NICOLA DI CIACCIO - COFFEE ROASTER

Nicola Di Ciaccio arrived in Australia October 13, 1981 and he was 23 years old. Nicola had come from a farming/agricultural background. As a young boy he was already working on the land. The family had a business providing crops for the markets etc.

 

In 1976 Nicola graduated and became a Seaman, becoming a deck officer and eventually first mate. It was also the same year that his father, Marciano, passed away.  Nicola had plans to come to Australia but due to the death of his father he stayed in Italy for some time to help with the family business.

Nicola had two Uncles living in Australia when he arrived. He lived in  Warrawong with his Uncle Pietro who arrived in Australia Jan 27, 1957 aboard the ship `Aurelia`. He was looking for work and his Uncle suggested M & M (Metal Manufacturers) but Nicola felt that wasn’t for him. He did odd jobs for a few years.

After three months in Australia Nicola met Tina Di Blasi. Six months later they were engaged and six months after the engagement they were married.

As a young boy he dreamt of opening his own pizza place and in 1984 the opportunity presented itself. He purchased an existing coffee lounge in Oak Flats and began converting it into a pizzeria called La Riviera Pizza, which opened March 21st at 55 Central Avenue. He knew nothing about making pizza dough and employed his mother in-law, Maria Di Blasi. Maria had extensive experience working in pizza restaurants throughout the Illawarra region.

La Riviera Pizza opened 7 days a week doing both lunch and dinner. With a staff of 4 it had a seating capacity of up to 40 people. They did approximately 150 - 200 pizzas per week as well as a trattoria style kitchen menu. The menu consisted of typical Italian pasta dishes such as lasagna, gnocchi and meat dishes such as scaloppine. According to Nicola, the Italian dishes were more popular than the pizzas. La Riviera Pizza also did takeaway.

In 1995 Nicola opened a second business, this time in Wollongong. He purchased `Il Mondo del Cafe` in Corrimal Street, Wollongong, an upmarket coffee shop. In 1997 Nicola sold the pizzeria and focused on the coffee shop.

He worked hard to build the business up when in 1998, after four years, he sold the coffee shop as he was dealing with illness and needed to recover. He took four months off from work. He soon started up again and ran the restaurant in the Spanish Club at Warrawong. The cuisine was a fusion of Spanish and Italian. 12 months later he moved on.

In 2000 he was running the Tuscany Cafe in Crown Street, Wollongong. He did another 12 months at Tuscany while simultaneously running the Fontana Caffelatte Restaurant upstairs (that he began running six months after commencing at the Tuscany Cafe). He left after 12 months before managing Urban Espresso (cafe) in the mall for another 12 months.

In 2001 Nicola purchased a restaurant in Cowper Street, Warrawong. It  was an existing trattoria that had been there for several years. Nicola was asked if   he would consider taking it over and he opened under the name Nickelangelo Trattoria. Nickelangelo`s was a trattoria style restaurant with a seating capacity of up to 110 people. They also offered wood fired pizza. The pizza oven was newly installed by Nicola. 

The restaurant was open 7 days per week. Initially it opened everyday for both lunch and dinner, but Nicola reduced the hours to lunch only two days per week being Thursday and Friday with dinner being Wed - Sun. The restaurant was busy with functions especially from the Italian community and  they also did takeaway. It was not rare for Nicola to knock back up to 100 people on a Saturday night.

Approx 12 months after opening the restaurant Nicola began to roast coffee. With connections from working at `Il Mondo del Cafe`, he began with a 3 kilo coffee roasting machine that was situated at the front of the restaurant. He was roasting wholesale under contract for a company in Sydney. After approximately 8 months with the 3 kilo roaster he then purchased a 30 kilo roasting machine and moved the coffee roasting to the back of the restaurant. Nicola was now producing more coffee for more clients and for three years he pumped out a whopping one and a half tons of roasted coffee per week! After about 5 years he purchased a 60 kilo roaster from Turkey. The roaster was put in storage for 12 months before he found a premises /warehouse in Unanderra to house the 60 kilo roaster. Nicola was roasting the coffee along with his two sons.

Around 2007 Nicola launched an `Italian Night` at the restaurant. The restaurant was at capacity and turned around 180 people. It was intended to be the beginning of `la grammatica italiana`. The hope was to have many nights like this where people would dine, gather together and speak Italian, encouraging people to connect with their heritage, speaking more of the mother language or even learning the language itself. Members of the Italian community became involved. It ran for a couple of years only before finishing all together. It was really disappointing for Nicola.

