NICOLA COPPOLARO - THE TRAVELLING FRUIT VENDOR

In 1965 Nicola Coppolaro headed to Australia with his family.  Travelling on the Guglielmo Marconi with wife Immacolata and their three sons Pasquale 7, Angelo 5 and 2 year old Mario.  The Coppolaro family arrived in Australia, 20th of May.  

Antonio Cesare, who was a family relative, was living in Lake Heights at 35 Barina Avenue and had arrived in Australia in the 1950`s. After several months of renting a home a few doors down the Coppolaro family moved in with Antonio who had completed renovations on his house with the addition of an apartment for the family to live in.

Nicola Coppolaro soon began working at the Port Kembla Steel Works as a labourer. The boys went to Warrawong Primary School and later Warrawong High. The apartment at Antonio`s house was not very big, but adequate accomodation and the family were in familiar surroundings.

In March 1968 an unfortunate incident took place. Four year old Mario Coppolaro ran out onto the road into an oncoming car and was killed.  Immacolata suffered a terrible shock as she saw her son lying on the road.  It is believed that this may have contributed to her ongoing heart issues.

In 1969, whilst still working at the Steel Works, Nicola started a small enterprise at his house. In the apartment that the family lived in there was a long corridor and Nicola set up some shelves filled with produce and began selling fruit and vegetables from the home at Lake Heights.  The corridor fruit and vegetable store was gaining popularity and he was outgrowing the space. Nicola purchased a truck and began delivering to customers door to door. 1969 also saw the birth of their daughter Elena, who was a dream come true for Immacolata.

Working at the Steel Works, Nicola saved his money and purchased a block of land at 119 Flagstaff Road, Warrawong in 1970. The following year he open his fruit shop that he built on the land.  Approximately six months later he finished building the residence on top for his family to move in.  After living 9 years with Antonio Cesare at 35 Barina Avenue, Lake Heights the Coppolaro family moved into their own home above their Fruit Shop.

At first the shop was just a green grocer selling fruits and vegetables.  Nicola was also doing his travelling fruit run. He would take his truck out several times per week and had a particular run to the Warrawong/Lake Heights/Cringila areas. He not only served the Italian community but many other European communities as well. 

Nicola opened his store seven days per week and would go to Flemington Markets on a Tuesday morning to get all his produce. Nicola ran the shop with wife Immacolata and the children would all help out on weekends and particularly school holidays. They also had one shop assistant. Nicola also bred quails in his back yard and sold their eggs.  

Immacolata found her feet working in the shop and it really was good for her. She spoke little English, but with the day to day running of the shop and dealing with the constant stream of customers it really helped her to pick up the language.

The shop soon expanded its range of goods and began stocking Italian grocery lines and they stocked small goods for the deli section.  It proved to be a good move.  Many a time you would find Immacolata offering a coffee and biscuits with customers or friends just for a chat.  It was like a meeting place. Immacolata was not only hospitable, she became very astute in the business as well. Considering she had little to no education Immacolata would become very wise with numbers and figures even to Nicola`s surprise.  

Nicola began importing glass damigiane (demijohns) and timber wine barrels from Italy and they sold extremely well. So many local Italians and other Europeans made their own wine at home and to be able to have large storage options available locally was a boon for them. In the early 1980`s Nicola`s younger brother Gaetano opened a supermarket at Albion Park.  Nicola supplied Gaetano with fruits and vegetables for his supermarket for approximately  5 - 6 years.

It was around 1986 and the business was doing ok but Immacolata was not in good health as her heart condition worsened. With a young daughter to care for as well, Nicola decided to rent the shop out to so he could care for Immacolata and daughter Elena full time. In 1988 Angelo was married and he and his wife moved to Dapto.

In 1989 Nicola made the decision to sell the premises to the same people who had been renting out the shop. They moved to a newly purchased home in Dapto to be closer to their son Angelo and wife Maureen who was expecting their first grandchild. Nicholas Coppolaro was born and brought much joy to the family. Nicola was enjoying his new home at Dapto, cultivating his garden which produced abundantly. He shared much of his garden bounty with family and friends. After several years Immacolata passed away December 15, 1994 aged 62.

The death of Immacolata had a profound affect on Nicola and the whole family.  This was another loss for them second to death of son and brother Mario at age four. Nicola did struggle for some time, but slowly he found his way back to life. He would go on to marry Concetta Arnone, who was a life long friend. Nicola regained much happiness and once again was back in his garden and his life prospered. More joy came to him when his daughter Elena married her husband Stephen.

Around 2001 son Angelo was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and passed away in 2002.  It was difficult for the family but it was extremely hard for Nicola and he struggled again with the loss. His health began to decline. Nicola Coppolaro passed away December 30, 2007. He was 76 years old.  Both Immacolata and Nicola are survived by their grandson Nicholas. Pasquale has now retired and moved to sunny Queensland and daughter  Elena lives on the South Coast of NSW.

Nicola Coppolaro had his travelling fruit truck for approximately 15 years.  It was a labour of love for him. He purchased a table top truck and designed and welded the frame with different compartments to house all the produce, with a canvas cover made to go over the top. Stopping at certain streets and blowing the horn, his regular customers would be expect him. Nicola`s fruit truck was the original door to door delivery, always with a dedication to service and to his customers.

