Italians in Winnipeg: An Illustrated History

By: Stanislao Carbone

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Synopsis: Since the 1870s, Italian Canadians have been an important part of Winnipeg's social, economic and cultural life. From colorful celebrities like Charlie ("Don Carlos") Mazzone to artisans and "ordinary" working people, Italian Canadians have helped to build Winnipeg and its character. Italians in Winnipeg: An Illustrated History uses history, personal recollections and photographs to record over 100 years of the Italian Canadian experience in Winnipeg. Author Stanislao Carbone provides the historical background for the events and forces that shaped Italian immigration to Winnipeg, while excerpts from the personal memories of four generations of Winnipeg Italians tell individual stories of the hardships and triumphs of building a new life in a new country. As well, over one hundred photographs illustrate both the public and private faces of Winnipeg Italians - the exuberance of a family's first Christmas in Canada, the proud faces of prosperous storekeepers, work crews on the railroads, lively community picnics, or the determination of two small children and their mother leaving for the voyage to Canada. Together, these words and images weave together the story of generations of Winnipeg Italians as they struggled with the decision to leave their homeland, endured long separa¬tions from family, found work and set down roots in their new country while retaining ties to the old one.