The restaurant was busy and trading constantly. It had many regular local customers. They worked solid for nearly ten years and in 2010 Nickelangelo Trattoria was sold. Maria Di Blasi worked with Nicola since 1984 when he opened his first pizzeria in Oak Flats until he finished from the restaurant in Warrawong. Maria Di Blasi passed away 2022, January 15. She was 80 years old.

Nicola was focusing heavily on his coffee roasting business at Unanderra. He was making third party coffee blends now turning out 4 tons per week and he was working six days per week, 12 hours per day working with the 60 kilo roaster.

By this stage both his sons were working full time with him. For 25 years Nicola had been roasting coffee with his children being part of the business. The business has now come full circle, with Nicola helping his sons. The eldest son has a cafe in Unanderra and is involved with distribution. The youngest son owns the roasting business. So for Nicola his coffee project is finished with his sons running the show. Nicola helps and still works in the business, supporting the sons and doing most of the roasting.

He spends much time in his beloved garden and enjoys the company of his eight grandchildren.

Nicola as a young Seaman in Italy

 

 Nicola roasting his coffee

 

 

Images from the collection belonging to Nicola Di Ciaccio

SOUTH COAST TIMES ITALIAN EXHIBITION SUPPLEMENT AUGUST 1956

Back when I started this journey of writing stories about the Italians of Wollongong, I spent many early days at the Wollongong City Library upstairs, where there is access to a variety of resources. History and information about the past in Wollongong, stories, local news items and a room full of newspapers all on microfiche film. Microfiche is an older technology that was eventually replaced by digital technology. Though we are still able to read the film and with the use of modern technology download it to computer files: with great relief.

Whilst I was doing research I had so much help from the wonderful staff who were only too willing to assist and encourage me. They found some fantastic articles and showed me how and where to search for information ect.

An article was found in the South Coast Times (Wollongong`s Premier Newspaper back in the day) dated Monday August 27, 1956 (PAGES 21 -28). In fact it wasn’t an article it was an eight page supplement called `ITALY IN W`GONG`. So much information and I was so grateful. It talked about the many businesses in Wollongong started by Italians with messages from the mayor,  Wollongong City Council, editorials and advertisements. So many of the stories that I have written were about the people who were mentioned in this supplement. This supplement also gave me clues to finding out more information and led me to people I had never even heard of before. 

FILIPPE D`AURIA. I knew of two tailors in Wollongong and one was by first name only and I had been trying for months to find him. I saw this small advertisement in the supplement that showed me his last name. It was Filippe D`Auria. Once I had his name I was then able to track down his son (which took quite a while) and learn all about him. Filippe D`Auria worked for almost 30 years as a tailor and he was quite an accomplished musician as well.

GINO BATTOCCHIO. I came across Gino`s name through an editorial in this supplement. Gino was mentioned as one of many who had their creative works on display at the West Wollongong TAFE. I was able to track Gino`s brother down (who lives here in Wollongong). I learnt about Gino and wrote his story. Gino`s metal creations, and what he built and donated to the church, were amazing pieces.

Others who had their works on display at the TAFE were Peter Menegazzo who’s story was published in two parts. Raimondo Brugnera who was a tailor but also designed and built furniture, was mentioned in our stories in the Tailors of Wollongong. Filippe D`Auria also had his tailored clothes on display.

Advertisements by E. Guido & Co, (that was managed by Ebe Formigoni who eventually purchased the business) who’s story was also published along with Borgo Wines and Bruno Ballesi from Photo Roma. Others who I am still searching for to write their stories. The whole supplement was filled with so many articles and names about the role of Italians in Wollongong and their contributions.

Page 21: Talks about the opening of the exhibition and how it was the first ever international exhibition held on the South Coast. It also mentions those who were featured in the exhibition and about the artisans whose works were on display at the West Wollongong College of TAFE. The exhibition at the TAFE was held over several days with a message from the Mayor at the time J.J. Kelly and a message from the Council of Wollongong.

Page 22: Features articles talking about the cultural impact and benefits of the Italians in the Wollongong community. It also honours the many Italians who had become Australian Citizens and how a large portion of those were Italians, as well as advertisements.

Page 23: The importance of the Italian Centre in Wollongong and the role it played and it’s social value. Even the coffee machine that was used at the Italian Centre was on display at the exhibition along with more advertisements.

Page 24: A Wonderful editorial piece on how Migration had boosted South Coast Industry. How more than 1500 Italians worked at the Port Kembla Industries, others at EPT (Electric Power Transmission). The many skilled and unskilled migrants who made up the work force, how important they were. The number of Italians in Australia at the time and how it was increasing every year.

Page 25: Features E.P.T and it’s contributing growth to Australia and other industries. 

Page 26 : Talks about the Immaculate Conception Church at Unanderra with articles about  (well known) Italian world wide companies.

