Marino-Cavallari family papers, 1917-1971

The Marino-Cavallari family papers center around three members of the family: Vincenzo Marino, his daughter Sophia Marino, and her husband Cesar Cavallari.

Vincenzo (Vi) Marino was born in Prizzi, Italy, on June 9, 1866. He came to the United States about 1900 and first settled in Livingston. In 1912 he opened a confectionery, tobacco, and grocery store at 132 South Main St. in Helena. He later moved the store a few doors away to 124 South Main. In 1935 the store moved to 106 Broadway. At the South Main location he also operated the Montana Hotel. About 1935 the store and hotel moved to 106 Broadway. Marino was active in the Eagles Lodge and in the St. Helena Cathedral. Vincenzo Marino married Anna Provenzano in Italy about 1887. The couple had a daughter Sophia and a son Frank. Vincenzo Marino died in Helena in 1948.

Sophia Marino was born in Prizzi, Italy, on June 3, 1898, the daughter of Vincenzo and Anna Marino. She moved with her parents to the United States about 1900 and came to Helena with them about 1912. As a young woman she helped her parents in the grocery store and eventually took it over in the 1930s or 1940s and operated it as the Marino-Cavallari Grocery and as the Cavallari-Marino Grocery. She also had the Marino Apartments at the same Broadway location. Sophia Marino married Cesare Cavallari on July 18, 1940. They had no children. Sophia Cavallari died in Helena on April 13, 1971.

Cesare Cavallari was born in Dinomi, Italy, on May 23, 1890, the son of Frank and Frances Cavallari. He worked in Havre as a machinist’s helper for the Great Northern Railway. In April 1917 he enlisted in the army and served as a first lieutenant in Germany, Belgium, and France. He was wounded in battle. About 1929 he moved to Helena and shortly thereafter moved into the Marino’s Montana Hotel. After the war he was active in the American Legion and in the Disabled American Veterans. Cesare Cavallari died March 23, 1963 in Helena.