Depictions of the Great Depression and Prohibition

Most of the incidents that took place during the great depression and during prohibition days are depicted in this story. It was a very difficult time for people. There were no TV's or cell phones.

My father was a barber and he earned 40 cents a haircut. My mother sewed covers on baseballs for 10 cents each. We were very poor.

Immigration and American Citizenship

There were many Italian immigrants that settled in the United States. They were so thankful to become citizens. They learned about our constitution and our history, got jobs and paid taxes, etc. They learned the English language and learned it well.

Self-Education and Cultural Diversity

My grandfather read the local newspaper daily and was self-educated. They were the melting pot of the world. They came from every country in the world. They all came here to be free, find a job and become an American citizen.

Community and Life

They were happy to be in a free country. They were resourceful and got along with everyone. I lived in a Jewish, Italian neighborhood. We had no problems. Everyone got along. We had a good life in spite of our hardships.