The Limosani Family

Christmas 1955

2010-12-25T10:20:00.000-06:00

Video taken circa 1955 in Calumet Park, Illinois

Rosalie Limosani Traversino - 100th Birthday

2010-03-11T00:00:00.005-06:00

"I was born March 11, 1910 in San Marco, Italy. My mother and I came to America on the deck of a steamship in 1913. Even though I was only three, I remember some of the trip. With us was my uncle, Antonio Vocale, who watched over my mother and myself. Antonio Vocale was married to my mother's sister, Maria, and was making the trip back to America to work. He was a very nice man and held me in his arms and walked me around the ship in his arms. We arrived in April of 1913.

Our family first lived at 525 W. Taylor Street over a saloon. It had a large barn behind the house where horses were housed-there were many horse drawn carts in those days. I remember that we didn't have electricity at that time and a man would come around just before dark with a ladder and lit the gas street lights. There were no refrigerators then and the Ice Man would come through the neighborhood on his horse-drawn cart and sell ice. We would put a ice sign in the window that listed 25-50-75 or 100 pounds. The ice was in the shape of a gigantic ice cube and the man would carry it on his leather-covered shoulderpad with big metal claws. Grandpa loved beer and I used to go buy beer for him. I would go into the saloon and buy a pail of beer for 5 cents. The bartender would give me a little glass of root beer while he filled the pail of beer. I used to love to go get the beer for my father.

We then moved to 717 W. Taylor where my brother, Mike, was born. The family then moved to 1013 S. Marshfield about 1921/22 where my brother, Joseph, was born. Years later, after I had moved to California, the family moved to 1445 S. Avers.

I married Mark Traversino on July 22, 1929. We have three children. Mark Jr. born May 6, 1930. Daughter Marion, born September 16, 1933, and daughter Catherine, born November 17, 1952. In the beginning of our marriage, we moved back and forth between Chicago and Aurora, (where my husband, Mark, grew up), but eventually settled in Chicago. During the 1930's I worked as a power machine operator in the garment district of Chicago making dresses. I became interested in hair styling and went to beauty school around 1939 and won first place in the contest for best hairstylist in my class of 40 students. My sister Lucille was my model. I worked at Marshall Fields for a while and, in 1940, owned my own beauty shop.

(At 55 Rosalie returned to school and graduated in 1972 with a baccalaureate degree. She also went on to a receive a masters degree. She taught the handicapped for many years and is an artist mastering in Chinese brush stroke painting. She is also a beautician, a costume maker, pottery and crafts teacher.)

Rosalie's Art Work

-----

This day in 1910--New York Times

Rosalie Traversino Photographs and Video

2010-03-10T23:59:00.003-06:00

The Italian Colony in Chicago

2009-05-10T09:52:00.006-05:00

Hull-House maps and papers, a presentation of nationalities and wages in a congested district of Chicago, together with comments and essays on problems growing out of the social conditions ([1895])

View searchable PDF
The entire text can be viewed at the Internet Archive

This is a fascinating read. Written in 1895, with a forward by Jane Addams, it is a study of the social phenomena resulting from the wave of immigration and settlement to Chicago's near-west side, with its center the Hull House, the first settlement house in the United States.

From page 130:

"Italians do not come to America to find a home, as do the British, Teutons, Slavs, and Scandinavians, but to repair the exhausted financial conditions in which they were living in Italy, or to make more money if they were well-to-do. They leave the mother-country with the firm
intention of going back to it as soon as their scarsellas [sic] shall sound with plenty of quihus [sic]. And if they remain here, they do so as a result of unforeseen circumstances which surprise even themselves, and which they finally accept.

At their embarkation for America they might be classified as temporary immigrants; but when they are here, in the majority of cases they become permanent ones. The sons of Italy in migrating do not sell the home, but mortgage it for money to pay for the passage, because they dream of a return home with plenty of money. They plan the improvements they will make, and that they will spend the remainder of the happy life there."

1918 Flu Pandemic in Chicago

2009-05-09T09:38:00.008-05:00

Mark Traversino spoke with Rosalie Traversino about her memory of the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak:

"It seems everyone at that time was sick except grandma. Grandpa, Ro, Mary, Angelo and [Lucy Limosani] all had the flu. Angelo was the sickest and they were very concerned. A Dr. Negro who lived across the street from them on Taylor Street came over frequently.

