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     Giovanni Paron: Oral History Transcript Summary

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Raffaele Albi

Mr. and Mrs.
Enrico Butti

Mr. & Mrs.
Domenico Chiarello
(Nella Anselmo)

Gus & Assunta Dotto
(Emilia Raffin)

 Attilio & Stella Gatto

Gus Lavorato

Giovanni Paron

Louie Protti

Mr. & Mrs. Sartor

Sam Scrivano

Silvio Tona

Paolo Veltri


The discussion centred around Mr. Paron's emigration experience, working, family and community life in  British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

  • Describes early years -home, school, family - in Italy. Came to Canada when he was 14
  • Describes voyage from home to Michel, B.C. where he joined his brothers who worked the coal mines in the Rockies.
  • Played music in a band. 
  • Sent for mail order bride from the old country.
  • Moved to Saskatchewan where he & his wife homesteaded for 25 years. Describes married life; delivered own son. Describes Cutknife community; building of Italian church.
  • Moved to Edmonton. Acquaintanceship with Mr. Butti.
  • Industrial Machine Shop, Inventor- businessman. Son took over business.
  • Family, friends, activities in Edmonton.
  • Founding and construction of Santa Maria Goretti church
  • Feelings about Edmonton, Canada and Italy.
  • Family -one daughter, one son; son's marriage to Ukrainian girl; granddaughter has two children
  • No recollection of Italian organizations, newspapers - "they're just starting now" (1983)
  • Gives reasons for his opposition to construction of new church hall.
  • Issues - economy poor in 1930s; never felt discriminated against; Italians had reputation of solid, law-abiding citizens.  War years - brother went to Italy in his stead.
  • Describes a community history book that contains details and photos of his homesteading years. 

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