Above my bed hangs this poster, by the French cartoonist Hervé Morvan. The poster advertises the Firmin Grandou Pasta Manufactory. Firmin Grandou was my great-grandfather.    After World War I, Firmin Grandou set up a pasta factory in the city of Marseille, with his young bride Renée. Together they worked to build a successful business until Firmin’s untimely death in 1935. Widowed, Renée took on the full management of the factory, while also raising their three daughters. My grandmother Jacqueline, was only 5 years old when Firmin died.    Decades later, as business and life continued Renée orchestrated a meeting with an entrepreneurial family in the region. The Plantevin owned a tomato-canning factory near Avignon. The pretext of the meeting was just business, but the results were far greater! My grandfather, Max Plantevin met Jacqueline Grandou, and after a few months of courtship they married.    Pasta and tomatoes united!    Living in the US today, decades after the closure of the factory, and miles away from my grandparents, the poster helps me feel connected. I am reminded daily of my family’s history, and our everlasting love of food and dining! I can picture my grandparents’ home, I can smell their signature sauce, and I can recall the hours spent eating together.     Pasta is more than just food to me. This poster is more than just an image. My family history is that of pasta with tomatoes. I love them both, and will eat them together always!    Bon appétit! 

– Maia Plantevin

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