My great grandfather immigrated from Reggio di Calabria, Italy, in 1917, arriving at Ellis Island. After the long boat journey, he was turned away, and he moved to Argentina for 7 years. After going back to Italy, he decided to try again with his new wife. This time, he was allowed into America. His family moved to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, and three years later in 1924, my grandfather was born. On the trip, my great grandfather had brought a crucifix with him, and being over a foot tall, it was likely a burden to have on the boat. His father had made it; he had been a stonemason, doing sculpture work in churches and cathedrals in Southern Italy. My great grandfather worked as a shoemaker, and my grandfather worked as a draftsman and typographer, and so did my father. Obviously, hands-on work is a common thread throughout all the workers in my family. The crucifix represents two very important parts of my family’s history as Italian immigrants, religion and craftsmanship. The way that Catholicism was automatically a part of life as an Italian is apparent, and the symbol of a cross has always had a deep significance for members of my family and most Italian immigrants. This one in particular is a reminder to me and my family of the life that my great grandfather gave up, and how this crucifix has been with him through the entire journey. 

– Olive Raymond

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more