1985
Happy Easter memory. I hope you all have someone standing at your side with the fire extinguisher when needed! Great memory.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Happy Easter 2013
Happy Easter memory. I hope you all have someone standing at your side with the fire extinguisher when needed! Great memory.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Believe It or Not
I can't help myself. I have to talk about the Pope. Never, ever thought I would say those words, but here we go. I didn't pay that much attention to the media hype about the selection of the new Pope. I was keenly aware that history had been made by Benedict's resignation (and vainly tried to convince my 7th and 8th graders of the same with less-than-enthusiastic response). But I wasn't paying attention to the selection, assuming there would be the same ole same ole old white European wearing the red shoes.
But now I smile every time I see this face. He's such a cutie! I don't imagine those words are used often about the Pope but I'll bet his mother thought so. She was Italian, after all.
To some extent, the selection of the Argentinian cardinal was part happy surprise and part some of the "same ole same ole" -- he is the son of Italian immigrants after all. There is quite a bit of controversy over whether he can be considered the first Latino Pope.
I couldn't resist doing just a little bit of research on this Italian family who emigrated to Argentina, as did several branches of the Dalpiaz family. Sure enough, the Pope's family originates in Northern Italy in the Piedmont region which is on the northwest edge of the Italian border. His father was a railway worker! There are some similarities to your family story. But I digress a bit.
I wanted to share with you a little bit about my favorite man named Francis--my grandfather Francis Flynn. He was called "Weenie" by everyone due to his slight stature. He and my grandmother attended St. Bonaventure University which is run by the Franciscans. My parents each graduated from St. Bonas as well so you can see the Francis/Franciscan influence is a strong one on my side of the family. Anyhow, my grandfather Francis P. "Weenie" Flynn gained some notoriety during his tenure at St. Bonaventure as quarterback of their football team in the late 1920s. He's my Leatherhead.
He's the smallest one with that nice full head of hair all the way to the right of the picture. His accomplishments on the field let to his nomination to the St. Bonaventure Hall of Fame as well as to Ripley's Believe It or Not.
But now I smile every time I see this face. He's such a cutie! I don't imagine those words are used often about the Pope but I'll bet his mother thought so. She was Italian, after all.
I couldn't resist doing just a little bit of research on this Italian family who emigrated to Argentina, as did several branches of the Dalpiaz family. Sure enough, the Pope's family originates in Northern Italy in the Piedmont region which is on the northwest edge of the Italian border. His father was a railway worker! There are some similarities to your family story. But I digress a bit.
I wanted to share with you a little bit about my favorite man named Francis--my grandfather Francis Flynn. He was called "Weenie" by everyone due to his slight stature. He and my grandmother attended St. Bonaventure University which is run by the Franciscans. My parents each graduated from St. Bonas as well so you can see the Francis/Franciscan influence is a strong one on my side of the family. Anyhow, my grandfather Francis P. "Weenie" Flynn gained some notoriety during his tenure at St. Bonaventure as quarterback of their football team in the late 1920s. He's my Leatherhead.
Believe It or Not
Anyway, all this talk of Francis makes me think of my grandfather. The discussion about his heritage makes me think of you all. I believe the Pope had a much greater influence for our parents than for most of us but this Pope Francis has already had an influence on me.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
March 19 2013
March 19 is the last day of winter. I guess the Old Man wants us to be sure to remember him as he left us with a storm (obnoxiously named Ukko by our friends at the "Doom and Gloom" Channel) in his wake. No school today which came as a surprise after I'd already reported for work. I guess I'm a little bit like Ukko--it's the end of the season and I'm showing up anyhow.
I could hear the spring sounds of the birds singing away while the wet snow was piling up. It was a bit disconcerting trying to make sense of those two events in the same observation but I take heart in the fact that tomorrow is the first day of Spring!
Today is also St. Joseph's Day which I understand to be a significant holiday for some Italians. Until I did a little bit of research, I did not realize all the traditions this holiday incorporates. From The Feast of St. Joseph website:
St. Joseph's Day is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph's intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick's Day. (are you all wearing red today?)
