Date
August 09, 2011
Maker
Columbus Centre
Accession#
ICEA2011.0068.0001
Interview With Anthony De Marco
Anthony De Marco was born on August 16, 1920 in Reggio, Calabria, Italy and is the eldest of three children born to Antonia (née Scappatura) and Carmine De Marco. Anthony’s dad first arrived in Canada around 1902, following his brothers, who came in search of a better life. Carmine was naturalized in 1911, but returned home briefly to fight in World War I. Back home, Carmine met and married Antonia in 1919 before returning to North Bay. In 1922, Anthony and his mother immigrated to Canada and the family was reunited. In his interview, Anthony talks about growing up in a multi-ethnic neighbourhood, playing sports, and attending school in North Bay. He also speaks of the family business, De Marco’s Confectionary, which is still in operation today. Anthony’s dad, Carmine De Marco, and two uncles, Vincenzo and Frank Scappatura, were all interned at Camp Petawawa. Anthony explains that his father was able to get out of Petawawa because of the efforts of their friend and neighbour, Bishop Dignan. He also says that neither his dad nor uncles ever talked about their experiences in the camp. Anthony believes that the internment really bothered his dad, especially having fought for the Allies in the previous war. At the same time that Carmine De Marco was interned, he had several nephews serving in the Canadian forces.
In this opening clip Anthony De Marco introduces himself and speaks about his family’s immigration to Canada.
Anthony De Marco talks about the family store, De Marco’s Confectionery.
Anthony De Marco speaks about his mother and her family’s migration to North Bay.
Anthony De Marco talks about the North Bay neighbourhood he grew up in. He also speaks about the Italian Canadian community in North Bay.
Anthony De Marco talks about the Italian church in North Bay.
In this clip Anthony De Marco talks about his schooling and working at the family store.
Anthony De Marco speaks about the character of both his parents.
Anthony De Marco mentions that his family did not face any discrimination either before the war or while his father was interned.
Anthony De Marco discusses how during his father’s internment the family did very little business at the store, however, business picked up again after the war.
Anthony De Marco talks about his father’s arrest and internment and how the family enlisted the help of a lawyer and bishop to secure his release.
In this clip Anthony De Marco talks about the day his father was arrested.
Anthony De Marco talks about how his father never discussed his internment experience, but that he does know that his father spent much of his time in the camp with two relatives who had also been interned with him at Camp Petawawa.
Anthony De Marco discusses communicating with his father through letters while he was interned.
Anthony De Marco mentions that he was part of an Italian boys band in North Bay in the years prior to the war. He also mentions that he was not aware of any other social activities the Italian community participated in besides church.
In this clip Anthony De Marco further elaborates on the Italian band he was a part of.
Anthony De Marco talks about how his father was affected by his internment.
Anthony De Marco speaks about his family supporting one another during the war years.
Anthony De Marco shares his views on Mussolini prior to the war years.
Anthony De Marco speaks about the fascist group in North Bay prior to the war.
In this clip Anthony De Marco talks about travelling to Italy while he was a teenager.