 

 

 

Nicola and Immacolata Coppolaro outside their shop in Flagstaff Road.

 

 

 

 Nicola`s travelling Fruit truck.

He designed and welded the internal frame together to display his produce.

 

   

All images from the collection belonging to Pasquale Coppolaro

 

 

 

 

 

FRANK CASTELLI - DRUMMER

Travelling on the ship Sydney, Frank Castelli arrived in Australia on the 15th Feb, 1962.  Along with his father Biagio, mother Eugenia and his 13 year old brother Alessandro, the Castelli family headed to Kemblawarra, where they stayed with Biagio`s brother, Angelo. Frank was 10 years old.

Within days of arriving, Biagio began working at the coke ovens at the Port Kembla Steel Works. Alessandro enrolled into Port Kembla High and Frank to Kemblawarra Primary School.  Alessandro took an early interest in music and learnt to play the bass guitar, and later he would to play lead and rhythm. His teacher was Bob Goodger from the Tornadoes.  The Tornadoes were a local rock and roll band originally consisting of four brothers. They were extremely popular and well known playing at many local dances and clubs and would achieve world wide acclaim.  Alessandro Castelli was not the only musician in the family. His Uncle and his Grandfather both played the Piano Accordion and soon brother Frank would become interested in music too!

When Frank was 15, he began guitar lessons but that only lasted a few months.  Frank would watch his brother Alessandro rehearsing with his band at the family home.  Frank was fixated with the drummer and soon he began drum lessons.  Alessandro bought Frank his first set of drums. 

Frank had only been playing for three weeks when he was thrust into a gig, filling in for a musician who couldn’t make it. It was a paid, one off gig in a pub!

Frank kept having lessons and got a position with a band called The Playboys.  The Playboys had gigs here and there and Frank stayed with them for approximately 12 months. In 1967 he then joined his brother Alessandro with his band and became their drummer.  They played a gig at the Capri Restaurant in Port Kembla on a Friday and Saturday night.  The band usually started at 9.30pm and would often finish between 3-4 in the morning, as other venues finished their dances around 12.30pm, many people headed to the Capri to dance the night away. 

The Capri began slowing down and so the band finished up their weekend gigs.  Alessandro, Frank and others formed a band and played for wedding receptions at Bruno`s Tarrawanna. With a variety of lineups with Alessandro`s band over the course of 3 years, Frank left to start his own band.

Frank formed a rock band called Talus Cree. A five piece band that  consisted of two guitar players, one drummer, one keyboard player and a singer.  They soon began to get some work. Around Christmas time in 1973, the band did a whole lot of gigs down the South Coast, from Sussex Inlet to Bega.  Over the coarse of two years, the band played at several different venues.  Soon after that the band broke up. 

Frank went back to playing with his brother in a newly formed band called Orpheus.  They were a four piece band and played at the Wool Shed at Piccadilly, that was situated above the Motel in Crown Street, Wollongong.  They were quite successful and got a lot of work. They even cut a record!  They worked at the Wool Shed during the evening, from Wed - Sat. Orpheus played from 1974 - 1975.

Orpheus had band uniforms, but they felt they needed a more professional look.  Frank was good friends with Vittorio Guida. Vittorio Guida was featured in part three of our Tailors of Wollongong story. Frank asked Vittorio to make them some new band attire and Vittorio fitted them out with some really funky and cool, well made clothes.  

The band soon began working at Berkeley Sports and Social club every Friday night and at Nowra Ex-Servicemans Club every Saturday night.  They did this for 2 1/2 years. They then expanded the band from a four piece to a six piece. With a lead singer and a saxophone player, it took the band to the next level.  They played many gigs at both the Windang and Warilla Bowling Clubs. In 1979, Frank went overseas for five years on a working holiday.

In 1984, Frank returned from Italy. About 5 years later an opportunity came up to join Alessandro’s band who were already playing at the Portofino Lounge. After being away from bands for a total of 10 years, Frank joined his brother once again to play the drums.  It was another four piece band with an accordion player, drummer, bass and lead guitar. They would play occasional gigs for weddings at The Portofino Lounge and Centro wedding reception centres in Wollongong.  

Work began to slow up, meanwhile the band`s bass player was doing gigs with another accordion player and had asked Frank to play drums for them. Sometimes they played casual gigs at the Polish Club that was also in Wollongong and The German Club, situated at Berkeley.

Frank was working full time in Sydney and had to juggle working life with the band. The band was bringing in extra money, but it was still hard to balance the two.  Frank played his last gig just before 2000 at The German club.  Frank’s brother Alessandro still plays occasionally, everything from latin, current pop and covers. Frank Castelli played for 25 years over a 33 year period from 1966- 1999.

Biagio Castelli passed away June 25, 2007.  He was 84 years old.  Eugenia Castelli passed away August 2, 2019.  Eugenia was 93 years.  They are both survived by their 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  Alessandro`s two sons played guitar in bands and two of Frank’s grandchildren learnt drums for a short while.  Musicians over three generations.
 

The house where Frank grew up in Italy.  The family lived in an upstairs apartment.  His Uncles lived with their families in other apartments upstairs.  Down stairs there was a stable for the dairy cows, a store room and two school rooms where Frank began his primary school education.

 

The Castelli family soon after arriving in Australia at Kemblawarra in front of Angelo Castelli`s house.   

