A Proud Mom

So here's what I'm thinking about today. Twice today, people mentioned things Ryan had done recently that are the kinds of things that really make a parent proud. All day long I smiled to myself because I am so proud of him and the adult he seems to be growing into (actually it was closer to "teary eyed" than to smiling, but who's counting?).

There aren't many other parental moments that rise to the level of pride in our children over the behaviors they exhibit, especially when they have no way to expect we would find out. Of course, in some ways, it's all about us right? And our parenting? Mostly our doubts about how we are doing with that job as time goes by. Then we get validated by learning our child has made us proud. And we smile (or wipe tears away) for the rest of the day.

In this case, these were little things --as they often are. Little gestures or responses that can easily go unnoticed and often go undetected by mom-radar. Which made me think about my parents and their parents and so on. Was there anything I did that made my mom feel the way I do today? I don't recall that she ever mentioned such a thing but I suppose there had to be at least SOMETHING. Maybe when I was about 6 or so! I think I'd like to know. Especially because it's usually those little everyday things that define our relationships in this world and make such a difference with those looming life-defining moments we all face eventually.

So, I'm going to make a point to tell Ryan tonight that I am so proud to be his mom. I hope you will do the same with someone you love in the near future. Maybe they will remember it and understand a little better what makes them the people they become.

DNA anyone?

Recently I talked my brother into submitting a DNA sample to a surname project in the hopes of making some connections with the Irish Ryans. I cannot say I understand any of the results that have come through so far, but I did gain about 8 Ryan contacts to pursue. The most interesting Irish Ryan stories have come to me even though none looks like a match to ours (so far). It's something you all might want to consider, although you are fortunate enough to have substantial "old country" information, the stories add a great deal of insight to our ancestors lives.

So, here's a bit of Dalpiaz lore. This image may not be particularly clear but it is a tribute to Erminia Dalpiaz Maistrelli. I think she looks like a Dalpiaz! Erminia was an aunt to your grandfather Costante. Erminia's daughter Emelia was married in 1921 in Las Animas Colorado and lived in the area until at least 1930.

So here's what I find interesting. You may remember the story of Otillio Dalpiaz who was murdered in Colorado in 1928 and apparently died without any family claiming him. This murder occured in the same county that served as home for Otilio's niece Emelia yet no mention was made of any family ties for him during the inquest or investigation. Makes you wonder how it happened that perhaps Emelia never knew her uncle was nearby--or, if she did, why no evidence of it came to light.

I feel pretty strongly that it is likely she knew she had an uncle in the area. That's just how things were for families at that time, especially immigrants in a community with others from the old country. Just another little story for your consideration. Enjoy these beautiful fall days!

One of my most recent searches is for information about Long Island City in the 1930s or so especially for the sugar house in Greenpint (Jack Frost) that your grandfather Costante worked in. Aunt Josie also said your grandmother worked there as well. She said Costante first worked in this sugar house then started working the trollies then to the buses. I have no idea what working in a sugar house was all about but I think I can just about imagine the smell which I am supposing may have been sweet but not a pleasant homey kind of sweet smell--more like the overwhelming hot sweet smell that fills your nasal passages.

I did find this picture apparently by photographer/artist Miklos Suba (perhaps of Brooklyn) that I think might be the Greenpoint Brooklyn Jack Frost Sugar factory. It might be around the approximate time period that this factory provided a living for your grandfather and grandmother. Just thought you might find it interesting.

Now to move into current times: Happy birthday Drew! Isn't it nice to have a long weekend for your birthday almost every year? The leaves are so beautiful this weekend they just take your breath away. Go out and enjoy.

Italian American Museum

I thought you all might be interested in hearing about the Italian American Museum. I don't know my Manhattan geography very well, but so far as I can tell it is located in Little Italy at the site of a former bank frequented by Italian immigrants (corner Mulberry and Grand Street). This article in the New York Times caught my eye and I thought of your ancestors and their lives in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It notes that a thrid class ticket from Naples to New York cost $30 in 1894 (about the time the Manzellis arrived also from the port of Naples). I'm sure $30 was a large investment for such travelers.

In particular, I took note of a researcher's statement that "the neighborhood was a cluster of enclaves within an enclave, with various streets representing various regions of the old country" and that those who lived north of Broome Street was from Bari. Now, I don't know Broome Street from 5th Avenue, but I do know that one branch of your ancestry comes from Bari! I would just love to visit this museum. If any of you happen to visit, please be sure to let me know (sounds like Robert and Bobbie to me!).