Wikipedia lists not one, but six “Little Italy’s” in New York City.
- Manhattan
- Italian Harlem
- Arthur Avenue
- Morris Park
- Bensonhurst
- Rosebank
So NYC tops the list with the most. In addition, there were dozens of Italian neighborhoods in the five boroughs from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. Pockets still remain, but most of these areas are no longer populated by just Italians. For example, Little Italy in Manhattan has shrunk to a few square blocks, with few Italian families still residing. Most of it overly commercialized and more a tourist attraction, than an Italian neighborhood. Even the San Gennero feast is not the same. The las time I was there a few years ago many of the vendors were not Italian.
My wife’s mom grew up on Spring St, as did my aunt’s husband. Their parents actually came from the same town in Italy. I believe that there is some connection there, as they share some surnames, but DNA did not show a match to my cousin.
We grew up in Corona Queens, which was almost 100% Italian from the ’30’s to the 70’s. Great fun. Their was a beer garden across from my grandmother’s with a bocce court and the Italian feast would be on that block every summer. The Zeppole stand was right outside her gate. Three for a quarter! The salumaria was up the block and at least three bakeries within a few blocks. Those were the days.
Little Italy in New York goes back to the late 1800’s . Rather than go into a all that history here, I will give you some links to articles and some books on the subject, written by people who write better than I. Also, there are some great Youtube videos that you can watch.
Brief History of Little Italy in NYC – Triplemint
The Mulberry Bend – Infamous NY
Italian Harlem – Focus
Arthur Ave – Bronx Little Italy
Some great videos. Eddie Hot Dog used to be across the street from the school and my aunt’s Beauty Parlor. The Lemon Ice King was a few blocks from my grandmothers. We would but the entire container for parties. The best lemon ice ever. Still there today, at least 70 years.
NYC
NYC Harlem
Bronx
Corona
Corona
Mom's parents, dad's parents and mom and dad wedding in Corona.
My whole family came to Little Italy from Napoli. My Grandfather, his 2 brothers & Father in 1894 -1900. All lived on Mulburry St.. [cold water flats] at first & worked on Grand, one moved to Broom S., Nonna’s family, 6 of her 8 brothers, her 2 sisters & Mother came too. Most moved to North Jersey, the Bronx, or Brooklyn. My Grandfather [didn’t want to be called nonno] came as a Dr. trained in Napoli, the rest, on both sides, were Pharmacists. I finally got to see the outside of where my Pop was born & lived for most of his childhood, 169 Mulberry St.