 

 

Frank at 16.  Practicing his drums underneath the family home.

 

 

All images from the collection belonging to Frank Castelli

 

THE DE PERON FAMILY

 In 1961 the De Peron Family arrived in Australia aboard the ship Aurelia.  Giuseppe with wife Vittorina and their 8 year old daughter Anna, arrived in Melbourne, Victoria.  The De Peron family paid their own way to come to Australia bringing their worldly possessions with them in five large trunks.  They also were fortunate to have had a good amount of money which helped immensely!

Initially, Vittorina (whom everyone knew as Vittoria) didn’t want to come to Australia with Giuseppe. She wanted him to come first, find a place and a job then send for his family.  Vittoria`s mother was not so sympathetic to her hopes and told her that as a wife, she must follow her husband.

Traveling on a cattle train the family were taken to Bonegilla Migrant Camp, near Wodonga.  Back in Italy, Giuseppe had worked in a factory that made ladies stockings so he thought that Melbourne would have more opportunity.  Sadly, this was not the case, as in 1961 there was high unemployment.  There were even riots within the camp from frustrated migrants who were desperate to find work even though part of their travel agreement was the promise that employment would be allocated.

Relatives in Italy had contacted their cousin Domenico informing him that the family were in Victoria. Domenico had arranged accommodation within the house he was dwelling and made provisions for Giuseppe, Vittoria and Anna to come and stay with him.  He traveled to Bonegilla by train to bring the family to NSW.  Domenico filled out all the necessary paper work at the Migrant Camp and was now responsible for them.  The family only stayed at Bonegilla for three days.  Together they caught the train back and settled in the boarding house at Illawarra Road, Port Kembla.

Within two months Giuseppe acquired a job at the Steel Works thanks to Domenico who helped him find employment.   Giuseppe began working as a labourer and within a short while the family moved into a small two room apartment.  The apartment had a kitchenette along with a shared bathroom.

Five months later, in November 1961, Giuseppe and Vittoria purchased their first home in Warrawong.  It was a two bedroom fibro house on a quarter acre block.  Giuseppe didn’t drive so the location was good as it was close to the Steel Works and sometimes Giuseppe would ride his pushbike to work.

Around 1962, Vittoria got a job at the Capri Restaurant in Port Kembla. Working from 4pm - 10pm her job involved waitressing and working in the kitchen.  The Comelli Family owned the Capri Restaurant at the time.  Vittoria was a bit shy, but was happy to have a job.  She was glad she was contributing to the family.  Anna would often walk past the restaurant on the way home from school at St Patrick`s, in Port Kembla.  Her mother would give her a drink or something to eat.  Vittoria worked for approximately 18 months at the Capri.

Whilst Vittoria was working at the Capri, Giuseppe was actively involved with local soccer.  You would often find him down at the oval training and playing soccer with the many young, enthusiastic Italian soccer players.  He carried on doing this for many years and would become one of the first club president for Port Kembla FC in 1966.  

In 1964 Giuseppe and Vittoria took out a large loan for 10,000 pounds, which was a lot of money at the time.  They purchased an existing delicatessen in King Street, Warrawong.  They were able to rent out their home as the delicatessen had a flat upstairs and so the family lived above.   Anna recalls how as a young 11 year old she was translating at the Solicitors office for all the legal papers for her parents to sign.

Having the shop changed Vittoria and she really came into her own.  She loved being her own boss, running the shop her way.  She was a natural born business woman.  Giuseppe and Vittoria purchased the deli from Giorgio Contarin.  Giorgio`s brother Luigi was running his own deli with his wife Irma, in Wentworth Street, Port Kembla.  

They renamed the deli G & V De Peron Delicatessen. Giorgio worked with the De Peron`s for one month to help them learn about the business and how it functioned etc.  They kept the same staff and the same suppliers.  They sold lots of Italian grocery lines and general groceries as Giorgio did, that also included small goods.  They even sold wine, beer and spirits, silently of course.

When Giorgio was running the deli, he did quite a lot of home deliveries.  This was a huge part of the business.  Giuseppe continued on with the home deliveries when he purchased the deli, as the delivery van was included. He would even do runs up into the southern highlands.  They had customers from as far as Robertson and Bowral.

As the business began to grow they upgraded their slicers, they purchased a coffee grinder and a parmesan grinder too.  They were also selling kitchen ware.  G & V deli even sold bomboniere.   Anna often helped out in the shop, as she did from the get go and they built up quite a loyal following.

Prior to the deli, Vittoria was attending free English language classes and Anna would help her practice her homework.  But with the deli Vittoria almost stopped using English as most of her customers were Italian as were most of the sales reps.   On the occasion when they had an Australian sales rep she would do a basic order in English.  Giuseppe’s English was much better as he was working with other Australians when he was at the Steel Works.

The deli was just the thing that Vittoria was waiting for and she ran the deli like she had been doing it forever.   She knew how to treat the customers, she knew when all the different Italian groups would come in and accommodated to them accordingly.  Often, when it was quiet, she would let the other staff run the shop whilst she would take a customer upstairs and share a coffee and a much needed conversation for some of the women who were struggling and often lent them money if they needed it.  Vittoria became their confidant.

