CHAPTER ONE
The Barbarisi Family were immigrants from Altavilla, Irpina, Province of Avelino, Region of Campania, Italy. It is a long name for just a small mountain town of 3,000 souls. But, out of this small town came your heritage if you are a Barbarisi or related to one. I am a Barbarisi by marriage to Charles Fisher Barbarisi. Our son Marco Constantine was the first grandchild of Constantine and Leona Barbarisi. Marco was a brilliant nuclear engineer who accomplished great research and development for the United States Navy. He died of Leukemia on November 19, 1998 at the age of 38. A great loss for his family and friends but a great gain for those on the other side.
The following story was given to me directly by my Father in Law, Constantine better known as "Barb". He was reluctant to go into his family history at the time which would have been between 1964 and 1970. Why I do not know but with a bit of please, please, please....he began the following. His reluctance may have been because I was Irish American and he feared he would offend me when it came to the hatred he had for the Irish.
In Altavilla, at the turn of the 19th Century Constantine was born. September 6th, 1899. He was the youngest of the family and his father, Carmine, a shoemaker, left Italy and immigrated to East Boston, Massachusetts in the United States to establish his shoemaking business, promising his spouse and children that he would send money to live on and save for their eventual trip to East Boston . During the long absence, 7 years, Constantine's mother, Sophia, made her living spinning wool and weaving or crocheting beautiful items to sell. She raised three children named Carmine, Jr., Elvira and Constantine. Both Carmine and Sophia had many relatives in Altavilla who were great help to Sophia durin the long absence.
By the time Constantine (He was called Connie and hated it) was 7 years old, the family packed up what they were allowed to travel with and headed for East Boston. I am not sure if their first place of residence was Cottage Street but that is where I met Aunt Elvira and Uncle Joe.
When Constantine arrived on US soil, he spoke only Italian and was just beginning school. He would have been in second grade and he said it was difficult because he had to learn English on top of all his subjects. His intelligence was notable and he began to excel in all his studies. He had a long walk to school and it was a dangerous one. The Italian section consisted of joined buildings in a large square. In the center of the square were areas given to each apartment to grow fruits and vegetables. You could only access this square by entering the first floor apartments. The Barbarisi family owned the first and second floor so their garden area was quite large. They grew tomatoes, lettuce, green beans, peas, some sweet corn, flowers, and grapes which they crushed into their own homemade wine.
My first impression in 1957: When you opened the front door of the Barbarisi home there was a straight up steep stairway (say that three times fast) that appeared to go on forever. At the top of the stairs was a door with popcorn glass that eventually drew your attention to the name: DR. C. BARBARISI. The apartment was well laid out and seemed spacious. Joseph and Elvira Aiello kept the apartment for their family and Barb after their Mother and Father died. Joseph Aiello made it possible for Barb to get the best education possible and the name on the door was put there with great pride. Barb never forgot what these dear people did for him. His brother Carmine was also involved but I do not know to what extent.
Barb soon met up with the dangers that plagued the Italians in East Boston. Because there was nowhere to hide the Irish bullies saw the Italians as easy prey and would invade the Italian part of East Boston and beat up the Italian boys. Constantine was one of their victims but they made a serious miscalculation. As they were attacking Constantine, around the corner came Guido Pallotta, a bit older, bigger and wiser Italian boy with close friends.
Guido and a friend took on the Irish hooligans and beat them to a pulp. From that moment an inseparable friendship developed and the Irish learned quickly not to mess with Guido, Constantine and friends. Guido will play an important role in the lives of the Barbarisi Family. A finer friend, Barb would never have.
As he progressed in elementary school, he moved up to being first in his class. Now, in Boston there was a public high school
called Boston Latin. Each year they sent out an invitation to every student who graduated #1 in their 8th grade class, accepting them as a student for the Freshman year. "Barb", as he was known by now, was one of the students who was given the opportunity to attend this prestigious school. Imagine being with best of the best all through High School and graduating with a working and speaking knowledge of Latin. Boston Latin was also free however, the downside was the distance Barb would have to travel. Another major problem was the lack of money, forcing Barb to make a sad, hard choice.
By the time he was in 8th Grade, he had set up a network of jobs to help out with the finances at home. Keep in mind his father wanted him to be a shoemaker. Barb did not see that as a life goal. He said he remembered very well waking up at 4:00 am and heard the click and spin of the spinning wheel and the loom. His mother was still very busy making and selling her wonderful creations. She lovingly prepared breakfast for her family, cleaned the apartment, tended the garden, crushed the grapes for home wine. She encouraged her son to get as much education as he could. When his father got ill, he had to take on more work to provide for the family. As the situation at home got worse, he knew he would have to put off going to Boston Latin. He got a job at a meat market and spent the year saving and supporting the family.
The time frame looks something like this:
Arrived in the US at age 7, finished grammar school by 1914,
lost a year of school and entered Boston Latin in 1915,
graduated from Boston Latin in 1919. He entered and graduated from Tufts Medical School in 1925.