Page 27:  Features an editorial on E Guido & Company’s store and the many customers they serviced not only in the Wollongong area, but even the Southern Highlands and Kiama. 

Page 28: Speaks about how Italy is a paradise for tourists and the number of people visiting the country. Our wonderful cruise liners and an editorial on Borgo Wines and some more advertising.

Following is the article written on page 23 about the Italian Centre, Wollongong.

Italian Centre’s Important Role

`Playing an important role in the assimilation of Italian migrants on the South Coast is the Wollongong Italian Centre.` 

The social value of the Centre has been fully realised by the Wollongong City Council, the Good Neigbour Council and all the other bodies associated with the assimilation of migrants.

The Centre, situated at 33 Burelli Street, Wollongong was founded and is now conducted by the Pious Society of St Charles, a Catholic Order dedicated to the spiritual and temporal welfare of Italian migrants all over the world.

Moved by the great post-war influx of Italian people to the South Coast, the Society in June, last year acquired the property in Burelli Street. An old home was standing on the land which has a 66` wide double frontage to Burelli and Stewart Streets, Wollongong.The home was renovated internally to provide a modern welfare and recreational centre for the Italian people of the South Coast.

In an endeavour to help fit Italians for better positions in the community, the priest in charge (Rev. Father L. Bianchini) started classes in English for the migrants. These English classes are now held at the centre every Tuesday and Friday nights and are helping Italians to settle in the community within a short time.

Classes in Italian are also provided for Australians who desire to learn the Italian language. Among the many people attending these classes is an engineer who is directing Italian workmen, and local singer whose operatic work demands a grasp of the Italian language.

Since the Centre was established last year, more than 2000 cases have been assisted in one way or another. Financial aid when necessary and assistance with immigration, taxation, housing and industrial problems has been given new settlers at the Centre.

Recreational facilities at the Centre have been warmly appreciated. They include table tennis, and an indoor soccer table made by Mr Gino Sanguinetti of Wollongong.

Meals cooked in the Italian manner are also served at the Centre, the cook being Mrs Rina Montagner, formerly of Venice.  The Centre in not a club. There is no membership fee and it is maintained solely by donations and goodwill of all who regard it as a means of bringing the Australian and Italian people together in the true spirit of assimilation.

What a treasure trove of information and dedication to the Italians in Wollongong. If anyone wishes to read and see the old newspaper articles they are held in Wollongong City Library upstairs they are available to look at on the microfiche reader and the staff are only too willing to help. 

(Information obtained from the South Coast Times Newspaper Monday August 27, 1956.

 from the Wollongong City Library archives)

 

 

 

 Newspaper article about the exhibition and Virgilio and Alberto Gnata 

at the West Wollongong TAFE exhibition of art work standing in front

of some of their creations.

Gino Battocchio at the West Wollongong TAFE exhibition viewing

the artworks on the wall.

 

 

Above images from the collection belonging

to Jessica Zerlinda Gnata

 

 

Gino Battocchio with his creations as part of the exhibition with

two ladies enjoying the wares on display.

 

 

Image from the collection belonging to Cristina Battocchio  

MARIO MASTROIANNI - SOCCER REFEREE

On September 2nd 1966 when Mario Mastroianni arrived in Australia he was 13 years old. He travelled on the ship Galileo, with his mother Giuseppina and his brother Fiorenzo who was almost six. Mario`s father Giovanni was already in Australia. Giovanni first arrived in 1955 aboard the ship Surriento arriving June 6.  He stayed for a few years working on the Snowy Mountain Hydro scheme and then went back to Italy. Giovanni returned again in 1960 arriving November 18, on the ship Roma. He went to Redfern for some time before going to work at Warragamba Dam. He was living with his sister in-law Concetta. Giovanni became an Australian citizen May 2nd, 1962.  By the time the family arrived in 1966 he was living in his own house that he purchased at Mt St Thomas and was working at BHP as a rigger.

As a young boy Mario enjoyed playing soccer locally in his home town in Italy and soon joined the local soccer club Coniston after arriving in Australia. He was good at soccer and loved to play. Fiorenzo also joined the club a few years later. Coniston Soccer Club began in 1955 as a Junior club only. It wasn’t until 1984 when they merged with Crown United that it brought together Junior and Senior teams. They entered the Premier League and won the grand final in 1981, 2001 and 2003 and have recently entered a women’s team in the Premier League for the first time.

