Dear Scottie Press, I read with real interest the page on the web as I have been digging into my family tree and recently discovered that my maternal grandfather was the son of an immigrant, Carraman Tremarco (you have it listed as Temarco on your site) , who came to Liverpool in 1880 as a sixteen year old boy. He married and lived at 73 Gerard street had five children with his wife, and was listed as a 'showman' in a census at the time, although we've always been told that he was an ice cream seller (his son, James certainly was, my mum remembers him with his barrow). When Caraman's wife died, he took on a housekeeper (who already had two children of her own - her husband had upped and left) and between them they had three further children, the eldest of which was my grandad. As he was born 'the wrong side of the blanket' he was christened with his mother's maiden name, which was Collins. His two younger siblings (two girls I believe) were given their family's name of Tremarco for some reason which none of the remaining family know of. Philip Collins met my grandmother and they had 10 children, one of whom was my mother. There are now probably in the region of 50+ direct decendents of Philip Collins, all of who have a great interest in our Italian ancestry and would love to know the whole story!

I also noticed the name of Capaldi on the site - I remember the family from my childhood days in Liverpool - Capaldi's had an ice cream parlour on Kensington, and my dad was friendly with one of the sons of the business (if my mum's memory serves her right). I vividly remember going there with him on lots of occasions where I used to have a large mug of horlicks as a real treat!

I've noted the addresses you've included on your site, and If you could give me any help whatsoever with ideas of how I might go about further research, I'd be really grateful and be more than willing to share any info I manage to dig up which may be of interest to yourselves. I hope to soon start contacting further family members to see whether they have any photos - my mum seems to think she has some somewhere, but is still in the process of rooting through her loft.

Hope to hear from you in the near future

Jan Hughes

Dear Scottie Press, My name is Madeline (Riozzi) Wilson and I am contacting you from San Diego, CA, USA . I am delighted to see that the Italian marble, mosaic and terrazzo workmanship in Liverpool is being recognized in your Scottie Press.

I recently received an article from my sister-in-law from Liverpool. My father, Fransico (Frank) Riozzi worked all his life in Liverpool on the marble, terrazzo and mosaic. My grandparents Pasquale and Angelina Riozzi immigrated to Liverpool with their children in the beginning of 1900 and my dad was the youngest child. They settled in Gerard Street known as 'Little Italy'. My dad went on to have 10 children 5 lads and 5 girls (I am the youngest). As a young child I remember my dad used to work all over the country, but I do know as fact, that he laid and polished a lot off the wonderful work in St. Georges Hall. He took us there one day to show us. He also did much work in the big office buildings, churches and court-houses. He was also known as the 'terrazzo polisher.' No machines in them days, I can still remember the tops of my dad's fingers would be cut and worn. Too young then to appreciate the terrazzo steps we had and the full kitchen floor in terrazzo tile. I only realized when I was old enough to "do the front steps" that I got shouted at because I sand stoned them like I did the back yard step!

My brother Vinnie Riozzi followed and worked with my dad, I can't remember some of the firms (St. James Tile was one of them). He moved to NJ, USA after my dad died. Vinnie became 'Riozzi Marble & Tile' and became the best in the trade, he still is today. He taught and passed on the trademanship to my son Paul, and to my nephew Dominic Riozzi. Vinnie lives near the old neighbourhood of Bruce Springsteen, who once famous, sought out Vinnie to do his new home. Needless to say, Vinnie said you'll have to wait, I'm too busy... spoken like a true scouser! I do hope you can use some of this and mention my dad and brother. It would mean a lot. He was the first generation Riozzi. I moved to the states to my brother about 13 years ago, but still come back every year as all my other family is there. I will be home this February. I still make spaghetti, pasta dishes & pasta fagiole. It was what we grew up on! All the Italian names mentioned are very familiar. My older sisters and brothers spoke of many tales within that close knit community.

Thank you for your interest and research. I will look out for the paper now it know I can get it on the web.

MADELINE WILSON

Dear Scottie Press, Let me try to help you in your quest. All of the terrazzo and mosaic work in the Littlewoods building in Church Street was done by Diespeker. The mosaic work in the entrance to Spinney House in Church Street was installed by Emilio Basso, assisted by myself. Each tile was installed piece by piece, free hand. In the India Buildings located in Water Street, Diespeker installed toilet partitions made of terrazzo in the basement of the building. What a feat that was in carrying those slabs down so many flights of stairs. I am sure that many more examples exist in older parts of the city. Regarding the Athenaeum, that work must have been completed before my time. All of the terrazzo floor tiling in Exchange Flags, was hand made and installed by Diespeker. Emilio Basso was responsible for most of the work carried out on that project. He was a true Artisan.

