Scenic view of Cocullo, Italy

MAKER
Kevin O’Grady

DATE
October, 2000

DIMENSIONS
4 15/16 x 6 13/16 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a scenic shot of Cocullo, a town in the province of L’Aquila, located in the region of Abruzzo, in southern Italy. The town’s patron saint is San Domenico and he is honoured yearly in early May. The people of this town are referred to as cocullesi. Cocullo was likely built around 10th C. A.D., on the ruins of an ancient pre-Roman settlement. The tower to the left used to higher but during the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, the top third was badly damaged.

The view is of houses, a church, a lookout tower, and the vast mountainous landscape in the background. The photo was taken in daylight and there is a foggy mist in the far background. It was taken from the viewpoint off of the main highway, approaching Cocullo. The photo was taken in late October 2000 by Kevin O’Grady while on a family trip with his wife, Sandy O’Grady (granddaughter of Leopoldo Mascioli), and their three daughters. The family trip to Italy marked the couple’s 40th wedding anniversary.

Cocullo is the hometown and birthplace of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. At the age of 10, he travelled to the United States and Canada. By 1940, he was living in Timmins, ON. It was during this time, at the outbreak of the Second World War, that 64-year-old Leo was interned at Camp Petawawa.

Portrait of Antoinette (Toni) Ciccarelli

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1934

DIMENSIONS
7 7/16 x 5 1/16 inches

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(bottom right, handwritten in blue ink) 1934

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white portrait of the young Toni Ciccarelli at age 19. The portrait is done in a studio setting and Toni is shown only from the waist up. She is wearing a black and white dress and smiles directly at the camera. This is a copy of an original photograph.

Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, ON, looking north to Detroit, MI, 1940s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum, P6029

Faded, yellowed image of Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, ON, taken ca. 1940s near the corner with Park Street. Visible in the streetscape are buildings/signage for the Prince Edward Hotel, George H. Wilkinson, and McCreery’s. The Detroit skyline is visible in the background, especially the Penobscot Building, constructed in the Art Deco style in 1928. The Prince Edward Hotel was torn down in 1976, and McCreey’s is now a restaurant.

Black and white portrait of Joseph Gialleonardo in uniform

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of David Leonardo

Black and white portrait of Joseph Gialleonardo in uniform, date and location unknown.

Joseph is wearing a shirt or jacket with a collar and epaulettes. He is wearing a beret with two buttons on the front. He is smiling widely at the camera. His wavy hair peeks out from the beret.

Joseph volunteered for the Canadian Army and was part of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). He was first stationed in Montreal, before being sent to Scotland and France. His most notable contribution to the war was his participation in the Invasion of Normandy in 1944. Ironically, Joseph’s father Luigi Gialleonardo was interned at Camp Petawawa for over a year at the same time that he was serving for Canada.

Photograph of Luigi Gialleonardo

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of David Leonardo

Black and white photograph of Luigi Gialleonardo, date and location unknown.

Luigi is wearing a three piece black suit with a white collared shirt and a polka dot tie. A pocket watch hangs from his vest. His right hand is tucked in his pants’ pocket and the left hangs by his side. He is staring straight at the camera, expressionless. He is standing in front of a brick house with a wooden porch and stairs.

Luigi immigrated to Canada on April 22, 1904 and settled in Montreal where he lived with his wife and 12 children. He worked for Canadian National Railway (CNR). During WWII, he was interned for just over one year.

Portrait of Lorenzo Venditti

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Richard Sanchini, grandson

Black and white portrait of Lorenzo Venditti in his twenties. Date and location unknown.

Lorenzo is wearing a dark coloured suit, a white collared shirt, and a patterned tie. His wavy hair is combed with a tall peak at the top. He is staring off camera.

Lorenzo Venditti and his brother Cosimo Venditti were both interned during World War II.

Wedding portrait of Lorenzo Venditti and wife Concetta, Montreal, 1917

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1917

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Richard Sanchini, grandson

Black and white wedding portrait of Lorenzo Venditti and his bride, Concetta. Montreal, 1917.

Lorenzo is seated on a black cushioned chair. He is wearing a black tuxedo with a white collared shirt and a white bowtie. His boots are two-toned and have laces. A pocket square peeks from his jacket’s breast pocket. Concetta is standing next to Lorenzo with her right hand resting on his shoulder. She is wearing a full length white gown with white laced shoes, white gloves, and a veil. She is holding a bouquet of flowers in her left hand. The studio portrait has a landscape/outdoor house setting backdrop and the carpet has a paisley pattern.

Lorenzo Venditti and his brother Cosimo Venditti were both interned during World War II.

Portrait of the Venditti family, Montreal, ca. 1921

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1921

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Richard Sanchini, grandson

Black and white portrait of the Venditti family, ca. 1921.

Incoronata and Domenico Venditti immigrated to Canada with their sons, Lorenzo, Cosimo, and Giuseppe. The couple later had more children. This family portrait was taken in Montreal, ca. 1921.

At the front row (left to right) are Pasquale, Concetta (Lorenzo’s wife), Lorenzo, Mariette (Lorenzo’s and Concetta’s first daughter), Domenico, Rosa, Incoronata, Maria, and Leo. Standing in the back row (left to right) are Michele, Eva Bourgie (Cosimo’s wife), Cosimo, Giuseppe and Rocco. The males are wearing dark suits and the females are wearing dresses or skirt and top combos. The background shows a house setting.

During World War II, both Lorenzo and Cosimo were interned.

Portrait of Quinto Antonio Martini

MAKER
Arthur Roy Hull

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Arthur Roy Hull / Library and Archives Canada / PA-047465

Black and white portrait of Quinto Antonio Martini, date unknown.

Quinto is wearing a dark coloured suit with a white collared shirt and a striped multi-coloured tie. A pin is affixed to the lapel of his suit jacket. He is wearing a black rimmed pair of of eyeglasses. His right hand is hooked into his jacket. He is staring slightly off to his left and he has a small smile on his face.

During WWII, Quinto lived in Hamilton with his family. He was arrested and interned at Camp Petawawa.

Photograph of Peter Butti listening to radio, Nordegg, AB, 1922

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1922

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Handwritten, ink, top right corner) 34
Recto: (Handwritten, caps-lock, blue ink, center, bottom, cut off) NORDEGG 1922

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of Peter Butti listening to his radio at home in Nordegg, AB, 1922.

Peter is wearing black pants, white long sleeve shirt, and suspenders. He is sitting on a chair beside a table listening to his radio. The table has a floral table cloth on it. A curtain hangs behind Peter. Other household furnishings are in the background such as a hanging picture on the wall and a chair behind Peter. There is view of another room in the far background. Peter made the radio himself with mail-in order parts; according to his grandson, also named Peter Butti, at the time it was the only radio in town. The Butti family was able to listen to the Baseball World Series, 1922, because of this radio.

The elder Peter came to Canada in 1912 to work as an electrical engineer. Once established, he brought over his wife and children. During WWII, Peter’s son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens. The couple’s son Peter was six years old at the time but still remembers his parents reporting to the RCMP.

Photograph of Henry Butti at home, Nordegg, AB, August 20, 1925

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
August 20, 1925

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Pen, black ink, script, throughout) Nordegg Alta / 20 Agosto 1925
Recto: (Pen, blue ink, caps-lock, bottom, centre, cut off) NORDEGG, 1925

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of Henry Butti sitting inside the family home in Nordegg, AB. Dated August 20, 1925.

Henry is seated on a wooden rocking chair. His face is expressionless and he is staring straight at the camera. His left leg is crossed over his right; one arm is resting on the armchair and the other is on his lap. He is wearing a long-sleeved white collared shirt with dark coloured pants and black shoes. Behind him there are household furnishings such as a calendar on the wall, framed pictures, as well as a piece of furniture in the left background. The floor has a geometric and/or a floral pattern.

Henry Butti came to Canada in 1917 with his mother and sister. His father was already in Canada from years prior. During WWII, Henry and his wife Myra were designated as enemy aliens and ordered to report monthly to the RCMP.

Photograph of Peter and Ida Butti, Nordegg, AB, May 1925

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May, 1925

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Pen, script, throughout) Nordegg Alta / Maggio 1925
Recto: (Pen, blue ink, caps-lock, bottom, centre) NORDEGG

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of Peter and Ida Butti, Nordegg, AB in May of 1925.

The couple is standing outside of a wooden house. Ida is wearing a long black coat with large buttons and a long dress. Her accessories include black shoes and a brimmed hat. Peter is wearing a black three piece suit with black shoes and a newspaper boy cap. Both are squinting and looking straight at the camera. There is a lot of snow on the ground.

Peter came to Canada in 1912 to work as an electrical engineer. Once established, he brought over Ida and their two children. During WWII, their son Henry and daughter-in-law Myra were designated as enemy aliens and ordered to report to the RCMP.

Crowd at Official unveiling of Caboto Club banner, City Hall, Windsor, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 08, 1927

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum

Black and white photograph showing large crowd at the unveiling of the Caboto Club banner. Some of the men seem to be wearing ceremonial armbands. One carries a flag, which can not be clearly identified. The event occurred at City Hall Square, Windsor, ON, on May, 28, 1927.

Incorporated as the Border Cities Italian Club, on April 1, 1927, the club was later renamed the Giovanni Caboto Club in honour of the sailor and explorer John Cabot (or Giovanni Caboto). He became an important figure to Italian immigrant communities in Canada, although he sailed for the English crown. His landing on the coastline of modern-day Newfoundland in 1497 was used to validate and legitimize the Italian immigrant experience in Canada, serving as a source of pride.

Founded was by Italian immigrants in late 1924, the club became an important part of the local Italian community, providing a place for community gatherings, support for new immigrants and through fundraising activities, support for the larger Windsor community.

Official unveiling of Caboto Club banner, City Hall, Windsor, ON, May 8

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 08, 1927

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum

Black and white photograph taken during the act of unveiling of the Caboto Club banner, of which the top half is visible showing a figure in historical dress. The banner’s lower half is still concealed. The event occurred at City Hall Square, Windsor, ON, on May, 28, 1927.

Incorporated as the Border Cities Italian Club, on April 1, 1927, the club was later renamed the Giovanni Caboto Club in honour of the sailor and explorer John Cabot (or Giovanni Caboto). He became an important figure to Italian immigrant communities in Canada, although he sailed for the English crown. His landing on the coastline of modern-day Newfoundland in 1497 was used to validate and legitimize the Italian immigrant experience in Canada, serving as a source of pride.

Founded was by Italian immigrants in late 1924, the club became an important part of the local Italian community, providing a place for community gatherings, support for new immigrants and through fundraising activities, support for the larger Windsor community.

Official unveiling of Caboto Club banner, City Hall, Windsor, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 08, 1927

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum

Black and white photograph of official unveiling of Caboto Club banner, of which the lower half is visible in the upper left corner of the image. The banner contains Italian text reading “Founded February 1925”. Another banner is carried by the man on the right. The cross was a feature of the flag of the Kingdom of Italy. The event occurred at City Hall Square, Windsor, ON, on May, 28, 1927.

Incorporated as the Border Cities Italian Club, on April 1, 1927, the club was later renamed the Giovanni Caboto Club in honour of the sailor and explorer John Cabot (or Giovanni Caboto). He became an important figure to Italian immigrant communities in Canada, although he sailed for the English crown. His landing on the coastline of modern-day Newfoundland in 1497 was used to validate and legitimize the Italian immigrant experience in Canada, serving as a source of pride.

Founded was by Italian immigrants in late 1924, the club became an important part of the local Italian community, providing a place for community gatherings, support for new immigrants and through fundraising activities, support for the larger Windsor community.

Official unveiling of Caboto Club banner, City Hall, Windsor, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1949

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Windsor Community Museum

Black and white photograph of work men/labourers on scaffolding laying brick, concrete blocks(?) or stone(?) for work on new building at 2175 Parent Avenue, Windsor, ON. This building would house the Caboto Club and open on April 3, 1950. Founded in 1925 by Italian immigrants in late 1924, the club became an important part of the local Italian community, providing a place for community gatherings, support for new immigrants and through fundraising activities, support for the larger Windsor community.

During World War II, active paricipation in many Italian cultural organizations throughout Canada suffered. So much so, that many such organizations did not survive into the post-war period. However, the Cabato Club seems to have remained active throughout the period with activities and events in support of the war effort. As such, four short years after the war, they had enough financial reserves and community support to undertake a major building project.

Photograph of Ida Butti with children, Henry and Rosina, and friend, Italy, 1905

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1905

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, ink) [text cut off / + friend with / me + my sister / Italy – 1905
(Stamped, ink, upside down) AZO / PLACE / STAMP / HERE / AZO

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of Ida Butti with her children, Henry and Rosina, and a friend. This photo was taken in Italy in 1905.

The two women are standing behind the children. Ida Butti is standing on the left. She is wearing a black jacket over a long skirt. Her friend is also wearing a long dress. Rosina is standing in the forefront wearing a plaid patterned dress with a black belt, black wool tights, and a lace-up boots. Her brother, Henry, is standing on a wooden structure. There are is a metal fence behind them covered in plants.

Peter Butti came to Canada in 1912 to work as an electrical engineer. Once established, Peter was able to bring over Ida and the children. During WWII, Peter’s and Ida’s son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens. The couple’s son, Peter Henry Lawrence Butti, was six years old at the time but still remembers his parents reporting to the RCMP.

Photograph of Henry Butti as a child with two friends, Italy

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of Henry Butti as a child with two friends in Italy. Date unknown.

Henry Butti is seated on the far right. Two little girls are seated beside him. The children are sitting on something. Behind them is a wooden fence. One of the girls is wearing a long dress with a stripe detail at the bottom; the other is wearing a striped knee-length dress. The kids are all staring straight at the camera.

Henry Butti moved to Canada in 1917 with his sister Rosina and mother Ida. The family was joining Peter Butti who immigrated there earlier to get settled before the family’s big move. During World War II, Henry and his wife, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens and they were required to report monthly to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).

Photograph of May Day Parade with Italians in Nordegg, AB

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

Black and white photograph of a May Day parade with Italians in Nordegg, AB. Date unknown.

The scene shows participants on the road dressed in full regalia. Musicians are leading the march. There are also a number of children who are following along with the parade. Houses are seen in the background.

May Day has its early origins with the Celtics and the pre-Christian Roman cultures. It also became known as International Workers’ Day. The first May Day celebration in Italy took place in 1890. In 1923, it was banned under the fascist regime. A decade later Nazi Germany took over May Day, making it an official National Day of Labour. In 1945, May Day celebrations were reinstated in Italy. In Canada, Labour Day is celebrated in lieu of May Day. The tradition of May Day was likely was brought over as a result of immigration from European cultures.

This is part of a collection of photographs and documents from Peter Butti, son of enemy aliens, Henry and Myra Butti.

Photograph of James Franceschini with brother Leonard and friends, Mayors Con., QC, 1953

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
September 23, 1953

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white group photograph of James Franceschini with brother Leonard Franceschini and friends at the Mayors Convention in 1953. The event was held at James’ property, Dufferin Haven, at Mount Tremblant, QC on September 23, 1953.

The men are all wearing fancy suits. Leonard is shown at the far most right, wearing a light coloured suit with a hat and glasses. He is holding a drink in his right hand. James is standing beside Leonard. He is wearing a white suit, and holding a drink in his right hand while smoking a cigar. Two other unidentified men are standing with the Franceschini brothers. All four men are looking at something happening off camera. There are two other people visible in the far background. It is a heavy overcast day.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, James was arrested. Shortly after, on June 27, Leonardo was also arrested. Both men were interned at Camp Petawawa as they were considered threats to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceeschini riding his Palomino quarter horse, Mt. Tremblant

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1943

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini on one of his early Palomino quarter horses in Mt. Tremblant, QC, 1943.

James is wearing a peaked hat, a jacket, riding pants, and riding boots. He is shown in semi-profile mounted on his horse. There is a mound of rubble in the near background and the vast mountainous landscape in the far background.

James arrived in Canada in 1906. By 1912, he had founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceeschini riding his Palomino quarter horse, Mt. Tremblant

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1956

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini driving a hackney four-in-hand at the Ottawa Horse Fair, 1956.

James is wearing a light coloured suit with a top hat. He is holding a martingale in his right hand and the reins in his left hand. Two men in black suits and top hats are behind him, presumably marking his perfomance. The seated crowd is shown in the background.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceschini at Whites Boarding House, post-surgery recovery, QC, 1941

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1941

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini at Mrs. Whites Boarding House, Mt.Tremblant, ca. 1941.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state. A year later, James was diagnosed with throat cancer by fellow internee Dr. Luigi Pancaro. James was flown to Toronto where he underwent a series of examinations at the Christie Street Military Hospital. He was then transferred to the Toronto General Hospital for surgery. It appears that Ernest Lapointe, the Minister of Justice, had hoped that James would return to the internment camp after his surgery; however Dr. Ross Miller – Director of Medical Services, Department of Pension and National Health – adviced against it.

This was taken during James’ recovery from surgery. It was during his stay at the Boarding House that he bought the vacant land next door where he built his estate, Dufferin Haven. James is wearing a long sleeve light sweater with pants and high boots. He is sprawled on a couch outside on the grounds. A couple of men are in the near background sitting on the porch steps. The background shows a wooded mountainside.

Photograph of James Franceschini driving his prize hackney ponies, Mt. Tremblant, 1948

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1948

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini driving two of his prize hackney ponies, Dufferin Haven and Highland Cora at Mt. Tremblant, Quebec, 1948.

James is sitting in a two wheel horse carriage being drawn the horses, presumably on his horse ring in Dufferen Haven Estate. He is wearing a black suit with a matching black top hat. He is holding a martingale in his right hand and the reins in his left hand. The background shows a vast mountainscape.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James and Annie Franceschini with daughter Myrtle, Miami Beach, 1928

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1928

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James and Annie Franceschini with daughter Myrtle in Miami Beach, 1928.

The family is seated on the beach wearing swim/beach gear. James is wearing a white tank top and shorts. He has a cigar in his mouth. Annie is wearing a loose fitted white tank top with a pair of printed pants. Her wavy hair is styled parted to the side. She is sitting on a chair with a canopy. Myrtle is seated in front of her parents. She is wearing a white dress with a printed sweater. She is holding a ball in her lap. There are blankets in the foreground and a building structure in the background. The family is smiling straight at the camera.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceschini in outdoor horse ring, Dufferin Haven, Mt. Tremblanc, 1953

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1953

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini in his outdoor horse ring at his Dufferin Haven Estate in Mt. Tremblanc, QC, 1953.

Mt. Tremblanc is shown in the background across the lake. The indoor stable is visible at the far end of the horse ring. James is driving his prize Palomino four-in hand horses.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Portrait of James Franceschini with crew from Dufferin Construction, 1925, Toronto

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1925

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

This is a black and white portrait of the young James Franceschini with one of his early construction crews from Dufferin Construction, 1925, Toronto.

James is seated second from the left in the front row. He is wearing a black suit with a tie and a white collared shirt. A pocket square peeks out from his breast pocket and he is holding a cane. The other men are all also wearing suits. The men in the front are seated on chairs and those in the back are sitting on the porch railing of a wooden building structure.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceschini and guests at Dufferin Haven Estate, Quebec

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

INSCRIPTIONS
Recto: (Handwritten, lower left, black ink) McClasky ’48 (illegible) Waukegan

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini entertaining guests at his estate, Duferen Haven, in Mt. Tremblant, Quebec.

The famous ski hill of Mt. Tremblant is seen across the lake. The guests are shown relaxing on chairs around a table filled with drinks. The lawn is nicely manicured and decorated with plants. A large brick outdoor fireplace is also visible. According to James’ grandson, James McCreath, this photo was taken in 1954; however on the bottom left corner handwritten text reads: “McClasky ’48 (illegible) Waukegan.”

