Italian oral history project audio recordings, 1970-1979
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- University of Utah. American West Center
- Title
- Italian oral history project audio recordings
- Dates
- 1970-1979 (inclusive)19701979
1987 (inclusive)19871987 - Quantity
- 34 items
- Collection Number
- A0305
- Summary
- The Italian oral history project audio recordings (1970-1987) consist of interviews conducted with Utahns of Italian descent. Interviews begin with a short biography of the subject and cover topics such as discrimination, labor unions and social events. The American West Center conducted this and other ethnic oral history projects in an attempt to record the experiences Utah's ethnic minorities. Click here to request digitized materials from the collection or visit ArchivesSpace for a container level list of digitized materials.
- Repository
-
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860
Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Materials must be used on-site; no use of original material, access copies will be made available for viewing. Five business days advanced notice required. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law, condition of the material, or by donor.
- Languages
- English, Italian
Historical Note
In 1964, History professors A. R. Mortensen and Gregory Crampton conceived the University of Utah's American West Center (originally called the Western History Center) as an institution devoted exclusively to research on the American West. As a part of its mission to create and disseminate knowledge about the American West, the center established the ongoing Ethnic Oral Histories Project to explore the experiences of Utah members of Native American and ethnic immigrant communities, including Italian Americans.
Many Italians immigrated to Utah during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although some came because they were Mormon converts, more were attracted to Utah as laborers for the state's railroad and mining industries in Salt Lake, Weber and Carbon Counties. Although varying degrees of strife existed between the Italian immigrants, other residents of Utah, the Ku Klux Klan, and even between immigrants from Northern and Southern Italy, Italian Americans developed active communities like the "Little Italy" near Salt Lake City's Rio Grande Station and established lodges and societies in mining towns like Bingham and Castle Gate. Miners joined labor unions and were active in several strikes in the early twentieth century. The interviews in this collection focus on these early days, but they also more loosely encompass the Italian American experience in Utah from the end of the nineteenth century to the mid-late twentieth century when these oral histories were compiled.
Content Description
The Italian oral history project audio recordings (1970-1987) were recorded initially on reel-to-reel audiotape and later on audiocassettes. They consist of interviews with subjects who either immigrated directly from Italy or were born in the United States immediately after their parents arrived in this country. Each interview begins with a short biography of the subject and then expands to include various topics such as discrimination, early union organizational efforts, social events, etc. Other topics are covered in this register. Some of the interviews are in Italian.
Administrative Information
Return to TopDetailed Description of the Collection
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Reel-to-reel audiotape audiotapes, 1970-1979
Container: Box 1
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Description: Joseph Merabelle
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Joseph Merabelle, who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1911 and was a founder of the Italian American Civic League. The interview was conducted in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 March 22Container: Reel 1 -
Description: Frank Notarianni
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Frank Notarianni, who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1914. He discusses learning English, gaining citizenship, working for the Union Pacific Railroad, and the culture he found in Utah. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 April 18Container: Reel 2 -
Description: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cannariato
open reel audiotapesoundThis reel-to-reel audiotape contains a copy of an interview in Italian with Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cannariato, formerly of Price, Utah. The interview was conducted by Joseph J. Cannariato in Fair Oaks, California.
Dates: 1970 AugustContainer: Reel 3 -
Description: Angelo Calfo
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Angelo Calfo, who talks about mining conditions in Carbon County and more personal aspects of his own life including living in a boxcar, starting a hotel and getting married. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 July 10Container: Reel 4 -
Description: Giovanni Canepari
open reel audiotapesoundInterview in Italian with Giovanni Canepari. The interview was conducted by Renzo Canepari and Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 July 18Container: Reel 5 -
Description: Dan Percerelli
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Dan Percerelli, who worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, lost his brother in World War I and spent six months in the Italian army after having spent time in the United States. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: 1971 October 09Container: Reel 6 -
Description: Al Veltri
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Al Veltri, who speaks on Ku Klux Klan activities in Helper, Utah. He also talks about integration, experiences in religion, education, Italian superstitions and home remedies, and the Carbon County mine strike. The interview was conducted by Kent Powell and Phil Notarianni in Helper, Utah.
Dates: 1971 December 18Container: Reel 7 -
Description: Stanley V. Litizzette
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Stanley V. Litizzette, who speaks about working in the mines, the strike of 1903, the animosity between Northern and Southern Italians and discrimination towards Italians. The interview was conducted by Kent Powell and Phil Notarianni in Helper, Utah.
Dates: 1971 December 18Container: Reel 8 -
Description: Luigi Nicoletti
open reel audiotapesoundInterview in Italian and some English with Luigi Nicoletti, who briefly describes the village where he was born and the family business ("Ranching"). The interview was conducted by Mrs. Mary Peterson (Nicoletti's daughter) and Phil Notarianni in Midvale, Utah.
Dates: 1971 July 23Container: Reel 9 -
Description: Catherine Fratto
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Catherine Fratto, who discusses midwifery, which was used quite often during the era when she was born. She also tells much about superstitions and home remedies. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Hunter, Utah.
