The History Of The

City Of Cumberland

Chapter 8

-- Compiled by the Cumberland Women's Club and Published by the Cumberland Advocate
1874-1974

(used by permission of the Cumberland Advocate)

Donated by Linda Mott

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ITALIAN HISTORY

By

Henry and Mary Cotone

Many of the Italian people in Italy had heard of the "Land of Opportunity" in America from relatives who had ventured here to seek employment and a new way of life. Gathering their meager personal belongs and limited amount of cash, they secured passage in steerage of boats--about $30.00 more or less, and departed their homeland--spending from four to six weeks before arriving in America. Living conditions on the boats were far from sanitary, providing disease and some deaths before their arrival here. Some of the early migrants had some bitter and evil experiences as they sought employment on the railroads. Individual contractors would contact them and collect $5.00 to $10.00 to send them on a railroad job with
more pay, only to disappear leaving the workers in financial distress. Imposters, pretending to be railroad hiring agents would collect cash from the workers and then disappear.

As many as 24 men would be packed in one small box car with bunks. They worked ten hours a day, and all cooking and washing had to be done in the open air. Wages were about $1.25 per day.

When the Omaha railroad was being built through Cumberland, a strike occurred among the men engaged in its construction. Whereupon, the foremen, a man named McNaughton, acting on authority for the company, went to St. Paul and engaged a number of Italians to replace the strikers. They came here and finished the work, and some of them afterwards remained and
settled south of the town, where they bought some of the shanties the railroad company had built and converted them into homes.

For a while, some of them continued at railroad work in one capacity or another. Others bought a few acres of land and started small farms averaging ten to fifteen acres each. They were an industrious and economical people and some of them started businesses in the south end of the city.

The earliest Catholic services were held in a hall building which formed part of the large "Company Store" and were presided over by missionary priests from New Richmond, Hayward, and Ashland. Among them was Father DeParadis who encouraged many of the Italian people to stay in Cumberland, build homes, develop their land, and raise their families. The use of the building for church services was permitted free of charge by its owner, Fred Miller.

In 1883 the congregation, which, in addition to the Italians, included French, Germans, Poles, and English, under the direction of Father DeParadis, began erection of the church edifice known as St. Mary's, and services were occasionally held in the building before its completion in 1884. In 1885, the Italians who were the most numerous, and because of different customs and philosophies, decided to build a church of their own. They erected their own church about one mile south of town in the heart of the Italian settlement which they called St. Anthony Abbott Church. A cemetery was laid out next to the church building which is, at present, being used by both congregations.

Some of the first members of St. Anthony's who took part in the building of the church were George Alfonse, Sam Palmer, Martin D'Nuzzi, Victor Caponi, Joe Zappa, and Lawrence Donatell, in addition to which many others whose names are unavailable.

This building was damaged by fire in 1913. It was repaired and enlarged, but in 1920 fire destroyed the entire building. A new brick structure was completed in 1923, which is the present St. Anthony Church building.

From the beginning, both parishes were served by the same priest. The first resident priest, Father George Keller, came here in 1885. Many priests served here in the early days, and it was in 1908 when the first Italian priest came--Father Louis Colaganni. One year later he was succeeded by Father Joseph Toguoli, and five years later Father Colaganni returned and served until 1920.

At one time Saint Anthony's was considered a national church where only people of Italian descent could be members. However, over the years, due to mixed nationality marriages, the condition changed and at present, many of the members are not of Italian descent.

In 1896 an Italian Society was formed called "The Societa di S. Antonia Abate", and at one time there were more than 100 members.

The old Italian Hall, known as the Columbia Hall, which was built in 1907, was located in what was the very center of the Italian farming district south of Cumberland. Not only did the St. Anthony Society hold its frequent meetings there, but card parties, dances, and all large social gatherings of the community were held there. A service kitchen was in the basement, and
many a time 150 to 200 persons were served at parties in the old hall.

The society was a mutual aid insurance group, and some of the charter members were Savina Ranallo, Amedo Alfonse, Tome Zeppa, Louis Chiodo, Joe Sammarone, Sam Palmer, Herman Ricci, Michael and Antonia DeGedio, and many others. At one time it was a member of the Italian Federation, a consolidation of similar Italian mutual aid groups all over the nation.