James arrived in Canada in 1906. By 1912, he had founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Portrait of James and Annie Franceschini

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Printed, throughout, diagonal) Kodak PROFESSIONAL / PAPER PAPIER PAPEL

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Sepia-toned studio portrait of James and Annie Franceschini. Date unknown. James is wearing a pinstripe suit with a matching pin stripe tie, vest, and collared shirt. A pocket square is visible in his suit breast pocket. Annie is wearing a sleeveless patterned top with dark coloured bottoms. She has a large long necklace and a ring on her right pinky finger. Her hand is resting on a chair.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Portrait of James Franceschini

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
McCreath Family Archives

Black and white studio portrait of James Franceschini. He is wearing a black pinstripe suit with a multicoloured tie and a white collared shirt. A pocket square is visible in his suit breast pocket.

In 1912, James founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, James was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – James became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of Sunshine Mine, 1921

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1921

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Handwritten, black ink) Unclear text, cut off / Sunshine / Mine Sask / 1921

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

This is a black and white photograph of Sunshine Mine, 1921. The view is of the coal mine buildings, such as the tipple. The background shows a vast mountainous landscape.

This photo is part of the Butti family collection. Henry Butti was born in Italy but immigrated to Canada with his family in 1917. Like his father, Peter Butti, Henry worked in the mines; however, the Buttis did not work at this specific mine.

When WWII broke out, Henry and his wife, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens and ordered to report monthly to the RCMP.

Photograph of Ida Butti with children, Henry and Rosina, and unknown lady

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, ink) NONNA + FAIEN / DAD + SISTER
(Stamped, black ink, bottom, upside down) POST C / CORRESPONDENCE MA

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

This is a black and white photograph of Ida Butti with her children, Henry and Rosina, and an unknown lady identified as “Faien.”

Ida and Faien are standing while the two children are hanging off what appears to be ceiling wooden beams. Ida is wearing a white long sleeve shirt with a light coloured patterned long skirt. Faien is wearing a similar outfit: a black long sleeve shirt with a patterned skirt. Both ladies have their hands clasped in front of them. Henry is wearing a white long sleeve shirt with a dark coloured pants. Rosina is wearing a white dress and her hair is styled with a white ribbon. The backdrop suggests that they are in a wooden house or a barn.

In 1917, Ida and her children joined Peter Butti in Canada. When World War II broke out, Henry and his wife, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens and they were required to report monthly to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).

Photograph of Peter Butti and friend, 1912

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1912

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, ink) My dad in / 1912 / Right after coming / to Canada
(Stamped text, left side, sideways) Illegible

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

This is a sepia toned photograph of Peter Butti with a friend in 1912.

Peter Butti immigrated to Canada in 1912 to set up a life for himself and his family. In 1917, he was able to bring over his wife (Ida), son (Henry), and daughter (Rosina). When World War II broke out, his son and his daughter-in-law Myra were designated as enemy aliens and they were required to report monthly to the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police).

Photograph of Thomas (Tom) and Luisa Spadafora Carbone, September 1937

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
September 1937

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Stamped, black ink, center, sideways) 59

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Martin Carbone, son

This is a black and white photo of Thomas (Tom) Joseph Carbone with his mother, Luisa Spadafora Carbone, dated September 1937. The photo is printed with a decorative geometric frame.

The photo was taken outside of Tom’s parents house on Pape Avenue in Toronto. They are both smiling, although Tom is staring off camera. They are standing close to each other with one arm wrapped around the other. Tom is wearing a pinstripe light-coloured suit with a white collared shirt and a light coloured tie with patterns. Luisa is wearing a long wrap patterned dress with short sleeves. Her hair is tied back.

Tom and his family lived in Timmins when World War II broke out. He was one of many arrested on June 10, 1940; he was interned until November of 1940.

Photograph of Thomas Joseph (Tom) and Leah Carbone, ca. 1960s

MAKER
Hyman (Rozie) Rozovsky

DATE
ca. 1960

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Stamped, black ink, center, sideways) 59

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Martin Carbone, son

This is a sepia photograph of Thomas Joseph (Tom) and Leah Carbone, taken in their home in Brantford, ON in the early 1960s. The couple is seated together on an armchair with a multi-coloured polka dot pattern. They are smiling at the camera and holding hands. Tom is wearing a brown suit with a white collared shirt and multi-coloured tie. Leah is wearing a multi-coloured short sleeve dress with a collar. Her wavy hair is cut short. Behind them are several household furnishings like a bookcase and a lamp. This photo was taken by their longtime Jewish friend, Hyman (Rozie) Rozovsky; at the time, Rozie and his wife Gladys were visiting the Carbones. The Carbones and the Rozovskys remained good friends throughout the years having first met at the Buffalo Ankerite Gold Mines Ltd. during the 1930s. Tom and his family lived in Timmins when World War II broke out. He was one of many arrested on June 10, 1940; he was interned until November of 1940.

Photograph of Thomas (Tom) Joseph and Leah Carbone, September 1938

MAKER
Hyman (Rozie) Rozovsky

DATE
September 1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Martin Carbone, son

This is a black and white photograph of Thomas (Tom) Joseph and his wife Leah taken in September 1938 around the time of their marriage (married Sept. 14, 1938). They are standing outside Tom’s parents’ house on Pape Avenue in Toronto. Tom is wearing a light coloured pinstripe suit with a white collared shirt, a light coloured V-neck sweater (or vest) and a dark coloured tie. His right arm is wrapped around Leah. Leah is wearing a black overcoat, a black hat, black gloves, nylons, and shoes. She is holding a small purse tucked underneath her left arm. The couple is staring straight at the camera. Behind them are construction workers bricking up the house next door. Grass and sparse shrubs in the background indicate that it is either spring or fall.

Tom and his family lived in Timmins when World War II broke out. He was one of many arrested on June 10, 1940; he was interned until November of 1940.

Photograph of Peter and Ida Butti, 1919, Canmore, AB

MAKER
Hyman (Rozie) Rozovsky

DATE
1917

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

This is a black and white snapshot of Peter and Ida Butti in Canmore, AB in 1919. Ida is seated on a chair with her hands clasped on her lap. She is staring straight at the camera. She is wearing a dark coloured dress with frills on the front chest area and a white collar. Her curly hair is parted to the side and tied in the back. Behind Ida is her husband, Peter, who is only partially shown. He is wearing a three piece dark coloured suit with a white shirt and tie. His left hand is resting on the back of Ida’s chair.

When World War II broke out, their son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Myra, were designated as as enemy aliens and ordered to report monthly to the RCMP.

Photograph of Peter and Ida Butti with son, Henry, 1919, Trail, BC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1919

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Top, handwritten, ink) The Butti family / Peter, Ida & Henry
(Bottom, left, handwritten, ink) Trail / 1919

CREDIT LINE
Private Collection of Peter Butti, Rosemarie McKernan, and Josephine Xavier

This is a black and white snapshot of Peter Butti with his wife, Ida, and their son, Henry. They are seated on the front porch of a wooden house. The photo was taken in 1919 in Trail, BC.

Peter is wearing a three-piece black suit and he is standing by the door with a pipe in his hand. He is staring off to his right. Ida is seated on a chair with her hands clasped on her lap. She is wearing a black jacket with a fur collar, over a black dress (or a skirt). She has stockings and Mary Jane-style shoes. Henry is seated on the porch step holding his left knee up with his hands. He is wearing a long coat over black pants, a white collared shirt, and light coloured lace up boots.

Peter came to Canada in 1912 to work as an electrical engineer. Once established, he brought over his wife and children. During WWII, Peter’s son, Henry, and daughter-in-law, Myra, were designated as enemy aliens. The couple’s son, Peter Henry Lawrence Butti, was six years old at the time but still remembers his parents reporting to the RCMP.

Portrait of Nazzareno Alfonso Sguigna and his wife

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Sguigna and Prospero Family

This is a black and white studio portrait of Nazzareno Alfonso Sguigna and his Canadian-born wife.

The couple is shown sitting on a black bench. Nazzareno is wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and bowtie; a white handkerchief peeks out from his chest pocket. He is also holding white gloves in his left hand. His wavy hair is brushed back. His wife is wearing a white long ruffled skirt with a matching blazer with ruffles on the shoulders. She is wearing white closed toe shoes. Her hands are resting one over the other on her lap. She has drop earrings. Her wavy hair is worn short. Both are looking straight at the camera. The backdrop shows a curtain over a painted backdrop of a nature scenery.

This is possibly their engagement photo which their daughter, Marie Sguigna Prospero, refers to in her interview.

Nazzareno was arrested during World War II and detained at a local jail. According to his niece, his wife collected his World War I medals and brought them to the jail, stating his innocence and allegiance to Great Britain. Due to his wife’s persistence, Nazzareno was released; however, Nazzareno’s brother Luigi Sguigna was not so lucky. Luigi was interned for two years at Camps Petawawa and Fredericton.

Portrait of Nazzareno Alfonso Sguigna, brother of internee Luigi Sguigna

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Sguigna and Prospero Family

This is a black and white portrait of Nazzareno Alfonso Sguigna, brother of internee Luigi Sguigna.

Nazzareno is shown from the waist up. He is wearing a pin-striped suit with a white shirt and a checkered black and white tie. He is staring straight at the camera; his face is expressionless. His wavy hair is brushed back.

Nazzareno was arrested during World War II and detained at a local jail. According to his niece, his wife collected his World War I medals and brought them to the jail, stating his innocence and allegiance to Great Britain. Due to his wife’s persistence, Nazzareno was released; however, Nazzareno’s brother Luigi Sguigna was not so lucky. Luigi was interned for two years at Camps Petawawa and Fredericton.

Two Canadian soldiers with lady and man standing on street

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1943

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Sguigna and Prospero Family

This is a black and white snapshot of two Canadian soldiers with a lady and a man, standing on a neighbourhood street. There are two cars in the background. It appears to be fall or spring as there are no leaves on the trees.

The young lady is being carried by one of the soldiers and the man. The group are smiling at the camera. The two soldiers are wearing uniforms with peaked caps. The lady is wearing a knee-length black dress and her short wavy hair is styled parted to her right. The man is wearing a black suit, white, shirt, and a tie.

One of the soldiers pictured here is likely Marie Prospero’s half-brother, Ezio Vincenzo Sguigna. In her interview, Marie talks about how he was drafted into the Canadian Army but was discharged six months later because of his Italian birth. While Ezio was serving in the war, his uncle Luigi Sguigna was interned.

Portrait of Iannetta family, Windsor, ON, ca. 1938

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1938

CREDIT LINE
Iannetta-Latessa Heritage

This is a black and white studio portrait of the Iannetta family taken in Windsor, ON around 1938. Shown left to right are the Iannetta children – Guido (10), Tony (15), and Louis (17). To their right are their parents Antonia Troia Iannetta and Michele Iannetta. The males are all wearing three piece suits; Guido is the only one wearing shorts instead of pants. Antonia is wearing a long, black dress with buttons at the front. Her wavy hair is styled in a low bun. The painted backdrop shows a nature scene with decorative arches and a large window on either sides and the the carpet has a paisley pattern.

Michele Iannetta was born in Italy in 1898. On June 10, 1940, he was arrested while tending bar at an Italian social club. He was interned for two years at Camp Petawawa and Camp Fredericton.

Wedding portrait, Capponi Family, Hamilton, ON, 1925

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1925

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Capponi family

Wedding portrait, Capponi Family, Hamilton, ON, 1925.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occassion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occassion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event ladden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a “busta” — literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.

In this portrait, we see a wedding in the 1920s. The groom, Girolamo (George) Capponi, had immigrated from Italy to Canada, where he met his Canadian-born bride Irene. The family would settle in Hamilton and the Capponis had 3 children.

Capponi was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on July 18, 1940.

Photograph of Jeanne Iannuzzi-Ouellette, Montreal, QC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Jeanne Iannuzzi Ouellette

Black and white photograph of Jeanne Iannuzzi-Ouellette, Montreal, QC, date unknown. A classic portrait shot, it was likely taken by a professional photographer in a studio.

Jeanne Iannuzzi was raised in Lachine, now a suburb of Montreal. Her father, Carlo Iannuzzi, was Italian Canadian and a detective with the Lachine police force. As a result of the war declaration, he was made to surrender his weapon and was transferred to the Fire Department. Her uncles Frank Iannuzzi and Daniel Andrew Iannuzzi were both interned.

Jeanne herself found employment at Bell Canada during the war.

Photograph of Daniel Andrew Iannuzzi, place unknown

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Jeanne Iannuzzi Ouellette

Black and white photograph of Daniel Andrew Iannuzzi, place unknown, date unknown. Iannuzzi is seated behind a desk and holds a pen over some paperwork. He is looking directly at the camera, suggesting the picture was staged.

Daniel Andrew Iannuzzi was a publisher and community leader at the time of his arrest and internment on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1935-1940

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1937

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Jeanne Iannuzzi Ouellette

Hand-tinted photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1935-1940. A classic portrait shot, it was likely created by a professional photographer in a studio. Although only visible from the mid-torso up, Iannuzzi is dressed in his uniform. Born in Canada, on June 10, 1940, Iannuzzi was a detective with the Lachine police force. As a result of the war declaration, he was made to surrender his weapon and was transferred to the Fire Department. Two of Iannuzzi’s brothers, Frank and Daniel Andrew, were both interned.

The reverse of the image notes Iannuzzi’s name and his positions with the police department (1924-1940) and the fire department (1940-1970).

Photograph of Alfredo D. Sebastiani

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Alfredo Domenico Sebastiani standing in front of a home in Montreal, QC. An unknown woman stands on the steps above him.

Sebastiani was a proud Italian. He served in northern Italy during World War I. He later became a successful salesman with Singer Sewing in Pescara, Italy, but decided to seek greater fortune in Canada. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co., which made a jewel-encrusted pair of shoes for the Queen in the 1930s. By 1940, Alfredo D. Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. On June 10, 1940, Sebastiani was arrested and ordered detained for interrogation. He was confined to house arrest, possibly due to his poor health. From family accounts, he had a serious heart condition and required a wheelchair for mobility. According to government documents, the order against Sebastiani was cancelled on July 12, 1941. Sebastiani died in 1948.

Photograph of Alfredo and Alice Sebastiani and nephew Giuseppe Di Pietro, 1942

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
October 1942

INSCRIPTIONS
Recto:
(bottom, handwritten in blue and black ink) ALFRED, ALICE SEBASTIANI, JOE DI PIETRO OCT. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Alfredo Domenico Sebastiani (standing at left with cane), his wife Alice, and their nephew Giuseppe (Joseph) Di Pietro standing outdoors in a garden in October 1942.

Sebastiani was born in Italy on April 26, 1877. He served in northern Italy during World War I. He later became a successful salesman with Singer Sewing in Pescara, Italy, but decided to seek greater fortune in Canada. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co., which made a jewel-encrusted pair of shoes for the Queen in the 1930s. By 1940, Alfredo D. Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was engaged to one of the Cerini daughters, who died of tuberculosis. Sebastiani later married the younger sister, Alice, who was born in Canada. Their only child, Dorotea, died in infancy. In the 1930s, Sebastiani sponsored two of his nephews, Giuseppe and Antonio Di Pietro, to work in his factory. The Di Pietro brothers were positioned to take over the business in the future.

All three men were arrested on June 10, 1940. The Di Pietro brothers were interned at Camp Petawawa, while Sebastiani was confined to house arrest, possibly due to his poor health. From family accounts, he had a serious heart condition and required a wheelchair for mobility. Giuseppe was released from Petawawa on March 7, 1942, while his brother remained interned (at Camp Fredericton) until September 25, 1943. According to government documents, the order against Sebastiani was cancelled on July 12, 1941. All three men struggled after the internment period. Sebastiani had lost control of his factories before his death in 1948, and his widow was bought out of the business.

Staff photograph, La Gioconda Shoe Mfg. Co., Montreal, QC, July 1935

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
July 1935

INSCRIPTIONS
Recto:
(centre, handwritten on negative) LA GIOCONDA SHOE MFG. CO. MONTREAL. JULY. 1935.

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white panoramic photograph of the staff of La Gioconda Manufacturing Co. in Montreal, QC in July 1935. Owner, Alfredo Domenico Sebastiani, can be seen seated right of centre wearing a black suit.

Sebastiani was a proud Italian. He served in northern Italy during World War I. He later became a successful salesman with Singer Sewing in Pescara, Italy, but decided to seek greater fortune in Canada. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co., which made a jewel-encrusted pair of shoes for the Queen in the 1930s. By 1940, Alfredo D. Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. On June 10, 1940, Sebastiani was arrested and ordered detained for interrogation. He was confined to house arrest, possibly due to his poor health. From family accounts, he had a serious heart condition and required a wheelchair for mobility. According to government documents, the order against Sebastiani was cancelled on July 12, 1941.

Group portrait

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Italian Canadian Regolo Gagliacco (standing at left), his wife Gina Theresa Teyssot (standing at far right) and an unknown couple. The group shot appears to have been taken aboard a ship. It is unclear where the photograph was taken or if the ship is leaving or entering a port. Gagliacco holds a camera in his hand.

Gagliacco was born in Italy on June 21, 1919 and arrived in Canada on June 8, 1933. He came from an affluent family and, with some backing from his father, he ran a factory which manufactured felt hats. In 1940, he was arrested at his factory and later interned. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) files, he was the director of the Terrace Vinet branch of the Montreal fascio. His wife did not learn of his whereabouts for six weeks. While in camp, Gagliacco played in the band and befriended fellow internee Giuseppe (Joseph) Di Pietro. He remained in camp until April 1942. Although the mark of internment remained, Gagliacco’s in-laws were able to support him through the difficult times. On October 13, 1946, Gagliacco accepted work as a technician and production manager for the Milford Wool Hat Body Corp. of Milford, Massachusetts. Due to his father’s illness, he left his position at Milford and returned to Italy in November 1947. He decided to return to Canada in January 1948 and obtained a position with Transamerica Food Corp., a company he had previously worked for in Montreal. After his father’s death in 1950, Gagliacco made a formal application to return to the United States and to his former position at Milford Wool Hat Body Corp. By a special act of Congress in 1950, the Gagliaccos were given permission to return to the United States.

Antonio Di Pietro standing outside shoe repair shop, Montreal, QC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May, 1961

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Antonio Di Pietro standing outside a shoe repair shop in Montreal, QC in May 1961. Standing with him are three children. It is likely that these are Antonio’s niece and two nephews.

Di Pietro was born in 1910 in Cepagatti, Pescara, Italy and arrived in Canada around 1930, sponsored by his uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani. His brother Giuseppe (Joseph) followed him to Montreal, arriving in 1934. Di Pietro worked as assistant foreman in his uncle’s factory. He also designed shoe models. Di Pietro’s uncle Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co. According to family members, the Di Pietro brothers enjoyed a high standard of living before World War II. Through their uncle, the Di Pietro brothers had access to the upper class of Italian Canadians: the Italian Consul Giuseppe Brigidi and others.

Antonio Di Pietro, his brother and his uncle were all arrested on June 10, 1940 as threats to the Canadian state. The two brothers were interned while their uncle was placed under house arrest due to his poor health. Antonio spent three years interned before he was released on September 25, 1943. After his release from Petawawa, Di Pietro had difficulty finding work. Sebastiani had lost control of his factories before his death, and his widow was bought out of the business. Di Pietro tried to establish a shoe repair shop. He returned to Italy in 1948 and spent ten years there. Later, he returned to Canada as a ballroom dancer. And he continued to travel. The family notes the Di Pietro brothers suffered when they were not able to regain the same wealth and community standing they enjoyed before the war.

Photograph of Antonio Di Pietro

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Antonio Di Pietro sitting at a desk in an office in Montreal, QC. He is holding a telephone up to his ear and looks to be posing for the camera.

Di Pietro was born in 1910 in Cepagatti, Pescara, Italy and arrived in Canada around 1930, sponsored by his uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani. His brother Giuseppe (Joseph) followed him to Montreal, arriving in 1934. Di Pietro worked as assistant foreman in his uncle’s factory. He also designed shoe models. Di Pietro’s uncle Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co. According to family members, the Di Pietro brothers enjoyed a high standard of living before World War II. Through their uncle, the Di Pietro brothers had access to the upper class of Italian Canadians: the Italian Consul Giuseppe Brigidi and others.

Antonio Di Pietro, his brother and his uncle were all arrested on June 10, 1940 as threats to the Canadian state. The two brothers were interned while their uncle was placed under house arrest due to his poor health.