Vittoria and Giuseppe both ran the shop with Giuseppe being more behind the scenes.   Vittoria was more than capable of running the deli on her own and she did it wonderfully. Vittoria was front of house and blossomed in the role.

In 1968, Giuseppe got a job in the mines.  He was very fortunate that he worked swing shifts and was able to accommodate all the home deliveries for the deli.  They continued with their home deliveries right up until they sold the deli and all home deliveries were free of charge.

Around 1976/77 there were shifts in the retail industry.  More supermarkets were opening, offering continental grocery lines as well as other delicatessens opening nearby.  It was for this reason that they scaled down the deli and just focused on the small goods and Italian pantry staples.  The  Italian kitchenware items were still a major selling point.  Items such as pasta machines, coffee percolators, coffee grinders, colanders and crockery.

Finally, in 1980 they sold the deli.  During the last few years at the deli Vittoria had some health issues and required major surgery.  The deli sale was needed for her to recover as she was out of action for three months. Anna was now 27 years old.

Anna De Peron

When Anna arrived in Australia she spoke no English and when she went to school in Port Kembla the Italian children who were there only spoke Italian dialect, not proper Italian as she did.  At first Anna struggled to understand them but quickly adapted.  She picked up her English relatively quickly too, in about 3 months.  Anna was also quite smart and did well at school.

Anna went to St Patrick`s Catholic School at Port Kembla and then went to St Anne’s High School at Dapto.  St Anne’s High School finished at Year 10, so Anna finished of her high school years at St Mary`s College in Wollongong.

Anna’s father Giuseppe was quite forward thinking and encouraged Anna to do whatever she liked.  He would encourage her to go for her dreams, or even to travel to Italy.

As she began studying Year 11 at St Mary`s, Anna and some of her friends enrolled in language studies that was part of the school curriculum but not offered at the high school.  So, on a Saturday morning Anna and her friends would take the train to Sydney University for a 3 hour lesson of Italian, from 9 am - 12pm.  Anna had such a great time.  Many times they would venture off into the city, shop around, have lunch and explore the vastness that was in front of them.  They all looked forward to their Saturday adventure.

In 1971 Anna finished her high school education.  She then enrolled at the University of NSW to study Spanish and French as well as History.  It was a three year full time course that through her parents support, she was able to live on campus.  Anna was still helping out at the deli when she could.  While studying at University Anna met her future husband, a young man from Port Kembla.

In 1976 she got a job at St Mary`s College in Wollongong teaching English and History. Through working at St Mary`s she would often get asked to help out with languages.  Gradually she was getting more work with languages so she enrolled at Wollongong University and continued to further her studies of Italian.

In 1980 she was teaching senior Italian classes at St Mary`s. Unfortunately, Anna`s marriage broke up in 1984 and she decided to re-invent her life.  In 1986 Anna took her long service leave and went for a well earned trip to Europe for 3 months. When she came back she worked for another two years before finishing her teaching at St Mary`s College.  Anna taught at St Mary`s for a total of 12 years before resigning.  Anna was keen to go to Italy and stay for a while.

She got a job with ` DE AGOSTINI SOCIETA` GEOGRAFICA ITALIANA`  working as a translator and teaching English to adults, privately.  Anna loved Italy and the freedom it gave her as well. After 3 years she came back to Wollongong because she missed Australia and her parents.

Coming back to Wollongong Anna struggled to settle down.  Anna’s friends suggested to come and stay with them in Innisfail, which is a regional town over an hour away from Cairns.  Anna headed off enthusiastically on this new adventure, but found it to be quite isolating at first.  She was fortunate though because a new TAFE was opening and Anna soon landed herself a job teaching English to `Hmong` refugees.  Anna enjoyed the job as she was able to run the classes her own way that lead to her running her own department.

Living in Innisfail gave her the opportunity to explore far North Queensland.  She also became aware of the large Italian presence there and took an interest in the stories people told her of the early days of cane cutting.

After nine years the TAFE closed down.  Anna was out of a job, but not for long.  She was offered work teaching Italian at a Primary School and a Grammar School on the Sunshine Coast.  These jobs only lasted a short while.  Anna realised that there was a demand for adult language learning as many residents on the Sunshine Coast were retirees who loved to travel to Europe and South America. Anna took a gamble and decided to open her own language school.

She placed an add in the local papers and rented out rooms at the Wallace Centre, Noosa and the community centre at Coolum.  She quickly built up her students to about 50 per week.  At this stage she was teaching French, Italian and Spanish and had to hire more teachers to help with the demand.  It was a very high energy job. The school was doing very well.  She soon let the French go and just focused on Spanish and Italian, from beginner to advanced.
 

In 2017 everything changed as Giuseppe started to become unwell and it was difficult for Vittoria to cope.  They were both elderly and on their own with no help.  Anna closed down the school and headed back to Wollongong.

Anna stayed in Wollongong for about two years and was happy to care for her parents, but she wanted to head back to Queensland.  So, Anna Giuseppe and Vittoria headed back and once again were living as a family.  Due to her many students, Anna managed to start up some classes and was working 2 - 3 nights per week.

Covid came along and Anna couldn’t do much. She just kept one class but eventually she just stopped all together.  On the 15th of April 2020, Giuseppe passed away.  He was 97.  The following year in 2021 Vittoria passed away on her birthday, the 29th of December.  She was 93 years old.