Mario went to school at Keira Boys High and left in Year 10 to pursue an apprenticeship as a Fitter and Turner at BHP.  Soccer became a big part of life for Mario and in 1970/71 he became a Junior referee for the club at age 18.  He was also a referee, for Junior and Senior reserve games (local competition).  At 21 he began to referee all Senior games then later moved to Premier League games. He reffed many grand finals of the top 3 teams each year. Mario refereed five Illawarra Premier League grand finals.  

 
He was part of the Referee association of Illawarra. Mario also was a referee for local grand finals and the Bert Brampton Gala Day.  The Bert Brampton Cup was a knockout competition for soccer clubs in the South Coast competition. Bert Brampton was a football (soccer) official and a former board member of the Illawarra Football Association.  The cup was in honour of his contributions to local football.

 

Mario continued reffing soccer games and in the late 1980`s he left his job at BHP and purchased a business called Piccadilly Gifts and Cards in the Piccadilly Shopping Centre in Crown Street, Wollongong, near the train station. Mario soon expanded the variety in the shop and sold soccer memorabilia and collectors items, Italian cards, soccer jerseys etc. His shop had many customers who enjoyed the variety on the shop floor.

Prior to opening his shop he became involved with the San Giovanni Battista committee who ran their yearly festival. In 1981 he was elected secretary and stayed in this role in for almost 25 years. As secretary he was responsible for all correspondence. He knew many people and was great at the role. Mario also did a tremendous job with the entertainment for the festival. The San Giovanni Battista festival was the flagship festival for Italian entertainment in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

In 1991 when Mario was 38 he became a NSW State Games referee. Mario was not very tall and he received the nick name `MOUSE` but his height was never a deterrent for him. He was known for standing up to the older players who were much bigger than him. He became well known as a referee and was well respected too!

 

Mario was also director of the Wollongong wolves when they won two consecutive championships in the National Soccer League: 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. He was also a share holder. Mario would help organise the programmes and sponsors for the team. He was very hands on and worked tirelessly for the good of the organisation.

Every year when the World Cup Soccer was on Mario would organise functions at the Fraternity Bowling Club at Fairy Meadow. He would coordinate the early morning match viewing (around 3am) for members and guests and it was always popular.  When the 2006 World Cup was held in Germany, Mario set up a small merchandise shop at the Fraternity Club for the duration of the cup. He sold all soccer memorabilia, including German and Italian soccer balls.  When Italy won it was just the icing on cake for him. 

Mario was set to referee a friendly A-League practice between match between Perth Glory and Sydney FC. The match was set to take place on August 6, 2006. Sadly the day before, Mario suffered a heart attack and passed away. He was only 52 years old. It was such shock to everyone. 

Piccadilly Gifts and Cards closed for approximately three months. Mario`s father Giovanni, who was in his seventies then, ran the store for another 12 months before closing the shop all together.

Giovanni Mastroianni passed away January 21, 2018, he was 90. Wife Giuseppina passed away 22nd May, 2019. She was 86.

Mario`s brother Fiorenzo had all his children, both sons and daughters playing soccer and now his grandchildren play too. Mario left behind a legacy in local Wollongong as a referee and a champion for local club soccer. He was also instrumental with the San Giovanni Battista Festival as secretary for many years. His work in the community is not forgotten. 

 

 

 

 

On the ship with friends coming to Australia

 

 

 

Attending a family wedding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Coniston Junior Soccer Club

 

 

 

 

 Italy winning the World Cup in 2006 was Mario`s joy!

 

 

All images from the collection belonging to 

Fiorenzo Mastroianni 

FRANCES FAZZARI (VUMBACA) - CASE DI MIELE

Frances Fazzari came to Australia in 1962 with her mother Antonia and her brother Giuseppe. Frances was four years old at the time and her bother was six. They travelled on the ship Roma arriving January 9. Their father Antonio was already in Australia and had been since 1960. He arrived May 20 on the ship Sydney and stayed with his brother Ilario in Newtown.
 

Arriving in August 1962, six months after Frances was (Maria) Caterina Vumbaca along with her children. Unbeknown to Frances she would be her future mother in-law.

Frances grew up in Sydney and her father Antonio worked for the Department of Main Roads. The family lived in Newtown before moving to Alexandria and then settling in Leppington.  Frances finished high school in year 10 and worked in retail. She met her husband Cosimo Vumbaca (known to everyone as Frank) and they were married in 1979, she was 20. Her mother in-law lived with them.

Frances got to know Caterina who made Italian Mustazzoli Honey and Gingerbread and sold it at Italian religious and cultural festivals throughout the Sydney area. Caterina did this also in Italy prior to coming to Australia. The recipe originated in the 16th century. The recipe has been handed down in the family. Caterina handed down the recipe to her children.  Here in Australia Caterina`s sisters also sold these sweets. As well as many festivals in Sydney the Vumbaca family came to Wollongong and had a stall set up at the first San Giovanni Battista Festival that began in the late 60`s. They continued until the festival finished in 1969.  