Antonio Di Pietro driving La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co. truck, Montreal, QC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Black and white photograph of Antonio Di Pietro sitting behind the wheel of the La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing truck in Montreal, QC.

Di Pietro was born in 1910 in Cepagatti, Pescara, Italy and arrived in Canada around 1930, sponsored by his uncle Alfredo D. Sebastiani. His brother Giuseppe (Joseph) followed him to Montreal, arriving in 1934. Di Pietro worked as assistant foreman in his uncle’s factory. He also designed shoe models. Di Pietro’s uncle Sebastiani was a very wealthy man. He was a shoe factory worker when he first arrived in Montreal. He later established several profitable shoe factories, including La Gioconda Shoe Manufacturing Co. According to family members, the Di Pietro brothers enjoyed a high standard of living before World War II. Through their uncle, the Di Pietro brothers had access to the upper class of Italian Canadians: the Italian Consul Giuseppe Brigidi and others.

Antonio Di Pietro, his brother and his uncle were all arrested on June 10, 1940 as threats to the Canadian state. The two brothers were interned while their uncle was placed under house arrest due to his poor health.

Group photographs of internees outdoors

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1943

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of the Joseph Di Pietro Family

Double row of nine internees in light spring/summer wear posing for photograph; five are seated in front row and four are standing in the back. An identification card reading “A23” is positioned on the ground in front of the internee seated at the far right. This image was likely taken at the same time as DICEA2011.0001.0023.

The individual standing at the back left is Giuseppe (Joseph) Frascadore. Frascadore was born in 1917 ― likely in his native Italy. At some point, he followed a relative, Gabriele Frascadore, to Montreal, QC and became a naturalized British subject on March 30, 1927. On June 10, 1940, Frascadore was arrested at the family store. Frascadore arrived at Camp Petawawa on July 4, 1940 and spent three years in camps Petawawa and Fredericton. He was released on September 25, 1943.

Portrait of Mascioli family

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
5 7/16 x 3.5 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white portrait of the Mascioli family. Shown left to right is Antonio (Tony) Mascioli, Loretta Mascioli, Maria Mascioli, and Leopoldo (Tony) Mascioli. Tony is wearing a black suit over a white shirt, a vest, and a tie. Leo is wearing a lighter coloured suit, also with a shirt, a vest, and a tie. Both men have large moustaches. Loretta is wearing a knee-length coat over a dark coloured outfit, possibly a dress with a white collar. Her coat has large buttons and has a belt. Maria is wearing a white dress underneath a belted sweater. She has white tights, white lace-up boots, and a big white bow in her hair. Everyone is staring straight at the camera but only Maria is smiling. Loretta and Maria are the daughters of Leo; Tony is Leo’s brother.

This is a copy of an original printed on inkjet photo paper.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli and Antonio (Tony) Mascioli, both of Timmins, were interned during World War II at Camp Petawawa.

Portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli in a tuxedo

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
5 7/8 x 3 11/16 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. He is shown from the chest up. He is wearing a black tux with a white shirt and a bow tie. His hair is parted on the left and he wears his signature moustache. He is staring straight at the camera. The abstract colourblend backdrop is indicative of a portrait studio.

This is a copy of an original printed on inket photo paper.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli of Timmins was interned during World War II at Camp Petawawa.

Portrait of Rafaella Mascioli (née Di Dominicis)

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
7 x 5 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white studio portrait of Rafaella Mascioli (née Di Dominicis), likely taken in Italy. Rafaella is wearing a black dress with puffed sleeves and a cinched pattern across the chest. A white handkerchief hangs from her waist and she is holding a fan. Her long dark hair is pinned up. She is wearing jewellery: earrings, a sun pendant on a chain, and her wedding ring. She is staring off camera and her face is expressionless. Her left hand is resting on a chair beside her. The backdrop is floral.

This is a copy of an original printed on inkjet photo paper.

Rafaella was born in Cocullo, Italy, on March 12, 1879. She moved to Canada in 1912 with her husband, Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. About a year after they arrived in Canada, Rafaella became very ill. Leo brought her back to Cucollo, thinking she would recuperate. She died in Italy on November 20, 1914. According to her granddaughter, Paula Mascioli, tuberculosis was thought to have been the cause of Rafaella’s death. Rafaella and Leo had four children (one died within a year of being born).

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli was interned during World War II at Camp Petawawa.

Loretta Stirling (née Mascioli) on her birthday with husband Keith Alexander Stirling

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. September 09, 1957

DIMENSIONS
14 x 11 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a colour snapshot of Loretta (née Mascioli) Stirling on her birthday, taken on September 9 in 1957 (or 1958). She is standing beside her husband, Keith Alexander Stirling, in front of their dining table smiling. Loretta is smiling to her left off camera and Keith is smiling straight at the camera with a wine glass in his left hand. Loretta is wearing a black belted skirt with a white button up collared shirt. The sleeves are folded at her elbows. Her short wavy hair is styled with accentuated large curls; it is parted on the side. Keith is wearing a black suit over a white shirt and a tie. The tie is light grey with a small red and black triangular mark in the centre. The table has a variety of food such as a vegetable and cheese spread with crackers. There is also a bouquet of yellow flowers on the table. The backdrop shows a white curtain with a sheen.

The photo was taken in the Stirling family home in Timmins. Eldest daughters, Joan McKinnon and Sandy O’Grady, were in university at the time and had planned a surprise birthday party for their mother. Sandy says her and her sisters were wearing house clothes so as not to give the surprise away. Friends and family were gathered around the living room at the time that this picture was taken.

This is an enlarged copy of an original.

Photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1935-1940

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1937

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, blue ink, pen): Carlo Iannuzzi / Sergent Detectif[struck out] Detective / Ville Lachine / 1924-1940

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Jeanne Iannuzzi Ouellette

Black and white photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1935-1940. A classic portrait shot, it was likely created by a professional photographer in a studio. Although only visible from the mid-torso up, Iannuzzi is dressed in his uniform. Born in Canada, on June 10, 1940, Iannuzzi was a detective with the Lachine police force. As a result of the war declaration, he was made to surrender his weapon and was transferred to the Fire Department. Two of Iannuzzi’s brothers, Frank and Daniel Andrew, were both interned.

Photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1952

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1952

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, black & blue ink, pen): Carlo Iannuzzi / Chef – Dept / des incendies / 1952-1970
(Stamp, black ink): C.A. BARBIER / 736 NOTRE DAME, LACHINE, P.Q.

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Jeanne Iannuzzi Ouellette

Black and white photograph of Carlo Iannuzzi, Montreal, QC, ca. 1952. A classic portrait shot, it was likely created by a professional photographer in a studio. Although only visible from the mid-torso up, Iannuzzi is dressed in his uniform. Born in Canada, on June 10, 1940, Iannuzzi was a detective with the Lachine police force. As a result of the war declaration, he was made to surrender his weapon and was transferred to the Fire Department. Two of Iannuzzi’s brothers, Frank and Daniel Andrew, were both interned.

Portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli with children, Maria, Loretta, and Daniel.

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1952

DIMENSIONS
6 5/16 x 4 5/16 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli and his children, Maria, Loretta, and Daniel. Leo is wearing a white long sleeve collared shirt and patterned tie. He has on black pants and black shoes. His hair is combed and parted neatly to the right. He is smiling at the camera. He has a mustache. To his left is his eldest daughter, Loretta. She is wearing a black petticoat with buttons and a white collar lace trim. She is wearing a black hat with a white trim, black stockings, and black ankle boots. Loretta’s face is expressionless. Her little brother, Daniel, is standing to her right. He is wearing a similar outfit to his dad, except his tie is replaced by a plaid scarf that is tied around his collar. His black shorts reveal white stockings and ankle boots. The third child, Maria, is standing to the right of Daniel. She is wearing a white cloche hat. Her hair is styled in tight spiral curls. She has a white three quarter-length sleeve jacket that is belted at the waist and has big buttons at front. She is wearing either a white skirt or dress, with white stockings and black Mary Jane shoes. A coloured scarf is tied around her collar. The family is standing on a carpet strip that has a paisely pattern.

This is a copy of an original printed on inkjet photo paper.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli of Timmins was interned during World War II at Camp Petawawa.

Portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1912

DIMENSIONS
5 4/8 x 3 3/16 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a black and white full-length portrait of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. He is wearing dark coloured work clothes: a long sleeve button-up collared shirt, a black tie, belted breeches, and mid-calf lace-up boots. His wavy hair is cut low on the sides and the top is parted to the right. He is staring straight at the camera. His left hand is resting at the hip and a wide-brimmed hat is tucked under his arm. His right arm is resting by his side, with the thumb tucked in the pants pocket. The backdrop is of a full length tapestry or painting, featuring a nature scene and the carpeted floor has a paisely pattern. This was taken in a photo studio. His granddaughter, Sandy O’Grady, puts this picture at around 1912-1914.

This is a copy of an original printed on inkjet photo paper.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli of Timmins was interned during World War II at Camp Petawawa.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli outdoors

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
July 1945

DIMENSIONS
6 7/16 x 4 5/8 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Sandy O’Grady

This is a colour photo of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli. Leo is wearing a white button-up collared shirt with a black and white tie with floral patterns. His hair is almost all white and is cut low. He still has signature mustache. The background shows part of a trunk of a tree. This was taken on the same day as DICEA2011.0004.0006.

This is a copy of an original printed on inkjet photo paper.

Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli of Timmins was interned during WWII at Camp Petawawa.

Fioravante Tenisci at his daughter’s wedding, Trail, BC, 1975

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1975

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Leonard F. Tenisci

Black and white photograph of Fioravante (Fred) Tenisci dressed in a suit and wearing a boutonnière at his daughter Mary’s wedding in Trail, BC.

Tenisci was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state. He was one of a handful of men who were interned at all three camps. As a musician, he played the accordion in the camp band and organized a choir. He objected to his internment, and did have a review of his case on at least one occasion. Tenisci was ordered released on February 1, 1943. After his release, Tenisci returned to Trail and in June 1945 married Canadian-born Emilia (Emily) Barazzuol, 15 years his junior. The couple had 10 children. Tenisci supported his large family working as a supervisor for Cominco’s natural gas plant. He also later operated a travel agency in “The Gulch”, Trail’s Little Italy, which serviced the local community, and acted as the consular agent of the Italian government for that area.

Fioravante Tenisci at his office, F. Tenisci Travel Bureau, Trail, BC, 1975

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1975

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Leonard F. Tenisci

Black and white photograph of Fioravante (Fred) Tenisci seated at his desk at the F. Tenisci Travel Bureau, 824 Rossland Avenue, Trail, BC.

Tenisci was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state. He was one of a handful of men who were interned at all three camps. As a musician, he played the accordion in the camp band and organized a choir. He objected to his internment, and did have a review of his case on at least one occasion. Tenisci was ordered released on February 1, 1943. After his release, Tenisci returned to Trail and in June 1945 married Canadian-born Emilia (Emily) Barazzuol, 15 years his junior. The couple had 10 children. Tenisci supported his large family working as a supervisor for Cominco’s natural gas plant. He also later operated a travel agency in “The Gulch”, Trail’s Little Italy, which serviced the local community, and acted as the consular agent of the Italian government for that area.

Photograph of Paul Cozzi, Haliburton, ON, ca. 1943

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1943

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Paul Cozzi

Black and white photograph of Paul Cozzi, Haliburton, ON, ca. 1943. The photograph was likely taken at his grandfather Eliseo Orlando’s cottage. On June 10, 1940 Eliseo Orlando was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state. His first grandchild Paul was born during his absence.

Paul Cozzi’s uncles, Italo and Roy Orlando, were also briefly interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees.

Portrait of Fioravante Tenisci, Italy, 1928

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1928

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Leonard F. Tenisci

Black and white studio portrait of Fioravante (Fred) Tenisci in Ortona, Italy. The photograph was taken in 1928, likely just prior to Tenisci’s migration to Canada. He arrived in Halifax and took a cross-country train and settled in Fernie, BC, where his father was already established. He worked in the coalmines for two years, at which point Tenisci’s father decided to return to Italy. A few months after his father’s departure, Tenisci moved to Trail, BC. He joined the Trail Maple Leaf Band and became an accomplished musician. Tenisci also owned and operated a small store specializing in the sale of religious items and worked at the natural gas plant for Cominco. He was also an active member of the Italian Canadian community in Trail as well as in Vancouver. Tenisci was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state.

Fioravante Tenisci playing the silver clarinet in the Trail Maple Leaf Band, late 1930s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Leonard F. Tenisci

Black and white photograph of Fioravante (Fred) Tenisci playing the silver clarinet as a member of the Trail Maple Leaf Band in Trail, BC during the late 1930s.

Tenisci arrived in Canada in 1928. From Halifax, he took a cross-country train and settled in Fernie, BC, where his father was already established. He worked in the coalmines for two years, at which point Tenisci’s father decided to return to Italy. A few months after his father’s departure, Tenisci moved to Trail, BC. He joined the Trail Maple Leaf Band and became an accomplished musician. He played the clarinet and the accordion, and could also sing. Tenisci was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state.

Fred Cavell and fellow soldier in army uniform on Granville Street, Vancouver, BC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1940

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(top, handwritten in blue ink) RCCS 1939 / 10th Fortress / Sig

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Fred Cavell (husband of Nellie Cavell), at right, in his Canadian army uniform, walking down Granville Street in Vancouver, BC with a fellow soldier during World War II.

Fred and Nellie became engaged in 1946. During World War II Cavell was declared an enemy alien due to the fact she was working at the Italian Consulate. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Portrait of Antonio Pitton, Vancouver, BC, 1930s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1930

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white studio portrait of Antonio Pitton, taken in Vancouver, BC during the 1930s.

Antonio Pitton was serving in the Italian Army during World War I when he met his future wife Antonio Montico. The couple married in Italy and soon after Antonio migrated to Canada to set up a home for the family. Antonia Pitton migrated to Canada to join her husband in 1921, along with their young daughter Nellie. The family first settled in Paul River and then moved to Vancouver.

Nellie began working for the Italian Consulate in Vancouver during the 1930s. It is due to her work at the Consulate that Nellie was declared an enemy alien by the Canadian government during World War II. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Pitton family portrait, Powell River, BC, 1924

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1924

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white studio portrait of the Pitton family taken in Powell River, BC in 1924. Antonio and Antonia Pitton stand on either side of a wrought iron chair. Their two daughters stand on the chair; Nellie is standing in the back wearing a dark coloured dress, while her sister Armida is in the front wearing white.

Antonia Pitton (née Montico) met Antonio Pitton in Italy while he was serving in the Italian Army during World War I. The couple married in Italy and soon after Antonio migrated to Canada to set up a home for the family. Antonia Pitton migrated to Canada to join her husband in 1921, along with their young daughter Nellie. The family first settled in Paul River and then moved to Vancouver.

Nellie began working for the Italian Consulate in Vancouver during the 1930s. It is due to her work at the Consulate that Nellie was declared an enemy alien by the Canadian government during World War II. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Studio portrait of Antonia Pitton, Vancouver, BC, 1930s

MAKER
Parisian Studio, Vancouver, BC

DATE
ca. 1930

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white studio portrait of Antonia Pitton, taken in Vancouver, BC during the 1930s.

Antonia Pitton (née Montico) met Antonio Pitton in Italy while he was serving in the Italian Army during World War I. The couple married in Italy and soon after Antonio migrated to Canada to set up a home for the family. Antonia Pitton migrated to Canada to join her husband in 1921, along with their young daughter Nellie. The family first settled in Paul River and then moved to Vancouver.

Nellie began working for the Italian Consulate in Vancouver during the 1930s. It is due to her work at the Consulate that Nellie was declared an enemy alien by the Canadian government during World War II. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Studio portrait of sisters Antonina, Armida and Nellie Cavell, 1934

MAKER
Parisian Studio, Vancouver, BC

DATE
1934

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white studio portrait of Antonia Pitton, taken in Vancouver, BC during the 1930s.

Black and white studio portrait of Nellie Cavell (née Pitton) and her younger sisters. From left to right the sisters are: Antonina Pitton, Armida Pitton and Nellie Pitton. The photograph was taken in 1934, during the same period in which Nellie began working as a secretary for the Italian Consulate in Vancouver, BC. It is due to her work at the Consulate that Nellie was declared an enemy alien by the Canadian government during World War II. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities. No one else in her family was affected by the enemy alien designation.

Nellie Cavell, Union St., Vancouver, BC, 1945

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1945

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white photograph of Nellie Cavell (née Pitton) standing on the sidewalk of Union Street in Vancouver, BC.

During World War II Cavell was declared an enemy alien due to the fact she was working at the Italian Consulate. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Nellie Cavell, Union St., Vancouver, BC, 1934

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1934

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white photograph of Nellie Cavell (née Pitton) standing in front of a house on the 300-block of Union Street in Vancouver, BC, across the street from her house. The photograph was taken during the period in which Nellie was working as a secretary for the Italian Consulate. It is due to her work at the Consulate that Nellie was declared an enemy alien by the Canadian government during World War II. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Luisa Guagneli standing by a tree on a shoreline

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli standing by a tree on a grassy embankment. There is open water in the background. Luisa is standing with her hands behind her back. She is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a light-coloured knee-length dress with buttons along the front. She has on black shoes and white stockings. Her hair is styled in the usual bob cut.

This was taken on the same day as DICEA2011.0008.0012.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Postcard of Clemente (Joe) Tonellato and his wife Emma, New Waterford, NS, ca. 1931

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1931

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Ido Tonellato

Postcard of black and white photograph of Clemente (Joe) Tonellato and his wife Emma, New Waterford, NS, ca. 1931. The couple are posed formally — the image was taken by a professional photographer in a studio (Kelly Studio). The back of the image has an inscription written in blue pen.

Tonellato was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state.

Luisa Guagneli outdoors near water

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
August 27, 1924

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Handwritten, blue ink, top left) Al mare
(Handwritten, blue ink, bottom center) 21 Agosto 924

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli outdoors sitting by a body of water. She is wearing a short sleeve knee-length black dress with a black beaded necklace and a tear-drop earrings. She is crouching down with her hands clasped together. She is looking back over her left shoulder and smiling at something above her, possibly a friend. The wind is blowing through her short bob and she has a big smile on her face. In the far background, there are tall pole structures and a wall barrier lining the open water.

This picture was taken on the same day as DICEA2011.0008.0011.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi, ca. 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photogrph of Massimo Iacopo Magi. The photograph was likely taken in the summer of 1939, one year before Magi was arrested and interned, as it is very similar to a number of other photographs of him and his family taken outdoors in the family garden. The photograph appears to have been taken through a grape trellis.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him.

Magi family, New Year’s, 1950

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1950

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of the Magi family on New Year’s, 1950. Massimo Iacopo Magi and his wife stand in the centre of the photograph. Massimo’s brother stands off to the right and his son Philip stands off to the left. Massimo’s daughters, Rina and Iole are both seated on the laps of their husbands in the foreground. Philip’s wife and daughter are seated in the centre of the photograph. An elaborate lamp fabricated at the Florentine Lighting Company can be seen at the right next to Massimo’s brother.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. At the time of his arrest Massimo and his wife had three adult children, Rina, Iole and Philip, who were living at home.

Magi was released from Camp Petawawa on June 5, 1941. Upon his return home he started another business, Tuscan Manufacturing Company, which imported artifacts from Italy.

Photograph of Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, 1942

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Brenda Girardi Dalla Gassa

Black and white photograph of Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, 1942. Given the formal pose of the shot, it was likely taken by a professional photographer in a studio.

Girardi was arrested and interned on June 10, 1940 as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi and his wife, July 1945

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
July, 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi and his wife standing outdoor in July 1945. The couple are likely dressed up for a formal event such as a wedding as both wear flowers (a corsage and boutonnière) on the lapels of their clothing. The photograph was taken four years after Massimo was released from the internment camp.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. At the time of his arrest Massimo and his wife had three adult children, Rina, Iole and Philip, who were living at home.

Magi was released from Camp Petawawa on June 5, 1941. Upon his return home he started another business, Tuscan Manufacturing Company, which imported artifacts from Italy.