Today, after Mass (at least in parishes with large Italian populations), a big altar ("la tavola di San Giuse" or "St. Joseph's Table") is laden with food contributed by everyone (note that all these St. Joseph celebrations might take place on the nearest, most convenient weekend). Different Italian regions celebrate this day differently, but all involve special meatless foods: minestrone, pasta with breadcrumbs (the breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust that would have covered St. Joseph's floor), seafood, Sfinge di San Giuseppe, and, always, fava beans, which are considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed (recipes below).
The table -- which is always blessed by a priest -- will be in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier will hold a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and greenery. The other tiers might hold, in addition to the food: flowers (especially lilies); candles; figurines and symbolic breads and pastries shaped like a monstrance, chalices, fishes, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, lilies, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, carpentry tools, etc.; 12 fishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for "luck"; bread and wine (symbolizing the Last Supper); and pictures of the dead. There will also be a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions.
The cry "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" begins the feasting and is heard throughout the day. When the eating is done, the St. Joseph's altar is smashed, and then three children dressed as the Holy Family will knock on three doors, asking for shelter. They will be refused at the first two, and welcomed at the third, in memory of the Holy Family's seeking of hospitality just before Christ was born. This re-enactment is called "Tupa Tupa," meaning "Knock Knock."
The day ends with each participant taking home a bag that might be filled with bread, fruit, pastries, cookies, a medal of St. Joseph, a Holy Card and/or a blessed fava bean. Keep your "lucky bean," and let it remind you to pray to St. Joseph. (The Litany of St. Joseph would be most appropriate today! You can download the Litany, in Microsoft Word .doc format, in English and in Latin).
The website contains recipes as well in case this interests you.
James is on his spring training trip spending time with Kathleen and Nick this week. I understand that Jean and Tracie have also visited this week! It's a little bit like the traditional St. Joseph's Day celebration--family knocking on the door seeking shelter! Thanks for taking them in Nick and Kathleen! I believe Angela and Bill are also on the road visiting family this week.
We were able to join Jean for her birthday dinner last week which was great fun for us. Additional family news includes Amy's engagement which was another recent birthday dinner surprise! She and Michael haven't made any plans yet and we welcome Michael into the (crazy) fold. Congratulations sweetie!
I could hear the spring sounds of the birds singing away while the wet snow was piling up. It was a bit disconcerting trying to make sense of those two events in the same observation but I take heart in the fact that tomorrow is the first day of Spring!
Today is also St. Joseph's Day which I understand to be a significant holiday for some Italians. Until I did a little bit of research, I did not realize all the traditions this holiday incorporates. From The Feast of St. Joseph website:
St. Joseph's Day is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph's intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick's Day. (are you all wearing red today?)
Today, after Mass (at least in parishes with large Italian populations), a big altar ("la tavola di San Giuse" or "St. Joseph's Table") is laden with food contributed by everyone (note that all these St. Joseph celebrations might take place on the nearest, most convenient weekend). Different Italian regions celebrate this day differently, but all involve special meatless foods: minestrone, pasta with breadcrumbs (the breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust that would have covered St. Joseph's floor), seafood, Sfinge di San Giuseppe, and, always, fava beans, which are considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed (recipes below).
The table -- which is always blessed by a priest -- will be in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier will hold a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and greenery. The other tiers might hold, in addition to the food: flowers (especially lilies); candles; figurines and symbolic breads and pastries shaped like a monstrance, chalices, fishes, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, lilies, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, carpentry tools, etc.; 12 fishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for "luck"; bread and wine (symbolizing the Last Supper); and pictures of the dead. There will also be a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions.
The cry "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" begins the feasting and is heard throughout the day. When the eating is done, the St. Joseph's altar is smashed, and then three children dressed as the Holy Family will knock on three doors, asking for shelter. They will be refused at the first two, and welcomed at the third, in memory of the Holy Family's seeking of hospitality just before Christ was born. This re-enactment is called "Tupa Tupa," meaning "Knock Knock."
