother Paul motions for them to come to the front of the room and the other kid gets there first. Pow! Right in the kisser. So now Ralph sees this and rolls with the punch. Brother Paul smiles and says, “I don’t know when or where but I will get you.” Ralph was looking over his shoulders for months, and yes brother Paul did get him. This is not the end of the story, we were ordered back to class at the end of the day, and brother Paul kept asking Bob Simpson what was going on, it was only after three tries when he said that we were screaming and shouting that we were allowed to leave. Another great story was the kid who went for chalk after the bell. They corridors were off limits once that bell rang. The kid comes back to class all disheveled and the teacher asked,  “What happened?”  “Brother Paul got me.” “Didn’t you tell him I sent you for chalk?” “Yes, but it was too late.” He did have the chalk. Finally, there was the Harry’s Christmas attack on the teachers. After dismissal, as the teachers were leaving some seniors and juniors decided to throw snowballs at the teachers cars. When we returned from the break the very first announcement was that anyone who was at Harry’s or passed by Harry’s that day had to report to the Audio visual room after school. At least 100 showed up and could not fit into the room. Brother Paul was so overwhelmed that he just released everyone with no consequence. It was funny, because after that the seniors could do no wrong. One of the saddest days of my life was in the summer of 1970 when Bobby K was killed in a freak auto accident across the street from his girlfriend and just a few blocks from his home. He was a passenger in car with another friend who should not have been driving. Bobby wanted his keys, but he refused so Bobby said that he would ride with him from the bar that was less than a mile from their homes.  I was devastated and really a mess. About a week after his burial, I walk up in the middle of the night to see him at the foot of my bed. While transparent, he was clear as day, and while he did not speak I got a sort of ESP message from him telling me that he was ok and that I need to move on. I still miss him to this day. Me Bobby Kerr

We set sail on a fascinating voyage through time, guided by our guest, Heath Orcutt-Abert. With Italian roots running deep, Heath unveils enthralling tales of her family’s immigration from Castagna, Calabria, Italy to the U.S. in the 1880s. We venture through their journey of adaptation and survival in a new country, reflecting on the gripping tales from the novel ‘Umbertina’,  authored by none other than her mother’s first cousin, Helen Barolini. As Heath peels back the layers of his lineage, she uncovers unexpected connections that will leave you spellbound. Imagine discovering that your 9th great-grandparents were on board the Mayflower or that one of your great-grandmothers was accused of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. From the tense dynamics between Italian and Irish communities to enchanting tales about her Italian grandmother’s grudge against the Irish, we navigate through time and history together. In the final leg of our journey, we step into Heath’s shoes as she takes us through the intriguing process of tracing her great-grandfather’s lineage. Imagine uncovering family journals and letters that reveal stories infused with charm and mystery. From arranged marriages to century-old grudges, every turn reveals a new chapter in Heath’s family saga. The quest for one’s roots is a path filled with joy, challenges, and unexpected discoveries. So, tighten your seatbelts as we explore family history, ancestral origins, and the astounding narratives they encompass. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.  

Imagine this: you’re sixteen, flipping through an old book of remembrance when a dormant curiosity awakens inside you, setting you on a lifelong journey of discovery. This was precisely the catalyst for our guest, Marcus Flansburg, who was captivated by his LDS grandmother’s book and embarked on an incredible expedition into Italian genealogy. From uncovering online Italian civil records to enrolling in BYU Idaho’s family history research program, and transitioning from a law enforcement career to retirement, Marcus’ journey has been nothing short of riveting. Venturing with Marcus into the heart of Italy, we traverse through his ancestral hometowns, visit town halls and cemeteries, and uncover heartwarming stories like his long-lost great-grandfather and the discovery of an unknown picture. We also delve into the process of building a genealogy business, offering nuggets of wisdom for those also interested in tracing their roots. As we journey with Marcus, we uncover the rich tapestry of Italian immigration, their regional diversity, and the unique bond formed by these immigrants in their new homes. We discuss the distinctive customs, languages, and even physical traits of Italians, shedding light on the historical event of Verbicaro’s cholera riot in 1911. Marcus’ incredible story of using DNA research and family records to uncover his great grandfather’s identity is a testament to the power of genealogy. This episode is a treasure trove of resources and advice for anyone embarking on their own genealogical journey or seeking to discover more about their Italian roots. www.rootsintheboot.com Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video Helping people create a dolce vita.