Keep up the good work. The descendants of those Scouser Italains may not be aware of the part their forbearers played in the history of Liverpool.

RICHIE O'HARE (OHIO - USA)

Our thanks go to website readers who have contacted us with regards to where we might be able to find examples of the mosaic - terrazzo - marble work which may be attributed to former residents of the Little Italy area of Liverpool.

Over the past two months the Scottie Press has highlighted the efforts made by Paul Sudbury and Ged Fagan to promote screening of a film entitled 'Gardens Of Stone' which tells the story of the planning, construction and demolition of the famous Liverpool landmark that was Gerard Gardens. Paul and Ged are hoping that a screening of the film can be achieved within their plans for a 'Scouse-Italian' Reunion Night to be held at the Via Veneto Ristorante, Old Hall Street, Liverpool 3.

 
If enough interest is shown and support given to this venture the Reunion Night could take place in 2006.


Added to the screening of Gardens Of Stone would be the screen premier of a short documentary film about the famous Liverpool boxer, Dom Volante, who was born in Gerard Street, Little Italy, in 1905. The film, which is called 'Shadow Boxing' has been made by Andrew Smith and it features Dom's upbringing, fights and old photographs. It is recognised that Dom Volante is one of the greatest sportsmen the city of Liverpool has produced. At the pinnacle of his career in 1930, Dom's fight at Maddison Square Gardens, New York - against Harry Carlton - was voted by the then press as the most exciting fight in boxing history. Andrew hopes his film can embrace the entire old Italian community in an extended version of the film which he hopes to achieve in due course.


The 'Scouse-Italian' Reunion Night will be all ticket and will include a 5 course meal together with songs from the operas and traditional Italian music. Paul Sudbury and Ged Fagan and their wives, Liz and Ann-Marie, are photographed with Via Veneto owner, Steve Tierney, when they met with Steve on 14th December to discuss their ideas and plans.

A major aim of the night would be to highlight the rich history, heritage and culture of Liverpool's 'little Italy' and in particular the former residents who were responsible for the wonderful examples of mosaic - terrazzo - marble work still viewable in Liverpool.

If you are interested in finding out more about the night and or wish to obtain ticket details please email Paul Sudbury and Ged Fagan at gardensofstone@fsmail.net

As previously mentioned the confirmation of this event will depend greatly upon the amount of interest shown.

DID YOU KNOW ANY SCOUSE-ITALIANS?

The Little Italy area of Liverpool generally comprised Circus Street, Gerard Street, Hunter Street, Lionel Street, Whale Street and parts of Christian Street, Clare Street and Springfield Street all featured on this map.



Little Italy was in close proximity to Liverpool's city centre and it housed a significant number of Italian immigrants who settled in the locality between 1870 and 1904. The main body of these settlers originated from the small mountain village of Picinisco, located midway between Rome and Naples. Many made the voyage from Italy on the same vessel and as such established family friendships which were to endure for generations an even up to the modern day.

The immigrant families were characteristically very close and supportive of each other, in particular the womenfolk, who demonstrated loyalty and encouragement to their hard working husbands desperately trying to earn enough for his family to survive. In spite of the many hardships they were determined to make a better life for themselves and their children.

Some of the more prominent family names associated with Liverpool's Little Italy are;

Albertini - Baccino - Bartolomeri - Blanki - Boggiano - Bonneretti - Bordessa - Capaldi - Cappella - Chiappe - Cogliolo - Colletta - D'Annunzio - Edro - Fasciole - Ferri - Franchetti - Frediani - Fusco - Gianelli - Granelli - Guzzoni - Iello - Imundi - Innelli - Mancini - Marengo - Minchelli - Miolla - Minghella - Moretta - Muscatelli - Pacelli - Podesta - Riccio - Riozzi - Rocca - Russiano - Sabatini - Santangelli - Sartorri - Silvano - Sinagoea - Tambourini - Temarco - Valerio - Valvona - Varcelli - Ventre - Vermiglio - Volante

Present generations are deeply passionate about their Italian heritage and although the families are now scattered, when they do gather for celebrations they speak fondly of life in the old community. They are also able to give clear and accurate information about their ancestors with detailed descriptions of their occupations.