When the second iteration of the San Giovanni Battista Festival began in 1981, Francesca was there with Caterina helping her to make the products and run the stall. They did this for consecutive years. Typically they would arrive around 10am to set up the stall and prepare their products. With the festival commencing around 3pm they worked throughout the afternoon and night till the festival finished. They had lots of happy customers and for so many of them these sweets were something they grew up with. Not many people were making such items. It really was a treat.

The range of products they sold were two types of breads, one being the harder version and the other being a softer version. They also made a almond and a peanut honey brittle as well as roasted Chick peas ( Gaglia). These were the only products they made for several years. It was usually just two, sometimes three people running the stall.

In September 1987 Caterina Vumbaca passed away. She was 79. Caterina had been making these sweets well into her 70`s. Francesca then continued making the products and running the stalls with her husband Frank, who also was working full time. Around  this time Francesca created her own recipe of various types of nougat. It became extremely popular. Made with all natural ingredients (as with all the recipes) the nougat also had a long shelf life. It was a great addition to their product line. 

When it comes to making the sweets much thought goes into the process.  At least 2 weeks before an event/stall the nougat is prepared first then the other sweets are made. This is very hard work as they are all made by hand. They have always been done this way. Once made they are stored in air tight containers. 



I spoke to Frances about where she operates from and she told me they live on a property with two houses. One of the houses is dedicated just to the making and processing of their sweets. I also asked her how much honey she uses in a year. Her answer was 40 x 15 kilo buckets = 600 kilos of honey per year. Her honey is supplied by a local bee keeper who supplies her with all-natural honey. He has been supplying her since 1980. 

Frances started using Facebook, social media and trading places to advertise and spread the word about her business. . The Facebook page they created is https://www.facebook.com/CasaDiMieleItalianHoneybreadGingerbread. It helped to create her presence and consequently her business grew.  Frances has also expanded her range now that includes cream filled centres of gingerbread with Nutella and Pistachio.

Around 2010 she branded herself and created her business name called Casa Di Miele (The House of Honey). The continue to travel throughout the Sydney region to various festivals and events. They also do pop up stalls in shopping centres at specific times such as Easter, Christmas and Fathers` day. 

Casa Di Miele have 9 recipe lines that they have created with a variety of shapes, sizes and package combinations to suit everyone. They have also introduced a gluten free version of the honey bread, as well as a spiced honey bread. Products that are egg and dairy free.  They also offer platters at their Christmas stalls and egg and bunny shapes for Easter. Around 2015 Casa Di Miele started making bomboniere with their honey breads. Small party favours that are a delight. 

Speaking with Francesca she mentioned that the harder honey bread was more popular with the Italians and the softer gingerbread style bread was more popular with the Australians. At the Italian Ferragosto festival in Five Dock they had 6 people running their stall, taking turns to stop and rest. They have travelled extensively throughout NSW and also Canberra for a number of years at the Multi Cultural Festival.

Frances is the chief cook and when she has a stall to cater for her day typically starts at 5am and finishes at 2pm. Her son George works with her in the kitchen.  George has been working with Frances for the past 15 years. George took over the role of her husband Frank in the kitchen and stalls (though you may still see Frank helping out on the day). George loves what they do and wants to continue the tradition of his Grandparents artisan products. The products are so unique  that they were requested by the Australian Museum to be exhibited for their event “Italian immigrants contribution to Australia” The business has grown over the years.  They currently supply one bakery in Haberfield with their products and are considering doing more. In October this year they are headed to Melbourne for the first time to sell their sweets.
 

The Wollongong Connection 

Frances had been part of the San Giovanni Battista Festival from 1981 till it ended in 2014. For 33 years Wollongong got to sample and taste her delicious honey sweets.  Not only the San Giovanni Festival, they were part of the Spring into Corrimal festival, Australia Day Festival, Fairy Meadow Street Fair, Italian Republic Day and of course the Castagne Day at the Fraternity Bowling Club, in Fairy Meadow, where Casa Di Miele continue running their stall annually. They are so much a part of Wollongong and have contributed greatly. Wollongong people know them only too well. Frances commented that many people have said to her that her sweets taste better than the ones in Italy. Quite the compliment indeed!

 

 

 

 

From humble beginnings in Italy Circa late 1960`s.

This is Frances` brother in-law selling the Mustazolli (honey bread).

 

  

Staples you will find at the Casa Di Miele stall. 

  

 

 All images from the collection belonging to Frances Vumbaca

 

 

THE MENEGAZZO FAMILY PART THREE - PIETRO

Singer extraordinaire!