Luisa Guagneli with husband Arthur Guagneli

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli with Arturo Guagneli. It is unclear if this photo was taken before they were married or after. The two are standing on a grassy bank near a lake or a river. Luisa is smiling straight at the camera and leaning slightly towards Arturo. She is wearing a light-coloured knee-length dress with buttons along the front. She has on black shoes and white stockings. Her hair is styled in the usual bob cut. Arturo is staring at Luisa and he has his arm around her back. He is wearing a black sports coat, a white shirt, a black and white striped tie, dark coloured pants suit, and black shoes. He has a pipe in his mouth. The far background shows a tree-lined shoreline.

This photo was taken on the same day as DICEA2011.0008.0014.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Royal Visit to Niagara Falls, 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
June 07, 1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of the royal motorcade with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth during the Royal Visit through Niagara Falls, ON on June 7, 1939. The vehicle is a 1939 Lincoln convertible sedan. The King and Queen are being accompanied by the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), the most senior cavalry regiment in Canada. Crowds of onlookers line both sides of the street. The 1939 Royal Visit was the first visit of the reigning monarch to Canada. Large crowds greeted the royal couple throughout the cross-country tour. The tour began in May of 1939 in Quebec City. From here the King and Queen travelled west by rail, visiting most of the major cities and finally arriving in Vancouver. Then they travelled through the United States, along with Prime Minister Mackenzie King. The tour ended with a visit to the Maritimes and Newfoundland, departing from Halifax. On June 7, 1939 the Royals passed through Southern Ontario on their way to Washington, DC for a meeting with President Roosevelt. It would be the first state visit to the United States by a reigning British monarch.

Luisa Guagneli outdoors on a rocky beachside

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
August 27, 1924

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli outdoors on a rocky beachside. She is wearing a short sleeve knee-length black dress with a black beaded necklace and a tear-drop earrings. She is leaning back on a huge rock with her arms sprawled across it. The wind is blowing through her short bob and she has a big smile on her face. In the far background, there is a shoreline with a mountain.

This was taken on the same day as DICEA.2011.0008.0013.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

.

Photograph of local performance La Locondiera, Vancouver, BC, 1937

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1937

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Brenda Girardi Dalla Gassa

Photograph of local performance La Locondiera, Vancouver, BC, 1937. The three-act comedy by the Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni was written in 1753. This local performance was directed by Italian school teacher Cleofe Forti, and was hosted at the Strathcona School.

Back row, from the left: Ines Falcioni, Bruno Girardi, Nino Sala, Emma Maffel, Armando Biscaro, Marino Fraresso, Mary Pettovello.
Front row, from the left: Petro Colvertaldo (Vice-consul), Emma Dalfo and Cleofe Forti (Director).

Wedding portrait, Magi family, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white wedding portrait. Massimo Iacopo Magi and his wife stand on either side of their daughter on her wedding day. At the time of Massimo’s arrest in June 1940, the Magis had three adult children living at home; daughters Rina and Iole were 19 and 24 years of age and their son Philip was 22 years of age.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. Magi was released from Camp Petawawa on June 5, 1941. Upon his return home he started another business, Tuscan Manufacturing Company, which imported artifacts from Italy.

Wedding portrait, Magi family, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white wedding portrait. Massimo Iacopo Magi and his wife stand at the left next to their daughter on her wedding day. At the time of Massimo’s arrest in June 1940, the Magis had three adult children living at home; daughters Rina and Iole were 19 and 24 years of age and their son Philip was 22 years of age.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. Magi was released from Camp Petawawa on June 5, 1941. Upon his return home he started another business, Tuscan Manufacturing Company, which imported artifacts from Italy.

Photograph of Attilio and Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, November 12, 1935

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
November 12, 1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Brenda Girardi Dalla Gassa

Black and white photograph of brothers Attilio and Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, November 12, 1935. A classic posed shot, the image was created in a photographer’s studio. Both men were arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of the Magi family, 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi and his family posing in a backyard in the summer of 1939. Massimo is seated on the right; he holds an Italian Greyhound in his arms. His wife stands behind him at the far right.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him. At the time of his arrest Massimo and his wife had three adult children, Rina, Iole and Philip, who were living at home.

Photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi and his brother, 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi and his brother standing outdoors in what appears to be a backyard garden in the summer of 1939.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him.

Photograph of soccer team sponsored by Girardi Bros, Vancouver, BC, 1944-1945

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1944-1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Brenda Girardi Dalla Gassa

Black and white photograph of the soccer team sponsored by the Girardi Bros, Vancouver, BC, 1944-1945. Bruno Girardi stands in the back at the far left, and his brother Attilio, also stands in the back, but at the far right. In the front, at the centre, appears a trophy with a ball, on which is written “CHAMPS”.

Front row from left: Midge Santaga, Dukey Adams, Elso Genovese, Fred Brisco, George Bogdanovich, Red Mathewson, Elmer Cheng.
Back row from left: Bruno Girardi (Manager), Ray benny, Chuck McFaddin, Guido Stefanni (Coach), Ray Giardi, Don Faoro, Marino Crema, Attilio Girardi (Sponsor).

The Girardi brothers were avid sports fans and themselves skilled soccer players. While interned at Camp Kananaskis they played the game during their recreation time. Challenged by the Germans, they formed part of an Italian team that handily beat the German counterpart.

After their release and return to Vancouver, the brothers worked together, with Bruno often taking Attilio under his wing and including him as a partner in his various business endeavours.

Photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi, summer 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Magi Family

Black and white photograph of Massimo Iacopo Magi standing outdoors in what appears to be a backyard garden in the summer of 1939.

Massimo Iacopo Magi was born in 1884 in Limano, Bagni di Lucca, Italy. He immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto where he was the co-owner of the Florentine Lighting Company. On June 10, 1940, Magi was arrested while at work. According to the RCMP, his arrest was due to his affiliation with the Fascio Principe Umberto, where he was the Secretary, and for overseeing the Toronto dopolavoro (after work) group. A number of his employees, including Ruggero Bacci were arrested along with him.

Portrait of Giuseppe Giustini

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
With permission of the grandchildren of Giuseppe and Angelina Giustini, on behalf of their parents

Tinted portrait of Giuseppe Giustini.

Giuseppe (Joseph) Giustini immigrated to Canada in 1912 and found work in the silver mines of Cobalt, ON. It was here in Northern Ontario that he met Angelina Purificati, whom he married in 1912. In Timmins, the couple had four children: Gino, Edo, Gina and Johnny. Gino died as an infant. After working in the mines for a short time, Giustini became ill and the family moved back to Italy. Three other children were born in Italy — Domenic, Lynda and Maria, who also died in infancy. At the time of his arrest, Giustini was a citizen (naturalized British subject) and he owned a grocery store. According to his family, many of his customers were members of the Italian community, notably Italian miners. Giustini helped the miners send money to their families in Italy. The family believes this was interpreted by the Canadian government as sending money back to Italy to support the fascists and led to his arrest and internment on June 10, 1940. He was released on May 8, 1941 and died in 1950. His daughter believed his death was in part influenced by the embarrassment and humiliation he suffered as a result of his internment.

Wedding portrait, Giustini family, Timmins, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1946

CREDIT LINE
With permission of the grandchildren of Giuseppe and Angelina Giustini, on behalf of their parents

Rolandino Romualdi and Lynda Francesca Giacinta Giustini’s wedding portrait, Timmins, ON, 1946. The bride’s parents Giuseppe Giustini and Angelina (Purificati) Giustini are standing at the right.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occasion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occasion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event laden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a “busta” — literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.

Giuseppe (Joseph) Giustini immigrated to Canada in 1912 and found work in the silver mines of Cobalt, ON. It was here in Northern Ontario that he met Angelina Purificati, whom he married in 1912. In Timmins, the couple had four children: Gino, Edo, Gina and Johnny. Gino died as an infant. After working in the mines for a short time, Giustini became ill and the family moved back to Italy. Three other children were born in Italy — Domenic, Lynda and Maria, who also died in infancy. At the time of his arrest, Giustini was a citizen (naturalized British subject) and he owned a grocery store. According to his family, many of his customers were members of the Italian community, notably Italian miners. Giustini helped the miners send money to their families in Italy. The family believes this was interpreted by the Canadian government as sending money back to Italy to support the fascists and led to his arrest and internment on June 10, 1940. He was released on May 8, 1941 and died in 1950, only a few years after his daughter’s wedding. His daughter believed his death was in part influenced by the embarrassment and humiliation he suffered as a result of his internment.

Luisa Guagneli outdoors

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is Luisa Guagneli standing outdoors. She is wearing a dark coat, white stockings, and a dark coloured printed scarf. A mid-calf length skirt or dress with floral patterns peaks out from under her coat. She is smiling at the camera with her hands in her pocket. The background shows a dirt road and a grassy mound.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Luisa Guagneli and friends on a ship

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is Luisa Guagneli with a group of friends. They are standing on a staircase on a ship’s deck during a trip to Italy. She is shown second from the bottom, leaning against the stair’s railing. She is wearing a light coloured, short sleeved dress with a large beaded necklace. The other two ladies are also wearing short sleeved dresses but darker colours. The fourth person, a man wearing a suit and tie, is standing at the top of the stairs. The foreground background shows the vast sea.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Photograph of ladies sewing, Toronto, ON, 1955-1960

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1960

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of ladies sewing, Toronto, ON, 1955-1960. The purpose of the sewing is not known, whether for pay or a volunteer effort.

An elderly Maria Orlando appears at the bottom right. Maria had immigrated to Toronto with her daughter Lidia ca. 1920 to join her husband who had come to Canada in search of work. The family first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. Eliseo Orlando was a tailor and his wife Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees.

Portrait of the Lanza family, ca. 1930

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1930

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the family of Luigi Lanza

Black and white studio portrait of the Lanza family taken in the 1930s. From left to right the family members are: Jennie, Mary, Ida, Jim, Joseph, Adeline and Luigi Lanza.

Lanza was born on June 7, 1883 in Roseto Valfortare, Fogia, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1901. On his arrival, Lanza settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia along with his father, Giuseppe and his brothers Francesco and Antonio. The Lanza men worked as labourers at the Sydney Steel Mill. According to his family, Luigi Lanza spent some time in the United States residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. He married Maria Giovanna (Jennie) Sabatino. In 1912, the couple had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where Lanza worked as a labourer at the Algoma Steel Plant. The family moved to Hamilton, ON, in 1917, where Lanza opened his own grocery business – Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store.

At the time of Lanza’s arrest on June 10, 1940, Lanza was a prominent member of the Italian Canadian community in Hamilton and was a citizen (a naturalized British subject). He was 47 years of age and his children were all adults, ranging in age from 28 to 19 years of age. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for 15 months before his release on January 10, 1942.

Luigi Lanza outside his store Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store, Hamilton, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1920

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the family of Luigi Lanza

Luigi Lanza and family standing in the doorway of his business Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store, located on Sherman Avenue in Hamilton, ON.

Lanza was born on June 7, 1883 in Roseto Valfortare, Fogia, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1901. On his arrival, Lanza settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia along with his father, Giuseppe and his brothers Francesco and Antonio. The Lanza men worked as labourers at the Sydney Steel Mill. According to his family, Luigi Lanza spent some time in the United States residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. He married Maria Giovanna (Jennie) Sabatino. In 1912, the couple had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where Lanza worked as a labourer at the Algoma Steel Plant. The family moved to Hamilton, ON, in 1917, where Lanza opened his own grocery business – Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store.

Photograph of Luigi Lanza, ca. 1946

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1946

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the family of Luigi Lanza

Black and white photograph of Luigi Lanza standing outdoors. The photograph was taken around 1946, after Lanza was released from the Petawawa Internment Camp. The location of the photograph is unknown.

Lanza was born on June 7, 1883 in Roseto Valfortare, Fogia, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1901. On his arrival, Lanza settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia along with his father, Giuseppe and his brothers Francesco and Antonio. The Lanza men worked as labourers at the Sydney Steel Mill. According to his family, Luigi Lanza spent some time in the United States residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. He married Maria Giovanna (Jennie) Sabatino. In 1912, the couple had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where Lanza worked as a labourer at the Algoma Steel Plant. The family moved to Hamilton, ON, in 1917, where Lanza opened his own grocery business – Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store. Lanza did travel to Italy, with two known trips in 1916 and 1929. On the latter trip, he sailed on a ship named the Vulcania. When he bought a hotel in 1934, he named it after the ship. At the time of his arrest, he owned and managed the Vulcania Hotel in Hamilton and was in the midst of buying the building. As a result of his internment, the deal faltered and the sale was not completed.

He was released from Camp Petawawa on January 10, 1942. According to Lanza’s wife, he was not maltreated in camp. However, he did bear a great deal because of his age. After his release he suffered from a series of illnesses that led to his death. His wife, Jennie Lanza, attributed these illnesses to her husband’s internment.

Luigi Lanza in his store, Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store, Hamilton, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1924

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the family of Luigi Lanza

Luigi Lanza, standing at centre wearing white apron, in his store, Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store on Sherman Avenue in Hamilton, ON.

Lanza was born on June 7, 1883 in Roseto Valfortare, Fogia, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1901. On his arrival, Lanza settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia along with his father, Giuseppe and his brothers Francesco and Antonio. The Lanza men worked as labourers at the Sydney Steel Mill. According to his family, Luigi Lanza spent some time in the United States residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. He married Maria Giovanna (Jennie) Sabatino. In 1912, the couple had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where Lanza worked as a labourer at the Algoma Steel Plant. The family moved to Hamilton, ON, in 1917, where Lanza opened his own grocery business – Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store. Lanza did travel to Italy, with two known trips in 1916 and 1929. On the latter trip, he sailed on a ship named the Vulcania. When he bought a hotel in 1934, he named it after the ship. At the time of his arrest, he owned and managed the Vulcania Hotel in Hamilton and was in the midst of buying the building. As a result of his internment, the deal faltered and the sale was not completed. He was released from Camp Petawawa on January 10, 1942.

Luigi Lanza in Venice, 1929

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1929

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of the family of Luigi Lanza

Black and white photograph of Luigi Lanza standing outside St. Mark’s Basilica in St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy. He is standing in front of a monument and is surrounded by pigeons.

Lanza was born on June 7, 1883 in Roseto Valfortare, Fogia, Italy and immigrated to Canada in 1901. On his arrival, Lanza settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia along with his father, Giuseppe and his brothers Francesco and Antonio. The Lanza men worked as labourers at the Sydney Steel Mill. According to his family, Luigi Lanza spent some time in the United States residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. He married Maria Giovanna (Jennie) Sabatino. In 1912, the couple had settled in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, where Lanza worked as a labourer at the Algoma Steel Plant. The family moved to Hamilton, ON, in 1917, where Lanza opened his own grocery business – Luigi Lanza Grocery & Butcher Store. Lanza did travel to Italy, with two known trips in 1916 and 1929. On the latter trip, he sailed on a ship named the Vulcania. When he bought a hotel in 1934, he named it after the ship. At the time of his arrest, he owned and managed the Vulcania Hotel in Hamilton and was in the midst of buying the building. As a result of his internment, the deal faltered and the sale was not completed.

Photograph of George Capponi, Ralph Di Filippo and Donato Olivieri in Hamilton, 1938

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
June 1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Antoinette Olivieri

Black and white photograph of Italian Canadian men standing outside a home in Hamilton, ON. From left to right the men are identified as Girolamo (George) Capponi, Ralph Di Filippo and Donato Olivieri.

During World War II George Capponi and Donato Olivieri were both interned, while Ralph Di Filippo was declared an enemy alien, fingerprinted and required to report to the local authorities.

Portrait of Alfredo Ettore Cuomo

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1900

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Arthur Sebastian

Black and white portrait of Alfredo Ettore Cuomo. The photograph was taken at the time of his marriage to Annie (Antonietta) in the early 1900s.

Cuomo was born in Chieti, Italy in August 1890. At the time of his internment, Cuomo was married to Annie (Antonietta). They had three daughters aged 28, 21 and 19 as well as two sons aged 26 and 23. The family spent $2000, a large sum in those days, on the fees for the lawyer working on Cuomo’s objection to his internment and his release. During his internment, his two sons both enlisted and served in the Canadian military. On his return home, he did regain his position at the steel company as a machinist. Later, he opened a hardware store, which closed in the 1960s.

Alfredo Ettore Cuomo with grandson Fred, summer 1943

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1943

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Arthur Sebastian

Black and white photograph of Alfred Ettore Cuomo holding his grandson Fred Cuomo in his arms. The pair seem to be in the backyard during the summer.

Cuomo was born in Chieti, Italy in August 1890. He seems to have been a prominent member of the Italian community in Hamilton, Ontario, before the outbreak of World War II. At the time of his internment, Cuomo was married to Annie (Antonietta). They had three daughters aged 28, 21 and 19 as well as two sons aged 26 and 23. The reasons for his arrest are not known. The family spent $2000, a large sum in those days, on the fees for the lawyer working on Cuomo’s objection to his internment and his release. During his internment, his two sons both enlisted and served in the Canadian military.On his return home, he did regain his position at the steel company as a machinist. Later, he opened a hardware store, which closed in the 1960s.

Photograph of Concetta De Rubeis and unknown woman standing outdoors

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of Concetta De Rubeis (at left) and an unknown woman posing outdoors. Concetta De Rubeis is the wife of Italian Canadian internee Andrea De Rubeis.

Andrea De Rubeis lived at 66½ Hillyard Road in Hamilton. He was married and had two children: a 13-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. His family lived in Italy. De Rubeis had worked for International Harvester since June 6, 1928, possibly around the time he arrived in Canada. In 1937, De Rubeis was hospitalized after suffering a breakdown. His internment triggered another episode in the fall of 1940. He was sent to the Ontario Mental Hospital at Penetenguishene, Ontario, where he remained until March 31, 1941. Following his discharge, he was returned to the Petawawa Internment Camp. After his release from Fredericton Internment Camp in April 1943, De Rubeis returned to Hamilton. It is likely that his wife and children migrated to Canada after the war.

Andrea De Rubeis and Nicola Zaza, Little Italy, Toronto

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of Andrea De Rubeis (at left) and Nicola Zaza (at right) standing outside Zaza’s cabinetmaking business at the corner of College and Clinton Streets in Toronto’s Little Italy.

Nicola Zaza immigrated to Canada in 1925. He and his family first settled on Euclid Avenue in Toronto and then later in 1935 moved to 43 Clinton Street where Zaza began his cabinetmaking business. To better support his family, Zaza also worked in the furniture department at T. Eaton Co., located at 799 King Street West. Zaza was an active member of Italian organizations in the city and admitted to being a member of the fascio up until 1938. He left the organization because he had little time for it. He was also a member of the dopolavoro, the Italian War Veterans, and the Order Sons of Italy. He was arrested on June 10, 1940 and interned at Camp Petawawa for 13 months. Zaza passed his days in the camp by creating a lot of mementos, such as carved wooden objects.

Andrea De Rubeis lived at 66½ Hillyard Road in Hamilton. He was married and had two children: a 13-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter. His family lived in Italy. De Rubeis had worked for International Harvester since June 6, 1928, possibly around the time he arrived in Canada. In 1937, De Rubeis was hospitalized after suffering a breakdown. His internment triggered another episode in the fall of 1940. He was sent to the Ontario Mental Hospital at Penetenguishene, Ontario, where he remained until March 31, 1941. Following his discharge, he was returned to the Petawawa Internment Camp. After his release from Fredericton Internment Camp in April 1943, De Rubeis returned to Hamilton.

It is likely that the two men became friends during their internment at Camp Petawawa and that this photograph was taken in Toronto after De Rubeis release from camp.

Relatives of Dr. Donato Sansone

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white portrait of a group of women of various ages standing outdoors on a bluff. The women are relatives of Dr. Donato Sansone, an Italian Canadian doctor from Toronto who was interned during World War II.

While little information is known about Dr. Donato Sansone, it appears that at the time of his arrest he was single and living at 592 Spadina Ave. in Toronto. His doctor’s office was also located at this address. Sansone had begun his practice a few years prior to being interned. He supported his parents and a sister. Sansone seems to have been involved in a number of organizations and run in the same circles as a number of other Italian Canadian men, such as Nicola Zaza, who were also interned during WWII. He was interned at Camp Petawawa and Camp Fredericton and was released after three years.