It was a lot for Anna to deal with and she is now just getting through it all.  Anna found a love for painting and her walls are now adorned with her many creations.  She also loves to travel and is keen to venture out again.  One thing that is close to her heart is keeping her family’s story alive.  Anna has begun writing her family history. Like me, she understands the importance of documenting her parents life and the contributions that they made to the vast Italian community.  Giuseppe and Vittoria are but one of the many couples who served us with love and kindness and created many memories and unforgettable moments!

  

 

1961 aboard the ship Aurelia, in Malta and bound for Australia.

 

Anna, (with the blue shirt) teaching a class at her language school

 

 

 

 

All images from the collection belonging to Anna De Peron

DOMENICO (MENI) DAL SANTO - ACCORDIONIST

Domenico Dal Santo, who was always known as Meni, was born in 1921, in Caltrano, Vicenza.  He was one of six children who all grew up on the land.  Farming was the way of life.  As a young boy Domenico learnt to the play the piano accordion at the insistence of his mother.  Domenico`s teacher was Giovanni Bortoli.

Giovanni Bortoli was quite the accomplished musician.  He was also a composer and had returned from America in 1919 after spending more than a decade performing, touring and directing his band. Giovanni returned to Italy to focus on his music and teaching in his home town.  Giovanni Bortoli was the second generation of what would become a four generation family of musicians.  Through Giovanni, Domenico received incredible tuition.

Domenico grew fond of the accordion and began to play for friends and family.  He also started playing for small gatherings and the money he made went to help the family. He even played at local dances, often riding his bike over the mountain to perform.  It was at one of these gatherings that he met Luigia Tagliapetra, who was from Calvene.  He began courting Luigia and many times would walk for an hour and a half, over goat tracks that were so rocky he would put tacks under his shoes to protect the soles, just to see her.

During WW2, Domenico served in the Italian Army's specialist mountain infantry, The Alpini, He often took his accordion with him when he was doing his training and played it for the troops.  On returning home from the war he married Luigia.  He returned to working on the farm and playing his accordion.  In 1946 their first child Ines was born.

In 1948 Domenico and his family went to Belgium, as there was work available. Others in the village went to Belgium too.   Domenico worked in the Zinc mines for approximately four years.  However, the dust affected his health so the family came back to Caltrano, Italy.  With very little work available, Domenico traveling alone, went to Australia in 1952.  He arrived April 19, aboard the ship Australia.  The name of the ship was fitting because Domenico grew to love it.

There was a lot of work available in Australia and Domenico quickly got a job at the Port Kembla Steel Works as a labourer/crane greaser and he was living in Balgownie.  Domenico`s brother Cirillo had arrived in Australia in 1950 and soon they would buy a house together in Ryan Street.  After two applications Luigia and Ines arrived in Australia after a long two and a half years.  It was now 1954.  Around this time Domenico was also playing his accordion and began playing at small weddings/functions and gatherings. Domenico would also play at the Cringilla Hall, when they were fundraising for the upcoming new Italian club, at Fairy Meadow.

The family all lived together in the Ryan Street house for approximately two years. Domencio sold his half of the Ryan Street home to his brother Cirillo and with his money   purchased his first family home at 105 Balgownie Road.  In 1956 Domencio and Luigia welcomed another daughter into the family, Antonietta. Domenico was working at the steel works labouring during the week and on the weekend one would find him playing in the band at Luccarda`s wedding reception hall, Tarrawanna, usually as part of a three piece band. The band lineup changed occasionally to include a guitarist and or another accordion or saxophone player as well as the drummer.

Domenico`s house at 105 sat on quite a large block, though the house was only a small miners cottage.  In 1958, using half of his block and half of the newly purchased block next door at 107, he and Luigia built their new home.  He ended up renting out his house at 105, for many other migrants.

Domenico also loved to garden tending his own with love and care.  It wasn’t unusual to find him in his neighbours garden caring and pruning their trees as well. He was also an avid bee keeper making and selling honey for years.

In 1959 the family expanded once more and another daughter, Diana, was born.  Domenico was working and playing his accordion.  When he began playing his accordion at Luccarda`s in those early days,  he would occasionally play solo and eventually a band was formed.

When Luccarda`s was sold around 1970/71, Domenico stopped playing at wedding receptions.  He did however play at picnics, fundraisers and many family gatherings.  He helped to raise funds for the St John Vianney`s Catholic Church at Fairy Meadow and as part of the Alpini Society, raised funds for the Marco Polo Nursing Home at Unanderra. 

As life was changing the gatherings were not as frequent so around the early 80`s Domenico stopped playing the accordion all together.  Domenico continued working at the steel works until his retirement.

I was fortunate to speak with daughter`s Ines and Diana who had great memories of their father with his accordion. It was precious to Domenico as it was given to him by his teacher Giovanni.  It was an old, but well crafted instrument that had a beautiful sound. As we dusted it off to take some photos, we discovered Domenico`s beret inside along with his glasses.  Domenico wore his beret many times, especially when he played.

Luigia Dal Santo passed away February 15, 1991.  Luigia was 67 years old.  Two years later in 1993, Domenico Dal Santo passed away February 24 and he was 71.  Domenico and Luigia are survived by their three daughters, their 8 grandchildren and their 10 great grandchildren.  The Dal Santo family all have a deep appreciation for their heritage and the legacy that Domenico and Luigia left behind. Their family photos are amazing and rich in history. They too are documenting the family story for future generations.
 