Pietro discovered that he had quite a good voice and by his teens he was singing all the time. It would sometimes annoy his parents so they would send him outside on their farm to sing to the cows! He never had any formal training but he was certainly gifted with the most beautiful voice. Pietro collected records of his favourite artists, particularly Mario Lanza and other opera singers. He would also fall in love with Irish and Scottish folk music. His wife Nellie, was Irish and played the piano accordion. Nellie’s mother, was quite the musician herself. She also played the accordion along with many other instruments. As young man Pietro also played guitar.

When Pietro first met Nellie Harriott in 1949, it was at a picnic day at Lake Illawarra. She was playing the accordion and so he decided to approach her and sing along. He informed her that she was playing it incorrectly. This wasn’t well received from Nellie and in fact she didn’t like him at all and she felt he was a bit of a show off.  But over time their friendship grew and so did Pietro`s love of Irish music. He loved music and he loved to sing. He often sang solo, or with other theatre performers. You would always find him singing in the church choir regularly. Pietro also sang at the weddings of family and friends.  Pietro was made an honorary Alpini choir member. The Alpini were a specialised military corps and their choirs were taken very seriously. They developed a friendship with Pietro and he sang with them on many occasions.

By 1943 Pietro was well into singing and regularly performed when he could. He had performed with various groups and even recorded himself on vinyl disc. Peter also had a varied music collection. Music inspired him and he loved to sing different styles. Opera was a big love for him but he also loved classic ballads and Irish folk music. 
 

1943 Australian Comforts Fund for returned soldiers

 

Friday June 11, 1943 a show was held at the Crown Theatre, Keira Street, Wollongong. The show was to raise funds for the Australian soldiers during the war, in particular the men of the 34th Battalion (Illawarra Regiment).

Australian Comforts Fund was an organisation that through fundraising purchased care items for soldiers during the war, items that were not  normally supplied to the servicemen. The lineup of artists for the June show was quite impressive for the time. Wilfred Thomas and Bebe Scott, radio stars from 2FC (that would later become ABC Radio), Impersonator Dave Arthur, Sydney soprano Phyllis Rogers, artists from the Capital Theatre in Sydney and local artists including Peter (Pietro) Menegazzo. 

Harmony Recordings - Direct to Disc

 

Harmony Recording was the record label from Harmony House. Harmony House was a music store that was operated by John Cohen.  In 1940 John`s son Ron set up a commercial recording studio behind the store . It was a recording studio made available for anyone who wished to record their voice, `Direct to Disc` under the `Harmony Recording` label. The artist would record their voice onto the disc and it was given to them once the recording was done. This was the master copy.  It was also very cheap, making it affordable for the masses. Some famous artists who recorded their voices there were Dame Joan Sutherland and Frank Ifield. Between 1943 - 1948 Pietro did a series of recordings at Harmony House. He sang anything from Opera to Irish Ballads. 

Pietro`s Zia Maria on his maternal side also had a beautiful singing voice, as did his daughter Delora and his grandson Matthew, though none of them pursued it further. Pietro`s wonderful record collection is safe in the hands of his granddaughter Amy.  Unfortunately there is no footage of Pietro singing, but those direct to disc recordings from Harmony House are just priceless. Pietro Menegazzo was so humble about his creativity and was happy to share his talents. We were ever so blessed by his work and contribution in the community. He is still talked about with such praise.

Speaking with Pietro`s son Paul and his daughter Amy, they recollect how Pietro would always play music in the house on his record player. Sundays he would invite neighbors and friends over to the house to listen to the many records from his collection. It was a time for gathering with friends and enjoying the music. I asked them both some questions about what that time was like. Amy spoke candidly about her grandfather. Following are her words. 
 

“Yes he did sing when he worked and had his friends and neighbours over to listen to music. Growing up I would spend most of my weekends with my grandparents (the joys of living on the same street). Particularly on a Sunday I would make Sunday lunch risotto and grandad would have music playing when I got there and as soon as I walked through the door he would ask me to guess the singer. He and I would sing along and we would sometimes sing in the workshop when I would watch him make a lot of the woodwork. Our love of Music and of everything Italian was part of our special bond.”

 

 

 

 

Pietro played the guitar as a young man in his 20`s.  He would

go on to record his extraordinary voice throughout the 1940`s.

 

 

 This video shows some of the recordings that 

Pietro did between 1943 - 1948.  It is him

singing in the background. 

All images from the collection belonging to the Menegazzo family.