Dr. Donato Sansone and Nicola Zaza outdoors

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of Dr. Donato Sansone (left) and Nicola Zaza (right) standing at the foot of a dirt driveway. A two storey house is visible in the background.

Both men were interned at Camp Petawawa during World War II, however Sansone was also interned at Camp Fredericton. While little is known about Dr. Sansone, both men seem to have run in the same circles. After his arrest, Zaza admitted to being a member of the fascio up until 1938. He left the organization because he had little time for it. He was also a member of the dopolavoro, the Italian War Veterans, and the Order Sons of Italy.

Howard Grittani in Navy uniform outside family home, Toronto, 1940s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white photograph of Howard Grittani wearing his Naval uniform standing outside his family home on Northcliffe Blvd. in Toronto. His older sister Gloria can be seen standing on the steps outside the home in the background. A bare tree is visible in the front left foreground which would suggest the photograph was either taken in early spring or in the late fall.

Howard Grittani is the son of Giuseppe Grittani, an Italian immigrant who settled in Toronto in 1907. Giuseppe Grittani married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months. Grittani’s internment was a serious blow to his family though they carried on as best as they could. The family’s bank account was frozen and Elena was able to continue her husband’s work as an insurance broker. However, this meant taking her son Howard out of school to drive her to appointments and his studies suffered as a result. At some point during the 1940s Howard joined the Canadian Navy despite his father’s internment by the Canadian government.

Grittani family portrait, late 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Grittani family portrait, most likely taken in the late 1920. From left to right the family members are identified as: Gloria, Howard, Elena (Helen), Joe Jr. and Giuseppe (Joseph Sr.).

Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.

Howard and Beulah Grittani on their honeymoon, 1948

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1948

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white photograph of Howard and Beulah Grittani on their honeymoon in 1948.

Howard Grittani is the son of Giuseppe Grittani, an Italian immigrant who settled in Toronto in 1907. Giuseppe Grittani married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months. Grittani’s internment was a serious blow to his family though they carried on as best as they could. The family’s bank account was frozen and Elena was able to continue her husband’s work as an insurance broker. However, this meant taking her son Howard out of school to drive her to appointments and his studies suffered as a result.

Giuseppe Grittani with actress Gina Lollobrigida

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white photograph showing Italian Canadian Giuseppe Grittani shaking the hand of Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida at an unknown event in the 1950s. It is unclear from the photograph if Gina Lollobrigida is presenting Giuseppe Grittani with the award or if Grittani is presenting the award to the actress. The pair are shown shaking hands while looking down at the gold award. They stand in front of a microphone. In the background is a banner for the event, most likely an event associated with the Italian community.

Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.

After his release, Grittani was involved in trying to have the Casa d’Italia returned to Toronto’s Italian Canadian community. It had been seized by Canadian authorities during World War II. In the 1950s, Grittani was the president of the Italian Immigrant Aid Society. He had been helping immigrants from his home town of Modugno since his arrival in Canada and continued this work after the war. Grittani also resumed his involvement in the Order Sons of Italy in the postwar period.

Giuseppe Grittani and his sister in Rome, Italy

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1950

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white photograph of Giuseppe Grittani and his only sister in Rome, Italy. Grittani’s sister is dressed in the religious habit typically worn by Roman Catholic nuns. The pair are standing in the centre of Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The papal apartments are visible in the background.

Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.

After his release, Grittani was involved in trying to have the Casa d’Italia returned to Toronto’s Italian Canadian community. It had been seized by Canadian authorities during World War II. In the 1950s, Grittani was the president of the Italian Immigrant Aid Society. He had been helping immigrants from his home town of Modugno since his arrival in Canada and continued this work after the war. Grittani also resumed his involvement in the Order Sons of Italy in the postwar period.

Elena and Giuseppe Grittani on their wedding day, 1919

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
October 23, 1919

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white photograph of Elena and Giuseppe Grittani on their wedding day. The couple was married in Toronto on October 23, 1919. In this photograph the happy couple stand on the steps outside the church, surrounded by their family and friends. Giuseppe Grittani’s suit is covered in confetti.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occasion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occasion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event laden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a “busta” — literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.

Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.

Portrait of Giuseppe Grittani

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white studio portrait of Giuseppe Grittani.

Giuseppe Grittani immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1907. He married Elena on October 23, 1919 and the couple settled at 2 Northcliffe Blvd. where they raised three children, Gloria, Howard and Joe Jr. On June 10, 1940, Grittani was arrested by the RCMP. The family had no idea what had happened to him, but soon realized the serious nature of the situation when the RCMP came to search the family home. He was interned at Camp Petawawa for eight months before he was released on February 2, 1941.

Three generations of the Grittani family

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Beth Grittani and Lynn T. Grittani

Black and white studio portrait of three generations of the Grittani family. From left to right the men are identified as Fedele Grittani, Leonardo Grittani and Giuseppe Grittani.

Giuseppe Grittani was arrested on June 10, 1940 and interned at Camp Petawawa.

Benito Mussolini signing Lateran Pact

MAKER
United Press International (UPI Telephoto)

DATE
February 11, 1929

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(top centre, handwritten in blue ink) Italy [in circle] Lateran Pact (top left, mechanical type in red ink) ES 71 – 040 (centre left, stamp in black ink) SUN-TIMES / FEB 9 1969 (centre right, mechanical type in blue ink) RRX 75907 (right, handwritten in pencil) 2 col x 3 1/2″ / +LATERAN / SUN. 1ST

CREDIT LINE
Columbus Centre Collection

Black and white photograph showing King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy, Benito Mussolini and Marshal Pietro Badoglio standing at attention in full regalia at a flag ceremony in Rome, Italy on April 3, 1937.

The caption that accompanies this Associated Press Wirephoto reads as follows: “(NY23-JULY 25) PRINCIPALS IN ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SHAKEUP — Here are the principals in today’s Italian government shakeup, King Vittorio Emanuele (left), Premier Mussolini (center), and Marshal Pietro Badoglio (right), as they attended a flag ceremony April 3, 1937 in Rome.”

Benito Mussolini, leader of the National Fascist Party, became the Prime Minister of Italy in October 1922. He quickly established dictatorial authority and became identified as Il Duce, meaning “The Leader.” He also created and held the supreme military rank of First Marshal of the Empire and along with King Victor Emmanuel III maintained complete control over the military of Italy.

Principals in Italian government shakeup

MAKER
Associated Press

DATE
April 03, 1937

CREDIT LINE
Columbus Centre Collection

Black and white photograph showing King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy, Benito Mussolini and Marshal Pietro Badoglio standing at attention in full regalia at a flag ceremony in Rome, Italy on April 3, 1937.

The caption that accompanies this Associated Press Wirephoto reads as follows: “(NY23-JULY 25) PRINCIPALS IN ITALIAN GOVERNMENT SHAKEUP — Here are the principals in today’s Italian government shakeup, King Vittorio Emanuele (left), Premier Mussolini (center), and Marshal Pietro Badoglio (right), as they attended a flag ceremony April 3, 1937 in Rome.”

Benito Mussolini, leader of the National Fascist Party, became the Prime Minister of Italy in October 1922. He quickly established dictatorial authority and became identified as Il Duce, meaning “The Leader.” He also created and held the supreme military rank of First Marshal of the Empire and along with King Victor Emmanuel III maintained complete control over the military of Italy.

Photograph of Attilio and Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, 1940s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of Attilio L. Girardi

Black and white photograph of brothers Attilio and Bruno Girardi, Vancouver, BC, 1940s. A classic portrait shot, the image was likely created in a photographer’s studio. Both men were arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of (L-R) Italo, Maria, and Roy Orlando, Toronto, ON, 1960s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1965

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of (L-R) Italo, Maria, and Roy Orlando, Toronto, ON, 1960s.

Maria, her husband Eliseo and their three children first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. The eldest, Lidia, was born in Italy. Both boys were Canadian-born. Eliseo was a tailor and Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees. After his brief internment of about three months, he returned to his studies and became an architect. Italo was interned for a few months more, but also returned to his studies on his release. Later, he went by the name of John, moved to California and became an aeronautical engineer for Boeing.

Photograph of Lidia Orlando, Toronto, ON, 1950s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of Lidia Orlando, Toronto, ON, 1950s. She stands on a rooftop or balcony of a large building (most likely a hospital). Another multi-storey building is partially visible in the upper left corner.

Lidia was the eldest daughter of Eliseo and Maria Orlando. In about 1920, she immigrated as a young child to Toronto with her mother to join her father, who had come to Canada in search of work. The family first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. Eliseo was a tailor and his wife Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At the time, Lidia was a nurse, having studied and obtained her degree. Advanced studies and professional training was unusual for Italian immigrant women in that period.

Photograph of the Orlando family home, 27 Pine Crescent, Toronto, ON, 1960

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1960

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of the Orlando family home, 27 Pine Crescent, Toronto, ON, 1960. An elderly Maria Orlando stands on the driveway before the stairs leading to a home designed by her son, architect Roy Orlando.

In 1940, Roy Orlando, his brother Italo, and their father Eliseo were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees. After his brief internment of about three months, he returned to his studies and became an architect.

Photograph of Eliseo Orlando, wife Maria, and their two sons, Toronto, ON, date unknown

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1928

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of Eliseo Orlando, his wife Maria, and their two sons, Toronto, ON, date unknown. Based on the appearance of the two little boys, this picture was likely taken in the late 1920s. Eliseo, his wife Maria, and their three children first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. The eldest, a daughter, was born in Italy. Both boys were Canadian-born. Eliseo was a tailor and his wife Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees.

Designated an enemy alien herself on June 10, 1940, Antoinette (Toni) Ciccarelli was asked by Maria Orlando to bring sweaters to her sons at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds where they were being held after the mass arrests. Both boys had been taken with no warning from school and had not been allowed to return home. Maria also sent through Toni their prayer book and rosary. Toni was able to hand the materials to the police and see the boys, whom she told “And your mother said to please say your rosaries and your prayer book. And God will will look after you.”

Photograph of Eliseo Orlando and sons, Toronto, ON, date unknown

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1928

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of Eliseo Orlando and sons, Toronto, ON, date unknown. Based on the appearance of the two little boys, this picture was likely taken in the late 1920s. Eliseo, his wife Maria, and their three children first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. The eldest, a daughter, was born in Italy. Both boys were Canadian-born. Eliseo was a tailor and his wife Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees.

Designated an enemy alien herself on June 10, 1940, Antoinette (Toni) Ciccarelli was asked by Maria Orlando to bring sweaters to her sons at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds where they were being held after the mass arrests. Both boys had been taken with no warning from school and had not been allowed to return home. Maria also sent through Toni their prayer book and rosary. Toni was able to hand the materials to the police and see the boys, whom she told “And your mother said to please say your rosaries and your prayer book. And God will will look after you.”

For more, see related interviews.

Photograph of Antonio and Angela Razzolini, unknown location, unknown date

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Esperando Razzolini

Black and white photograph of Antonio and Angela Razzolini, unknown location, unknown date. The photograph is a classic portrait profile, and was most probably created in a photographer’s studio. The Razzolinis first immigrated to Canada at the turn of the 19th century and then moved to Buffalo, USA. Their children, including Rodolfo Razzolini, remained in Canada. Rodolfo Razzolini was arrested and interned as a threat to Canada on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of Rodolfo Razzolini, Cape Breton, NS, 1960s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1965

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Esperando Razzolini

Black and white photograph of Rodolfo Razzolini, Cape Breton, NS, 1960s. The photograph is a classic portrait profile, and was most probably created in a photographer’s studio. Razzolini was arrested and interned as a threat to Canada on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of Visocchi family, Montreal, QC, ca. 1945

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Visocchi family

Black and white photograph of Visocchi family, Montreal, QC, ca. 1945. Given the backdrop and setting, the photograph was taken professionally in a studio.

Giuseppe Visocchi was one of the Italian Canadian men interned in June 1940. He was an Italian veteran from World War I, and the president of the Caserta Club. As the only breadwinner for his large family, Giuseppe Visocchi’s internment of about two years was devastating to his wife and seven children — all dependents at the time.

Photograph of Giuseppe & Antoinietta Visocchi, Montreal, QC, 1950s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Visocchi family

Black and white photograph of Giuseppe & Antoinietta Visocchi, Montreal, QC, 1950s. The photograph is taken in front of a large multi-storey building.

Giuseppe Visocchi was one of the Italian Canadian men interned in June 1940. He was an Italian veteran from World War I, and the president of the Caserta Club. As the only breadwinner for his large family, Giuseppe Visocchi’s internment of about two years was devastating to his wife and seven children — all dependents at the time.

Photograph of Visocchi daughters, Montreal, QC, 1950s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso: (Handwritten, blue and black ink): Tommasina / Anna / Alice / Josie / Rosz Rosetta

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Visocchi family

Black and white photograph of Visocchi daughters, Montreal, QC, 1950s. Photograph taken on a wooden deck, in an unknown location.

The ladies’ father, Giuseppe Visocchi was one of the Italian Canadian men interned in June 1940. He was an Italian veteran from World War I, and the president of the Caserta Club. As the only breadwinner for his large family, Giuseppe Visocchi’s internment of about two years was devastating to his wife and seven children — all dependents at the time.

Newpaper print of wedding portrait, Domenico & Yolanda Gaggi, Toronto, ON, October 1939

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
October 1939

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the daughters of Yolanda and Domenico Gaggi

Newpaper print of wedding portrait, Domenico & Yolanda Gaggi, Toronto, ON, October 1939. During the war, Domenico (naturalized British subject since 1937) and his Canadian-born wife Yolanda were designated as Enemy Aliens.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occassion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occassion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event ladden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a “busta” — literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.

Photograph of Fr. Giovanni Baptista Biollo and Oliver John Biollo, Edmonton, AB, 1930s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of brothers, Fr. Giovanni Baptista Biollo and Oliver John Biollo, Edmonton, AB, 1930s(?). The priest had come to Canada to visit with his brother. During his stay, he often said mass at St. Anthony’s Church in Edmonton. Oliver John Biollo had also aspired to be a priest but was refused due to a medical condition. Instead, he was among the founding settlers of the farming communities of Venice-Hylo, established by Italian immigrants. In addition to running a farm and managing the local store, Biollo served as the community’s first postmaster. He was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of teacherage of Mary Biollo Doyle, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1940s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of teacherage of Mary Biollo Doyle, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1940s. The small one storey home has a white picket fence and gate, and is framed by a healthy vine of ivy. Mary lived here with her husband and two sons, Charles (b. December 6, 1942) and Lin (b. February 28, 1948).

Mary Biollo was raised on the family farm with her five brothers and three sisters in Venice, Alberta. Her father Oliver John Biollo was one of the founders of the community. After his arrest and internment in 1940, Mary also faced an investigation for teaching Italian, and was forced to quit teaching her language classes. She would continue her teaching career, which lasted over 36 years. She passed away in 2012.

Photograph of school children, Nelson, BC, 1930s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of school children, Nelson, BC, 1930s, in front of their schoolhouse, which is of wood construction. Mary Biollo was the teacher. Mary’s brother, David Charles, is one of the students (from the left, second in the top row).

Mary Biollo was raised on the family farm with her five brothers and three sisters in Venice, Alberta. Her father Oliver John Biollo was one of the founders of the community. After his arrest and internment in 1940, Mary also faced an investigation for teaching Italian, and was forced to quit teaching her language classes. She would continue her teaching career, which lasted over 36 years. She passed away in 2012.

Photograph of Valentina Biollo, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1925

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of Valentina Biollo, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1920s. Valentina was the first born child of Olivo Giovanni & Annie Biollo. She is behind the wheel of her fiance Dominico Marini’s vehicle. Visible in the upper right hand corner is the Church of the Holy Redeemer.

The Biollos were among the founding settlers of the farming communities of Venice-Hylo, established by Italian immigrants. In addition to running a farm and managing the store, Biollo served as the community’s first postmaster. He was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of Mary Biollo, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1917

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1917

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of Mary Biollo in front of the large loghouse that Oliver John Biollo built for his family on the shore of Missawawi Lake, Venice-Hylo, AB, 1917. Oliver John Biollo was one of the settlers who established the Venice-Hylo community in 1914. In addition to running a farm and managing the store, he served as the community’s first postmaster. He was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940.

Mary Biollo Doyle passed away in 2012.

Photograph of Biollo home, Winnipeg, MB, ca. 1900s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1905

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of the Biollo home, College Ave. and Broadway, Winnipeg, MB, ca. 1900s. Oliver John Biollo immigrated to Canada in 1902. He was hired to work on the Transcontinental Railway Line, and worked to pay for his passage, before travelling to Winnipeg, Manitoba. In Winnipeg, he joined a partnership to acquire the Savoy Hotel on Portage and Main streets. Biollo, his two brothers Angelo and Sante, and their families all lived in this home.

According to his daughter Mary Biollo Doyle, in her interview:

But first of all—when they got married, they were living in Winnipeg. And they had a big house. Three levels. And dad had brought up from Italy, his two brothers. So the three of them worked in this hotel for a while. Then they wanted to get the license for selling liquor. But dad didn’t have his papers yet. So he put the store, uh, the, the building of the hotel on the partner’s name. And he took it all.

Photograph of Nicola Germano, dressed in Italian military uniform

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of Joyce Pillarella

Black and white photograph of Nicola Germano, dressed in Italian military uniform, date unknown. Nicola Germano served in the Italian military during World War I. In Canada, he was an member of the Italian War Veterans Association. While many members of this organization were interned, Germano was also active in other organizations, including the local fascio.

Old Sydney Collieries Ltd. coal preparation plant

MAKER
Shedden Studio, Glace Bay

DATE
1955

CREDIT LINE
Shedden Studio, Glace Bay, Canada, Dominion Coal Board Collection, Library and Archives Canada, 1980-160 NPC

Aerial photograph of a coal preparation plant at the Old Sydney Collieries Ltd. in North Sydney, NS.

Old Sydney Collieries originated in August of 1938 following the big strike and rioting that took place in 1925. The Collieries looked after mining on the north side of the harbour, while the Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation took care of the south side. A large number of men who worked in these mines were immigrants. Around the early 1900s Canada’s Minister of Interior, Sir Clifford Sifton, implemented a campaign to attract immigrants to meet the country’s employment needs. Many immigrants were attracted by recruitment campaigns by companies such as the Dominion Coal Company. Italian immigrants to Nova Scotia initially found work constructing steel plants, but many would later go on to work in Sydney Mines.

Photograph of internees, Fredericton Internment Camp, 1943

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1943

CREDIT LINE
Private collection of Joyce Pillarella

Black and white photograph of of 9 internees in heavier fall/winter wear, Fredericton Internment Camp, 1943.

The second individual standing on the bottom row from the left is Nicola Germano. The second male from the right on the top row is artist Guido Casini.

The photograph is addressed on the back to Germano’s children, who during his internment and the war, lived in Italy. The back also bears the stamp from the Canadian censor.

Postcard of older couple, Aquara, Italy, 1950s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Emilia Capo

Black and white postcard of photograph of older couple, Aquara Salerno, Italy, 1950s. The married daughter of the couple emigrated to Canada to be reunited with her husband. Many children immigrated leaving behind aging parents. In this case, the elderly man was ill in bed. After his death, his three other children followed their sister to Canada, benefiting from family sponsorship immigration law.

In the post-war years, from 1950 to 1970, Canada saw its highest numbers of Italian immigrants yet. Numbering about 500,000, these new Italian Canadians surpassed the number of earlier immigrants. As a result, they began to redefine what it meant to be Italian Canadian.

Photograph of birthday celebration, Capo family, Toronto, ON, 1960s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1962

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Emilia Capo

Black and white photograph of birthday celebration, Capo family, Toronto, ON, 1960s. The photograph shows a homemade birthday cake and coca cola (soft drink bottles). Children are gathered around the birthday girl, who stands on a chair and holds a knife.