In the 1950s there were 20 members in the lodge when it was decided to close its books and each received his share of the dues paid in and the money received from the sale of the building, thus dissolving the St. Anthony Society forever.

By this time the Italian settlement consisted of many families. Many of the customs from their native land prevailed here. Buildings were shared by humans and animals. Either a partition or a basement divided the quarters for each. In 1893 the Wisconsin State Board of Health was requested to send a representative here to investigate the sanitary conditions of the settlement and to place it under special quarantine. An ordinance was passed to regulate the burial of the dead and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Some of these ordinances provided the preventing of animals from roaming the streets, preventing cows from wearing bells in the city limits, and the removing of pigsties from the immediate vicinity of human dwellings.

The first pioneers were predominantly from the district of Abbruzzi or the province of Aquila of Cantalupo, City of Campobasso and Boiano (one of the most ancient towns of the Roman Empire in Italy). Others came from Ateleta and the town of St. Polo Matese. From the extreme southern part of Italy from the province of Catanzaro came the Siriannis, Chiodos, and
Caliguires. The Pasquale Manno family came from the province of Messina in Italy and the Onofrio Rubbinos from the province of Palermo.

They were employed by the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company, and some were sent to Cameron where the Soo Line was being started in Wisconsin. However, they maintained their homes in the Cumberland vicinity.

Some of the first settlers in Cumberland were Savina Palmer (Palmiere), Francesco Donatello, Sabatino Donatello, Giovanni Schullo, Gennaro St. Angelo, Cristofore Vignone, Matteo Ficocello, Ignazio D'Amico, Lorenzo Vecchiollo, Lorenzo Donatello, Nicola Bucci. These are some of the original pioneers coming here in the late 1870s and early 1880s.

Followers to the above were Francesco DeGidio, Giacomo and Guiseppe Zappa, Nunzio and Michaelangelo Paolecchio, Savina Ranallo, Florento Ricci, Martin DeNucci.

In 1887 the George Alfonse family arrived with sons A.D. and Thomas. By 1895 the settlement was quite complete.

Savina Palmer first settled on a small farm south of Cumberland where he raised his family. He was the leader for a number of years among the Italian people and served a number of years as Deputy Sheriff for this area. His daughter, Mary, became the first school teacher of Italian descent and taught in the Palmer School, named after her father. Mr. Palmer was a bridge
builder for the railroad company and also on town roads, as they were developing at that time. In 1900 he entered the mercantile business in Cumberland and continued until 1915, when he retired.

Sabatino Donatello started a grocery store in Cumberland in 1888, which was later taken over by his late son Angelo and now owned and operated by his grandson, Sam. He was known throughout the rural area as "Bill Donatell" as he would make house calls with a horse and wagon loaded with groceries. This was continued by his son Angelo until the early 1930s.

He built a brick yard on Collingwood Lake shores (south end of the city) and made brick for many of the early buildings in Cumberland. Most of the present "Donatelle's I.G.A. Store" is of the original bricks made here. Many additions and improvements have been made in the store in recent years and is, at present, one of the leading grocery stores in the area. His brother, Francesco, moved to Spooner, where a small Italian settlement was started soon thereafter.

Other early settlers bought small tracts of land, developed them so that their families could provide garden and vegetable supplies while the men continued working on the railroad and lumber camps.

Mike Vignon (Vinyon) was the first boy of Italian descent to enter the Cumberland High School in 1902. The second was Thomas St. Angelo, son of Gennaro St. Angelo.

When the children of the pioneers started school with no knowledge of the English language, the teachers could not grasp their first names, so instead made attempts at spelling them out with poor results. We have the name "Fluma" as one. Filomena we have "Limba" -for Eufrosina we have "Frosie", and for Giovina we have "Java", together with many others.