 

THE MENEGAZZO FAMILY PART TWO - PIETRO

As we come into the second part of the Menegazzo story we pick up from the early 1950`s where Pietro`s business, Illawarra Gate Manufacturers, were busy with orders for gates and wrought iron designs. With several staff members, business was constant and Illawarra Gates had large orders, in particular multiple sets of gates for the then Housing Department. Even with the loss of his father Marcello in 1953, Pietro was extremely busy with work and with his family. He was already married and had a two year old daughter Delora. The following year in 1954 son Mark was born and 4 years later another son Paul was born. 

In the early 1950`s St John Vianney Catholic Church, Fairy Meadow was built. In 1957 Pietro was asked to make several items for the church. The first one being the communion rails. He was apprehensive at first. He had never done this type of thing before. But Pietro soon realised that he knew what to do and the railings turned out wonderful. He was also asked to make the baptismal font and the cross that sits upon the apex on the roof of the church. Further south in Wollongong the St Francis Xavier Cathedral also has one of Pietro`s designs which is a crucifix above its eastern entry door that sits in the window.

Pietro also designed and built the hand rails and school crest for the St John Vianney Catholic School and he went on to do several school crests and gates including various public and secondary schools. St Pius at Unanderra and St Mary`s College in Wollongong also had Pietro`s work.

In 1967 Pietro was commissioned to build a statue of Jesus that would sit on the outside wall of the St Therese Little Flower Catholic Church at West Wollongong.  It was based on the statue Christ the Redeemer that sits on the  Corcovado mountain top in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. It is spectacular to say the least . It took Pietro 700 hundred hours to complete, all in his spare time. It was built in his back shed and with only small tools. It was finished in 1968.

Pietro loved working with wrought iron and other metals. Every thing he did was hand beaten, no machinery used. By 1974 Ilawarra Gates began to wind down. Still on the same site as Illawarra Gates, Pietro and his son Mark, who was also a boiler maker did some pipe work for local businesses and companies. In 1978 son Paul (who was also a boiler maker) joined his father and brother with the business and they became PMP Pipe and General Fabrication. PMP supplied the mining industry with metal fabrication and pipe work. They also worked on methane gas drainage in the mines including design and development of those systems.  In 1987 Pietro sold his land and moved, still staying in Balgownie, and he also officially retired. PMP Pipe and General Fabrication relocated to Pringle Road, Fairy Meadow.  In 1988 the business was sold.

Pietro had worked hard all his life and he had some health issues. The years of working with his hands took its toll and Pietro experienced loss of sensation in his fingertips as well as arthritis. At his new home he had a double garage set up where he crafted items out of timber, as it was softer to work with. He made things like lace bobbins, spinning wheels, carved letter openers and even some furniture. He also made a harp. Nellie was a folk art painter and drawer. She used to paint some of the wood work that Pietro made.

Pietro passed away November 23, 2003. He was 81. Wife Nellie passed away September 9, 2017. She was 86. They are survived by their three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Pietro Menegazzo was an incredible artisan. Creative, well known and well liked by so many.  He took great pride in all his creations. You can visit many places in the Wollongong area and they are still on display. There are remnants of Pietro all throughout the region with his wrought iron designs and works. His magnificent statue of Jesus that is graced at the St Therese Little Flower Church, West Wollongong, still stands there in all its glory and will do so for many years to come. 

 

 

Pietro working making gates and railings.

 

 

 Images of Pietro`s works scattered throughout

the Wollongong region

 

 

 

 

Images of Pietro`s creations in timber

and metal.  He did much of this

after he retired. 

 

All images from the collection belonging to

 the Menegazzo family 

THE MENEGAZZO FAMILY PART ONE - MARCELLO

Marcello Angelo Menegazzo was born in 1895 in Cavaso Del Tomba, Province of Treviso. He came to Australia in 1912 at the age of 17. Travelling on the ship Zieten he arrived December 7. He was the eldest of many siblings. It is said that he was one 20. Of those only 13 survived into adulthood. Marcello was listed as a labourer. He came from a farming background and was also a Goldsmith as was his father Pietro. Marcello went to Broken Hill where he stayed with two Uncles who came to Australia years before. At Broken Hill he worked in the mines for BHP.  Broken Hill had quite a few Italians at the time. Marcello was working hard and sending money back home to help the family. 

1915 saw the commencement of WW1 and Marcello along with his friends joined the first A.I.F. It took him to Italy where he was fighting in the north near his home town. At the end of the war Marcello went back home to Cavaso and got a job in a silk worm factory. It was there that he met a young woman named Giuseppina Bugno. They would soon marry. 

