While emptying my grandparents’ house, I found a stack of letters in a simple plastic bag in a dresser. I instantly knew that I had received an incredible gift, one that would reveal relationships, feelings, values, and customs of the times. All the letters, written in cursive Italian, would need to be accurately translated. Around the same time, I was researching my family and came upon a familiar name, Maria Rossi, a second cousin whom I had met fifty years ago in Italy. She had become an Italian teacher in New Jersey, married Gennaro Ragucci, and had two boys, now grown. When I reconnected with her, I asked if she would help with the translations, and she generously agreed. I conducted an oral history call with her on July 17, 2020, and the letters with complete English translations are available.
The following three letters are from 1908 – 1909.
Napoli 12 November 1908
Letter #1
Naples, Italy, 1908. My great grandfather, Paolo, Pasquariello, writes to his newly wedded daughter, Rosina, who has immigrated to America. In his sweet and affectionate letter, he expresses deeply held values: “…our family values respect, honor, love, and not material things.” A timeless message for future generations.
My great grandfather, Paolo Pasquariello, wrote this four-page letter from Italy to his daughter Rosina, who was married in October to Andrea Pasquariello in Brooklyn, New York. This very sweet and affectionate letter reflects a father’s love and concern for his newly married daughter as he stressed some deeply held values. The following are some highlights:
Paolo commented on Andrea’s last letter, which gave him and his wife beautiful news about the newlyweds’ life:
“He says that he is happy with you and, this has always been our desire. After having read your letter, both of us were so joyful, we were as happy as one can be after winning the lottery.”
Later in the letter Paolo expressed his displeasure with Cosimo, a potential suitor for Rosina’s sister, Teresa. Apparently, Cosimo wanted to know exactly what the conditions of the dowry were before any commitment was made. Dowries were the way parents could support their daughters in setting up their new households and might include property, as well as linens, clothes, china or silverware. Legal papers documented the agreements.
“…Cosimo and his family have decided that they would like to receive the chest with all the linens and clothes of your sister and then, they will set a date for the dowry documents. We were so disappointed. I tell you. The students want to teach their master.”
Paolo closed with a wish for Rosina and God’s blessing.
“Your mother and I greet you with love. God bless you always and may He grant you what your heart desires. Forever, your dear father”
On the last page of the letter, addressed to his new son-in-law, his tone is more serious with some advice clearly stating his expectations of Andrea, Rosina’s new husband:
“You know well that our family values respect, honor, love and not material things. We hope that Rosina is always loved, endeared and treated well by you. It’s not that we don’t trust you, we know well that you are good and we know your beautiful ways, but we like to stress this because she is now in a foreign land, without father, mother, brother or sister and, we fear that she can become lonely and depressed. Please, encourage her and keep her spirit up. I say no more”
Paolo and his wife never saw Rosina or Andrea again nor their grandchildren. Letters became the only way to communicate and stay connected. I am sure Rosina read them again and again to feel the warmth of her family’s love.
Napoli 20 January 1909
Letter #2
Teresa writes to her sister Rosina, who has been in New York for three months and shares news of the family and her upcoming trip to America. Teresa, who is younger, clearly misses Rosina and looks up to her for advice. However, it is also very obvious that Teresa is focused and level-headed about her plans.
First and foremost, she discusses a will that her mother has not addressed and states that their brother will undoubtedly take care of her:
“If I come to stay with you, we can remain tranquil and reassured that we have a brother in Italy who takes care of our old parents. It is right that we bear everything for them. In fact, anytime I say that I plan to come to America, our father has tears in his eyes. Therefore, I wish that they stay in full agreement with our brother, so that we can stay calm.”
Teresa is interested in employment opportunities in the new world as well as what to pack:
“My dear sister, let me know If I can do some work there because you know that I have expenses even for the trip’s two- way ticket. I can have ideas on planning everything from your advice. Help me to decide whether I have to bring with me all the linens and clothes that I have, or only the things I need in the short time. I always follow your advice. Let me know everything.”
Other news includes the mention that their niece, Mariantonia, has scarlet fever and hoping that it is mild and will go away soon. Teresa is also done with a potential suitor, Cosimo, who she fears is not sincere. She sends greetings from many friends as she concludes:
“So many kisses and embraces from mother and father and so many kisses and embraces from one who will always love you, your sister Teresa”
Teresa never uses her two-way ticket, remaining permanently in the United States.
Napoli 18 August 1909
Letter #3
My great grandfather, Paolo Pasquariello, writes to his daughter, Rosina, on August 18, 1909 to tell her that her sister, Teresa, will be coming to America. The ship “Konig Albert” will take 11 days to reach New York. The envelope reveals Rosina and her husband, Andrea’s first address in Brooklyn.
Paolo writes to Rosina to tell her the details of Teresa’s trip to America:
“Today, I have set the date for Teresina’s departure. It is Friday, the 20th for her and Luigi’s aunt. The boat is named “Konig Albert”. It takes 11 days to reach New York. If I am not mistaken it’s the same boat you took last year.”
He continues, explaining the delay in making the arrangements:
“Dear daughter, do not worry or complain about us or about your sister if she has not left earlier according to your desire. The delay was caused by the fact that she could not have her passport on time. I contacted the secretary of Arpaise’s Municipal Office on the first of June. But, at the end, I had to go myself to Benevento to get it.”
Paolo is hopeful that Teresa will have more company on the voyage and concludes quickly since the mail will stop soon:
“The daughter of Antonio the cook, is planning to leave with your sister, but I don’t know if she can make it. So far, she has no passport. I hope she will be able to leave with your sister. I say nothing more. To you and Andrea, greetings from us and God’s blessings. From your dear Father. P.S. I am in a hurry because at 1:00 p.m. the mail will be stopped.”
Teresa never returns to Italy and remains in New York, marrying and having three children. Paolo and his wife never see Rosina, Teresa again nor meet their grandchildren. What a huge sacrifice in return for the hope of better lives for their only daughters in America.