When Giovanni Baccino (see photographed) came over from Italy in the 1890s he was a terrazzo and marble craftsman. At various stages of his working life he was employed on the highly skilled work embodied in the magnificent St George's Hall and Liver Buildings.

Other immigrant craftsmen were known as 'the figurinai' and they made statues of religious figures (mainly saints) and of popular historical characters such as Queen Victoria and Joan of Arc. Many of the statues were made for local churches including St Francis Xavier's, Salisbury Street, and St Mary of the Angels (Friary) Fox Street.

ITALIANS WORSHIPPED AT ST JOSEPH’S CHURCH

A history of Liverpool’s Italian Community, once centred in and around the Gerard Street area of Everton, shows that the Italians worshipped mainly at St Joseph’s Church, Grosvenor Street. There is almost nothing left to signify that this wonderful church existed save but for the outline of the rear of the church as seen in the photo above. There will be many people who are familiar with this sight but far less will have seen that there still remains a stained glass window above a door.

ST JOSEPH MEMORIES

Dear Scottie Press,
The stained glass window to St Joseph was above the old entrance and the old floor tiles are still there too, behind the door if you go into the old schoolyard. I remember it well as my mam used to bless herself whilst looking up at it when walking in each Sunday tea-time mass (with me).

  I have mixed memories in that whilst I didn't protest too much when being taken to confession on a Saturday or church on a Sunday (Fr Keating and then Fr Baker - late 60s - early 70s) there's no doubt that I’d rather be watching Black Beauty on the telly or playing out. There was the magnificence of the paintings on the wall, the statues, the altar, the pulpit etc (as with all churches really).The high marble columns supporting the arches. The smell of the incense, and knowing the service off by heart. The jingle of the bells from the altar boys during holy communion. Tommy O'Keeffe - eternally remembered as one of the collectors with the plate and still staunchly connected with the area of course, now residing in St. Joseph's crescent.

  I have a poem in my book ‘In A City Living’ which expresses my guilt in that whilst the trek there as a youngster seemed a pain at the time in some cases, it is now a distant memory in that the great building is no longer there and the reason of dry rot seems a feeble excuse for it to be demolished in this day and age. The nearest church to many of the local residents must now seem miles away, especially since the demise of Holy Cross, St. Mary's and The Friary.

 

MOSAICS LOST TO DEMOLITION

The Scottie Press is keen to hear if anyone remembers who did the Mosaic design that used to be in Holy Cross Church, Liverpool 3. Former parishioners recall a mosaic on the main and side altars. We would very interested to hear what happened to these mosaics subsequent to the church being demolished in 2003. We would also Welcome hearing from readers who may have photographs of these mosaics and other mosaics from local churches and any information which readers may have.

FOUR MORE EXAMPLES

We are very grateful to Patrick Neill (The Friends of Liverpool Monuments) for contacting the Scottie Press with four more examples of mosaic work that was once a feature of Holy Cross Church, which we picture below.

MARBLE PULPIT

Once a regular part of worship at St Albans Church (Athol Street) would have been a sermon preached from the marble pulpit. The church, which was opened in 1849, closed in 1991. After closing, the church was stripped and many of the wonderful religious artefacts were given to other churches in the catholic archdiocese. We would be interested to hear from readers who know what happend to the Marble Pulpit or have any information about it's origins or history.

MATCHLESS EXAMPLES OF ITALIAN MARBLE WORK

Considered by many to be matchless examples of Italian marble and mosaic works were once viewable by many thousands of Liverpool people who were either parishioners of or visitors to St Mary of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. Purchased from Rome and other regions of Italy for the church by Amie Elizabeth Imrie, the adopted daughter of William Imrie (co owner of the White Star Shipping Line - of Titanic fame).

The church, which was opened in 1910 was closed in 2001 as part of 'pastoral regeneration' within the Liverpool Catholic Archdiocese, but was given a Grade 2 Listing by English Heritage. This listing protects the outside and inside of the church - against demolition and removal of the religious artefacts

DIESPEKER FOUNDED IN 1881

We thank Mr Ewart Krause (of Diespeker) for contacting the Scottie Press to advise that Diespeker was founded in 1881 in Hamburg by Luigi Oderico, who set up a branch in London and traded as Diespeker Ltd. It was one of the first companies to introduce terrazzo and mosaic to the UK and employed 250 Italian craftsmen at the time.