In the post-war years, from 1950 to 1970, Canada saw its highest numbers of Italian immigrants yet. Numbering about 500,000, these new Italian Canadians surpassed the number of earlier immigrants. As a result, they began to redefine what it meant to be Italian Canadian.

Photograph of birthday celebration, Capo family, Toronto, ON, 1960s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1962

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Emilia Capo

Black and white photograph of birthday celebration, Capo family, Toronto, ON, 1960s. The photograph shows a homemade birthday cake and coca cola (soft drink bottles). Children are gathered around the birthday girl, who stands on a chair and holds a knife.

In the post-war years, from 1950 to 1970, Canada saw its highest numbers of Italian immigrants yet. Numbering about 500,000, these new Italian Canadians surpassed the number of earlier immigrants. As a result, they began to redefine what it meant to be Italian Canadian.

Photograph of Capo family gathering, Toronto, ON, 1957

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1957

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Emilia Capo

Black and white photograph of Capo family gathering, Toronto, ON, 1957. The photograph was taken of a Sunday lunch, after the men had spent some time on house renovations, mainly installing a new door.

In the post-war years, from 1950 to 1970, Canada saw its highest numbers of Italian immigrants yet. Numbering about 500,000, these new Italian Canadians surpassed the number of earlier immigrants. As a result, they began to redefine what it meant to be Italian Canadian.

Photograph of Leopoldo Mascioli with workmen, Timmins, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
4 x 6 inches

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli (second from the left) with workmen, Timmins, ON, date unknown. The group of four men are standing on wood scaffolding on what appears to be a construction site, specifically the second storey of a new building. A telegraph pole and streetscape are partially visible in the upper left hand corner.

Leo Mascioli traveled to the United States at the age of 10. He was accompanied by a distant relative and landed in Boston where he worked as a shoeshine and a newsboy before finding employment in local restaurants. At the age of 19, Mascioli overheard an employment agent extolling the opportunities and adventures one could have in Canada. He traveled to Canada where he took a six-month contract working for a steel company in Sydney, NS. Leo soon took to working at various mines and slowly making his way to Timmins, ON. In 1911, he opened a general store in that town. A few years later Leo began building hotels and movie theatres in various towns in northern Ontario. Some of his business endeavors were shared with his younger brother, Antonio, who had arrived to Canada at the age of 17. Both brothers were arrested and interned on June 10, 1940.

Photograph of A. Mascioli General Store & Bakery, Timmins, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
4 x 6 inches

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of A. Mascioli General Store & Bakery, Timmins, ON, date unknown. A group of unidentified men are standing along the storefront; snow is visible, indicating the picture was taken in winter. According to family, the store (located at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Spruce Street) was the first in the area. The store is built of wood planks. Telegraph poles are visible in the right background.

The settlement of Timmins began with the discovery of gold in 1909. The resulting gold rush led to roughly 30 mining operations within a year of the discovery. Work in the mines was so difficult and dangerous that English Canadians, or native-born Canadians, were often unwilling to engage in this type of labour. As a result, mine owners sought immigrants to fill these positions. Italians were among these immigrants. The sign for the store notes “Italian Produce/Prodotti D’Italia”, and was likely catering to these Italian immigrants.

Antonio Mascioli, was arrested on June 10, 1940 and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of Antonio and Ninetta Mascioli

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

DIMENSIONS
4 x 6 inches

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of Antonio and Ninetta Mascioli, date unknown. The married couple are posed outside of their home. The location of the photograph is not known. However, the style and construction of the building suggests it may be Italy (stucco finish on exterior walls). The couple were married by proxy, and Ninetta joined her husband in Montreal where they first resided.They later settled in Timmins, where they raised their family. As the date is unknown, it is also difficult to determine the location of the photograph.

Antonio Mascioli, was arrested on June 10, 1940 and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Italian Church of the Redeemer Mothers’ Club Banquet, Montreal, QC

MAKER
F.E. Marsan Photo

DATE
October 26, 1937

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Domenic Trivisonno

Black and white photograph of the congregation of the Italian Church of the Redeemer, Montreal, QC, during a Mothers’ Club Banquet on October 27, 1937. The photograph shows a large room filled with the congregation seated around long tables. Streamers hang from the ceiling. A large Union Jack (the flag of the United Kingdom) and the flag of the Kingdom of Italy are visible at the left. Smaller versions of the flag have been hung on a pillar in the left background. Leaders of the church are seated in the foreground. Reverend Domenico Scalera is seated in the front row, third from the right. He wears a three-piece suit and glasses and sports a white beard. It is likely that Reverend Augusto Bersani is also seated in the front row although his identity has not been confirmed.

Augusto Bersani arrived in Montreal in the late 1920s from the United States. He was born in Italy and while it is believed he was studying there to become a priest for reasons unknown he did not complete his studies and instead migrated to the US. Once in Montreal, Bersani began to teach at the Point aux Trembles Protestant School and in 1930 he was appointed minister of the Italian Church of the Redeemer. According to our notes, Domenico Scalera arrived in Montreal in 1938 at the request of Bersani, who asked Scalera to act as assistant pastor at the church, however this photograph places Scalera in Montreal in 1937. Prior to moving to Montreal, Scalera worked as a school teacher in Tunisia and as a Baptist minister in Massachusetts. That same year, Bersani was implicated in financial irregularities at the church and forced to resign, however he stated that he was leaving for health concerns. According to Michael Monaco, son of internee Vincenzo Monaco, Bersani’s dismissal from the church was was the result of a vote held at the church to decide who would continue on as minister.

In 1937, while still minister at the Italian Church of the Redeemer, Bersani became involved with the RCMP as a community informant. Known as S.A. 203 (Special Agent 203), Bersani was required to provide a report on Italian Canadians involved in fascist activity. A number of church members and church elders, including Rev. Domenico Scalera, were included in these reports. Based on this information provided by Bersani, Scalera and a number of parishioners from the churh were arrested and interned on June 10, 1940. Documents pertaining to Bersani reveal that he likely abused his role as informant to wage a personal war against those who he believed has slighted him.

To learn more about Augusto Bersani and his role as informant read, “Special Agent 203: The Motivations of Augusto Bersani” by Travis Tomchuk in Beyond the Barbed Wire: Essays on the Internment of Italian Canadians.

Photograph of Norman and Dario Mascioli, Timmins, ON, late 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1927

DIMENSIONS
4 x 6 inches

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of Norman and Dario Mascioli, Timmins, ON, late 1920s. The children are posed in a car parked on an unidentified residential street. It is unclear if this is the Moneta neighbourhood in Timmins, where the family resided. Two bungalow homes are visible in the background.

The two brothers are the children of Antonio and Ninetta Mascioli. Dario passed away as a young boy at age 7; he is the boy inside the vehicle.

The children’s father, Antonio Mascioli, was arrested on June 10, 1940 and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of Visocchi daughter, Montreal, QC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1941

DIMENSIONS
4 x 6 inches

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Visocchi family

Black and white photograph of Visocchi daughter, Montreal, QC, date unknown. Photograph taken in a garden, in an unknown location. The picture was sent to the little girl’s father, Giuseppe Visocchi, who was interned as a security threat to Canada at Camp Petawawa. The back of the photograph has a censor’s stamp. Given the age of the child, this is likely the youngest daughter Rosetta, and the picture was taken in the early 1940s.

Giuseppe Visocchi was one of the Italian Canadian men interned in June 1940. He was an Italian veteran from World War I, and the president of the Caserta Club. As the only breadwinner for his large family, Giuseppe Visocchi’s internment of about two years was devastating to his wife and seven children.

Photograph of the Orlando children, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1928

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Orlando family

Black and white photograph of Italo, Lidia, and Roy Orlando, Toronto, ON, date unknown. Based on the appearance of the two little boys, this picture was likely taken in the late 1920s. The three are children of Eliseo and Maria Orlando. Maria had immigrated to Toronto with her daughter Lidia ca. 1920 to join her husband who had come to Canada in search of work. The family first settled on Queen Street before moving to the Beaches area. Eliseo was a tailor and his wife Maria was also an exceptional sewer.

In 1940, Eliseo and his two sons Italo and Roy Orlando were arrested and interned. At 16 years of age, Roy Orlando was likely the youngest Italian Canadian among the internees.

Designated an enemy alien herself on June 10, 1940, Antoinette (Toni) Ciccarelli was asked by Maria Orlando to bring sweaters to her sons at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds where they were being held after the mass arrests. Both boys had been taken with no warning from school and had not been allowed to return home. Maria also sent through Toni their prayer book and rosary. Toni was able to hand the materials to the police and see the boys, whom she told “And your mother said to please say your rosaries and your prayer book. And God will will look after you.”

Card with portrait of Benedetto M. Maltempi, Montreal, QC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Fr. Dominic M. Fiore

Card with black and white portrait of Benedetto M. Maltempi, Montreal, QC, date unknown. Printed in French on the bottom is (translated): Father Benoit M. Maltempi, Head of the Provincial Order of the Servite Friars (or Servants of Mary). The purpose of this card is not known.

Father Maltempi was a prominent presence in the Italian community of Montreal in the 1930s. Based in the Madonna della Difesa Church, he seems to have actively supported fascism and the government of Benito Mussolini. Interned as a threat to the Canadian state on June 10, 1940, he was a comforting presence to some Italian Canadian internees in the camp, allowing them to continue to practice their religion through the celebration of mass.

Maltempi is described (although not named) by Mario Duliani in his book The City Without Women: “He was a vigorous and smiling prelate whose ascetic spirit had endeared him to all his parishioners and all the Italians of Montreal. News of his arrival produced intense interest and excitement in all the Camp” (Translation by Antonino Mazza). Duliani claims that Maltempi (our priest) asked to remain in Camp to serve the internees, after his release had been approved. His request was not granted, but “the good priest did not forget his old comrades, and wrote regulary”.

Portrait of Annie Franceschini and daughter Myrtle, Toronto, ON, ca. 1921

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1921

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the McCreath Family Archives

Black and white portrait of Annie Franceschini and daughter Myrtle, Toronto, ON, ca. 1921. Annie was the wife of James Franceschini. Their daughter Myrtle was born in 1921. Given she is pictured as a baby, this photograph was likely taken soon after her birth. This is further supported by her attire, which suggest this was a formal portrait to commemorate her baptism. Unlike most Italian Canadians at the time, Franceschini was a protestant. This photograph was taken at the same time as another in our collection DICEA2011.0013.0007.

In 1912, Franceschini founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, Franceschini was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – Franceschini became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Tina Zaza, Maria Egilda Fontanella, Anna Zaza, and Vittoria Fontanella posing in a garden

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1940

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of a group of women posing in a garden in front of a house on Grace Street in Toronto, ON. From left to right the women are: Tina Zaza, Maria Egilda Fontanella, Anna Zaza and Vittoria Fontanella.

Sisters Tina and Anna Zaza are the daughters of Nicola Zaza. After immigrating to Toronto, Nicola opened a cabinetmaking business at the corner of College and Clinton Streets in Toronto’s Little Italy. He also worked in the furniture department at the T. Eaton Co., to better support his family. His eldest daughter Tina (Concetta), also worked there as a seamstress. On June 10, 1940, Zaza was arrested by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) while working his shift at Eaton’s. Tina Zaza was fired from her job.

The other two women in the photograph, Maria and Vittoria, are also sisters. Maria had arrived in Canada in 1924. She lived at 127 Grace Street, where this photograph was taken, and was very active in Toronto’s Italian Canadian community as well as the city’s fascist movement. In 1937 and 1938 Fontanella was the fiduciary of the women’s fascio. She had applied for naturalization in 1939 but was denied because of her fascist activities. She was arrested on September 12, 1940 and was 55 years old. She is one of the four Italian Canadian women who were interned at the Prison for Women in Kingston, ON during World War II. She spent five months interned in Kingston before she was released.

Portrait of James Franceschini with his family, Toronto, ON, ca. 1921

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1921

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the McCreath Family Archives

Black and white portrait of James Franceschini with his wife Annie and daughter Myrtle, Toronto, ON, ca. 1921. Myrtle was born in 1921. Given she is pictured as a baby, this photograph was likely taken soon after her birth. This is further supported by her attire, which suggest this was a formal portrait to commemorate her baptism. Unlike most Italian Canadians at the time, Franceschini was a protestant. This photograph was taken at the same time as another in our collection DICEA2011.0013.0008.

In 1912, Franceschini founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, Franceschini was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – Franceschini became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of fleet, Dufferin Construction Company, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of fleet, Dufferin Construction Company, Toronto, ON, date unknown. Image shows mixer and material delivery fleet operated by Dual Mixed Concrete owned by James Franceschini.

In 1912, Franceschini founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, Franceschini was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – Franceschini became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Photograph of James Franceschini at his desk in his office, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the McCreath Family Archives

Black and white photograph of James Franceschini at his desk in his office, Toronto, ON, date unknown.

In 1912, Franceschini founded Dufferin Construction and became well known nationally. As the company became increasingly more successful, Franceschini was able to move into the construction of highways, provincial roads, rail lines and suburbs. Within three years – at the age of 25 – Franceschini became a millionaire.

On June 10, 1940, he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

Group portrait of Italian Canadian men

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1930

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of a group of Italian Canadian men posing outdoors. All of the men in the photograph wear suits and are either wearing or holding onto hats. Dr. Donato Sansone, is standing third from the left, and Nicola Zaza, standing second from the left, were both from Toronto. Both men were interned at Camp Petawawa during World War II, however Sansone was also interned at Camp Fredericton. While little is known about Dr. Sansone, both men seem to have run in the same circles. After his arrest, Zaza admitted to being a member of the fascio up until 1938. He left the organization because he had little time for it. He was also a member of the dopolavoro, the Italian War Veterans, and the Order Sons of Italy. It is unclear as to whether this photograph is related to any of these organizations.

The photograph features a geometric design around the border which is characteristic of the Art Deco style which first appeared in France during the 1920s, flourished internationally during the 30s and 40s.

Wedding portrait of Olivo Giovanni & Annie Biollo, Winnipeg, MB, September 10, 1907

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
September 10, 1907

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Wedding portrait of Olivo Giovanni Biollo and Annie D’Mitruzinski, Winnipeg, MB, September 10, 1907. The couple was married at the Holy Ghost Church. The bride was 16 years old.

The following year, the Biollos moved to Edmonton, and in 1914, they were among the founding settlers of the farming communities of Venice-Hylo, established by Italian immigrants. The couple had 10 children but separated in 1943.

Marriage is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. As a result, it has always been an important occassion for a Catholic Italian-Canadian family. In recent years, it has also proved an occassion for extended celebrations, with family, friends, and colleagues all invited. A event ladden with symbolism and status, the wedding has also turned into somewhat of a small business venture. Guests often bring a “busta” — literally the envelope. Originally these envelopes with cards and cash were meant to provide a small start-up fund to help young newlyweds begin their life together.

Photograph of Mary Biollo, at her first teaching position, Nelson, BC, 1934

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1934

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of Mary Biollo, at her first teaching position, Nelson, BC, 1934. Mary is standing at the entrance to the schoolhouse, which is of wood construction.

Mary Biollo was raised on the family farm with her five brothers and three sisters in Venice, Alberta. Her father Oliver John Biollo was one of the founders of the community. After his arrest and internment in 1940, Mary also faced an investigation for teaching Italian, and was forced to quit teaching her language classes. She would continue her teaching career, which lasted over 36 years. She passed away in 2012.

Portrait of Antonio, Leopoldo and Daniel Mascioli

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1920

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white studio portrait of the Mascioli family. Antonio (Tony) Mascioli is standing at the left wearing a black hat and pinstripe suit. His older brother Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli is seated in the chair on the right. He wears a white hat and a suit. Leo’s young son Daniel stands between the two men.

Leo Mascioli traveled to the United States at the age of 10. He was accompanied by a distant relative and landed in Boston where he worked as a shoeshine and a newsboy before finding employment in local restaurants. At the age of 19, Mascioli overheard an employment agent extolling the opportunities and adventures one could have in Canada. He traveled to Canada where he took a six-month contract working for a steel company in Sydney, NS. Leo soon took to working at various mines and slowly making his way to Timmins, ON. In 1911, he opened a general store in that town. A few years later Leo began building hotels and movie theatres in various towns in northern Ontario. Some of his business endeavors were shared with his younger brother, Tony, who had arrived to Canada at the age of 17. Both brothers were arrested and interned on June 10, 1940. Leo’s son Daniel was 27 years old when both men were arrested and interned. In addition to taking over the everyday operations of the family business, Mascioli Construction, Daniel also took it upon himself to seek out legal counsel and build a case for the release of his father and uncle.

Photograph of a party at Hylo, Alberta, ca. 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of a party at Hylo, Alberta, ca. 1920s. Members of the Biollo family are in the large group, comprised of children, men and women, positioned in front of a building.

Oliver John Biollo was one of the settlers who established the Venice-Hylo community in 1914. In addition to running a farm and managing the store, he served as the community’s first postmaster.

Photograph of Mary Biollo, Michael Biollo and Bob the dog, Venice, Alberta, ca. 1925

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Mary Biollo Doyle

Black and white photograph of Mary Biollo, Michael Biollo and Bob the dog, Venice, Alberta, ca. 1925. The Biollo family lived in this makeshift lean-to which was attached to the family store called the Venice Mercantile. The children’s father Oliver John Biollo was one of the settlers who established the Venice-Hylo community in 1914. In addition to running a farm and managing the store, he served as the community’s first postmaster.

Mary Biollo Doyle passed away in 2012.

Nellie Cavell, Union St., Vancouver, BC

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1946

CREDIT LINE
With the permission of Nellie Cavell

Black and white photograph of Nellie Cavell (née Pitton) standing in front of her future husband Fred Cavell’s car on Union Street in Vancouver after her engagement. During World War II Cavell was declared an enemy alien due to the fact she was working at the Italian Consulate. She was required to report monthly to the local authorities.

Italian Canadian men and Italian diplomats in front of City Hall, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Nicola Zaza

Black and white photograph of a group of Italian Canadian men and Italian diplomats in front of City Hall in Toronto, ON. Dr. Donato Sansone, standing at far left, and Nicola Zaza, standing second from right, were both interned during World War II. Italian vice-consul Gianni Battista Ambrosi is standing third from right next to Zaza. The group is standing in front of a memorial, with City Hall and a monument visible in the background. A variety of wreaths can be seen in the background and there is also a wreath in front of the group with a ribbon reading, “Italian,” dangling from it. It is unclear what event the men are commemorating.

Luisa Guagneli standing by a tree

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli standing by a tree, taken on December 29, 1922. This picture was taken before she was married to Arturo Guagneli in 1925. On the back of the photo, she writes, “Ad Arturo, in attesa di una migliore conoscenza!” (translation: To Arturo, In the hopes of getting to know you better!”

Luisa is wearing a black knee-length jacket with a lined hood over a patterned mid-calf length dress (or skirt), white stockings, and black Mary Jane shoes. She is also holding a printed scarf in her left hand. She is smiling at the camera and leaning slightly towards her right. A pine tree is beside her and there are other trees and bushes in the background. It appears as though she is in a field or a country side setting.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Antonio and Leopoldo Mascioli on bicycles

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1916

CREDIT LINE
Gift of Norman Mascioli

Black and white photograph of brothers Antonio (Tony) Mascioli, at left, and Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli, at right, riding their bicycles through the streets of Timmins, ON.

Leo Mascioli traveled to the United States at the age of 10. He was accompanied by a distant relative and landed in Boston where he worked as a shoeshine and a newsboy before finding employment in local restaurants. At the age of 19, Mascioli overheard an employment agent extolling the opportunities and adventures one could have in Canada. He traveled to Canada where he took a six-month contract working for a steel company in Sydney, NS. Leo soon took to working at various mines and slowly making his way to Timmins, ON. In 1911, he opened a general store in that town. A few years later Leo began building hotels and movie theatres in various towns in northern Ontario. Some of his business endeavors were shared with his younger brother, Tony, who had arrived to Canada at the age of 17. Both brothers were arrested and interned on June 10, 1940.