Dates: 1971 November 13Container: Reel 10 -
Description: Mr. and Mrs. Jim Chiodo
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Mr. and Mrs. Jim Chiodo. Chiodo worked for the Denver and Rio Grande (D.&R.G.) Railroad. The couple witnessed the strike of 1923. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 July 11Container: Reel 11 -
Description: Rocco and Paul Razzeca
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Rocco Razzeca and his son, Paul Razzeca. Rocco worked as the rigger foreman for Kenneott Copper. Most of this interview is based upon the recollection of Rocco's son, Paul. He tells of his father's marriage, United States citizenship, and the treatment of Italians in Tooele. The interview is conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: 1971 June 13Container: Reel 12 -
Description: Charles Barber
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Charles Barber, a retired Salt Lake City employee born in 1895 in Pedivigliano, Italy. He discusses the treatment of Italians in Garfield, differences between Greeks and Italians, unions, strikes, railroad work, World War I, and social organizations. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 November 28Container: Reel 13 -
Description: Fr. Frank Pellgrino
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Fr. Frank Pellgrino, who was very knowledgeable about religion and superstition among early Italian immigrants. He also speaks about liquor activities during the Prohibition period and talks about the 1923 strike in Carbon County and the explosion that killed 179 men. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1971 November 27Container: Reel 14 -
Description: Joe Merabelle
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Joe Merabelle. The interview revolves completely around early Italian lodges and societies in Utah. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1972 January 20Container: Reel 15 -
Description: Dr. Joe Dalplaz, part 1
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Dr. Joe Dalplaz, who discusses the Castle Gate coal strike of 1903, the brutality of the company guards, and the Black Hand (Mafia) activity in the area. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Helper, Utah.
Dates: 1972 February 02Container: Reel 16 -
Description: Dr. Joe Dalplaz, part 2
open reel audiotapesoundConclusion of an interview with Dr. Joe Dalplaz, who discusses the Castle Gate coal strike of 1903, the brutality of the company guards, and the Black Hand (Mafia) activity in the area. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Helper, Utah.
Dates: 1972 February 02Container: Reel 17 -
Description: Sam Siciliano
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Sam Siciliano. The bulk of this interview centers around Siciliano's father, who immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1889. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, utah.
Dates: 1972 January 03Container: Reel 18 -
Description: Marion Bonacci Lupo
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Marion Bonacci Lupo, who speaks about her father, Frank Bonacci, and his work with labor unions and the Utah House of Representatives. Bonacci was a labor leader in Carbon County, and he served as a representative for 12 years, and was the first Italian born citizen to be elected to this position. This interview also reveals more about the brutality against union workers, along with the competition that existed between unions at that time. The interview was conducted by Helen Papnikolas.
Dates: 1971 JuneContainer: Reel 19 -
Description: Antonio Guadagnoli, part 1
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Antonio Guadagnoli, who immigrated in 1910 from Grimardi, Italy. He discusses miners' unions, Sunnyside, and the strike of 1922. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Price, Utah.
Dates: 1972 June 13Container: Reel 20 -
Description: Antonio Guadagnoli, part 2
open reel audiotapesoundConclusion of an interview with Antonio Guadagnoli, who immigrated in 1910 from Grimardi, Italy. He discusses miners' unions, Sunnyside, and the strike of 1922. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Price, Utah.
Dates: 1972 June 13Container: Reel 21 -
Description: Joseph Cannariato
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Joseph Cannariato, who speaks about the strikes in 1913 and 1922 and a lynching in 1925, as well as the Black Hand, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and Italian beliefs and superstitions. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Price, Utah.
Dates: 1972 June 14Container: Reel 22 -
Description: John Bernardo
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with John Bernardo, who provides information on "Little Italy," his days while working, and union progress and strength. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: 1972 July 13Container: Reel 23 -
Description: "Essay on the Mafia": a CBS News Special
open reel audiotapesoundThis reel-to-reel audiotape is an off-air recording of the CBS News Special, "Essay on the Mafia", which explores subjects including: Italian writer Luigi Barzini, Italian rally participants, the film The Godfather, Mafia gang war, the size of the Italian American community, ethnic crime, clanishness in Sicily, Southern Italy, the immigrant experience, the Arkansas Italian community, Prohibition and the Mafia, and the shooting of Joe Columbo. The program was recorded by Phil Notarianni.
Dates: 1972 June 25Container: Reel 24 -
Description: Harold Nielsen
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Harold Nielsen, who was a teacher in Bingham, UT. He gives his views and recollections of the various ethnic groups in Bingham. The interview was conducted by Vince Mayer and Phil Notarianni in Sandy, Utah.
