BUON ANNIVERSARIO
SAINT LEO'S CHURCH!
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Our beloved Saint Leo the Great church - the heart of Little Italy! Generations of Italians have been baptized, confirmed, married and buried from this historic parish, built exclusively for Italian immigrants. This 1880 sketch was commissioned by Saint Leo's first pastor, Reverend Joseph Leo Andreis, to commemorate the laying of the cornerstone in September 1880 and dedication one year later on September 18, 1881.
On July 1, the Anniversary Steering Committee has rolled out a six-month donation campaign to celebrate 140 years and raise $140,000! Please consider using the pledge sheet below to help celebrate this marvelous milestone.
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Little Italy house named Centennial Home |
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOGGIO - ALCARAZ FAMILY! Their Little Italy home was christened Sunday as a CENTENNIAL HOME (1920-2021) by Baltimore Heritage, Inc., meaning it has been occupied by the same family for 100 years. Mary Ann Boggio Alcaraz, a Saint Leo's parishioner, was born in this Stiles Street house and still resides there with her husband Ray. In that house they have raised two children, Ray & Michelle, and often host their seven grandchildren. Ray Alcaraz (son) is the co-founder of Promotion Center for Little Italy, Baltimore and a St. Leo's parishioner. The vintage photo shows Mary Ann's parents, Clementina Scagnelli Boggio (whose Italian immigrant parents also lived in the house) and Romualdo "Romeo" Boggio, who arrived in America from Piemonte, Italy in 1912 through Ellis Island.
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Law firm hired, investigates Columbus
monument attack in Little Italy
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[excerpted from Piatt Law press release]
"The Italian American Civic Club of Maryland and an 80-year-old resident of Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood have retained the firm Piatt Law PLLC, based in Central Pennsylvania, to conduct an investigation to seek answers and determine possible next steps with regard to several violent attacks and possible hate crimes in Little Italy during 2020. The attacks include the July 4, 2020 toppling of the Christopher Columbus monument located in Baltimore’s Little Italy neighborhood and at least one known attack on an 80-year-old female resident of the neighborhood, though the investigation could uncover information on other attacks as local residents become more aware of the inquiry.
'In one case, my client, an 80-year-old female resident of Little Italy, was pushed to the ground by the violent protestors as they demolished the Christopher Columbus statue on July 4, 2020. The woman’s foot was stepped on, her ankle twisted, and she was violently shoved to the ground when approaching the statue,' said Jason Piatt, attorney for both the Italian American Civic Club of Maryland and the victim. 'I understand that when she approached police who were nearby, they told her they were ordered to refrain from engaging in the incident.'
The investigation will include outreach to the local community to request that residents who may know of other victims or have important information to come forward and contact Piatt Law. It will also include outreach to Baltimore city leaders to seek specific answers to a series of questions centered on the violence against local residents and the illegal toppling and severe damage to the Christopher Columbus monument, which was donated to the city as a gift to recognize and honor the city’s Italian-American heritage on October 23, 1985 ... by the Italian American Organization United.
Other possible victims and anyone with important information is asked to contact the law firm privately at 717-655-5487."
press release contact:
Tim O’Brien
412.854.8845
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Save these other 2021 SUNDAYS for more
Carry-out Pasta Dinners!
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Submitted by Maria & Nick Vaccaro
Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop
One of the Italian Festivals held circa 1970s in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. The traditional procession departed Little Italy, proceeded along Pratt Street, and planted the U.S. and Italian flags into the field of Inner Harbor East in an effort to share the festival with the City of Baltimore. Ethnic festivals were welcome by then Mayor William Donald Schaefer who wanted people to return to the inner city and also to boost economic development.
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Include caption, people ID, location, approximate year, and your name.
Photos must be Little Italy or Italian immigrant-related.
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online book shop
(proceeds benefit Promotion Center for Little Italy)
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200 captivating vintage photos submitted by Baltimore families!