Domenico with his accordion that his teacher Giovanni Bortoli gave him in Italy.

Domenico`s accordion, just how he left it with his beret and glasses.

All above images from the Dal Santo family collection

 

ELISABETTA AMBROSI

Elisabetta Risi, who was from Lazio in Italy, arrived in Australia Feb 27, 1964, aboard the ship Guglielmo Marconi.  She came to Port Kembla and stayed with her brother Orlando.  Orlando had arrived in Australia in 1956.

Elisabetta came to Australia to marry fiancé Domenico Ambrosi.  She and Domenico had been writing letters to each other for a year.  Domenico had arrived in Australia in 1960, July 11, aboard the ship Neptunia and he was from Calabria.   Domenico was living with his brother and was working at the Port Kembla Steel Works.

Prior to their wedding, Domenico and Elisabetta were actually living across the street from each other in Port Kembla.  Domenico had been busy building their new house in Fairy Meadow was keen to get married. Six weeks after Elisabetta arrived in Australia, she married Domenico.

The wedding ceremony was held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Unanderra and the wedding reception was held at Luccarda`s reception centre at Tarrawanna.  There were 28 people at the wedding reception centre.  After their wedding, they went back to their new home in Fairy Meadow cutting the ribbon, ready to being their life together.

Living in Fairy Meadow they were surrounded by Italian neighbours.  Domenico had no car and he didn’t have a drivers licence.  Bus was the preferred mode of transport.  Elisabetta soon had her first child Silvana and soon two more followed, Antonio and Sergio.  They now were a family of five.  Elisabetta had all her children within six years.

Silvana, Antonio and Sergio all went to the local catholic school.  They made many friends with their Italian neighbours and had lots fun growing up.  All the local Italian neighbours became close friends and shared much time together.

In 1974, Domenico was hit by a car and broke his pelvis.  He was in hospital for 10 days.  The accident really put doubt in Domenico`s mind about ever getting a car or his licence. But in 1976 he changed his mind and he purchased a car.  He would practice driving up and down the drive way of his house. When he crashed the car into his beloved bottles of wine that were stored in the garage it made him even more doubtful and vowed he no longer wanted to learn how to drive a car.

Elisabetta stepped up and said that she wanted to learn how to drive and get her licence and she did.  All the children were settled in school with their friends and Elisabetta was thinking about the possibility of getting a job.  Her cousin Angelina was working as a cleaner for Italo Corradetti, who owned a cafe in Wentworth Street, Port Kembla.  Italo had sold the cafe and purchased the Capri restaurant that was across the road.  He was in need of some more staff to work in the restaurant.  Angelina asked her cousin Elisabetta if she would like to work along side her in the restaurant.  At first, Domenico didn’t want her to work, but Elisabetta was determined.  Elisabetta got her licence in 1978.  With the family car she was able to take herself to work on a daily basis.

The Capri restaurant had a history in Port Kembla.  It had been owned by others prior to Italo purchasing it.   It was well known for it’s good food and it was popular.  With the steel works in full swing, it was frequented a lot.

Elisabetta began working at the Capri restaurant in the kitchen with owner Italo living upstairs.  Cousin Angelina also worked in the kitchen and in the bar.  Usually, only two people worked in the kitchen with no dishwasher.    The restaurant could seat approximately 100 people.

The meals were Casa Linga, trattoria style.  There was a menu of the day, with staples such as minestrone, pasta bolognese, roast meats, with coffee and ice cream to round out the menu.  Elisabetta worked day shifts only, with her work hours being 10am - 3pm.  The children would stay with neighbours after they got home from school until Elisabetta arrived after her work shift.

The Capri restaurant was open 7 days per week.  The night time trade was from around 6pm - 10pm.  The menu was similar to the daytime menu, but the clientele was different.  You would get more couples or different groups at night, and they also offered a dinner dance on the weekends.  During the day it was a lot of the steel workers, mostly men, who came in for lunch.  Elisabetta worked 3 - 4 days per week.  On the odd occasion, Elisabetta worked the night shift and weekend lunch service.

After a long illness due to having a stroke Italo Corradetti passed away in 1985 on 1st of June.  He was 59 years old.  A new owner took over and Elisabetta stayed for a few more months before leaving the Capri.  Things were starting to change in the industry.  Wentworth Street was also different than it was in the late 70`s.

Through a friend, Elisabetta got a part time job as a cleaner working at the Wollongong Technical College.  She also began working part-time on the weekend at the Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow.  She worked upstairs in the restaurant/function centre where they could cater for hundreds of people at a time.  After approximately 12 months, she was offered full time work at the Wollongong Technical College and after a total of four years Elisabetta retried at 51 years of age.  At the same time her husband Domenico retired from the steel works.

Elisabetta commented on how today’s young children seemed to be more interested in technology than their grandparents way of life.  This sentiment is something that so many of Elisabetta`s generation seem to agree on.  After interviewing so many people, they echoed the same feelings.