Mr Krause has provided the Scottie Press website with information from a 1930's book listing the firms Liverpool office address as Peters Building, 11 Rumford Street.

Thebooklet also features photos of two buildings in Liverpool that Diespeker worked on. Mr Krause also sent a photo of the original mosaic plaque that was found in the basement of 38 Graham Street that there current logo was taken from.

The building in Graham Street, London N1 on the Grand Union Canal that Diespeker occupied up to 1989 has now been renovated with offices/shops and is called Diespeker Wharf.

Further information about Diespeker can be obtained by visiting their website www.diespeker.co.uk

Dear Scottie Press,
I was born in Smithdown Road Hospital. My grandfather's house was in Kimberley Street, off Upper Parliament St - it's all gone now, developed in the 1960s. His name was Antonio Melaragni ( the spelling got changed to Melarangi for English pronunciation ). He had a shop in Mill Street and was variously called a confectioner or ice-cream maker. I've got a photograph of him and myself aged 3 outside the house just before he died in 1948. After he died, my mother, sister and I lodged for a while with another family in a flat in the tenements at the bottom of Northumberland Street next to the Dock Road. They've all gone as well. My first school, St. Malachi's, is still there though in the little side road off Northumberland Street (or it was last time I was in Liverpool a couple of years ago). The school had a boxing ring in the basement. If you ever fought in the playground, you'd get a fierce caning. They encouraged kids to sort out any disputes in the ring in a three round proper fight after school...ahhh, the good old days.

If you get time to have a look, there are some photographs of Italian family members on my website:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~rodsaunders/italianorigins.html http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~rodsaunders/more.html

Mosaic – Marble – Terrazzo

For quite some time the Scottie Press has been trying to gain greater recognition for the former residents of Liverpool’s ‘Little Italy’ who may have been responsible for the magnificent Mosaic, Marble and Terrazzo work that was once seen in many buildings in Liverpool’s city centre. We picture below some examples of this work, which can still be seen. The map of South America is in Albion House (formerly the White Star Building) James Street. The Compass is in the Port of Liverpool Building. The two panels are in Reliance House and the pub frontage mosaic is in Cheapside. The Spellow Farm Dairy mosaic is in Goodison Road, Walton, Liverpool 4. The freeze mosaic can be seen on the facia of the old Exchange Station building in Tithebarn Street, Liverpool 3.

We welcome hearing from readers who may have photographs of other such works that we can add to information about Liverpool’s ‘Little Italy’ already featured on this webpage.

In the days of the 50s and 60s almost all of Hollywood seemed to show up in Rome, and the paparazzi mobbed such Hollywood stars as Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Sophia Loren and Anita Ekberg along the Via Veneto. No street in Rome was more famous than the Via Veneto and tourists still throw coins in the Fountain of Trevi, just as the Hollywood actors did in the 1954 film Three Coins in the Fountain, which is said to ensure their return to The Eternal City.



The fine 'Italian cuisine' served at the Via Veneto ristorante (25-31 Old Hall Street, Liverpool 3) ensures that it is busy at lunchtimes and in the weekday evenings, and that customers regularly return.

One such customer who has promised to return is Teresa Chadwick who recently won a 'Meal For Two' at the Via Veneto by correctly answering a Scottie Press competition question which asked: "When was the first Little Italy Plaque unveiled"?



This competition was featured in the March 2005 issue 357 of the Scottie Press Community Newspaper and also on the paper's website. The correct answer to the question was, June 2002.

Teresa went along to the Via Veneto (Fri 22nd April 2005) with members of her family, and some friends, and has told the Scottie Press that everyone had a lovely meal and night. Teresa asked the Scottie Press to thank Via Veneto owner, Steve Tierney and his Staff for a really enjoyable time.



Steve has been the owner of the Via Veneto since October 2001 having previously worked in the Golden Eagle (Kirkby), the Royal Clifton Hotel and the Prince Of Wales Hotel (Southport) and for 7 years in the Dolce Vita ristorante (Ainsdale).

Steve has recently made some changes at the Via Veneto to cater for his busy weekend (Saturday and Sunday) functions including Weddings, Christenings, Birthdays, etc.



Our thanks go to Steve, who was born in Portland Gardens, for his support to the Little Italy Plaque Project and the Scottie Press Community Newspaper. If you would like more details of the Via Veneto email viaveneto@btconnect.com or telephone Steve on 0151 258 1878.