The day ends with each participant taking home a bag that might be filled with bread, fruit, pastries, cookies, a medal of St. Joseph, a Holy Card and/or a blessed fava bean. Keep your "lucky bean," and let it remind you to pray to St. Joseph. (The Litany of St. Joseph would be most appropriate today! You can download the Litany, in Microsoft Word .doc format, in English and in Latin).
The website contains recipes as well in case this interests you.
James is on his spring training trip spending time with Kathleen and Nick this week. I understand that Jean and Tracie have also visited this week! It's a little bit like the traditional St. Joseph's Day celebration--family knocking on the door seeking shelter! Thanks for taking them in Nick and Kathleen! I believe Angela and Bill are also on the road visiting family this week.
We were able to join Jean for her birthday dinner last week which was great fun for us. Additional family news includes Amy's engagement which was another recent birthday dinner surprise! She and Michael haven't made any plans yet and we welcome Michael into the (crazy) fold. Congratulations sweetie!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Time Marches On
Angela invited us to visit this past weekend and it was a beautiful day so off I went. James couldn't go but I didn't feel the least bit intimidated by visiting the in-laws by myself. Angela and Bill always makes me feel so comfortable--your family really does have a knack for hospitality! Jim was there with Donna; Patty and Stephanie too so it was a lovely relaxed visit.
Of course, I prepared myself to discuss some Coffarelli family history and was grateful to find a receptive audience! It was great fun for me to share some of what I'd learned across the kitchen table on a beautiful spring afternoon. Too often, such information comes to a discussion point when there's some other event taking up the family energy in the room but that wasn't the case last weekend. It was quite delightful for me. Thank you Angela!
Another item in the the box of James Coffarelli memorabilia that I think you should see is a letter James wrote to his son John (your uncle) from the hospital:
This letter is not dated but seems to have kind of a final tone to it in the advice he's sharing with his son. Angela tells me he did not actually die of leukemia as his death certificate suggests, but that he suffered from pernicious anemia. Apparently your grandfather James was a carrier of thalassemia minor (a genetic blood condition) and your Uncle Johnny was also a carrier. Regardless, at the time of James' illness, I imagine he was treated for the chronic myelogenous leukemia noted on his death certificate. Treatment for such in the 1930s might have included arsenic trioxide which was a newly "rediscovered" treatment at the time. Apparently this treatment has achieved a bit of a resurgence recently in the treatment of other related conditions. It sounds pretty horrible to me, but apparently it's fairly standard as far as cancer treatments go. What goes around, comes around--even in the medical world!
I find this letter to be very comforting and I hope Uncle Johnny and your mother thought the same.
March brings several birthday shoutouts: Pat, Jean, Patty, Amy, Danielle and Robert!
Of course, I prepared myself to discuss some Coffarelli family history and was grateful to find a receptive audience! It was great fun for me to share some of what I'd learned across the kitchen table on a beautiful spring afternoon. Too often, such information comes to a discussion point when there's some other event taking up the family energy in the room but that wasn't the case last weekend. It was quite delightful for me. Thank you Angela!
Another item in the the box of James Coffarelli memorabilia that I think you should see is a letter James wrote to his son John (your uncle) from the hospital:
This letter is not dated but seems to have kind of a final tone to it in the advice he's sharing with his son. Angela tells me he did not actually die of leukemia as his death certificate suggests, but that he suffered from pernicious anemia. Apparently your grandfather James was a carrier of thalassemia minor (a genetic blood condition) and your Uncle Johnny was also a carrier. Regardless, at the time of James' illness, I imagine he was treated for the chronic myelogenous leukemia noted on his death certificate. Treatment for such in the 1930s might have included arsenic trioxide which was a newly "rediscovered" treatment at the time. Apparently this treatment has achieved a bit of a resurgence recently in the treatment of other related conditions. It sounds pretty horrible to me, but apparently it's fairly standard as far as cancer treatments go. What goes around, comes around--even in the medical world!