She remembers looking out the window and seeing many hearses driving down the street quite regularly. Our family was quite lucky that we didn't lose anyone.

She said all that grandma used outside of keeping them warm and comfortable and away from everyone, was to use [a compress] of warm cornmeal on their chests.

During that period of all having the flu, the Armistice of November 18, 1918 came about. My mother said she recalls that day vividly. She looked out the window and saw people dancing in the street, celebrating and people burning images of the Kaiser. She said she can still remember it to this day."

***

Here are two video clips from Chicago Tonight, which covered the 1918 flu from the Chicago perspective:

1918 Flu Pandemic (Part 2):

8,500 Chicagoans lost their lives to the so-called "Spanish Flu" in 1918. Rich Samuels tells how the city tried to prevent the spread of the disease...

1918 Flu Pandemic (Part 1):

Theresa Limosani Passport

2009-01-22T20:50:00.010-06:00

King Emmanuel was king at the time. The passport bears her maiden name, Cristoforo and her mother's maiden name Perta. She traveled with Daughter Rosalie , age three, and Antonio Vocale, departing on March 5, 1913.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Humanities Research

Photo Slideshow

2009-01-21T06:46:00.000-06:00

Chicago 1941

2009-01-10T11:34:00.005-06:00

In front of 1636 Jackson Boulevard, Chicago (1941) for Confirmation of Mark Traversino L-R: Theresa Limosani, Marion Traversino, Mark, Antonio Limosani

(Note: The Rosemoor Hotel is still an operating hotel, and streetlamp design has been revived on Roosevelt Road and other parts of Chicago)

Chicago 1955

2009-01-10T10:19:00.012-06:00

Rosalie Traversino scrap book pages of photographs taken in 1955 at home of Lu Limosani (Barry) in Calumet Park, Illinois.

[L-R: Antonio Limosani, Lu, Rosalie, Mary Limosani (Leas), Theresa, Christine Barry (Terumoto)]

California visit, December 1946

2009-01-10T09:55:00.005-06:00

In December 1946, Antonio and Theresa Limosani traveled from Chicago to California to visit daughter Rosalie. As these pages are very fragile, I thought I would preform the necessary preservation.

[View PDF]

November 23

2008-11-23T06:04:00.008-06:00

Antonio Limosani died on this day in 1982 at age 98. He was born March 22, 1884. (Photo taken in 1965).

Italians in Chicago

2008-10-13T19:30:00.005-05:00

From the Encyclopedia of Chicago

"In the late nineteenth century, mass migration from Italy accelerated. Chicago's foreign-born Italian population, 16,008 in 1900, peaked at 73,960 in 1930. These newcomers were predominantly peasants (contadini) from the southern regions, particularly Basilicata, Campania, and Sicily. Drawn to Chicago's market for railroad workers, these laborers were enrolled in work gangs by padrones (labor contractors), who shipped them to construction sites throughout the country. As they gained stable employment in the city's public works and industries, women were sent for and families established. Many women worked in the sweatshops and factories of the garment industry."

More info in this interesting book:
Chicago's Italians: A Survey of the Ethic Factor, 1850-1990

Rosalie Limosani Mural

2008-10-12T08:11:00.003-05:00

Wall mural by Rosalie Traversino, done for friend in Arizona. Completed October 28, 1994.

The Skating Traversino Family

2008-10-05T10:27:00.007-05:00

From a newspaper article, July 21, 1949

The caption:
"THE SKATING TRAVERSINO FAMILY - Shown above are the four members of the [Traversino] family who all take an active part in the Ice Classics" now showing at Agana. Above L to R: Marion, one of the show's soloists; her father Mark Travers, Sr., director of the ice show; her mother Mrs. Rosalie Travers; and her brother, Mark Travers Jr., skating comedian [sic]. Before signing up to make the Pacific tour with her parents, Marion skated in Sonja Henie's Hollywood Ice Revue. She has been skating professionally after switching from ballet dancing four years ago. Before forming the ice show in Califonia, Travers, Sr., managed an ice rink in Chicago. According to the rest of the family, Mrs. Travers, though not in the cast, is the busiest of all, looking after costumes and the family generally. The troupe makes its final appearance here tomorrow night before leaving for Manila. (Guam News Photo)"

Giovanni Cristoforo Romano

2008-10-05T09:29:00.004-05:00

Is there a family connection here?

Giovanni Cristoforo Romano (1456 - 1512) was an Italian Renaissance sculptor and medallist. He is known for making medals of Isabella d'Este, one of the leading women of the Italian Renaissance.