The Petro Sirianni family came to Cumberland in 1900 and settled with relatives here. He entered business life as a young man and opened a pool hall in Cumberland in 1915. Later, he went into the wholesale of candy, beer, and liquors, having his wholesale and outlet in the City of Cumberland. Later, the wholesale was moved to Rice Lake. The original Sirianni pool hall
was later changed to the 10-24 Club when beer and liquor retail and bowling alleys were added, owned and operated by Frank Sirianni, oldest son of Petro. It has recently been sold and is now known as "The Club."

The Martin and Carmine DeNucci families were some of the early settlers in 1884. They were engaged in farming south of Cumberland. Joe DeNucci, Sr., Angelo, and Carmine are sons of Martin DeNucci. Many other members of this family are deceased. Some of the grandsons became prominent citizens--one a public school teacher, one a prominent lawyer in Chicago,
and one an agricultural manager in the First National Bank of Chippewa Falls. John, Martin, and Joseph Lucente, respectively, are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Lucente.

Mr. and Mrs. Genaro St. Angelo farmed and raised their family on a small farm southeast of the city. Sons--the late Thomas St. Angelo became a prominent man in this community. He was time keeper for the railroad company, manager for the Gedney Pickle Company, and was employed as teller in the Island City Bank for many years. Louis--a businessman and fieldman for Stokley Incorporated, retired and is living in Frederic. George--owner and manager of a large clothing store, retired and living in Huntingburg, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. St. Angelo had one daughter, Elizabeth (Mrs. Lee Ranallo) widowed and retired living in Cumberland.

Frank Tempesta came to Cumberland in 1899. He was employed by Savina Palmer in the construction of bridges and later became his son-in-law. He entered as a partner in Sam Palmer and Company with Mr. Palmer, Peter Chiodo, and Angelo DiSalva. In 1904 he became agent for the Schmidt Brewing Company making deliveries to the many saloons then existing in
the city of Cumberland. When the city voted dry in 1912, he started a grocery store and continued with that business until the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933. He then started the tavern known as "Skiddies." Soon after the end of World War II he turned the business over to his son, the late John Tempesta.

Andigue Ranallo came to Cumberland in the late 1890s. Five of his sons settled here on farms southwest of town. Savina--father of Jim Ranallo now residing in the city; Orazio--father of Frank Jr., Sam F., Mike, and Rose, all of Cumberland; Sabatina Ranallo; George Ranallo; and Francesco Ranallo--father of Frank Ranallo employed at 3M Company.. Also father of Ann (Mrs. Thomas St. Angelo) and Elizabeth Ficocello. The Ranallos were raised on a homestead west of the city, which at that time was a heavily wooded area. There were no roads at that time, and some members of the family remember carrying groceries home by pack-sack along the wooded trails.

Lorenzo Donatelle was one of the settlers of Cumberland in 1900 from Chicago, where they operated a saloon. Two sons, Philip and Nick became engaged in farming after a few years of different employment. At one time Philip was fireman in the old brick building at the west end of Veteran Street, providing power for the city. Henry and Jim Cotone are sons of Philip and Nick Cotone respectively.

Dan D'Amico, grandson of pioneer Ignazio D'Amico, is a prominent attorney in Cumberland and has served as city attorney for many years. He has also served as clerk of the local school district for thirty years.

Joseph Sammarone, one of the pioneer settlers, was a stone mason and contractor and built many basements and foundations for the early construction of the city. He and Sam Palmer built the foundation for the 1903 grade school and high school buildings which were razed a few years ago.

Ambrosio DeGedio made his first trip to America in 1862. He settled in the eastern part of the United States and was employed in railroad work. He made several trips back to his native land and in 1890 he returned to America with two of his sons, Antonio and Micheala and settled in Cumberland where they farmed on a small farm and also were employed in railroad
work. There were 14 members in the family, and the two sons above and one daughter, Lucia, who came in 1910, were the only members to settle here. The original family, who resided in St. Polo Matese, Italy, owned and operated a large sheep and goat ranch consisting of several hundred head. Ambrose, son of Antonia DeGedio, lives in Cumberland today. He was born here in 1901 and attended the Cumberland schools. He later was employed in the iron mines of Minnesota. Later he moved to Minneapolis where he studied voice at the Schultz Music Conservatory and made his vocal appearance in the Minneapolis Auditorium and the Apollo Club. He also sang on KSTP radio until 1924. He then studied voice in Chicago in 1926 and was a member of the Chicago Civic Opera singing for concerts and in theaters in the Chicago area. He came back to Cumberland in 1946 and in 1953 he built the Ambrose Motel, which he owned and operated until his retirement recently. It is now owned and operated by his son George.

