We the Italians November 21, 2016 - 85 | Page 14

st st # 85 NOVEMBER 21 , 2016 # 85 November 21 2016 How about the actual Italian presence in St. Louis, nowadays? Are there many Italians? Basically, nowadays if Italians come here and spend some time in St. Louis is because they found here an extended part of their families. However, there are quite many Italian Americans from the Hill who go back to their hometown in Italy. and the Church by walk! They don't stay there, they come back to It was almost stereotypical the way he St. Louis, but this way they keep the conseemed to be everywhere, and the pu- nection alive between America and Italy, blications about him are in every cate- which is really good! gory in our archives since his personality went beyond the simple role of a priest. How is Made in Italy in St. Louis? The current priest is Monsignor Bommarito, which is in his early sixties, and works constantly in a very discreet way to keep the community united. Other personalities worthy of mention are two very famous baseball players, Yogi Berra (who died last year) and Joe Garagiola: they grew up in The Hill as close friends, living across the street from each other. It's hard to believe but women dresses, men suits, bags and fashion, accessories typical of the Made in Italy, are not available in The Hill. If some Italians would decide to come and start these kind of businesses here, they will be very welcomed! The mere fact that a product has Italian origins makes increase its value, here as in the rest of the world. At least we have some examples of million dollars factories that came out of The Hill: the first one is called Volpi and they do prosciuttos and general salamis in Italian style; the second one is called Imo's Pizza, and there's also Fazio's Bakery, opened about 100 years ago! 14 | WE THE ITALIANS WE THE ITALIANS | 15 www.wetheitalians.com www.wetheitalians.com