Here is the portrait:

There is also a Cristofori, namely Bartolomeo Cristofori, who is on the record as being the first inventor of the piano. I am still curious if there is any connection with the Cristoforo name, and whether this may indicate a heritage of artists and musicians in the family.

Sources:
Wikipedia entry re Cristoforo Romano
Wikipedia entry re Isabella d'Este
Notes re museum acquisition of artist work
Pianofortes of Bartolomeo Cristofori

Photobooth photos

2008-10-04T10:23:00.007-05:00

These were small 1" x 2" prints or Rosalie Limosani apparently taken at a photobooth ( or just small wallet prints--I can't tell), which I scanned to 8x10. It is amazing how beautiful the prints look for something that might have cost 5 cents at the time.

There is actually a book on the subject, American Photobooth

If you would like to access full-resolution images, please contact the webmaster.

Limosani Blondes

2008-09-30T22:31:00.002-05:00

Lucy, Rosalie, Teresa and Mary show off their dye jobs. (Kenneth also gets a haircut) (Taken in the summer of 1960)

Antonio Vocale

2008-09-25T07:59:00.000-05:00

The San Giorgio

2008-09-25T06:06:00.005-05:00

Antonio Limosani, age 23, first arrived to the United States on February 20, 1908 on this ship. (Its maiden voyage was in 1907, so it was a new ship.)

Crossing the Atlantic in the middle of February was not exactly a Caribbean cruise. NOAA weather records for February 1908 state the following: "Over the northern portions of New York and New England minimum temperatures from 30° to 40' below zero were recorded, the lowest reported in those districts for many years." It was most likely brutally cold on the day he arrived--a shocking contrast to the warmer temperatures in Italy.

Here are ship specifications:

6,392 gross tons, length 406ft x beam 51.7ft,two funnels, two masts, twin screw, speed 14 knots, accommodation for 30-1st, 60-2nd and 1,800-3rd class passengers. Launched on 10th Apr.1907 by Sir James Laing & Sons, Sunderland for Sicula Americana, she started her maiden voyage on 19th Jul.1907 when she left Naples for Messina,Palermo and New York. Aug.1917 transferred to ownership of Transoceanica Societa Italiana di Navigazione. 8th Jul.1921 last voyage Naples - New York. Aug.1921 transferred to Navigazione Generale Italiana, renamed NAPOLI. 1926 scrapped. .[North Atlantic Seaway, vol.3,p.1375 by N.R.P. Bonsor]

[Source]

Antonio Limosani's 81st Birthday

2008-09-24T21:19:00.005-05:00

March 22, 1965
12608 S. Ada, Calumet Park, Illinois

***

Contextual events:

Freedom march in Selma Alabama--a 54-Mile Rights Walk to Montgomery. "Dr. King hails mission and envisions 'a New Alabama' and 'a New America'..."

Angelo Limosani in WWII

2008-09-23T13:46:00.004-05:00

Angelo Limosani (Center) in the service during WWII, circa 1943. He was a cook. He also served in Mississippi as a guard for an Italian POW camp there. He became friendly with them. They told him they were very happy to be in America. Some stayed in America and married American/Italian women.

Vocale's Guitar

2008-09-22T06:13:00.006-05:00

Antonio Vocale's guitar, a 1950s-era Gibson L4 archtop, now in the possession of Lee Barry in Chicago.

California 1968

2008-09-21T22:14:00.003-05:00

16mm movie taken in the summer of 1968 when the Barry family visited Rosalie Traversino in California. This is taken at the house on Sunswept in Santa Ana.

Photo Montage

2008-09-21T22:09:00.001-05:00

1445 S. Avers (Then and now)

2008-09-20T09:28:00.004-05:00

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Chicago tailor shop, circa 1935

2008-09-20T09:23:00.004-05:00

Lucia Limosani (center)

Italians are happy Jews

2008-09-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

Maurice Sendak is artist author and illustrator born in Brooklyn, New York, to Polish-Jewish immigrant parents. He said something interesting and amusing in an interview on Fresh Air:

"...Right across the hall from us was a man called Carmine, and his sisters and brothers and his huge mother and huge father. I used to run across the hall because they had unkosher food, which was much better that kosher food--it was pasta. It was great Italian cooking! They laughed and they drank wine...and had a hell of a good time. Then you go back to my house and they have this sober 'cuisine' and not so rambunctious family life. I really had [the revelation] that Italians were happy Jews, and that I would have a choice after my barmitzvah to go with the sober sect or the happy sect. They both wore the dull black dresses--you couldn't tell the difference."