Nick DeGedio and John DeGedio, both of Cumberland, are sons of Michael DeGedio. Nick is employed at the 3M Company, and John is the custodian at the Low Rent Housing Complex.

Domonic Marino came in the late 1880s and operated a truck farm in the Town of Crystal Lake. He worked on the railroad and made his permanent home here in 1913. He was known for his flamboyant costume leading many of the parades on the streets of Cumberland in their various celebrations.

Ralph and Peter Chiodo came here in 1892 and after a few year's employment at different places, they settled in Cumberland, where they became engaged in business. Peter owned a grocery store in the building now occupied by the Miller Agency. Ralph owned a confectionery store on the corner of Elm Street and Second Avenue. The present "Chiodo Block" was erected
in 1922. Julius, an only son, and his wife Camillie, now own and operate the "Camillie's" Dress Shop located in part of the building.

Frank Gidio came to Cumberland in 1894 and made his home on a farm 1 1/2 miles southwest of Cumberland. Born in San Palo Matese, Campobasso, Italy. Upon arriving here; he worked in shipyards and railroads. Grandchildren of Frank Gidio now living in Cumberland are Frank and Lawrence Gidio, Mrs. Martin (Anna Marie) Wick, Mrs. Pat (Christy) Capra, and Mrs.
Howard (Louise) Steinburg, owner of the 5 O'Clock Club.

Giacomo, Giuseppe, Benedito, and Sabatina Zappa settled on farms southwest of Cumberland. They operated farms while working on the railroad, thus providing a living for their families. They came to Cumberland in the early 1890s. Some of the best farmers in the area are descendents of these pioneers. Henry and Lawrence Zappa operate large farms south of
Cumberland. Other descendents residing here at the present time are Phil, Mrs. Louis DeGedio of the DeGedio Shoe Store and Jovina, Mrs. Nick DeGedio, presently employed at the 3M Company, Felix Zappa, son of Benedito, resides on the old homestead farm.

Matteo Ficocello came here in the early 1880s and bought a farm south of Cumberland. He also worked for the railroad company while engaged in farming. A daughter Jennie, Mrs. Frank Ranallo, Jr., resides in Cumberland at the present time. Joe Ficocello, a son, was engaged in the tavern business which was later owned and operated by his late son George. Deceased
members Tony and Nick were also in business in Cumberland at one time.

George Alfonse came to America from Pescolango, Italy, in 1882 and first settled in New York. In 1886 they came to Wisconsin, and in 1892 they settled in Cumberland where they purchased land bordering the south city limits. His sons, Amedo and Thomas were both active in the community. Amedo, one of the leaders in the Italian Colony, was employed as time keeper for the Northern Pacific and later was manager of the grocery department in the Miller, Waterman and Company, later known as the Company Store. He later was owner and operator of this own grocery store. Two of his sons, John and Joseph are residents of Cumberland at present.

Thomas Alfonse was engaged in the ice business, having the first ice delivery in the city. His son, Julius, was nationally known as an athlete playing half-back for the University of Minnesota football team in the early 1930s.

Herman Ricci came here in the late 1880s. He operated a dairy farm in the Town of Cumberland and was known for his ability as a mechanic and plumber. His sons, Andy, of the Community Motors Company and William of Bills' Auto Repair are presently engaged in business in the city.

Antonio Zappa settled here and farmed west of the city. His sons Nick, Emil, and James are presently residents of Cumberland.

Albert DeGedio, another early pioneer farmed west of the city. His son, Mike DeGedio and three grandsons, Albert, Louis and Donald reside here at present.