REPLACEMENT LITTLE ITALY PLAQUE UNVEILED

In June 2002 the Vauxhall History & Heritage Group commissioned for manufacture and unveiling a plaque which was to recognised the history, heritage and culture of Liverpool’s Little Italy. This plaque was sited at the corner of Gerard Street and Christian Street. Sadly in February 2004 this plaque was stolen. Efforts made over the past 12 months to have it returned, or recovered, failed. But now thanks to a very kind and very generous gesture from Kay Kelly the Vauxhall History & Heritage Group are delighted to report that a replacement Little Italy Plaque was unveiled on the former Pontack Pub, Christian Street on Wednesday 16th February 2005.

Kay has been campaigning for more than 4 years to secure a sustainable and viable future for St May of the Angels Church, Fox Street, Liverpool 3. Kay has also campaigned to give all residents in the Everton community a better quality of life.

Further information regarding the unveiling ceremony can be found on the following webpages
www.liverpoolmonuments.co.uk/littleitaly/index.html View now
By Dave Wood

http://www.liverpoolmonuments.co.uk/littleitaly.html View now
By Pat Neill

ANGLO-ITALIAN FAMILY HISTORY

The Anglo-Italian Family History Society was founded in 2002 to provide help to anyone trying to trace their Italian ancestry anywhere in the United Kingdom and back to Italy.

We have linked the Scottie Press website to the Anglo-Italian Family History website from our Projects section webpages listed below.

Family History
Little Italy
St Mary of the Angels

We welcome hearing from readers who have old photographs of the streets and or people of Liverpool's former Little Italy area - we picture above a photograph taken in the Hunter Street area.

LITTLE ITALY PLAQUE MISSING!

Residents from the St Joseph's Parish area have reported to the Scottie Press (Wednesday 11th February) that the Little Italy Plaque (pictured above) has gone missing. Probably taken Tuesday 10th February. It has been removed from the corner wall of Gerard Street/Christian Street where it was sited for unveiling on 27th June 2002.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of the Little Italy Plaque please contact the Scottie Press Community Newspaper.

ITALIAN FAMILY HISTORY

Our thanks go to Joan Esposito (nee Doyle) for providing some photographs taken during her recent visit to Italy where Joan took time to trace her family history. Joan was born in Athol Street and went to live in Ashfield Gardens before emigrating to California, USA.

Joan's grandfather was Carmine Valerio, who was born in Villa Latina, and at one time lived in the Isle of Man where her mother Mary Valerio was born. Joan is pictured in a graveyard in Villa Latina and also looking at the grave of Nunziata Valerio. Joan's grandparents were married in a church in Villa Latina and Joan took special interest in the names inscribed on a tall marble stone. Joan believes that the marble stone honours the people who either donated to the church or village.

Amongst the names on the marble stone are the names of prominent families associated with Liverpool's Little Italy and who made such a valuable contribution to the history, heritage and culture of the city of Liverpool. Musical talent was a renowned characteristic of many of the Italian settlers in the Gerard Street area of Liverpool. The piano-accordian act (featuring the Valerio Brothers) was very popular and toured local Liverpool circuits. They also made several successful appearances at the London Palladium.

We welcome hearing from readers who may have traced their family history back to Italy and who may have ancestors who lived at one time in Liverpool's Little Italy.

e-mail ronformby@scottiepress.org

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ITALIAN FAMILY TREE

Our thanks go to Peter Aldis for providing the Scottie Press with information that could be helpful to people researching Italian Family Tree History.
Peter has provided us with the following address which researchers may find helpful;

Central Archives of the State
Piazzale degli Archivi
27 0044 Roma
Italy
Email acs@archivi.beniculturali.it

We also thank Peter giving us details of an Anglo Italian Family History Society who set out as their objectives - to collect, index, co-ordinate, publish and make accessible in the interests of genealogy any documents or records with particular reference to documents or records relating to Anglo Italian genealogy. If you are interested in this society please write to the Membership Secretary

Anglo Italian Family History Society
Anglers Rest
Grove Crescent
Teignmouth
Devon TQ14 9HP
Email sp.Goucher@virgin.net

We have sent copies of Scottie Press to the Central Archive of the State in Italy and to the Anglo Italian Family History Society and hope to establish a link with both. We also hope to be able to publish information of use to readers interested in tracing Italian roots.

