Sunday, June 03, 2007

Book:"They Came By Ship": Calitrani Immigrants in America by Mario Toglia

The ANNOTICO Report

This book can be likened to a collection of Oral Histories, over 100 of them, and although amateurish, which might be part of their charm, is part of a growing trend in the communities of Italian ancestry, that can be a treasure trove for those researching the "true" Italian American experience, as opposed to the fictional renditions in Media that Americans tend to judge the American community by.

"They Came By Ship: The Stories of the Calitrani Immigrants in America" is the product of the Internet Age which brought together people researching their roots to their ancestral town of Calitri in Southern Italy.

They came to know one another and, in many cases, rekindled old friendships and discovered distant relatives in second and third cousins. They began sharing stories on the Net of the good old days, recalling neighborhoods where their parents and grandparents had settled after emigrating from Italy.

These communities included Brooklyn, New Rochelle, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry,Batavia, Mount Vernon in New York; Montclair, Paterson, Newark in New Jersey; Stamford, Bridgeport, Torrington in Connecticut; Dunmore in Pennsylvania; Washington, DC and Pittsfield, MA.

Their recollections proved to be so interesting and poignant to all that they needed to be set down in permanent form and preserved for future generations. Mario Toglia of New York initiated this book project with Josephine Galgano Gore, Angela Cicoira,Moloney, Fred Rabasca, Rick Morris and Mary Margotta Basile, descendents of original immigrants from Calitri.

The book contains over 100 personal and biographical stories, which illustrate various aspects of the lives, traditions and customs of the Calitrani community within the Italian immigrant experience. Also included are several newspaper articles and obituaries, as well as a list of more than 4000 Calitrani names who settled in America.

Calitri is a town (commune) in the province of Avellino, area Irpinia, region of Campania, Southern Italy. - about an hour drive due East from the city of Naples. Locals refer to it as the "Positano" d'Irpinia, referring to the glorious village on the Amalfi Coast that's revered for its vibrant pastel colors and year-round sun-filled days. Calitri is situated to the confluence of three Provinces: Foggia, Potenza and Avellino.

A beautiful town of 6,000, over 2,000 years old, perched precariously on the side of a mountain overlooking the valleys below and snow-capped mountains all around. Surprisingly modern, yet steeped in tradition."

The area is sprinkled with castles and aristocratic palazzos that serve as a testament to the important role it's played in Southern Italy's history. Medieval historical centres and old castles are a must for the discerning visitor, who can also look to the visit for tranquillity, hospitality and a high quality of life.

Irpinia is the area in which Calitri is located, and the adjacent Vulture are virtually unknown to mass tourism. They boast an ancient history and uncontaminated nature, with ancient villages perched among the hills and mountains and ruins of castles and cathedrals. The river Ofanto flows along the valleys, breaking up into tiny tributaries, beautiful streams and brooks that breathe life into the fertile landscape. Enchanting little waterfalls are formed in many gorges.

Calitri offers infinite activities centered around its many local traditions . Visitors can enjoy the local artisan's shops.Courses in traditional ceramics (Calitri is world-known for its artistic ceramics) needle point and arts are available. For those seeking relaxing occupations, soaking in the nearby thermal baths or embarking on exciting culinary or wine itinearies are an attractive option.