In 1922 their first child Pietro Giovanni was born, who was named after Marcello`s father. Post war Italy wasn’t prosperous so the family decided to immigrate to America or Australia. They applied to both countries and agreed whichever released the necessary papers first was where they would go. The paper work for Australia came through first and in 1922 Marcello returned to Australia on the Ormonde Oct 5. He settled in Tarrawanna where there was a growing Italian community. February 6, 1924 aboard the Ormuz, wife Giuseppina and son Pietro arrived to join Marcello.

Marcello found work as a wood machinist for W.Waters and Sons in Wollongong, as well as doing watch making and repairs on the side. After a short while Marcello purchased an old house and section of land on the corner of Short Street and Balmoral Street, Balgownie. (Short Street later became Foothills Road). Marcello and Giuseppina worked hard to make their house a home. They established fruit trees and a large vegetable garden. Marcello even grew his own tobacco. In 1924 they welcomed their second child Anna into their family. The Menegazzo family was well known in the area. 

In 1927 Marcello applied for his citizenship and on December 22nd he received his naturalisation. Marcello spoke English quiet well and this also helped with his standing in the community. He was often called upon to help with disputes or misunderstandings if language was a barrier. Marcello also understood local laws and was able to help his local Italian community with legal matters.

In 1929 saw the beginning of the great depression and unfortunately Marcello was let go from his job as a machinist. Not one to sit and wait Marcello did what he knew best and farmed his land, not only for himself and his family but also for the community.

He started off selling some of his home grown produce. Marcello would often  peddle up and down the local streets with his son Pietro to sell and trade his fruits and vegetables. As the demand grew Marcello began to grow chickens and turned his property into a poultry farm.

Marcello and his wife Giuseppina now were running the poultry farm and added large sheds to accomodate. They not only sold poultry they also used the barter system as the times were hard for many. They grew more fruits and vegetables in their extensive garden that helped the community. Giuseppina was an excellent cook and they were self sufficient. They also had a cow on the property that produced milk and butter. The farm did well and serviced many, suppling many local businesses as well with eggs and chickens.

Marcello offered accommodation and meals for people who had no where to go. In return they would help out on the farm. Marcello converted some of the poultry sheds making them habitable and a safe place to stay. At the peak of the poultry farm Marcello had almost 2000 chickens.

At the end of the depression the timber yard re-opened and Marcello returned to his job as a wood machinist and was still running the poultry farm. Young Pietro (who was now 15 years old) was growing up and in 1937 he got an apprenticeship as a boiler maker. He worked for Garnock Engineering and David Brothers. With the onset of WW2 Pietro was completing his apprenticeship as a boiler maker. By the end of WW2 Pietro was working at B & W Steel, Fairy Meadow. 

After the war the economy began to recover and by this time Marcello slowly wound down the poultry farm. Pietro noticed a small fabrication business for sale. In 1947 Pietro purchased the plant and equipment and started a business on his father’s property called Illawarra Gate Manufacturers. With the existing sheds from the Poultry farm he converted them into work sheds and an administration office. They started producing gates, railings and small coal skips.

The business was doing well and soon Marcello was now a part of it. Marcello`s role was in administration. He was very good at it and he did a lot of the day to day operations while Pietro was busy creating the gates and railings. Pietro was very hands on and incredibly creative. They were very busy and they were constantly reconfiguring the sheds and buildings on the property to accomodate for their ever growing demand.

In 1949 daughter Anna married. She hadn’t been well for some time but was getting over her illness. Anna married Aurelio Spagnolo. Unfortunately, her illness returned and Anna was admitted into Balmain Hospital.  Anna passed away on June 13, 1950. She was only 24 years old.  It devastated the family and Marcello struggled to cope. This would also affect his health. He would be found at Anna`s grave site sitting for hours on end. This went on for quite some time. Pietro had to step in and bring him home as it was all too consuming for Marcello who was grief stricken and heart broken.

Marcello was a member of the RSL Wollongong and on the 28th of August 1953, he was nominated and gazetted as a Justice of the peace for his outstanding work in the community. It was a proud moment for him and his family, especially after the death of Anna. Sadly he never got to hold the position as he passed away October 9, 1953, before the offical notification came through. Marcello die from emphysema. Giuseppina passed away in 1980 on December 14. She was 78 years old. Aurelio Spagnolo, (who never remarried) passed away August 23, 2003. He was 80. 

Marcello Menegazzo was well known and respected in the community. Arriving in 1922 in Tarrawanna, the growing Italian population were making their mark in the area, including the surrounding suburbs of Balgownie and Fairy Meadow. We owe these Italians much credit for how they created their community through their businesses and contributions, hard work and the bonded friendships that helped them endure and sustain.

                                                                Walking down the street.

 

 

Well dressed.

 

 

 

 

 All images from the collection belonging to the Menegazzo Family