Elisabetta spoke fondly of how their family life was simple yet abundant. Many family celebrations were held in the home with the kitchen table forever being extended for the constant stream of family and friends who shared in the festivities. Domenico loved his garden and he loved to make wine.  He had his cellar underneath the house and it was his haven. I looked at the once flourishing cellar and how it was no more.  It reminded me somewhat of when my own father passed away and how suddenly the garden came to a halt.  The life in it was gone!  

On the 11th of April, 2020, Domenico Ambrosi passed away.  He was 92 Years old.  Elisabetta still lives in the same house that Domenico built. With her family being most important she enjoys spending time with them and her grandchildren.

Image above and below. Family celebration at the Capri Restaurant, Port Kembla

All images from the collection belonging to Elisabetta Ambrosi

BARBARINA GIACON - TARRAWANNA SHOPS

Barbarina Giacon arrived in Sydney, Australia, March 6, 1954, on the ship Surriento.  Her husband Vittorio had arrived four years earlier and was living with his Aunty in Corrimal, NSW.   Vittorio arrived in Australia on the 26th of August, 1950, aboard the ship Napoli.

Back in Italy, Vittorio was a farmer and for many years he worked in Maccarese, Rome.  It including working in the rice fields from 1936 till he was conscripted. After the ending of WWII he returned to Italy and resumed working in the rice fields until he departed for Australia. He had been a prisoner of war in England. He was also in the Army Tank Corps and when he came to Australia he was initially employed as a truck driver. Years later he began working at Metal Manufacturers where he finished out his employment till retirement.

Vittorio and Barbarina purchased a property in 1954 that was situated in Tarrawanna.  A block of land on the corner of Paynes Lane and Tarrawanna Road.  The block of land had a small garage on it.  The garage dwelling consisted of one large main room and three tiny rooms.  Even though there was an outdoor toilet, there was no running water or electricity in the small dwelling.  There was an outdoor tap where Barbarina would have to fill tubs of water on the daily for everyday living.  They used a small kerosene burner for cooking and lanterns for lighting.

Vittorio wanted to build a house on his property and set about putting in plans to the local council.  The front of his block of land sat on Tarrawanna Road.  Vittorio wanted to build his house as close as possible to the road, so he could have a large garden in his back yard. He wasn’t able to do it, as that section at the front was zoned commercial.  So he built his home back from the road front, which later  would fare him well. Vittorio`s neighbour, who was the local Barber, Ivan Hay, had a good sized yard and Vittorio asked him if he could grow some vegetables in his back yard and Ivan agreed.  For many years Vittorio grew a large of array of fruits and vegetables for his family.  

Vittorio`s new house was complete In 1957 and now he and Barbarina, along with their two sons, had a lovely new home to live in complete with running water and electricity.  Son John was born in 1950 and son Frank came along five years later.  In 1961 daughter Maria was born.  

 

In 1963, Vittorio built his first commercial shop in front of his house on Tarrawanna Road.  Directly opposite Vittorio`s house on Tarrawanna Rd, was the General Store/Post Office.  The gentleman, Mr Williamson, who was running the General store, no longer wanted to keep it going.  He approached Vittorio and Barbarina to see if they would be interested in just keeping the newspaper contract going.  They agreed and sold newspapers from their shopfront as well as cigarettes and sweets.

 

By now the old general store had been demolished as plans had been put into council for a new store with car parking.  A new fruit and vegetable shop had already been established.

Within six months, the Giacon family were approached to lease out the shop front to create a new General Store/Post Office.  The Post Office was situated inside the general store.  The General Store was well received.

The people who were running the General Store wanted it to be it’s own entity and approached the Giacon family about the possibility of building a second shop to house the Post Office.  So plans went back into council and a second shop was built.  The Post Office was now separate to the General Store.

Some time later, the General Store business was sold.  The new owner had grand plans for the general store and wanted to lease out the Post Office store as well, but for a new Delicatessen along with Takeaway food, as an addition to the General Store.  At the time, other Post Offices were located at Corrimal and Balgownie townships, and most of the locals wanted the Tarrawanna post office to remain.

A new plan went into council and a third shop was built that took up the remaining space on Tarrawanna Road, that was in front of Vittorio and Barbarina`s home.  It was a small, corner shop, but was perfect for the Post Office.  The Post Office was relocated and now three commercial shops were situated in front of the Giacon family home.

 

Tarrawanna was becoming quite the little village, with a Fruit Shop across the road, a General store and Post office.  A few doors up there was another shop, which for a time was a Pharmacy and further up from the Pharmacy was a Dry-Cleaner. The locals of Tarrawanna, had everything they needed to live life on the daily.  The Tarrawanna Post Office relocated back to the original location in 1995.

On Feb 7, 2007, Vittorio Giacon passed away leaving behind his wife and three children.  Barbarina, born in 1923, still lives in her home that Vittorio built at Tarrawanna and this year she celebrates her 100th birthday - quite the milestone!  Barbarina is such a character.

All the shops are still leased out and have changed usage over time.  Now you will find a coffee shop and a hair salon.  These businesses add to the ever changing and charming village of Tarrawanna.

With two shops complete work had commenced on a third shop front on the corner which would eventually become the new location for the Post Office.

Notice the tables under the awning of the fruit shop:  This section was built in
and the new permanent home for the Post Office was created.  It didn`t happen
until the mid 1990`s.

