MLG 306 Oral History Project (Fall 2022)

Abstract

Like many Italian immigrants their start began in the docks of Manhattan. Some came by boat; some came by plane. Generally, one person or one family comes over and then some of their family members follow because they have a comfortable landing spot with someone that they know. My father-in-law, Mario Calabro is a first-generation Italian American, a son of Sicilian immigrants grew up in Italian speaking household eating Italian favorites and carrying out Italian customs from the “old country.” Despite the answers regarding seeing some discrimination as a child, my interview with him is important as his customs and traditions are very alive to this day, whether it be planting a vegetable garden or making homemade wine. The continuation of making homemade tomato sauce helps to bring the past and present generations together. Sitting down together just us, allowed the interview to be compelling and honest. The most important answers come from those about family. When it is all said and done the proudest accomplishment of this man is having children and watching them grow. Whether being an Italian American or not, we can all agree that whatever ethnicity or culture you may be, having children and family is the most important aspect of most people’s life, I know that to be true from Mario.