Dates: 1972 July 20Container: Reel 25 -
Description: Mike and Joe Lewis, part 1
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Mike and Joe Lewis, who discuss prejudices that existed against Italians early during the 20th century. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: 1974 June 26Container: Reel 26 -
Description: Mike and Joe Lewis, part 2
open reel audiotapesoundConclusion of an interview with Mike and Joe Lewis, who discuss prejudices that existed against Italians early during the 20th century. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: 1974 June 26Container: Reel 27 -
Description: Margaret B. Bertolina
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Margaret B. Bertolina, who speaks at length about her family's store in Helper, Utah. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dates: 1974 July 12Container: Reel 28 -
Description: Louis Falvo
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Louis Falvo, who tells briefly of life in Italy, his immigration to the United States and how he got started in business. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Magna, Utah.
Dates: undatedContainer: Reel 29 -
Description: Joseph Tome, part 1
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Joseph Tome, who discusses his early years in Italy, his family's move to the United States in 1913, Ellis Island, and the ship to the United States. Tome recalls his first jobs, playing in an orchestra, working in Nevada, having currency in gold, and his military service. He talks about Lodge No. 68, single men, lodge activities, and his blacksmith work. He also discusses various ethnic populations in Bingham, Utah, Prohibition, the Ku Klux Klan, the Lopez incident, the Depression, and World War II. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Sandy, Utah.
Dates: 1974 July 31Container: Reel 30 -
Description: Joseph Tome, part 2
open reel audiotapesoundConclusion of an interview with Joseph Tome, who discusses his early years in Italy, his family's move to the United States in 1913, Ellis Island, and the ship to the United States. Tome recalls his first jobs, playing in an orchestra, working in Nevada, having currency in gold, and his military service. He talks about Lodge No. 68, single men, lodge activities, and his blacksmith work. He also discusses various ethnic populations in Bingham, Utah, Prohibition, the Ku Klux Klan, the Lopez incident, the Depression, and World War II. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Sandy, Utah.
Dates: 1974 July 31Container: Reel 31 -
Description: Rose and Charlie Leonelli
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Rose and Charlie Leonelli, who discuss ethnic communities in Tooele, along with union activities, the Depression, and Italian Prisoners of War. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Tooele, Utah.
Dates: 1974 August 02Container: Reel 32 -
Description: Antonio Guadagnoli
open reel audiotapesoundInterview with Antonio Guadagnoli, who speaks about the Sunnyside Italian Band. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni in Price, Utah.
Dates: 1974 August 08Container: Reel 33 -
Description: Vincent Massari
open reel audiotapesoundIntervew with Vincent Massari, who talks about family life in Italy and his father's labor union strikes, including The United Mine Workers Strikes of 1898 and 1914. The interview was conducted by Phil Notarianni and Joe Stipanovich in Pueblo, Colorado.
Dates: 1974 September 14Container: Reel 34
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Audiocassettes, 1987
Container: Box 2
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Description: Mary Juliano, part 1
audiocassettesoundInterview with Mary Juliano, who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 May 02Container: Cassette 1 -
Description: Mary Juliano, part 2
audiocassettesoundInterview with Mary Juliano, who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 May 02Container: Cassette 2 -
Description: Phillip Notarianni, Jr.
audiocassettesoundInterview with Philip Notarianni, Jr., who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 July 30Container: Cassette 3 -
Description: Phil Notarianni: "Italians in Helper Utah"
audiocassettesoundMaterial about Italians living and working in the town of Helper, Utah. Phil Notarianni is currently (as of June 2008) the Director of the Utah State Historical Society.
Dates: undatedContainer: Cassette 4 -
Description: Vito Bonaci, part 1
audiocassettesoundInterview with Vito Bonaci, who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 September 18Container: Cassette 5 -
Description: Vito Bonaci, part 2; Filomena (Fazzio) Bonaci
audiocassettesoundOne side of this audiocassette contains the conclusion of an interview with Vito Bonaci, who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah. The other side contains an interview with Filomena (Fazzio) Bonaci.
Dates: 1987 September 18Container: Cassette 6 -
Description: Joseph S. Bonaci
audiocassettesoundInterview with Joseph S. Bonaci, who discusses Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 September 18Container: Cassette 7 -
Description: Mary (Angotti) Palomi and John Angotti, part 1
audiocassettesoundInterview with Mary (Angotti) Palomi and John Angotti, who discuss Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 September 19Container: Cassette 8 -
Description: Mary (Angotti) Paloni and John Angotti, part 2
audiocassettesoundConclusion of an interview with Mary (Angotti) Paloni and John Angotti, who discuss Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 September 19Container: Cassette 9 -
Description: Oliveto Sisters, part 1
audiocassettesoundInterview with the Oliveto Sisters: Helen O. Smith, Rose O. Craven, Jennie O. Felice and Angelina O. King, who discuss Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 October 22Container: Cassette 10 -
Description: Oliveto Sisters, part 2
audiocassettesoundConclusion of an interview with the Oliveto Sisters: Helen O. Smith, Rose O. Craven, Jennie O. Felice and Angelina O. King, who discuss Italian American experiences in Utah.
Dates: 1987 October 22Container: Cassette 11
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