This is a picture of my grandfather, Joseph Saladino. My maternal grandparents were Caroline Federico Caro Saladino and Joseph Saladino. Grandma Caroline’s family had come from Italy in previous generations, and eventually owned a florist and a bakery in New Orleans. From her first marriage into the Caro family, Grandma Caroline had four daughters. After her husband died at a young age, she entered into an arranged marriage with Joseph Saladino, a young man who lived in Italy. She was in her early 30s and her new husband was only 21 years old. After arriving in New Orleans, Grandpa Joseph Saladino began working as a tailor at a tailoring company owned by Caroline's uncle. Some of their most popular customers were policemen who needed their uniforms cleaned and pressed. Within their marriage, Caroline and Joseph had three more daughters and finally, a son. My mother, Josephine, was one of those eight children. My Grandpa Joseph took care of my three sisters and me after my father had passed away. He was a very hard worker and loved spending time with us. I keep this picture safe with my other treasures that I have collected inside my mirrored display case.

– Melvina Mohr

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant