American First Italian Always

Essay of the 1st Winner was Elizabeth C.

    The name Casoria probably started as the definition of "gold house".  It then became Casaurea, Casuri, and later Casoria.  Not only is Casoria my last name, it is also a town five to eight kilometers outside Naples, Italy.  It is said that the beginning of the town Casoria dates back to the fifth century.  Casuri means "poor houses".  The first town was made up of peasant houses and straw huts.  It was not until 1860 that the houses were constructed out of materials such as stone.  Casoria's economy was founded on wine trade and the production of hemp.

    Since September 11, 2001, the name Casoria has become better known.  On that fateful morning, firefighter Thomas Anthony Casoria reported for work before the call went out.  He and Engine Company 22 went to the North Tower of the World Trade Center.  Not long before the Tower fell, Thomas radioed that he was separating from the rest of his squad to answer a mayday, "firefighter down," call that came over his radio.  Casoria and the unknown firefighter's bodies were not recovered until April 8, 2002.  Thomas Casoria was undoubtedly brave to be willing to risk his life to answer the call of duty.

    My great grandfather, Simone Casoria, was married to Caroline DeSarno in Cicciano, Italy on April 19, 1909.  Their first child, Annunziata (Nancy), was born on February 23, 1910, and the following month, my great grandfather departed for America alone.  He worked in Scranton, Pennsylvania for more than a year until he was financially able to send for his wife and daughter.  Caroline and her baby daughter left Italy and arrived in America approximately two weeks later on August 15, 1911.  They were processed through Ellis Island in mid-August, 1911.  Eventually they had twelve children, five girls and seven boys.  My grandfather, Michael, who was their 9th child, was born on March 24, 1922 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

    In June 1974, my grandparents, Michael and Rose Marie Casoria, my father Anthony, and my Uncle Mark went to Italy for two weeks.  They toured several of its main cities and historical sites.  Unfortunately, their trip did not allow time for them to get to visit our family-named city of Casoria.  However, they did get as far as the main road signs directing them towards the town and the welcome sign at the entrance of the city.

    Years later in September of 1985, a group of ten Casoria's (my aunts, uncles and cousins) and seven of their friends traveled to Italy again.  During this trip the group made their way to the town of Casoria.  Upon arriving there they were warmly greeted by the Mayor, the Chief of Police, other dignitaries, as well as many townspeople.  The Chief of Police even presented them with a "Casoria" road sign which my cousin in Orlando proudly displays in his home.  It is my dream and goal to visit Casoria, Italy someday.

Essay of the 2nd Winner was Andrea W.

Atri, Italy

    Italy.  My first education of this country was in elementary school and the thing I remembered the most was that it was that it was shaped like a boot!  We talked about cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence.  In high school I learned more as we studied artists Michaelangelo and DaVinci and others.  The studies have given me a knowledge of the history of famous places and people of Italy, but a greater impression has been made learning form a not so famous man, who loves to talk about a not so famous place.

    For many years I have had the privilege of learning from my grandfather about Atri, a city in the Provence of Abruzzi.  When I was little my grandpa always talked about going to Italy "someday."  His mother was born there and his father lived in a small village between Atri and Pineto.  A few years ago my grandpa was finally able to go.

    The history of Atri goes way back.  In 6th century B.C. the town was one of four major Greek harbors in the Adriatic Sea.  Then in 290 in was conquered by Rome.  Atri was annexed to Duchy of Spoleto after the fall of the Roman Empire.  Then in 1393 it was purchased by the House of Acquaviva.  At the end of the 18th century it was given to the Kingdom of Naples.

    Today about 11,500 people live in Atri.  Visitors to this region enjoy mountain views and ancient beechwood forests.  The national parks are home to wolves and bears.  Century-old pathways are still used by shepherds and their flocks.  In the city, tourists will find many historic sights and witness an age-old Italian lifestyle that still exists.  While most of the region is mountainous, travel to the east and you will see sandy beaches and the Adriatic Sea.

    That is the textbook version of the history and people of Atri.  For me the history of Atri includes the beautiful mountains in the pictures my grandfather shares.  I see the history of Atri when I look at photos of the primitive flat roof house where my great-grandmother grew up.  Of course over the years the city has modernized quite a bit.  My grandpa's cousins who have for years lived in one of the older family homes up on the mountain, have recently purchased a modern apartment closer to the central part of the city.  But still many traditions of the Italian culture remain.  My grandparents love to talk about lunch time in Atri, where businesses close down for much more than an hour and families gather for their big meal of the day.  Then evening meal is usually something light; afterwards families gather in the piazza.

    Among the historical sites is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, where many family members have married including my great-grandmother and most recently my fourth-generation cousin Katia.  Much of her dress and her bridal chest included hand made linens and crocheted lace.  The family has sent us special linens and hand-made olive wood items that Katia's father made in his wood working shop.

    Ironically, Katia and her husband came to the United States for their honeymoon visiting family in New York and Florida.  My grandpa brought them to the Magic Kingdom and other tourist attractions but they also spent time here in Vero Beach.  Katia taught us an Italian lullaby, "bati bati..."  We still keep in touch with e-mail (one of the modern world conveniences found in the old fashioned town).  The Ferretti Family also has a website where Katia has recently posted pictures of her son Christian.

    Last month, I worked side by with my grandfather at the 18th Annual Italian American Food Festival.  A new item this year was "Pasta Abruzzo".  The sauce was a family recipe made with fresh tomatoes, prosciutto, black olives, green olives, olive oil and garlic.  It was a big hit selling out before the festival was over!

    My grandpa had the vision for this festival and pulled it off the first time the year my mother was pregnant with me - his first grandchild.  I have been to every festival since.  It is kind of neat to think he created a showcase of Italian heritage the same year his first grandchild was to be born.  He says, someday he will take his children to Atri.  Who knows, maybe once my mother visits, she will dream of taking me!

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