Frank is the history buff, the master storyteller, and the one who cares about his family’s history- every relative for well over a decade. His posts bring history to life. I have learned more about Brooklyn, Italy, the Army, education in the ’60’s, and how things came to be how they are today, by reading Frank’s posts. I am ‘there’, and every relative feels like my family member. I am glued to his posts and stories. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
My grandfather Francesco at the wedding of his grand daughter – circa 1950. He was a 33 year old widower in 1905 with 3 young children, no wife to care for them and no future in the new Italy. He decided to come to America.
Francesco needed a wife.
He was a widower. He was sitting in the place in Southern Italy where his family had lived for generations with three children who no longer had a mother. His wife Antonia was dead.
He was also determined to go to America. He knew he had no future here. Neither did his children.
He had grown up poor in a town (you have to guess which one) where absentee landlords owned everything and everyone else owned nothing. He had no education and could barely read or write Italian. The town was run by the landlords, the “prominenti” (those relatively well off), the priests and…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
jennie, thanks so much for sharing this. sounds a bit like my own maternal grandfather’s story, though i only know a tiny bit of it. i’m now going to follow this blogger who is new to me –
I’m glad you enjoyed his story and will follow his blog, Beth. Family history is a wonderful thing. I’d love to read a story about your grandfather.
if I can find out more, I’ll be happy to share, it’s very bare bones right now
That would be wonderful, especially for you!
One of the best you will ever follow, Beth.
Yes!
What a wonderful story, Will head over to his blog to read the whole story. Thanks for sharing, Jennie! Have a nice week! xx Michael
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
This is a wonderful story. These are the folks who built the United States and Canada.Thanks for sharing.
I feel exactly the same way, Darlene. Thank you!
I enjoyed reading the story of Frank’s grandfather. Thank you for passing it along!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Liz.
Thanks for sharing. Being not far from just off the boat, I’m off to read this.
I think you will enjoy it, Frank!
I did … Thanks
I follow Frank, so had already read and commented. I love his posts!
Best wishes, Pete.
I knew you had read this, Pete. I love his posts, too! You and I are his faithful commenters, and his family history posts are the best. People need to share history.
He is leaving a wonderful legacy for his daughters and grandson.
He is! I told him about a wonderful children’s book for Clark, “My Grandfather’s Coat.” I hope it sparks lots of questions and opens the door for conversation about.
Thanks for sharing, Jennie. You’re right that Frank transports you right into the lives of his ancestors. 🙂
I’m glad you liked this as much as I did!
What a wonderful story of courage and endurance. Thank you for sharing it, Jennie:)).
My pleasure, Sarah!
Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Robbie.
Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
Glad you enjoyed it, John. He writes a good story (like you.)
I have also learned a great deal from reading Frank’s posts. I also have learned how appalling the handling of covid has been in his present home of Florida.
Yes!!
that was an enjoyable read; thanks for sharing.
My pleasure.