Pio Ritchie, one of the early settlers, operated a large farm west of Comstock. One of his sons, Pat, became an auto dealer many years ago. Several different makes of cars were sold from this agency, which as present is Ritchie Motors--Jeep Sales and Service operated by grandson Virgil.

Liberato Ricci migrated here in 1900 and built his home on a small tract of land south of town. A man of great physical strength and stature, he became known as "Big Rich". He was employed as a common laborer by many of the businessmen of the city building and sodding lawns and garden work. He did much of the early landscaping in the city.

Dan Capra came here from Italy to New York in 1902. After serving on the New York Police Force a few years, he came to Cumberland in 1913 and farmed. His son, Clarence, after being discharged from the army, was employed by the city as a policeman. He later started the City Laundry, which he sold in 1963. He now operates the Crystal Lake Store west of the city on highway 63, which was started by his uncle Sopherina Curella, who came here in 1910. Mr. Curella had farmed and then dealt in scrap iron and furs.

C.H. Ranallo and Sam H. Ranallo, sons of Pasquale Ranallo, came from Ateleta, Italy, in 1884. They moved to Comstock in 1897 where they farmed and also worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Sam now lives in the city of Cumberland and C.H. resides with his daughter, Mrs. George (Lena) Glovka. Two of his sons, Angelo and Joe are employed at Stokely-Van Camp,
where Angelo serves as plant manager.

The history of many of the Italian settlers is not available--only names were furnished, which many people will remember. There were Floreno and Angelo DeAngelo who operated a shoe repair shop until the early 1920s when they moved to California. The Pasquale Sirianni family, also in the grocery business, left in the 1920s for California. John Nunzio DeSantis farmed south of Cumberland and John, father of Ned, who resides here at present. Joseph Caliguire raised a large family on a farm south of town.

The Zaccardis--Joe, Nick, John, and Sam were all residents here and had families. Mrs. Nels (Josephine) Ricci, daughter of Sam Zaccardi, is the only member living here at present.

Antonio Ricci owned a farm on the Almena road and had many sons, who later moved to Hudson and were employed by the railroad.

Vincenzo Zappa, father of Angelo who lives on County Trunk "G" farmed west of Cumberland as did Salvatore Santello, grandfather of Mrs. Frank (Lucy) Ranallo and Mrs. Gene (Rose) Gunderson.

Joseph Santello, no relation, also lived here and worked many years as section hand for the railroad.

Many had small farms and tracts of land west of town. Some of the owners were Nicola Capra, father of Nick Capra of Capra's Jewelry Store and Pat Capra, who reside here. Pasquale DeGedio, Sam Gargaro, Frank and Mike Capra, Nutzie Yates, Frank and Henry DaBruzzi and Tony DaBruzzi of Comstock all farmed here in the early days.

Father James DaBruzzi, resident pastor of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rice Lake as present is a grandson of deceased Frank DaBruzzi.

Many small farms in the area were occupied and operated by families that assisted each other at the time of harvest. Some of them were Natalle Sirianni, father of William Sirianni who is now living on the original farm, Pasquale Manno, Peter DeAngelo, Mike Sabato, Peter Scalpse, Mike Perzichilli, father of Mike Perzichilli, owner and operator of the Spot Bar.

Florento and Alfonse Ricci, brothers who operated farms nearby, have descendants residing here. Thomas, who built and started the "Bona Casa Foods" located southeast of Cumberland is a direct descendant.

South in the Hay River area we had Louis Gianpoalo, Pacific Rucci, Carmine Ricci, Quint Damico, Tony Grilli, and the Toby Ross and Nick Janette families. Other families southwest of town were the Antonio DeDominices, father of George DeDominices, one of our local policemen, together with Grey and Frank Curella, Antonio Luciano, father of Frank Luciano,
now living in the city.

Domonic Lombard also lived southwest of town and was the father of Tom, now employed by 3M Company, and Joe, owner of the Lombard Welding Shop and owner and operator of one of the self-service laundries in the city.

Sam Damico also resided here, and at present is living in St. Paul. He is the father of Jim Damico, owner of the City Laundry. The Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth agency is run by Tony and Sam Cifaldi, whose father, Sam, migrated here in the early days.