Teresa Limosani 1927

2008-09-19T07:23:00.002-05:00

Taken at Herman Studio in the Taylor Street area (Little Italy) Chicago.

I have the original print of this photo. It has a very attractive satin charcoal patina with a bit of yellowing, but otherwise in perfect condition.

12608 S. Ada (Then and Now)

2008-09-15T19:59:00.005-05:00

(Circa 1955)

Antonio and Teresa Limosani's home on Ada Street, Calumet Park, Illinois, 1952-1983. (As it appears now, below.) Daughter Lucia Limosani Barry lived in the house on the right.

(Calumet Park is a suburb of 20 miles south of Chicago. It was developed in the early 1950s, when families were migrating out of the cities post-World War II. These particular houses were of a cottage design and had only 2 bedrooms. They sold for $12,000 new.)

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Map of San Marco in Lamis, Italy

2008-09-13T20:18:00.001-05:00

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Antonio Limosani in California, circa 1965

2008-09-13T19:32:00.008-05:00

Clip from a home movie taken by Rosalie Traversino, showing Grandpa and Grandma digging in the garden in the backyard of her home in Venice California.

Limosani Families in Italy

2008-09-13T15:45:00.003-05:00

There are 126 families in Italy with the Limosani Surname:

68 in Puglia (region of Sannicandro)
27 in Lombardia (region of Milan)
31 in other Italian regions
22 in San Marco in Lamis (17% of Italy)
10 in Sannicandro

Pictures From San Marco

2008-09-13T15:41:00.002-05:00

A photo of a store in San Marco, Italy, with the Limosani surname on it. Taken by Antonio Limosani from Melbourne, Australia, on a visit to San Marco.

Grandpa's early years in America

2008-09-10T21:12:00.014-05:00

Grandpa did not have a trade and found it difficult after he got married. He heard about the opportunities in America from other men in town who had been to America. Grandpa first came to the United States in 1908. He came to Chicago because his sister Micheline and her husband Luigi Fulgaro had been living there. Grandpa and his sister were extremely close. She was five years older and was like a second mother to him. He got a job in Montana with the railroad.

Grandpa in Montana Circa 1908/1909 - Third from right with his left hand on his hip.

He traveled back and forth to Italy about three times trying to get grandma to come to America. He returned to Italy sometime in 1909 for the birth of his first child, Rosalia, who was born in 1910. He stayed in San Marco trying to talk grandma into coming to the United States, but she still didn't want to leave Italy. Grandma became pregnant again and grandpa returned to America to work-there was little work in San Marco. A son, Angelo, was born, but died when he was one-and-a-half years old. Grandma was heartbroken. Antonio wrote her to come to America. She finally relented because she wanted to get away from the memory of little Angelo.

Grandma and her daughter, Rosalia, came to America on the deck of a steamship around April of 1913. Traveling with them was Antonio Vocale, who was married to grandma's sister, Maria. Antonio Vocale, who was on his way to America to work, watched over Grandma and Rosalia on the trip. Antonio's wife, Maria, stayed in Italy until around 1927 before she finally moved to America.

The Limosani first house in America was at 525 W. Taylor Street. They shared the house with Antonio's sister Mary Micheline and her husband Louis Fulgaro and their three children, Tony, Mike. Rose, Lucia. Grandpa and the family lived in half the house and the Fulgaro's lived in the other half. Antonio's family grew with the birth of Maria, in the first year, followed by Angelo and Lucia.

Interesting anecdote: In those days, a man on a horse-drawn wagon would go through the neighborhood selling vegetables. He would shout his selection as he drove and the people would come out of their houses to buy them. One day, when grandma went out to buy vegetables, she looked in disbelief because the vegetable man was that 27-year-old-man who had come to her house and expressed an interest in her in the Old Country. He wanted to know if she was happily married and how she was getting along. She told him she was doing fine and after some small talk they departed as friends.

Grandpa and the family then moved to 717 W. Taylor over a saloon owned by Chi Chi (Cecil) Tagglia. Their son, Michael, was born there.