I find this letter to be very comforting and I hope Uncle Johnny and your mother thought the same.
March brings several birthday shoutouts: Pat, Jean, Patty, Amy, Danielle and Robert!
Monday, February 25, 2013
The ?=!------?!------ (pardon this)
At noon of the same day we (?) a range of mountains a short distance inland from Genoa, something wonderful at night. We put up for the night at Piacenca (?) following morning at 8 AM started once more this time to the plains of the Piamonde, a pretty farming country.
7 PM we pulled into city of Mantova; struck our pup tents; had Mass at 8:30. Camped at Casino of Palazzo Del Te just outside of the city gates. A very fine position, under large trees. Am Sect. stayed until the 25th. Meanwhile a few carloads of freight arrived in at station for us. They consisted of 4 large casks. These contained 4 GMC chassis. These were put up and towed to camp. We also received a numerous amount of cases containing GMC parts and Dodge tires and tube, motorcycle tires and tubes. Some cases weighed up to 750 lbs.
On evening of the 24th I was told by VanWinkle that 5 of us were to report the following morning to the Serg. of MSIN 350 who accompanied us from Genoa, in that crowd was VanWinkle, Walsh Kark, Kearny and myself. I never saw the Serg. from that time on, the ?=!------?!------ (pardon this) but Capt. Tomlin the following morning told me that we would be sent up to the Sect. in about 4 or 5 days. This sounded somewhat good to me. If it was true but it was not. I never got there. In fact, none of us did. About the middle of Sept I was sent to Vicrmyn (?) to our dentist to get one of my teeth fixed, also a wonderful trip. There I met Capt. Tomlin, Frank Vistine, Plimpton and Wilkerson. It felt good to see them once more.
The early part of October I was detailed to officers villa as (?). On the 21st of Oct I was moved to the informary at the Dural Palace with Spanish Influenza, sick pretty bad for about 2 weeks. Got out of bed for the first time just to walk around on the 7th of Nov. On the 10th went out for the first time, walked about 3 1/4 miles and also went to church to assist at Mass. Afternoon 11th (really difficult for me to read but looks like) Bentley reverend Parade commemorate the supposed hour Germany was supposed to sign the Armistice. Quite a Parade.
Did you catch that your grandfather survived the Spanish Flu? This epidemic killed millions of people (up to 5% of the world's population) worldwide 1918-1919, targeting healthy young adults in particular. The first and best recorded case was in a Kansas military camp. The American military apparently carried it to Europe with them. Due to the war, countries involved in the war censored their health reports so it wasn't known worldwide until it hit Spain. Thus, Spanish Influenza.
There were 3 waves of the spread of this deadly flu. The first was wildly contagious, the second very deadly and the 3rd spread as people celebrated the end of the War with the Armistice. Your grandfather's journal seems to indicate he fell ill either at the end of the second wave or was part of the very beginning of the third wave. I believe his comment that he was "sick pretty bad" was likely a tremendous understatement. There are those that believe that people who survived this flu developed very strong resistance to similar illnesses. Regardless, your grandfather survived to return to his home and begin a family after having been an integral part of world history. How cool is that?
7 PM we pulled into city of Mantova; struck our pup tents; had Mass at 8:30. Camped at Casino of Palazzo Del Te just outside of the city gates. A very fine position, under large trees. Am Sect. stayed until the 25th. Meanwhile a few carloads of freight arrived in at station for us. They consisted of 4 large casks. These contained 4 GMC chassis. These were put up and towed to camp. We also received a numerous amount of cases containing GMC parts and Dodge tires and tube, motorcycle tires and tubes. Some cases weighed up to 750 lbs.
On evening of the 24th I was told by VanWinkle that 5 of us were to report the following morning to the Serg. of MSIN 350 who accompanied us from Genoa, in that crowd was VanWinkle, Walsh Kark, Kearny and myself. I never saw the Serg. from that time on, the ?=!------?!------ (pardon this) but Capt. Tomlin the following morning told me that we would be sent up to the Sect. in about 4 or 5 days. This sounded somewhat good to me. If it was true but it was not. I never got there. In fact, none of us did. About the middle of Sept I was sent to Vicrmyn (?) to our dentist to get one of my teeth fixed, also a wonderful trip. There I met Capt. Tomlin, Frank Vistine, Plimpton and Wilkerson. It felt good to see them once more.