COVER PHOTO: Wedding party and friends in 1953 join bride and groom Marie Bastianelli & Jake Zito for a honeymoon send-off at the train station.
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Italian immigrants flocked to America unaware of the hardships ahead, much like the harsh conditions they left behind in Italy. Despite discrimination, scarce employment, hunger, and drudgery, they courageously established trades, businesses, parishes, and solid family life in neighborhood enclaves nearly identical to their native villages. Baltimore’s thriving Italian community marvels at the grit and backbone of their families in their conquest of Americanization. Fortified by love of today’s famiglia, food, traditions, faith, and close-knit community, Baltimore Italians continue to honor their ethnicity. These cherished photos offer a fascinating insight into the rich history of some immigrant families and how they paved the way, worked, grew up, and fought in America's wars. They did not sacrifice their birthright to become American; instead, they humbly added to it and called themselves Italian Americans.
signed copies by author
Suzanna Rosa Molino
Director, Promotion Center for Little Italy, Baltimore
$24.99 includes tax & postage
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Book proceeds benefit Promotion Center for Little Italy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to promote Little Italy and its heritage and immigrant history. |
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EARN A FREE BOOK!
Order ANY 3 BOOKS from our online book shop and receive a free hardback coffee-table book, Baltimore's Own Little Italy: The Artwork of Tony DeSales.
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4 titles in our online Book Shop! Click covers for details. |
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"Had to drop Suzanna Molino and Ray Alcaraz a little note of thanks. Thank you for creating the Promotion Center for Little Italy🇮🇹and Neighborhood News! You are the voice, storytellers, and gatekeepers of our history and you do it so well, and in a way where people are interested in reading and contributing, and where it is assured to be preserved for generations! Without you, I am sure much valuable information would have already floated away with the wind because it is not written down. Loved Ray’s memories of growing up in Little Italy! What a memory! What a place!"
~ Cathy Scaffidi Costa
"I’m [currently] in Sicily. Today is an historical day for the Italian / Americans at Montecitorio. After four years of work by the Honorable Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald, the yes votes totaled 305 and the no votes were 8. A very emotional day."
~ Saluti, Pina Culotta
"I am not Italian, but am the sister-in-law of Frank Monaldi of The Monaldi Brothers. I have always loved your [Promotion Center for Little Italy] logo of the houses. It is just so neat to look at, especially the colors. I miss coming to Little Italy to see my nephews play music, and of course, my brother-in-law. We came up a few times from Delaware before Covid. There are no words to tell you how sorry and angry I am about the low life that destroyed the statue in Little Italy. I am 74 years old, never in my life did I ever believe I would live through anything like this, as I’m sure many feel the same. I feel there will be no 2024, the corrupt power is moving way too fast."
~ Carol Johnson
"Magnificent article. Can’t wait until the video release in July. Congratulations!"
~ Joe Maranto
Towson Delaney Lodge
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"My wife Elizabeth Muffoletto (born and raised in Little Italy) and I enjoy each edition of your newsletter, have purchased all your books, and usually look forward to reading the comments from readers. However, one of the comments you included in [the June] edition makes me wonder what you were thinking when you chose to print it. Specifically, the comment from one Joe Butta of St. Augustine, Florida, was little more than a political screed which should have no place in your otherwise friendly, welcoming and joy-inducing periodical. I'd bet that very few of your readers are interested in Mr. Butta's political views. Further, his opinion on Florida's governor is laughable (because he has an Italian name that makes him a 'nice man?' I don't think so - most people with any sense recognize DeSantis to be one of the very worst governors in the country, but that's my opinion and I wouldn't expect you to print it in the Little Italy newsletter, just as you shouldn't print Butta's opinions on such matters). We're also not interested in Butta's opinions on Baltimore politics. In short, please keep your newsletter about Little Italy and its people. The opinions of Trumpers and other haters have no place in it."
~ Harris Factor
Columbia, Maryland
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Fred Militello
410-420-2071
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