The first impression of Edmonton must have been
terrible: Edmonton was a little town and in January, not
really inviting. The sister Assunta did mention the cold,
but for Sam it was difficult to imagine just how cold!
There were not many Italians in Edmonton, about 10 -
15 families. Another Italian grocery was run by Franco
Romeo. Other stores that Sam recalls were Eaton's, Hudson
Bay and Safeway.
Sam did not find work right away, so he was helping
his sister in making cheese. For this reason he went to
Calgary to work on a dairy farm for 4 months.
His brother in law was working at the CNR. At the
first opportunity, he called Sam. Sam got the job and
started working for the company for 42 years.
His first work was laborer, then he become inspector on
the trains, then assistant mechanic, and finally mechanic.
His first salary was .39 cents.
In 1925 he went back to Italy to visit his family.
Here he met a young woman, Maria, and they married. The
couple had a simple ceremony with friends and relatives.
They came back in Edmonton, at first they lived with
his sister. Later they rented a bigger house, and in 1954
they bought their first house with $3,400.00.
The family was growing; there were 2 girls (Iola and
Elda) and 1 boy (Mario).
They went to school at The Sacred Heart and St. Joseph at
the time the schools were ran by nuns.
Their life was normal: the girls finished grade 12 and
went to work for a doctor, Mario continued his study and
eventually became a manager of a bank.
Edmonton was transforming in a bigger city and the Italian
community was growing.
The family did not suffer any discrimination, only
during the war Sam experienced a few problems. His
co-workers, the majority of Scottish heritage, made a
petition to have him out of the CNR. They were accusing
him of having sympathies for Mussolini. The boss did not
accept the petition.
Sam never regretted coming to Canada: he had a future
for his children.
During the years he sponsored a sister in law, and a
cousin.
Now retired (1983) Sam spent his time playing cards
and looking after the garden. His wife and one daughter
are dead.