The Family of Giovanni Napoleone

First a little history, taken from the G. Napoleone website (with very minor editing).  This website is maintained two of Giovanni's other grandsons, my cousins John and Pat.  If you are interested in high quality Italian cooking, be sure to visit their site...and check out their book "How I Taught my Brother to Cook"

In the year 1902, Giovanni Napoleone arrived in the United States on a ship out of Naples, Italy with only a few dollars in his pocket. The young Abruzzese boy left the small hill town of Ateleta with the support of his mother and father. The goal was to become a barber and the prospects of a good living seemed brighter in the "land of opportunity" than tending the farm during a poor economic time in Abruzzi.

He made his way from Ellis Island to Philadelphia and finally settled down in Niagara Falls, NY. It was here that he and his two brothers, who had come before him, decided to make their livings. His father, in one of his many letters to his boys and this one sent to Giovanni's brother before he had arrived, had said, "If Giovanni does not want to become a barber then tell him to make enough money for a return ticket home and he can work on the farm". Giovanni indeed became a barber. He met and married a Calabrese girl, Maria Rosso, and together they raised four children, all girls. He was also an accomplished musician on the mandolin. He became a well respected member of the community and led many musical events in the area. His barber shop earned him his living and his music won the hearts of all those that heard it. His commitment to the quality of his business and his music was a trademark of this kind and gentle man.

Now for some very old photos.  Click on the small thumbnails to see larger versions.

Giovanni and Domenico		Giovanni and Domenico		Giovanni and Domenico
An early portrait of Giovanni		A mandolin orchestra		John and second wife Ruby