The early part of October I was detailed to officers villa as (?). On the 21st of Oct I was moved to the informary at the Dural Palace with Spanish Influenza, sick pretty bad for about 2 weeks. Got out of bed for the first time just to walk around on the 7th of Nov. On the 10th went out for the first time, walked about 3 1/4 miles and also went to church to assist at Mass. Afternoon 11th (really difficult for me to read but looks like) Bentley reverend Parade commemorate the supposed hour Germany was supposed to sign the Armistice. Quite a Parade.
Did you catch that your grandfather survived the Spanish Flu? This epidemic killed millions of people (up to 5% of the world's population) worldwide 1918-1919, targeting healthy young adults in particular. The first and best recorded case was in a Kansas military camp. The American military apparently carried it to Europe with them. Due to the war, countries involved in the war censored their health reports so it wasn't known worldwide until it hit Spain. Thus, Spanish Influenza.
There were 3 waves of the spread of this deadly flu. The first was wildly contagious, the second very deadly and the 3rd spread as people celebrated the end of the War with the Armistice. Your grandfather's journal seems to indicate he fell ill either at the end of the second wave or was part of the very beginning of the third wave. I believe his comment that he was "sick pretty bad" was likely a tremendous understatement. There are those that believe that people who survived this flu developed very strong resistance to similar illnesses. Regardless, your grandfather survived to return to his home and begin a family after having been an integral part of world history. How cool is that?
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Here are some random (or not so random) pictures from the photo album. I thought I'd take a little break from the journal this time. I got a new toy for myself--a portable, mobile scanner called a Flip Pal (oh, Bobbie you need to check these out for yourself!). It's a device that you can take to the picture you want scanned rather than bring the picture to the scanner. I think the quality is quite good and that you will enjoy the following.
This appears to be the same woman on the same day as above (or wearing the same outfit). It also appears to be the same man in both--I'm not sure this man is your grandfather James (but I'm not sure it isn't). Of course, he has a brother Joe as referred to here.
I am not sure who Funny Face is either but it's on the family side of the photo collection. There is another picture with a similar looking child referred to as a nephew. James' oldest sister Margaret/Innocencia has two boys in the late 1910s so so perhaps it's one of them. Of course, I am assuming these all to be Coffarellis prior to James' marriage. This could be a huge mistaken assumption.
This is the frontispiece of a small white Bible contained within the box of memorabilia. It nicely ties up the little remaining mystery of how James got referred to as Samuel in at least one census. He apparently received Holy Communion and was confirmed at the same ceremony. Now I understand the Samuel references!
I hope you are all safe and warm and enjoying Presidents Weekend. Happy belated Birthday to Amanda and Miles!
I do not recognize Steeplechase--perhaps it's a resort? Or a game at a resort?
James was the youngest so perhaps this is the youngest female sibling Lena/Louise. Any thoughts?
I hope you are all safe and warm and enjoying Presidents Weekend. Happy belated Birthday to Amanda and Miles!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
A Trip We Thought That Would Never Finish
7AM June 23rd. The northwest coast of Africa was sighted. Passed thru straights 1 PM anchored in harbor of Gibraltar 3 hours. Docked to take a supply of coal at 5 PM. Was there to the following day.
June 24th After a good look at the rock of Gibraltar we set sail again. About 4 PM amid cheers and shouts of Bon Voyage, Give Them Hell, Best of Luck and the like from our (jackirs ?) we were on our way once more to Italy, a trip we thought that would never finish.
June 26th We saw nothing out of the ordinary up to today, but about 2 PM one of our convoys, the English Destroyer, sighted something about 2 miles on our left. She quickly left us in charge of our other convoy the little sturdy American. She was gone for about 1/2 hour and then back in her place again. In Genoa British jackirs claimed to have sunk a German sub. But we were ignorant of it all as it all happened too far from sight.
