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    Victor Losa:  Oral History Transcript Summary

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Louis (Luigi)
Biamonte

Mike Biollo

Father Giovanni
Bonelli

Camillo Bridarolli

Mr. & Mrs. Henry
Butti

John Camarta

Domenico Chiarello

Joe Fabbri

Mario Grassi

Victor Losa

Filomena Michetti

Mrs. Mamie Meardi

Tony Nimis

Giorgio W. &
Norma Pocaterra

Mr. & Mrs. John
Segatti

Romano Tedesco &
Mrs. Irma Giacobbo

Angelo Toppano

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A summary of the oral history transcript of Victor Losa describes his emigration experience, his work life in Edmonton, and reflections of the depression era and war years.

  • May 1905, born in Turin, left for Edmonton c1920
     

  • had a labor contract with Pietro Colpertalto (sp?) who owned a jewelry store and was a consular agent
     

  • Victor trained as a watchmaker in the same school as Pietro, who advertised there for skilled help
     

  • 1920 Pietro moved to Vancouver, B.C. as Italian Consul & sold the jewelry store & consular office to Victor
     

  • retained excellent Italian- due to reading books, newspapers, speaking with other Italians
     

  • married a non-Italian
     

  • English-as-a-second-language classes for new Canadians of any origin were organized by the City of Edmonton as early as ~1921-1923
     

  • estimated 500 Italians in Edmonton in the 1920s (as per consular records)
     

  • 1930s Depression Years, was hard, carried on, survived
     

  • being consul was a thankless job - Italians didn't like to pay
     

  • helped with forms, accompanying to courts, etc.
     

  • received no enumeration or salary - just a percentage on stamps for documents.
     

  • relationship between Italians & local authorities and between Italians & other ethnic groups was very good (at least until 1935)
     

  • 1935 - Italian invasion of Ethiopia
     

  • gave lectures in church halls & clubs to explain Italian position with respect to invasion (and was surprised that he wasn't thrown out or touched or insulted ) [treated respectfully]
     

  • WWII - Italians & Germans were compelled to go to nearest RCMP detachment to register & show up once a month. He considered this a formality. Needed permission to leave district.
     

  • no longer consul at this time
     

  • felt no personal discrimination.

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