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Little Italy

Terry Cooke, author of the recently published Little Italy book has asked the Scottie Press to express his thanks for the numerous forms of praiseworthy communication sent to him from readers of the book.
Terry is particularly grateful to the former residents of Little Italy who helped with his research work and who shared with Terry their memories of 'the old neighbourhood' and allowed Terry to use a lot of their treasured photographs.
Terry is also delighted with the amount of material he was given subsequent to the research work for the book and has advised the Scottie Press that he will publish this information, photographs etc on the Little Italy webpage.
Terry is also instigating efforts for a permanent exhibition on Liverpool's Little Italy to be sited in a suitable location in Liverpool.

If you would like to contact Terry - email terrycooke@scottiepress.org.uk

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ON SALE NOW

Terry Cooke's new book 'Little Italy' is on sale now contact Liverpool Connections on 0151 708 6123

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PSNC BUILDING

Dear Scottiepress,

I have recently seen your website feature on Terrazzo and Marble work on your Little Italy page. This has left me wondering about the Pacific building, the head office of the PSNC at the bottom of James Street, is it still there? If it is you will find a magnificent display of terrazzo which covers the entire ground floor, the foyer and if my memory serves me right the staircase to the upper floors.

How do I know? In 1944 I began to serve my apprenticeship in the Electrical Engineering industry and the first site I worked on was that building. Which had been guttered by incendiary bombs during the blitz.

The renovation had to wait until 1944 at which time there was no chance of any further visits from Adolph's planes!! I was indentured to F B Hellon 47 Tithebarn Street ( happy days) and saw the building restored to its former glory best wishes.

Steve Duffy,

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TERRAZZO & MARBLE WORK
A HERITAGE OF LIVERPOOL'S 'LITTLE ITALY'

If you go into the Mersey Dock & Harbour Board's Port of Liverpool Building, your eye will be taken by a hand crafted magnificent terrazzo marble compass photographed Below. The craftsmen who did this and all the flooring of the building were Italian. Many would have travelled from Italy to seek employment from the rich businesses that were in Liverpool at that time (late 19th Century early 20th Century). Many would have settled in Liverpool's 'Little Italy' - Gerard Street, Hunter Street etc.

The quality of their workmanship would have been sought tenhance many of the fine buildings that Liverpool is famous for. It is probably impossible to estimate the number of man-hours involved in ensuring the hand finished work was up to the standard deemed fit to do justice to the men who did this work in these buildings. Their pride in a job well done and the recommendations that followed saw many of these men move from city to city as requests were made upon their skills.

The more obvious signs of their work (still in existence) are perhaps far less than the many examples that have been lost to time and or redevelopment. We have been told that the former Tate & Lyle Building in Love Lane had a terrazzo entrance to the new office block hall (built in the 1960's). This was demolished in the early 1980's. A Scottie Press reader informs the paper that he had quite a lot to do with the construction of the Tate & Lyle office block and he remembers the marble work inside and outside. This work was done by a firm called Quillogotti.

We wonder if readers remember other examples of terrazzo or marble work in either a factory or office building. We are particularly keen to hear from readers who may have worked in the shipping office buildings in Liverpool City Centre. It might be possible to get some photographs of this terrazzo and marble work and as such catalogue examples for an exhibition on the history and heritage of Liverpool's 'Little Italy'. If you do have any memories or if you know of some good examples of terrazzo marble work still on public view - or if you know of examples that are very rarely seen please contact

The Scottie Press,
Vauxhall Multiservices Centre,
Silvester Street,
Liverpool L5 8SE.
Tel 0151 298 1544.
Emial ronformby@scottiepress.org.uk

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LITTLE ITALY IN THE HEART OF LIVERPOOL

Over 100 people attended the unveiling of the Liverpool's Little Italy Plaque on Thursday 27th June. The plaque, which was designed by the Vauxhall History & Heritage Group, is a tribute to the significant numbers of Italian immigrants who arrived in Liverpool between 1880 and 1912. They settled in the Gerard Street area and became an integral part of Liverpool's cultural development. Many who attended were descended from the little Italian community which, used to live in Gerard, Hunter, Lionel and Whale streets. Amongst those at the ceremony (close to junction of Gerard Street and Christian Street) was Gerard Thompson from Bristol whose grandparents, Guston and Marie Antoinette Volante came to Liverpool in 1897. They ran a lodging house for Italian immigrants in Hunter Street, just around the corner from Gerard Street.

The plaque was unveiled by Nunzia Bertali (Hon Italian Consul), Councillor Flo Clucas and local resident Ray Baccinno.

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