June 27th about 5 AM we reached the coast of Italy. 6 AM we were in the port of Genoa. 7 AM we were in our dock. The port looked very queer to us compared to what we had left just 2 weeks ago. We were not allowed off until sundown, with the exception of the boys that took charge of the officers baggage. Our section was placed on guard around the dock. Here we had all our cars and supplies strewed all over the docks, these being taken off the U.S.S. Plymouth. About 5:30 PM the boys started to come off our ship with full field equipment. Our boys lined up in parade formation, left the dock of Genoa for a parade through the city. This is undoubtedly the end of the story of our safe trip across the pond on the good ship U.S.S. Giuseppe Verdi as far as the rest of the boys were concerned. But it was still in our midst for we were to guard our own supplies. We had the privilege of using the showeres and baths while we were there.
566 Done the guarding until 5 PM Sunday June 30 when we were relieved by soe other section. Monday 566 had the distinction of being made the Provo Guards in Genow. I was put on the afternoon shift from 1:30 - 5--along with Dan Couston. Our post was along the main thoroughfare of the City.
Via XX September. It was a very nice post being cool and shady, it also was a good opportunity to see the sights of Genoa. This job lasted 3 weeks. Our Sect 566 left Genoa for the front as we thought on the 19th of July at 8 AM. I was assigned as an assistant to Dan Couston on an ambulance at noon of the same day.
There will be another similar installment from your grandfather's World War I journal. The anniversary of his early death is coming up Feb 20 and it's hard to think of him falling ill at such a young age when you see pictures like this:
It's a great gift to feel as though we can get to know him a little better through his journal, pictures and trinkets. How lucky you all are to have had someone document so well!
And one more treat from this album in light of Valentine's Day:
June 24th After a good look at the rock of Gibraltar we set sail again. About 4 PM amid cheers and shouts of Bon Voyage, Give Them Hell, Best of Luck and the like from our (jackirs ?) we were on our way once more to Italy, a trip we thought that would never finish.
June 26th We saw nothing out of the ordinary up to today, but about 2 PM one of our convoys, the English Destroyer, sighted something about 2 miles on our left. She quickly left us in charge of our other convoy the little sturdy American. She was gone for about 1/2 hour and then back in her place again. In Genoa British jackirs claimed to have sunk a German sub. But we were ignorant of it all as it all happened too far from sight.
June 27th about 5 AM we reached the coast of Italy. 6 AM we were in the port of Genoa. 7 AM we were in our dock. The port looked very queer to us compared to what we had left just 2 weeks ago. We were not allowed off until sundown, with the exception of the boys that took charge of the officers baggage. Our section was placed on guard around the dock. Here we had all our cars and supplies strewed all over the docks, these being taken off the U.S.S. Plymouth. About 5:30 PM the boys started to come off our ship with full field equipment. Our boys lined up in parade formation, left the dock of Genoa for a parade through the city. This is undoubtedly the end of the story of our safe trip across the pond on the good ship U.S.S. Giuseppe Verdi as far as the rest of the boys were concerned. But it was still in our midst for we were to guard our own supplies. We had the privilege of using the showeres and baths while we were there.
566 Done the guarding until 5 PM Sunday June 30 when we were relieved by soe other section. Monday 566 had the distinction of being made the Provo Guards in Genow. I was put on the afternoon shift from 1:30 - 5--along with Dan Couston. Our post was along the main thoroughfare of the City.
Via XX September. It was a very nice post being cool and shady, it also was a good opportunity to see the sights of Genoa. This job lasted 3 weeks. Our Sect 566 left Genoa for the front as we thought on the 19th of July at 8 AM. I was assigned as an assistant to Dan Couston on an ambulance at noon of the same day.
There will be another similar installment from your grandfather's World War I journal. The anniversary of his early death is coming up Feb 20 and it's hard to think of him falling ill at such a young age when you see pictures like this:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)