Angelo D'Salvo, previously mentioned as one of the pioneers, had a son, Anthony, who operated a fur business in the south end of the city. His grandson, Anthony, is presently principal of our schools.

Some of the Italian families bought farms out beyond the Italian settlement. Southwest about eight miles were the Alezio Schullo and Nick Zappatillo families.

James Branca farmed southwest of town, and his son, Pat, lives on the original farm.

There were the Philip Schullo family and the Felix Ritchie family in the Comstock area with children living in their old original homes.

Anthony Schullo was a resident of the city and came here in the early part of the century. Christy, employed at Schneider Drug, J.J., employed by the Falcon Drill Company, and Evelyn (Jo-Jo) Catlin are the only survivors living in Cumberland.

The Nick Barbato family was part of the early comers and farmed in the settlement as did Liberato Carlone, father of Pat Carlone of this city.

Angelo Ricci died shortly after arriving in Cumberland. His son, John, was a tailor and operated a shop in Cumberland. He was known as Tailor Ricci.

Nunzio Lombard and Sam Cifaldi had small tracts of land southeast of the city where they raised their families while engaged in common labor in the area.

Other Italian settlers such as Joe Ross, Sabatino Diveto, Frank Costello, and Henry Delmonico were all members of the settlement.

Luigi Capuzzi was another early settler coming here about 1890. His son, Pat, resides on a farm southeast of Cumberland, and Pat has been employed as fieldman for the Stokley-Van Camp company for many years.

E.N. Buzzelli, born in Castel D'Savgio, Italy came to America in 1900. He opened a restaurant in Cumberland in 1914 and later entered the hide, fur, and scrap iron business.

Other Italian settlers included: Ambrosio Ricci, who lived on Collingwood Lake in the City. He was the father of Mrs. Jim Cotone, Sr., Alfonse DeGedio, also lived in the same area. West of the city were Pasqualle Donatelle, Joe Albrico, Jacomo Yates, Salvatore Conzona, and Antonio Montefusco. John Schullo, an early settler, also lived southwest of town. He was the
grandfather of Mrs. John Alfonse.

Domonic Zezza, a colorful little man, lived just south of the bridge on the St. Anthony road. He served as custodian for St. Anthony's Church and served mass as an altar boy for Father Louis Colaganni in the World War I days.

The Stella Cheese Company, makers of Italian and foreign cheese, came to Cumberland in 1939, owned by Giulio Bolognesi and Attillio Castigliano. Eraldo T. Bertanasco was the first production manager in the Cumberland plant. At the present time, members of Italian descent connected with management of the plant are Nilo Nelli, manager of quality control in all the
Stella plants and Attilo Vettori, office manager under Bud Tappon.

At the present time, there are many businesses in the City of Cumberland owned and operated by Italian descendants including the following: Montgomery Ward mail order store--Mr. and Mrs. Glen Ritchie; Bill's Auto Repair--William Ricci; Central Motors--M.E. Ritchie; Community Motors--Andy Ricci; Cifaldi Motors--Tony Cifaldi; Camille's Shoppe--Mrs. Julius
Chiodo, Capra Jewelry--Nick Capra; Cotone Funeral Home--H.L. Cotone; City Laundry--Jim Damico; Crystal Lake Store--Clarence Capra; Donatelle's I.G.A.--Sam Donatelle; DeGidio's Bar--Don DeGidio; DeGidio Shoes--Louis DeGidio; D.I.D'Amico--Attorney-at-Law; DeNucci's Coffee Cup--Jim DeNucci; Ritchie Motors--Virgil Ritchie; Lombard's Laundromat--Joe Lombard; Tempesta Tavern--Mrs. Mildred Tempesta; Gerald C. Tempesta--D.D.S; Five O'Clock Club--Mrs. Louise Steinburg; The Spot Bar--Mike Perzichilli.

Other business places that were originated by people of Italian descent but no longer owned by them are: The Tower House--Started by Louis and Phil DeGidio; Bona Casa Foods--Started by Thomas and Anna Ricci and the Club, originally the 10-24 Club--Started by Frank Sirianni.
 
 

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