Grandpa bought the family's first house at 1013 S. Marshfield about 1921/22. Their son, Joseph, was born there. At that time, Marshfield was bounded by Taylor Street on the north, Roosevelt Road (12th Street) on the south, Paulina Street on the west and Ashland Boulevard on the east. This was an all-Italian neighborhood although there were a few other ethnic people who lived on the block. In fact, grandpa liked to drink wine with the only Black Man on the block, Mr. Blanton, who lived a few doors away. There was also a Jewish Synagogue on Marshfield near Roosevelt Road. Those buildings are no longer there. The area is now a huge hospital complex. Grandpa told the family that a Limosani in the past was a soldier for a Pope.

Eventually, grandpa bought another house at 1017 S. Marshfield, which was two doors away. In later years, grandpa sold the house at 1017 to help with Michael's tuition at medical school at the University of Illinois at Champaign.

Eventually, the family moved from Marshfield to 1445 So. Avers and then to 12608 So. Ada in Calumet Park.

Grandpa worked at Western Electric as a Crane Fireman for about 40 years and then retired.

He passed away at the age of 99 in 1983. Grandma passed away on December 24, 1976.

History of the Limosani Family in America

2008-09-10T20:58:00.005-05:00

Our Grand Father ANTONIO LIMOSANI -March 22, 1884 - November 23, 1982
Our Grand Mother MARIA TERESA CRISTOFORO -May 8, 1887 - December 24, 1976

They had six children that were all born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, except Rosalia, who was born in San Marco, Italy

ROSALIA LIMOSANI - Born March 11, 1910
MARIA LIMOSANI - February 27, 1914 - September 9, 1982
ANGELO LIMOSANI - February 9, 1916 - November 4, 1986
LUCIA LIMOSANI - April 4, 1918 - August 10, 1999
DR. MICHAEL LIMOSANI - September 23, 1920 - August 18, 1995
JOSEPH LIMOSANI DDS - April 8, 1923 - April 3, 1973

Christmas 1975

The Courtship of Antonio and Teresa in San Marco

2008-09-10T20:56:00.003-05:00

It seems our 20-year-old grandfather would parade in front of the house of our 17-year old
grandmother wearing a black cape that he borrowed from his brother-in-law, Luigi Fulgaro, who was married to grandpa's older sister, Mary Micheline. This seemed to work and our future grandmother soon fell in love with our grandfather. The intrigue goes something like this. Grandpa's sister would go to grandma's house and bring some clothing that needed sewing or altering-grandma and her sister Maria were working as seamstresses to help their mother with the family bills after their father had died somewhat prematurely. It seems that Mary Micheline wound up the messenger for grandpa and grandma. Messages of affection would travel back and forth between Teresa and Antonio.

However, grandma's mother, Maria Archangela, had other ideas. She did not particularly want our grandpa as a son-in-law. Maria Archangela invited a 27-year-old-man to the house under the pretense of meeting grandma's older sister, Maria. Maybe Maria was in on the ploy or maybe forced to go along at her mother's insistence.

Nevertheless, the get-together went well and the man expressed his interest in grandma to Maria Archangela, much to her delight. However, when our grandma found out what had transpired, she immediately sent word to grandpa. Shortly, grandma and grandpa eloped and were married much to the dismay of grandma's mother.

For some reason, grandpa and grandma were unsuccessful in having children for the first six years of their marriage. In keeping with the logic of Italian beliefs and customs, Grandma petitioned St. Matthew for help, and then walked barefoot nine miles to the church of St. Matthew. (This is a true story.) Nine months later, Rosalia, their first daughter, was born with light skin, blue eyes and blond hair, much to the relief of Maria Archangela. St. Matthew must have listened to grandma because she eventually had seven children.

Grandpa's Youth in San Marco

2008-09-10T20:54:00.004-05:00

Grandpa's father, Angelo, was a shepherd who owned a flock of 400 sheep and land. Grandpa and his brothers were also shepherds. Grandpa's older brother Phillip taught grandpa how to read and write while they tended the sheep. After his father's unfortunate departure, the brothers kept the business going. However, all the sheep died while eating some poisonous grass and that was the end of the business. These were rough times for Rosalia Soccio Limosani and her children. Grandpa hated school and stopped going. He worked at various odd jobs but did not learn a trade which may have been instrumental in his decision to come to America.

The Antonio Limosani Family

2008-09-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

November, 1919.
Picture taken on the day of United States citizenship.
From left to right: Grandmother, Teresa Cristoforo Limosani, 32,
Lucia, in her lap, age 1 1/2 years, Rosalia, 9, Maria, 5, Grandfather,
Antonio Limosani, 35, Angelo, 3 years old.

