Today marks the centennial of our family's arrival in the United States from Sicily.
Little Grandma with her two-year old daughter arrived at Ellis Island on July 1, 1909 after a long and difficult twelve-day journey. They departed Sicily via Naples on the Duca di Genova, June 19, 1909 leaving behind Little Grandma's parents and three sisters. Her husband had arrived in Houston sixteen months earlier, joining his Uncle.
Little Grandma with her two-year old daughter arrived at Ellis Island on July 1, 1909 after a long and difficult twelve-day journey. They departed Sicily via Naples on the Duca di Genova, June 19, 1909 leaving behind Little Grandma's parents and three sisters. Her husband had arrived in Houston sixteen months earlier, joining his Uncle.

Little Grandma & Little Grandpa had a total of 11 children; nine survived into adulthood. Our grandfather was the baby. All are gone now except for Aunt J., who is a regular attendee of our family reunions. Two of Little Grandma's sisters and their husbands also emigrated to Houston a few years later. One sister remained in Sicily.

I often think about the challenges they faced in the United States. What prejudices did they encounter? Did she ever learn the language? Did she understand what it meant when she had to register with the FBI as an Alien of Enemy Nationality during World War II after 31 years in the United States? How does her experience compare with immigrants today.
Today is a special day to remember and reflect on that journey.

I love that last picture of us. Its from my baptism. Little Grandma holding me, Grandpa holding you and Mom on the end.
ReplyDeleteAwesome that you know so much. Ellis Island records are fascinating.
ReplyDeleteWow. We all have such rich family history. It's a blessing that you know yours!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gift to have met you this weekend and been introduced to this lovely blog.
~Maria