Luisa Guagneli lying on grass in front of lake

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white photo of Luisa Guagneli lying on the grass in front of a body of water, possibly a lake. She is wearing a light-coloured mid-calf length dress with short sleeves and buttons at the front. Her short bob is parted to the side. She is smiling at the camera and leaning her head towards her right shoulder. The background shows a shoreline lined with tall trees on the other side of the lake.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Luisa Guagneli and dog in a garden

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white photo of Luisa Guagneli with a dog sitting in a garden. Luisa is wearing a light coloured button-up collared shirt with short sleeves. She has on a mid-calf length skirt with thick black and white horitzontal stripes. She has on black stockings and black shoes. She is sitting on a stone structure that has three tiers and is circular in shape. She is holding a brown dog with a long ears. The background shows houses and lots of trees and bushes.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Photograph of banquet honouring Emilio Goggio, Toronto, ON, December 16, 1931

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
December 16, 1931

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Angelo G. Grimaldi photographs

Black and white photograph of banquet held at the King Edward Hotel, honouring Professor (Cav.) Emilio Goggio, Toronto, ON, December 16, 1931. Goggio was a professor in the Italian and Spanish Department at the University of Toronto, and later the Chair of the department. In attendance at the banquet was Italian Vice Consul Ambrosi, and other intellectuals and leaders of the local Italian Canadian community.

On June 10, 1940, Goggio was arrested and briefly detained. He seemed to have been on friendly terms with the Italian consulate, was sympathetic to fascism, and had given money for the Casa d’Italia in Toronto. He was released on July 11, 1940. Officials at the University may have intervened on his behalf.

Photograph of meeting regarding Toronto’s Casa d’Italia, 1949

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1949

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Angelo G. Grimaldi photographs

Black and white photograph of meeting, held at the King Edward Hotel, Toronto, ON, 1949. The meeting, chaired by Judge Charles Fassel, was held to discuss the future of Toronto’s Casa d’Italia on 136 Beverly Street, which had been seized by the Canadian government in 1940. In attendance were leaders of the local Italian Canadian community.

Seating list (last names only):
Left (front to back): Missori, Ricci, Carenza, Ranieri, Canganzo, Longo, Licastro, Palermo, Sorbara
Head of table: Fassel
Right (front to back): Longo, Paprello, Ruinaldi(?), Cav. Lorenzetti, Caruso, Durigon, Di Guilio, Grittani, Consolo Riccardi

In Toronto, in 1962, after a long battle, the Casa d’Italia on Beverly St. was returned to the community.

Photograph of group Order Sons of Italy, Hamilton, ON, 1950-1960s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1960

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Black and white photograph of the group Order Sons of Italy, Hamilton, ON, 1950-1960s. The large group is organized into three rows, with the first row seated in the foreground. A portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II appears on the wall in the background.

The Order Sons of Italy (OSI), founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincent Sellaro in New York City, operated as a mutual aid society for those of Italian origin. The first Canadian lodge of this fraternal organization was founded in Sault Ste. Marie in 1915. The Hamilton chapter was founded in 1925/1926. It was divided into three main lodges – the Trieste Lodge, the Imperial Lodge, and the Roma Lodge (the women’s branch). Fascists attempted to take control of this organization in the 1930s. Among the local OSI leaders arrested and interned in 1940 were Nicola Masi and Aurelio Del Piero.

The organization itself was never declared illegal (unlike the fascio and other groups) and continued to operate throughout the war years, although in a much-reduced capacity. Given its association with those interned, it took several years for the OSI to return to its prominence and activities.

Photograph of Italian labourers, Southwestern Ontario

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Photograph of Italian labourers, constructing the Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway (TH&B), Southwestern Ontario, date unknown.

The TH&B was incorporated in 1884 to construct a railway from Toronto, through Hamilton, across the Niagara River and into Buffalo, New York. The railway operated from 1892 through 1987. Expansion of the company and related construction work on the various lines occurred from 1895 to 1927.

Photograph of Italian women’s group meeting, Hamilton, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Black and white photograph of Italian women’s group meeting, Hamilton, ON, date unknown. The group seems to be celebrating an occassion, given the presence of the multi-tiered cake. Given the dress and hairstyles of the ladies in attendance, the picture was likely taken in the late 1930s or 1940s.

The organization is not named. Italian Canadian women in Hamilton were active in the Roma Imperial Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy and other organizations.

Photograph of first communion procession, Hamilton, ON, May 16, 1937

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 16, 1937

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Black and white photograph of first communion procession, of children from St Anthony of Padua Church, on Clinton Street, Hamilton, ON, May 16, 1937.

The Holy Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. In the Italian immigrant tradition, it is celebrated as a rite of passage, and often is an occassion for a large gathering of extended family and friends.

Photograph of Italian school float, Coronation Day parade, Hamilton, ON, May 12, 1937

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 12, 1937

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Black and white photograph of Italian school float, Coronation Day parade, Hamilton, ON, May 12, 1937. Image is damaged in upper left corner. Visible are children on a decorated float.

The event was likely the celebration of the coronation of King George VI, which occurred on May 12, 1937. Many towns and cities in Ontario saw similar celebrations.

The Italian school likely refers to the Italian language classes which were offered from the Casa d’Italia, a centre that housed Italian community and political organizations such as the local fascio and the Order Sons of Italy. These buildings were constructed during the fascist years and often displayed fascist symbols.

This photograph speaks to the dual pride claimed by many who were later interned for being involved with the Casa d’Italia and other organizations. While deeply supportive of Mussolini and fascism in Italy, they also professed loyalty to Canada and the crown.

Photograph of Order Sons of Italy house, Hamilton, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Anthony Julian photographs

Black and white photograph of Order Sons of Italy house, Hamilton, ON, date unknown. House seems to be of Victorian design.

The Order Sons of Italy (OSI), founded in 1905 by Dr. Vincent Sellaro in New York City, operated as a mutual aid society for those of Italian origin. The first Canadian lodge of this fraternal organization was founded in Sault Ste. Marie in 1915. The Hamilton chapter was founded in 1925/1926. It was divided into three main lodges – the Trieste Lodge, the Imperial Lodge, and the Roma Lodge (the women’s branch). Fascists attempted to take control of this organization in the 1930s. Among the local OSI leaders arrested and interned in 1940 were Nicola Masi and Aurelio Del Piero.

Photograph of Sartorio’s Band, Hamilton, ON, ca. 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Hamilton Spectator photographs

Black and white photograph of Sartorio’s Band, Hamilton, ON, ca. 1920s. About five rows of men and boys are posed on steps, leading to the entrance of an unidentified building, perhaps St. Anthony of Padua Church. All wear marching band uniforms and caps. A large snare drum on the left displays the band’s name. A large flag for the Dominion of Canada appears in the left background.

The photograph is from the files of the Hamilton Spectator. It is not clear if it was ever published in the newspaper.

Not much is known about Sartorio’s Band.

Perri family dining aboard the Vulcania

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
From the Perri Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the Perri family dining aboard the Vulcania. Mrs. Perri is seen seated at a table in the ship’s dining room surrounding by her three young sons and one daughter. Other people can be seen dining in the background. Two of ship’s wait staff can also be seen wearing white jackets.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste.

Magro family dining aboard the Saturnia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
From the Magro Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the Magro family dining aboard the Saturnia. The photograph shows a group of adults seated around a long table covered in a white tablecloth. The group looks toward the camera and are raising their glasses in a toast. Two of the ship’s crew members stand on either side of the table.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Saturnia stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The ship was originally built for the Cosulich Line and was transferred to the Italian Line in early 1935. Prior to World War II the ship was used to transport troops for the Italian Government to East Africa. It was then used by the International Red Cross for evacuation voyages and by the US Government as a hospital during the war. The ship was returned to the Italian Line in late 1946 and resumed its role as a passenger ship until 1965.

Damiani family during lifeboat drill on the Olympia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1966

CREDIT LINE
From the Damiani Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the Damiani family aboard the Olympia. The family is lined up and wearing lifejackets with other passengers in preparation for a lifeboat drill aboard the ship. Sam Damiani (standing second from left holding his hands in front), along with his younger brother Fred and his parents Vilde and Giulio are visible in the foreground of the image. The text printed at the bottom right of the photograph which reads, “Memories on Board Olympia,” suggests that the photograph was taken as a momento of the voyage by the ship’s staff photographer.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Olympia stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax, Quebec-Azores, Lisbon, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Malta, Piraeus, Cyprus and Haifa. Sam Damiani and his family landed at Pier 21 on May 3, 1966.

To learn more about Sam Damiani and his migration to Canada access a PDF written by Sam in Pier 21’s Online Story Collection: http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/online-story-collection/immigrants

Giraldi family dining aboard the Vulcania

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1966

CREDIT LINE
From the Damiani Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph showing a family dining aboard the Vulcania. Ralph Giraldi stands at the centre of the photograph while pouring a glass of wine. His wife is seated to the left and is holding onto a small child. The other Giraldi children situated to the right of Ralph. A daughter and two sons are seated at the table. Another son stands behind this group. The whole family appears to have been posing for this group photograph. Other people can be seen dining in the background, a few of which have turned around to look at the camera.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The family arrived at Pier 21 on June 7, 1960.

Luisa Guagneli standing by a tree

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Luisa Guagneli

This is a black and white snapshot of Luisa Guagneli smiling and standing by a tree. She is leaning against the tree trunk; she is holding what is possibly a branch with leaves and flowers. The branch is wrapped in front of her across her lap and around the tree trunk. She is wearing a printed mid-calf length skirt with a v-neck sweater. Her dark brown hair is styled in a bob. She is wearing white stockings and black shoes. The background shows trees, shrubs, and field. The photo is in poor condition with tears to the right side.

Luisa Guagneli was one of four women interned during World War II. Her son Eugene and her husband Arturo were designated as enemy aliens.

Photograph of group Societa Cristoforo Colombo, North Bay, ON, ca. 1920s

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Rocco Lucenti photographs

Black and white photograph of a group from the Societa Cristoforo Colombo, North Bay, ON, ca. 1920s. The group of men from the Italian community organization appear before the entrance of Harmony Hall at Commerical St. & First Ave., built in 1913. The men in the centre of the photograph are holding a small Italian flag. The organization served a cultural and social function for the “mushrooming” Italian community of “Rail City”, North Bay.

Photograph of community band from North Bay, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1926

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F1405-21, Rocco Lucenti photographs

Black and white photograph of community band from North Bay, ON, ca.1920s. Known as the North Bay Premier Band, the group represented North Bay at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in 1926. They won first prize in the band contest. This group was a combination of two bands, the first comprised mostly of Italian Canadians under the direction of Vic Virgili and known as Societa Italo-Canadese Band. This name appears on the snare drum. Also visible in the photograph are the flags for Italy and Canada.

The location of the photograph is not clear. Although the band is from North Bay, the image may have been taken on the CNE grounds in Toronto. The band seems to be joined by family and fans in the photograph.

Photograph of streetscape, Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, ca. 1925

MAKER
Ministry of Education

DATE
ca. 1925

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, RG 2-71 COO-49

Black and white of streetscape, Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, ca. 1925. The image looks west on Sparks Street, with an elevated view, althought not quite birds-eye. Buildings in background are multi-storied.

Photograph of streetscape, Timmins, ON, ca. 1910

MAKER
Ministry of Education

DATE
ca. 1910

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, RG 2-71 CNT-4

Black and white photograph of streetscape,Timmins, ON, ca. 1910. The dirt streets have yet to be paved. Telegraph poles are visible along the street.

The settlement of Timmins began with the discovery of gold in 1909. The resulting gold rush led to roughly 30 mining operations within a year of the discovery. Work in the mines was so difficult and dangerous that English Canadians, or native-born Canadians, were often unwilling to engage in this type of labour. As a result, mine owners sought immigrants to fill these positions. Italians were among these immigrants.

Photograph of shaft house scene at mines, Timmins, ON, March 1920

MAKER
Hollinger Mine

DATE
March, 1920

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, F 1335-1-0-1-29

Black and white photograph of scene in shaft house during change of shift, Hollinger Consolidated Gold Mines, Timmins, ON, March 1920. The settlement of Timmins began with the discovery of gold in 1909. The resulting gold rush led to roughly 30 mining operations within a year of the discovery. Two of the largest mining companies included Hollinger Consolidated Gold Mines and West Dome Mine. Work in the mines was so difficult and dangerous that English Canadians, or native-born Canadians, were often unwilling to engage in this type of labour. As a result, mine owners sought immigrants to fill these positions. Italians were among these immigrants, and included Leopoldo (Leo) Mascioli, who eventually did contract work for Hollinger Mines. Having arrived as a young immigrant from Italy, he also saw the establishment of an Italian community in Timmins, and became one of its leading members. On June 10, 1940 he was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state.

De Francesco family in Guardiaregia, Italy

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1955

CREDIT LINE
From the De Francesco Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the De Francesco family posing outdoors at the foot of a landing in Guardiaregia, Molise, Italy. A church steeple and hilly landscape can be seen in the distance. Pompilio De Francesco, his wife Rosa and young daughter Carmela are seen here with Francesco’s parents Giovanni and Filomenta and his brothers Salvatore and Vittorio. The photograph was taken shortly before Pompilio migrated to Canada with his family.

The De Francesco family boarded the passenger ship Augustus on March 2, 1958 and arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on March 10, 1958. The family was sponsored by Rosa’s father Domenico Nicolangelo Rotundo. The family shared a little room on the ship complete with bunk beds and a small sink. Rosa and her daughter Carmela were able to watch their first film, Gone with the Wind, while on the ship. After arriving in Halifax, the family boarded a train for Toronto.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Augustus stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Partras, Venice and Trieste. When the De Francesco family arrived on March 10, 1958 there were 563 passengers on board.

To learn more about the De Francesco family access a PDF written by Pompilio De Francesco in Pier 21’s Online Story Collection: http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/online-story-collection/immigrants

Photograph of streetscape, King St., Hamilton, ON, 1930s

MAKER
John Boyd

DATE
ca. 1935

CREDIT LINE
Archives of Ontario, C 7-3 25050

Black and white photograph of streetscape, King St., Hamilton, ON, 1930s. Given bare tree branches, likely taken in late fall or early spring. Appears to be a business district, as buildings are multi-storied. Cars are parallel parked to the street and to the row of buildings. One of the buildings close to the foreground must have housed Howell Bros Furs, whose sign is prominently attached to the building’s exterior.

Photograph of the Antonacci family

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
From the Antonacci Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of Saverio and Dorotea Antonacci posing with their son Frank aboard a ship during their immigration to Canada. A hand is visible in the right foreground and appears to be gesturing toward the camera or the person taking the photograph.

Portrait of the Di Ioia family

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1948

CREDIT LINE
From the Di Ioia Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white portrait photograph of the Di Ioia family in Italy in 1948. Pietro Di Ioia can be seen standing in the back row wearing a dark suit. His wife Maria Tartaglia Di Ioia is standing at his right wearing a black dress and rests her hand on the shoulder of their eldest son Giambattista Di Ioia. At the far left stands the eldest child Maria Teresa Di Ioia wearing a black dress. She wears her hair in two long braids and rests her hands on her younger brother’s shoulders. The three younger children in front are Antoinetta, Donato and Giuseppe.

Pietro Di Ioia immigrated to Canada in 1950. He came on the ship the Vulcania which landed in Halifax on May 22, 1940. His immigration was sponsored by his cousin Francesco Di Ioia who had migrated to Canada in 1924. Francesco was arrested and interned by the Canadian government on June 10, 1940. He spent about one and a half years at the Petawawa Internment Camp before he was released. His wife Giuseppina Di Ioia was also briefly taken into custody during this period. After the war period Francesco was able to sponsor Pietro’s immigration to Canada and secure a work contract for him with a farmer outside of Montreal. Pietro worked on this farm for a year before being hired by Cadbury Chocolate Co. in Montreal.

The eldest son, Giambattista Di Ioia, was the first family member to join Pietro in Montreal. He immigrated to Canada on May 23, 1953 on the Vulcania, at 17 years of age. Maria Tartaglia Di Ioia and the three youngest children followed in December of 1953 travelling to Canada aboard the Conte Biancamano. The eldest child, Maria Teresa Di Ioia, did not join her family in Montreal. Rather she immigrated to New York City in 1953 on a student visa. She lived in New York until she immigrated to Canada in 1980.

To learn more about the Di Ioia family access a PDF written by the Di Ioia children in Pier 21’s Online Story Collection: http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/online-story-collection/immigrants

Molinaro family aboard the Saturnia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1965

CREDIT LINE
From the Molinaro Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Colour photograph of Maria Molinaro and her family aboard the Saturnia as the passenger ship was boarded in Naples, Italy. The photograph shows a group of five people posing for the camera. A younger man stands a the left with his hand on the ship’s railing. He is wearing a brown overcoat and a dark suit underneath. A young girl in a red plaid jacket and skirt stands in the centre of the photograph. She is wearing a brown hat with a fur rim and is smiling at the camera. An older man, likely her father, stands behind her with his hands on her shoulders. He wears a brown overcoat and suit similar to the other man. He is also wearing a light coloured hat. To the right of the young girl stands a woman in a black overcoat, holding a purse, who is likely the girl’s mother. She is holding onto the hand of a young girl who. The young girl is wearing a checkered coat over a red dress. She also wears a hat rimmed with fur. One of the ships lifeboats can be seen directly behind the group. Two men can be seen at the left, waving to onlookers beyond the ship’s railing.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Saturnia stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The ship was originally built for the Cosulich Line and was transferred to the Italian Line in early 1935. Prior to World War II the ship was used to transport troops for the Italian Government to East Africa. It was then used by the International Red Cross for evacuation voyages and by the US Government as a hospital during the war. The ship was returned to the Italian Line in late 1946 and resumed its role as a passenger ship until 1965.

Crowd watching the departing Augustus

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1961

CREDIT LINE
From the Battiston Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a crowd of people watching the departing passenger ship the Augustus. The vantage point of the photograph suggests that the photograph was taken from the departing ship, most likely by Maria Battiston. Streamers can be seen in the right foreground.

The MS Augustus was built for the Italian Line shipping company in 1950. On March 4, 1952, the Augustus sailed from Genoa to South America on her maiden voyage. The ship was put in a normal route from Genoa and stopped at Halifax eight times between 1958 and 1961. According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Augustus also stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste.

Goodbyes at Castelfranco train station

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1954

CREDIT LINE
From the MacDonald and Rinaldo Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a group of men, women and children posing with a cardboard life preserver sign for the passenger ship TN Roma at the Castelfranco Veneto railway station in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. A group of children kneeling in the front row also hold a sign for the travel agency facilitating their voyage from Italy to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

According to archival records, the TN Roma was rebuilt in Genoa, Italy in 1950-1951 and departed on her maiden voyage to Australia in August of 1951. The Roma continued as a passenger ship with her main duties to Australia until 1963 when service was taken over by the Surriento. The ship also operated on a number of Trans-Atlantic voyages to Canada and the United States. According to the archives at Pier 21, while operated by the Lauro Lines the ship stopped at Halifax between 1953 and 1955. It also stopped at the following ports: New York, Lisbon, Palermo, Naples and Genoa. After 1956 it was operated by Khedivial Mail Line, S.A.E. and Pier 21 notes its ports of call as: New York, Philadelphia-Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Beirut and Alexandria.

Daneile family in front of the Roma

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1956

CREDIT LINE
From the Daneile Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of men, women and children posing in front of the passenger ship Roma. According to records at Pier 21 the Daneile family are posing in this photograph. Various other ships can be seen in the background. It is unclear where the photograph was taken.

According to archival records, the TN Roma was rebuilt in Genoa, Italy in 1950-1951 and departed on her maiden voyage to Australia in August of 1951. The Roma continued as a passenger ship with her main duties to Australia until 1963 when service was taken over by the Surriento. The ship also operated on a number of Trans-Atlantic voyages to Canada and the United States. According to the archives at Pier 21, prior to 1956 the Roma was operated by the Lauro Lines and stopped at the following ports: New York, Halifax-Lisbon, Palermo, Naples and Genoa. After 1956 it was operated by Khedivial Mail Line, S.A.E. and Pier 21 notes its ports of call as: New York, Philadelphia-Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Beirut and Alexandria.