HISTORY OF THE LIMOSANI FAMILY in SAN MARCO IN LAMIS - PROVINCIA DI FOGGIA PUGLIA, ITALY

Our Great-Grand Father was ANGELO LIMOSANI & Our Great-Grand Mother was ROSALIA SOCCIO They had six children, all of which were born in San Marco in Lamis

ANTONIO LIMOSANI (our grandfather) was the youngest and came to America in 1908.
MARY MICHELINE LIMOSANI-FULGARO (Addressed as Zia Cheline)
Grandfather's older sister who came to America before Antonio. She married LUIGI FULGARO.
PHILLIP LIMOSANI stayed in Italy.
GIUSEPPE LIMOSANI stayed in Italy and married a woman named Carolina Mimmo. Carolina passed away December 22, 1920 and Giuseppe re-married Nunzia Diana.
RACHELA LIMOSANI stayed in Italy.
VITTORIA LIMOSANI stayed in Italy.

THE CRISTOFORO SIDE OF THE FAMILY (GRANDMOTHER'S)
Our Great-Grand Father was ANGELO CRISTOFORO & Our Great-Grand Mother was MARIA ARCHANGEL PERTA They had three children, all of which were born in San Marco in Lamis

TERESA CRISTOFORO - (Our Grandmother)
MICHAEL CRISTOFORO - Stayed in Italy
MARIA CRISTOFORO VOCALE - Came to America

September 2, 1929

2008-09-02T19:48:00.000-05:00

Maria Cristoforo (Vocale) in Chicago

Ada Street #1

2008-04-25T07:42:00.000-05:00

Film taken at family dinner at house on Ada Street, Calumet Park, Illinois

Ada Street (Winter)

2008-04-25T07:39:00.000-05:00

Film taken at house on Ada Street, Calumet Park, Illinois.

Christine and Kathy

2008-04-25T07:37:00.000-05:00

Christine Barry and Kathy Traversino, circa 1955.

Marion Traversino Skating

2008-04-25T07:31:00.000-05:00

Skating performance. (Year unknown)

Ada Street #2

2008-04-25T07:29:00.000-05:00

Film taken at family dinner at house on Ada Street, Calumet Park, Illinois.

Antonio Limosani in California, circa 1965

2008-04-25T07:27:00.000-05:00

Footage taken at house in Santa Ana

Summer of 1955

2008-04-25T07:22:00.000-05:00

Montage of 16mm home movies shot in Calumet Park Illinois

April 16

2008-04-16T19:05:00.003-05:00

Giuseppe Limosani, brother of Antonio was born on this day in 1872, He died October 10, 1952.

GIUSEPPE LIMOSANI and his second wife, NUNZIA DIANA
Married July 4, 1921

April 4

2008-04-04T06:29:00.004-05:00

Lucille Limosani Barry was born on this day April 4, 1918. (Died August 10, 1999). Photo was taken on porch of 1445 S. Avers in fall of 1943, approximately.

February 20

2008-02-20T07:51:00.004-06:00

Antonio Limosani, age 23, first arrived to the United States on the San Giorgio on February 20, 1908.

He traveled back and forth to Italy several times. The return trip to Italy in 1909 was for the birth of his first child, Rosalia, born in 1910. He then returned back to America, and Teresa had their second child, Angelo, who died at 18 months. Somewhat reluctant to leave Italy, and anguished at the death of their second child, Teresa finally decided to emigrate in April 1913 with daughter Rosalie and brother-in-law Antonio Vocale.

November 6

2007-11-06T19:14:00.000-06:00

Maria Cristoforo, older sister of Teresa Limosani, was born on this day in 1876.

Zia Maria (as she was called, was our grandaunt), married Luigi Vocale in San Marco, Italy. Luigi came to America and worked on the railroad in Montana with Antonio Limosani. However, Maria stayed in Italy because their son, Antonio, was in college and was planning on becoming a doctor. Luigi sent money back to Italy to help with the tuition. Luigi remained in Montana for many years while Maria stayed in Italy. He worked as a carpenter and died at 51 in 1932. Maria passed away in the late 1930s and, unfortunately, didn't live to see her son become a doctor. However, by the time Antonio became a doctor, Italy was at war and was drafted and served in the Italian army during World War II. World War II caused much heartache between the Italians here in America and their relatives in Italy.