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    Romano Tedesco and Mrs. Irma Giacobbo:  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

 

Part 1:   Romano Tedesco speaks in Italian (...English translation coming soon).

Part 2:   Daughter of Romano Tedesco, Mrs. Irma Giacobbo, continues the interview in English and describes her life in the farming community of Venice-Hylo, Alberta.

  • got married at 17 years of age, then went north to near Ft. McMurray for 3 years where husband worked for railroad, before coming back to farming community in Venice, AB.
     

  • hard life; after war was better
     

  • recreational opportunities very limited; music - accordions, guitars, violins - at someone's house.  No hall, just a church.
     

  • no liquor or wine
     

  • very happy days; didn't know anything different
     

  • from human point of view, very friendly - large families, hard work, yet enjoyed visiting, etc.
     

  • came to Canada from Italy as young girl
     

  • spent last 7 years in Edmonton [since c1966]
     

  • went previous year [1972] to Italy; they have new homes, conveniences; impression that they were friendly, happy
     

  • farm life at Venice, near Lac La Biche, was in the bush, 200 miles from Edmonton
     

  • quality of life better before; more respect shown; more gratitude
     

  • relationship between nationalities was good; Ukrainians, French, Germans, Italians, and "even Indians" - all were friendly with each other.
     

  • Lac La Biche was nearest major centre, but had local school in Venice
     

  • after she got married and moved from community, had to learn English
     

  • spoke Italian at home
     

  • after husband died, spoke English with children - youngest children don't speak Italian
     

  • moved to Edmonton even though still liked it in Venice - son got married, so moved out to make room for son and his new family

 

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