DiPaolo family aboard the Vulcania

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
April 1956

CREDIT LINE
From the DiPaolo Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the DiPaolo family aboard the passenger ship Vulcania in April of 1956. Mr. and Mrs. DiPaolo are posing on the upper deck of the ship with their young son and daughter. The stand in front of a bench and a life boat can be seen directly behind them. The landmass that is visible in the background is Gibraltar. Gibraltar is a British territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The passenger ship arrived at Pier 21 on April 27, 1959.

John and Rocco Lucente aboard the Conte Biancamano

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
August 1951

CREDIT LINE
From the Lucente Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of Giovanni (John) Lucente and his brother Rocco Lucente aboard the passenger ship the Conte Biancamano. John Lucente was born in 1946 in Aprigliano, Calabria, Italy. His brother Rocco was born in 1948. Their father Pasqualino Lucente left Italy in October of 1950, flying to Canada to work on a farm as part of a government work program. He settled in Windsor, Ontario and after a short time working on a chicken farm, he found work as a carpenter. John, Rocco and their mother Angelo Bruno left Italy from Naples in August of 1951 to join their father in Canada. They spent 10 days aboard the ship and eventually docked in Halifax on August 22, 1951.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Conte Biancamano stopped at the following ports: New York, Halifax-Lisbon, Gibraltar, Palermo, Naples, Cannes and Genoa.

To learn more about the Lucente family access a PDF written by John Lucente in Pier 21’s Online Story Collection: http://www.pier21.ca/research/collections/online-story-collection/immigrants

Arrizza family aboard the Vulcania

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
April 1963

CREDIT LINE
From the Arrizza Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph showing a group of three women and three men, identified as Gabrielle Arrizza and family, posing on the deck of the Vulcania.

The MS Vulcania was an Italian ocean liner built by Cantiere Navale Triestino, Monfalcone, northern Italy in 1926 for the Italian company, Cosulich Line. The ship sailed from Trieste on December 18, 1926 on her maiden voyage to Patras, Naples and New York. In 1941 the ship was used by the Italian government to carry troops to North Africa. The ship was again used by the government during World War II on three missions to repatriate women and children from Genoa to East Africa. In October of 1943 the ship was used by the United States government to transport troops. She was last used as a troopship in October of 1946 and was returned to the Italia Line. According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste.

Arrizza family aboard the Vulcania

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
April 1963

CREDIT LINE
From the Arrizza Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the Arrizza family seated on a bench aboard the passenger ship the Vulcania. The group consists of two women and three children. Water and a faint hint of land are visible in the distance.

The MS Vulcania was an Italian ocean liner built by Cantiere Navale Triestino, Monfalcone, northern Italy in 1926 for the Italian company, Cosulich Line. The ship sailed from Trieste on December 18, 1926 on her maiden voyage to Patras, Naples and New York. In 1941 the ship was used by the Italian government to carry troops to North Africa. The ship was again used by the government during World War II on three missions to repatriate women and children from Genoa to East Africa. In October of 1943 the ship was used by the United States government to transport troops. She was last used as a troopship in October of 1946 and was returned to the Italia Line. According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste.

Goodbyes at Castelfranco train station

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1956

CREDIT LINE
From the Sabbadin Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a group of men posing with a cardboard life preserver sign for the passenger ship “Olimpia” (Olympia) at the Castelfranco Veneto railway station in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. The men also hold a sign for the travel agency facilitating their voyage from Italy to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Almost all of the men appear to be wearing dress pants and blazers. They also sport either white or plaid shirts. The group of men kneeling in the foreground hold up bottles of wine. The bottles most likely contain Chianti, which has historically been associated with a squat bottle enclosed in a straw basket called a fiasco.

One of the immigrants in the photograph is Francesco Sabbadin who was born in Italy on August 2, 1936. He was 20 years old when he departed Italy in 1956 on the Olympia. According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Olympia stopped at the following ports that year: New York, Halifax-Lisbon, Naples, Piraeus and Messina. Upon his arrival in Canada, Sabbadin settled in Kirkland Lake, Ontario where he worked in the gold mines. He then moved to Toronto in 1962 where he worked at Thornhill Building supply for over 40 years.

Group dining aboard the Saturnia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1956

CREDIT LINE
From the Ennio Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a group of adults and one baby dining aboard the passenger ship the Saturnia. The photograph shows two women seated at a table, one of which is holding the arm of a baby seated in front of her. A male sits at the left and appears to be raising a glass. He is wearing an exaggerated bow tie around his neck that could possible be fashioned out of his dinner napkin. Another male stands next to him, leaning on the back of the chair, wearing a tall hat that was also likely fashioned out of his dinner napkin or a scarf.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Saturnia stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The ship was originally built for the Cosulich Line and was transferred to the Italian Line in early 1935. Prior to World War II the ship was used to transport troops for the Italian Government to East Africa. It was then used by the International Red Cross for evacuation voyages and by the US Government as a hospital during the war. The ship was returned to the Italian Line in late 1946 and resumed its role as a passenger ship until 1965.

Updated (Nov. 25, 2014): Ennio Paola identified himself as the baby in the photo, at age nine months. Ennio was born on August 21, 1952 in Cantanzaro, Italy. The woman holding him is his mother, Emma Paola (née Mirabelli). Emma was born in Cosenza, Italy on September 5, 1928. The other passengers in the photo are an American-Italian family (a mother and her sons) returning to New York. According to ship records, Ennio and his family were aboard the Saturnia disembarking in Halifax, NS on June 16, 1953.

Sforza family aboard Italia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1959

CREDIT LINE
From the Sforza Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white group photograph of immigrants posing for a photograph aboard the passenger ship Italia. Donato Sforza emigrated from Italy with his family in 1959 and are part of the group in this photograph.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Italia stopped at the following ports: New York, Montreal, Quebec, Halifax-Plymouth, Havre, Southampton, Zeebrugge, Cuxhaven and Hamburg.

Group photograph aboard the Saturnia

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
October 1961

CREDIT LINE
From the Plateo Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a woman and two young men aboard the passenger ship Saturnia. The woman is seated on a bench wearing a dark blazer and striped shirt. She holds her purse in her lap. She is seated next to a young man wearing a shirt, tie, v-neck sweater and dress pants. He has one leg propped up on the bench. Another young boy wearing checkered pants and a white sweater with a boat-neck collar stands next to the woman with his arm draped over her shoulder. According to records two of the individuals are identified as Clara Plateo and Rosario Mollo. A group of people stand in the background looking over the railing. They appear to be facing another ship. One person standing at the railing has turned around and is looking at the camera. Land is visible in the far right background, however it is unclear where the photograph was taken.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Saturnia stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The passenger ship arrived at Pier 21 on October 14, 1961.

The Vulcania departing from Palermo, Italy

MAKER
Antonio Catalfo

DATE
April, 1959

CREDIT LINE
From the Catalfo Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the crowd gathered on the dock as the Vulcania departs from the port in Palermo, Italy in April of 1959. Given the vantage point, the photograph was likely taken by Antonio Catalfo while aboard the ship.

According to the archives at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia the Vulcania stopped at the following ports: New York, Boston, Halifax-Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca, Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa, Palermo, Naples, Patras, Venice and Trieste. The passenger ship arrived at Pier 21 on April 27, 1959.

Christmas celebration at internment camp in Canada during WWI

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1916

CREDIT LINE
From the Internment Camps / Library and Archives Canada / C-014104Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of the interior of a barrack building at a World War I Canadian internment camp. The photograph shows rows of wooden benches occupied by hundreds of men during Christmas celebrations. The photograph seems to have been staged as almost all of the men are seated in a forward direction, looking at the camera. Paper garland has been hung from the ceiling of the barrack to mark the holiday season. All of the men appear to be wearing heavy clothing and hat that was typical of the uniforms worn by internees. A camp guard can be seen standing halfway down the central aisle. A larger group of guards seem to be standing against the wall in the background.

During World War I, more than 8500 people – originating from the Austro-Hungarian, German, and Ottoman Empires as well as the Kingdom of Bulgaria – were interned in Canada.

Felice Martiniello and friend on boat trip to Italy

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Frank Martinello

Black and white photograph of Felice Martiniello and an unidentified friend while on a boat trip to Italy. Both men are wearing swimsuits and appear to be standing at the edge of the swimming pool. Martiniello visited Italy during this pre-World War II trip that seems to have been sponsored by the Italian government. Other community members from Cape Breton such as Bortolo (Bert) Gatto and Peter Favretto also made this trip to Italy.

Martiniello also seems to have been a supporter of Italian fascism. He was the secretary of the local fascio. His son Frank Martinello remembers owning a black shirt and attending Italian school. While on this trip to Italy, Martiniello managed to obtain a signed photograph of Benito Mussolini. The trip to Italy and his involvement with the local fascio were likely used by the Canadian government to justify his arrest and internment in 1940.

Group of men on boat trip to Italy

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Frank Martinello

Black and white photograph of a group of men seated aboard a ship during a voyage to Italy. Felice Martiniello, third from left in a light suit, has his arm around draped around the shoulders of Bortolo (Bert) Gatto. The two Italian Canadian men from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia visited Italy during this pre-World War II trip that seems to have been sponsored by the Italian government and also included other community members. While there, Martiniello managed to obtain a signed photograph of Benito Mussolini.

On June 10, 1940 both Felice Martiniello and Berto Gatto, along with many other community members, were arrested and interned. Martiniello and Favretto were both suspected by Canadian authorities as members of their local fascio. The government sponsored trip to Italy was also used as a basis for internment.

Photograph of internees

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1941

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of Frank Martinello

Black and white photograph of five Italian Canadian internees standing outside a barrack building. All seem to be wearing heavier clothes suggesting the picture was taken in early spring or in the fall. From left to right the internees have been identified as: Mario Furini, Bortolo (Bert) Gatto, unknown, Felice Martiniello and Michele Ranni. The four internees identified in the photograph were from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and were interned at both Camp Petawawa and Camp Fredericton.

Inscriptions on the back of the photograph indicate that the photograph was taken in Petawawa in 1941, however this photograph bares close resemblance to a photograph held in the Glenbow Archives (LDICEA2011.0001.0003) which seems to have been taken in Fredericton in 1942. Given its resemblance to other pictures, it was likely taken in Fredericton Internment Camp, where the remaining Italian Canadian internees were transferred in July 1942.

Photograph of internees

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Bacci Family

Photograph of 9 internees; three are crouched in the front. All seem to be wearing heavier clothes suggesting the picture was taken in early spring or in the fall. The group is positioned in front of a building.

Photograph is undated, but given its resemblance to other pictures (see DICEA2011.0001.0032 or DICEA2011.0001.0010), it was likely taken in Fredericton Internment Camp, where the remaining Italian Canadian internees were transferred in July 1942.

This photograph belongs to a collection owned by Italian Canadian internee Ruggero Bacci, standing third from the left.

A duplicate print of this image is held in the ICEA collection (LDICEA2010.0001.0001). This image held by the Archives of Ontario seems to have been erroneously dated to June 1942.

Photograph of internees

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Bacci Family

Photograph of 11 internees; three are crouched in the front. All seem to be wearing heavier clothes suggesting the picture was taken in early spring or in the fall. An identification card reading “54” is positioned on the ground in front of the internee at the far right. The group is positioned in front of a building.

Photograph is undated, but given its resemblance to other pictures (see DICEA2011.0001.0032 or DICEA2011.0001.0010), it was likely taken in Fredericton Internment Camp, where the remaining Italian Canadian internees were transferred in July 1942. The identification card used suggests it was a formal picture taken by a government official.

This photograph belongs to a collection owned by Italian Canadian internee Ruggero Bacci, standing first from the right. Gino Tiezzi is standing next to Bacci, on the left. Donato Sansone is standing to the left of Tiezzi. The individual crouched first from the right is likely Giuseppe Frascadore. The iinternee standing first from the left is likely Antonio Di Pietro.

A duplicate print of this image is held in the ICEA collection (LDICEA2010.0001.0004). This image held by the Archives of Ontario seems to have been erroneously dated to June 1942.

Photograph of internees

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Bacci Family

Photograph of 8 internees; three are crouched in the front. All seem to be wearing heavier clothes suggesting the picture was taken in early spring or in the fall. The group is positioned in front of a building.

Photograph is undated, but given its resemblance to other pictures (see DICEA2011.0001.0032 or DICEA2011.0001.0010), it was likely taken in Fredericton Internment Camp, where the remaining Italian Canadian internees were transferred in July 1942.

This photograph belongs to a collection owned by Italian Canadian internee Ruggero Bacci, standing first from the left. Gino Tiezzi is crouched first from the left.

A duplicate print of this image is held in the ICEA collection (LDICEA2010.0001.0003). This image held by the Archives of Ontario seems to have been erroneously dated to June 1942.

Photograph of internees

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the Bacci Family

Photograph of 13 internees; five are crouched in the front and one is visible through a window panel. All seem to be wearing heavier clothes suggesting the picture was taken in early spring or in the fall. An identification card reading “53” is positioned on the ground in front of the internee at the far right. The group is positioned in front of a building whose facing seems to be comprised of studded wood planks.

Photograph is undated, but given its resemblance to other pictures (see DICEA2011.0001.0032 or DICEA2011.0001.0010), it was likely taken in Fredericton Internment Camp, where the remaining Italian Canadian internees were transferred in July 1942. The identification card used suggests it was a formal picture taken by a government official.

This photograph belongs to a collection owned by Italian Canadian internee Ruggero Bacci, crouched second from the right. The same image appears in a collection owned by Gino Tiezzi, who is crouched second from the left. The man standing in the middle of the second row has also been identified as Donato Sansone.

Duplicate prints of this image are held in the ICEA collection (ICEA2011-0085-0004, LDICEA2010.0001.0003). One of these images held by the Archives of Ontario seems to have been erroneously dated to June 1942.

Photograph of Enrico & Olindo Sauro, in military uniform, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of Enrico & Olindo Sauro, in military uniform, Toronto, ON.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Although interned, Sauro’s five eldest sons served in the Canadian Army and Canadian Air Force. Enrico and Olindo were both airmen and served in the air force.

Photograph of Italo Sauro, in military uniform, Toronto, ON

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of Italo Sauro, in military uniform, Toronto, ON.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Although interned, Sauro’s five eldest sons served in the Canadian Army and Canadian Air Force. Italo served in the army.

Photograph of Livio Sauro, Toronto, ON, 1945

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1945

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of Livio Sauro, Toronto, ON, 1945.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Although interned, Sauro’s five eldest sons served in the Canadian Army and Canadian Air Force. Livio served in the army.

Photograph of Alberindo Sauro, in military uniform, Toronto, ON, 1942

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1942

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of Alberindo Sauro, in military uniform, standing in front of the sign for Queen’s York Rangers, Toronto, ON, 1942.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Although interned, Sauro’s five eldest sons served in the Canadian Army and Canadian Air Force.

Photograph of Sauro boys in military uniform, Toronto, ON, 1943

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1943

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of the five eldest sons of Rev. Libero Sauro in military uniform, Toronto, ON, 1943. All five sons served in the war even though their father was considered an enemy alien. Top L to R: Italo Sauro (Canadian Army) and Alberindo Sauro (Canadian Army). Bottom L to R: Enrico Sauro (Canadian Air Force), Livio Sauro, shown in civilian clothing, (Canadian Army), and Olindo Sauro (Canadian Air Force).

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Memorial card with portraits of Clementina & Libero Sauro

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

INSCRIPTIONS
Verso:
(Type-set script, black ink):
Clementina Sauro, B.A.
(Lanzillotta)
November 11, 1904 – October 7, 1971

(Type-set script, black ink):
Rev. Libero Sauro
May 19, 1891 – April 28, 1971

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Memorial card with portraits of Clementina and Libero Sauro, created by one of their sons. The portraits were taken at the time of their respective graduations.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

An exceptional woman, devouted wife and mother, Clementina was relentless in her mission to have her husband released. Unlike many of the other wives, Clementina was educated and fluent in English. She had worked as a teacher prior to her marriage. Although much younger than her husband, she passed away within 6 months of his death.

Antonia Anatasio dancing aboard the Leonardo Da Vinci

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
1966

CREDIT LINE
From the Anastasio Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph showing Antonia Anatasio dancing with an unidentified man aboard the Leonardo Da Vinci during the ship’s voyage to Halifax, NS in 1966. Antonia and the unidentified man can be seen in the foreground wearing formal wear. Antonia’s hair is worn in an updo known as the beehive which was popular throughout the 1960s. In the background a number men and women are seated around the dance floor observing the dancers. There is a large ribbon hung from the ceiling and thin streamers can be seem on the floor.

Crowd outside Pier 21

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1950

CREDIT LINE
From the Catenaro Family Collection of the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

Black and white photograph of a crowd of people waiting outside of Pier 21, a former ocean liner terminal, in Halifax, NS. The vantage point of the photograph suggests that the photograph was taken from an arriving ship, most likely by Alfonso and Luisa Catenaro.

Photograph of Libero Sauro (centre back row) & choir, St. Paul’s Italian United Church

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
Unknown

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of the family of Libero & Clementina Sauro

Photograph of Libero Sauro (centre back row) & choir, St. Paul’s Italian United Church, Toronto, ON, date unknown.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp. His arrest was due to his membership with the Order Sons of Italy (OSI); he held the Office of Grand Administrative Secretary. Correspondence indicates that both he and his wife believed an unnamed community informant was also responsible.

Photograph of Don Jail, Toronto, ON, 1915

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
May 24, 1915

INSCRIPTIONS
Recto: (bottom centered, handwritten) ROY. 449 MAY 4 1915 CURB HEAVED BY FROST & T.S.R. POLE 548 GERRARD

CREDIT LINE
City of Toronto Archives, Series 372. Sub series 58, Item 449

Early black and white photograph of the Toronto Gaol (pronounced “jail”). Also referred to as The Don Jail or The Don, it is located near the intersection of Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue, in an area of Toronto known as Riverdale. The jail was designed by the architect William Thomas in 1852 and was built before Confederation. Thomas originally began his career in England, but emigrated to Toronto in 1843 during a depression in the British building industry. The Don Jail, along with St. Lawrence Hall and other buildings he designed in Ontario, were created in the Renaissance Revival style. The jail was officially opened in 1864 and at the time it was the largerst jail in North America, originally constructed to house 276 prisoners.

During World War II a number of Italian Canadian men were arrested and detained at a number of locations within the City of Toronto prior to either being released or transferred to internment camps. The Don Jail along with the Canadian National Exhibition grounds were two such holding locations.

Portrait of Alberto Boccini, Vancouver, BC, 1939-1940

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
ca. 1940

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of George Nincheri and Roger Boccini-Nincheri

Portrait of Alberto Boccini, Vancouver, BC, 1939-1940. The Boccinis and their youngest son emigrated to Canada in 1937, leaving Roger Boccini-Nincheri behind with his grandparents. In Canada, the Boccinis settled in Vancouver, where Alberto became a leading member of the local Italian-Canadian community. He was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state in 1940. Boccini contracted tuberculosis while interned at Camp Petawawa and was released as a result in March 1942. He died within two years of his diagnosis in December 1944. His wife moved to Montreal where she eventually married Gabriele Nincheri, the son of artist and former internee Guido Nincheri. She was reunited with her son Roger, when he immigrated to Canada in 1949.

Photograph of Alberto Boccini and Beniamino Gigli, Vancouver, BC, October 1938

MAKER
Unknown

DATE
October 1938

CREDIT LINE
Courtesy of George Nincheri and Roger Boccini-Nincheri

Photograph of Alberto Boccini (right) and world-famous opera singer Beniamino Gigli (centre), Vancouver, BC. The picture was likely taken at the time of Gigli’s performance at the Auditorium on October 22, 1938.

The Boccinis and their youngest son emigrated to Canada in 1937, leaving Roger Boccini-Nincheri behind with his grandparents. In Canada, the Boccinis settled in Vancouver, where Alberto became a leading member of the local Italian-Canadian community. He was arrested and interned as a threat to the Canadian state in 1940. Boccini contracted tuberculosis while interned at Camp Petawawa and was released as a result in March 1942. He died within two years of his diagnosis in December 1944. His wife moved to Montreal where she eventually married Gabriele Nincheri, the son of artist and former internee Guido Nincheri. She was reunited with her son Roger, when he immigrated to Canada in 1949.