All images from the collection belonging to Barbarina Giacon

GAETANO COSTANZO - WOLLONGONG`S SINGING CHEF

Gaetano Costanzo was 19 years old when he arrived in Australia in 1969 from Lipari, with his 18 year old wife Bartolina aboard the ship Achille Lauro.  They headed to Wollongong where Gaetano got his first job at the Fraternity Bowling Club in Fairy Meadow as a cook, in the upstairs restaurant.

Gaetano began cooking in Italy when he was 14 years old at an Albergo restaurant, where he worked for four years.  From ages 7 - 14, on a part time basis, Gaetano helped his father and grandfather who were both fisherman,

The restaurant at The Fraternity Club was run by Lolla Comelli.  Lolla Comelli had extensive experience in the restaurant industry  from running the Capri restaurant, at Port Kembla.  The kitchen at The Fraternity Club was run by head chef Donato, along with French chef Bernard,  Gaetano and other kitchen hands.  

After a few years The Fraternity Club opened a bistro downstairs to cater for club members.  Gaetano ran the bistro and it became very successful.  He stayed at The Fraternity Club for approximately three years before moving on.

In 1972 he did a one week’s trial at The Charcoal Tavern, in Regent Street, Wollongong.  The Charcoal Tavern was situated in a old stately home converted into an upmarket restaurant that was very well visited.  It was in the heart of Wollongong and the CBD making it popular for business lunches as well.

Gaetano had never cooked liked this before, as it was a lot of steaks on an open charcoal grill,  hence the restaurant name, Charcoal Tavern.  Nevertheless Gaetano got the job and would excel at it.

The grill could cook about 30 steaks at once, as steaks were a predominant item on the menu.  They also offered seafood and European cuisine dishes.  The Charcoal Tavern was known for its quality food and it was the premier restaurant in Wollongong at the time.  It was frequented by Doctors, Lawyers, TV Station personalities on the daily, as well as others who wanted to have a wonderful lunch time experience.

The Charcoal Tavern, was open Tues - Sun for lunch and dinner.  12pm - 2pm for lunch and 6pm - 9.30 pm for dinner.  There were five staff in the kitchen including one apprentice.  The women in the kitchen were responsible for entrees and desserts.  They could seat approximately 40 people with the lunch time crowd being up to 25 at once, and they were busy everyday.

The Charcoal Tavern had the same owner for 25 years, who always made a point of tasting the food himself.  The entrance to the restaurant was up a few stairs to the front door, with a car park situated at the back.  On many occasions those who parked at the back and walked up the side to the front of the restaurant, walked passed the kitchen window and often heard Gaetano singing in the kitchen, whilst he was working.  He was becoming well known for it.

Often at night, people would ask for Gaetano to come to the table to sing for a special occasion as he served the dishes.  He was becoming quite the celebrity and earned the moniker of The Singing Chef.  The Charcoal Tavern also had a piano bar that was quite popular.

Around 1987, The Charcoal Tavern had new owners and Gaetano left.  By this stage his wife Bartolina and their son were running a bistro in the Balgownie Hotel.  They had been operating since the mid 80`s.  They moved on from the Balgownie Hotel and opened a bistro called Mumma`s, in the Cabbage Tree Hotel, Fairy Meadow and the three of them ran the bistro for six years.

Gaetano`s ex- boss from the Charcoal Tavern approached him to help run a new kitchen venture at the Downtown Motel in Wollongong.  At the time they only had a small kitchen that catered to the in-house patrons.  The plan was to build a restaurant open to the public as part of the Motel with a band new kitchen being built as well.  The restaurant was called The Downtown Restaurant.  They also had a bar that was extremely popular where people could come in just for a drink.  The restaurant could seat 80 people and Gaetano worked six days per week, with 5 staff in the kitchen.

After a few years the restaurant changed names to Antics Restaurant and it was predominately Italian cuisine in which Gaetano was instrumental in the menu design.  Antics was very successful.  Situated on Crown Street, again it was frequented by the working lunch crowd and popular at night for the bar, the restaurant and the many functions it had.

After six years, Gaetano left Antics and officially retired from cooking, with his wife Bartolina still running the bistro at the Cabbage Tree Hotel.  Soon they retired from Mumma’s bistro as well, after a total of four years.

Thinking he was all finished in the restaurant business, Gaetano found a place at Woonona.  Previously, it had been a fish and chip shop/cafe, that had been gutted.  With a brand new fit out Gaetano`s new restaurant Mumma’s Kitchen was born.  With a totally Italian menu they opened only for dinner.  Specialities of the house included seafood, with the marinara being the most popular.  After four years Gaetano closed Mumma`s Kitchen and this time officially, retired from his chef career.  Gaetano was well known in Wollongong for his contribution to the hospitality industry and was regarded as one of Wollongong’s best chefs whilst working at The Charcoal Tavern.  Gaetano worked for 35 years creating wonderful dishes and leaving lasting memories for the diners of Wollongong.  

Gaetano may have retired but by no means has he slowed down.  Cooking is still so much a part of his life and everywhere he has lived he has always had an outdoor kitchen with a small garden, space permitting.   He enjoys his life, his family, cooking and sharing around the dinner table and singing of course!

 

Gaetano as a young chef in Italy

 Gaetano worked here at the Hotel Carasco in Lipari

  The Hotel is still attracting tourists from all over the work.

 

All images from the collection belonging to Gaetano Costanzo