CONSTANTINE GOES TO HIGH SCHOOL
The decision was made and agreed upon by all the family at 160 Cottage Street, East Boston. Constantine also known as Barb was to take a year off from his schooling and help the family financially. He had a certain capacity for appropriate action especially a polished sureness in social behavior that served him well in finding work and keeping his jobs. His family and home was more important to him than life itself. The women made sure he was well fed and comfortable. The aroma permeating from the apartment was so inviting that we can picture Barb taking two steps at a time to get inside and be a part of the relaxing atmosphere. Smells like garlic, fresh sweet basil, oregano, romano cheese, pork and sweet peppers, meatballs melding together in the big pot of fresh tomato gravy. Aunt Elvira never called it sauce. It was always pasta and gravy. The big kitchen table is where the family sat. Sophia and Elvira would serve the men with care and hover over them making sure they ate enough.
The year went fast and soon it was decision time regarding Boston Latin. The family felt they had enough in reserve to help during the school year and agreed that Barb should go to Cambridge in September. Soon the day arrived and Barb set out with his letter of acceptance, pencil and paper and enough money to take the trolley.
It was 5 miles and a 20 minute trip what with the stops and all to the door of Boston Latin. When Barb went inside the school he saw the sign, NEW STUDENTS MEET IN THE AUDITORIUM with an arrow pointing the way. When he walked in there were many boys sitting waiting for their homeroom assignments. Barb could feel the anxiety and excitement of beginning a new school and not knowing anyone. However, he had developed wonderful social network skills and looked forward to knowing everyone in his class.
Soon the Headmaster walked in and right behind him were several teachers all with a list of names. The boys were welcomed and given some rules of deportment, then each teacher took their turn calling out the names for their homerooms. This took quite a while and as the crowd thinned out, Barb was hoping he would hear his name called soon. It came to an end and all the boys were gone except Barb. You can imagine the dejection and sadness that went through heart.
The Headmaster began to leave and something caught his eye, he saw the young man sitting in the back not looking too happy. The Headmaster called out, "Who are you"? Barb responded by telling him he was a new student. "What is your name"? replied the Headmaster. Barb told him, the Headmaster sent for the teachers who had just left and when they came to the auditorium they huddled in the front, often turning their head to look at this boy and then returned to their huddle. Barb showed them his invitation to attend this High School and explained that he had to take a year off to help his family finances. What seemed like a light year, the Headmaster finally turned and faced Barb. "Young man, we normally do not accept students who are a year late in getting here but it is the consensus of our team that your determination will be an asset to our school and we are assigning you to a homeroom. Welcome to Boston Latin." As Barb related this story, his voice quivered and his eyes gleamed. This was the pivotal point in his education and he now could realize his special plans for the future.
When he got on the trolley to go home, feeling he was twice Blessed, he looked at the cost of taking the public transport twice a day, five days a week. He made the decision that he would get up early enough to walk to Cambridge thus saving a dollar a week which translates into $4 a month. In four months the family would have $16
I imagine Guido knew what Barb planned to do in the future but Guido was already entering the Seminary and that meant being out of pocket for several years. Barb was on his own with many hurdles to cross.
The next day, Barb got up early, grabbed his lunch, took the trolley fair without saying anything and began his long walk to Boston Latin. He had to pass through enemy territory but he never was bothered again after Guido took care of the Irishers.
. Below is the route he would walk.
The next Chapter will cover Barb's years in Tufts Medical School and the Internship and Residency Programs at St. Elizabeth's
Up next is CHAPTER THREE.....more schooling for the young Italian who spoke no English, did not understand the ambushes from the Irish, and realized he needed to help his family stay at 160 Cottage Street.
CONSTANTINE BARBARISI
GOES TO MEDCIAL SCHOOL
Barb's four years at Boston Latin prepared him to enter the world of Medicine. He maintained his frugal existence while there and also maintained a position of one of the top five students. I vaguely remember someone telling me he graduated at the top of his class. This and more pertinent history can be checked out with Leonard or Charlie. I am sure they heard this story more than once.
Barb was about 19 plus or minus years old when he entered Tufts Medical School. The story about how he got there is one of faith and loyalty in his immediate family. When he applied and was accepted many conversations at home had taken place. It was expensive to go to Medical School as it is today. He could not afford it even if he worked nights. By this time Elvira was married to Joe Aiello and I do not know when Barb's parents died but he continued to live with Elvira and Joe after his mother died. This is important because Barb had no parent to help with the cost of Tufts. It appears the school was carefully chosen because of its proximity to Boston's Chinatown. This would enable Barb to continue his walking back and forth. Tufts was closer than Boston Latin which would have meant less time in travel. But still where would the money come from. Picture several family gatherings at the kitchen table on Cottage Street. Looking at all the options, the decision was made: Barb would work summers and Joe Aiello would pay the bulk of the tuition. Of course, that money would be returned to Uncle Joe eventually. Barb never lost sight of those who helped him and by this time the list had grown considerably. When Joe and Elvira's children were grown, Barb paid all of their tuition to College. He also gave them 160 Cottage Street, first and second floor. His niece married and lived on the first floor with her husband and children. Barb educated them also.
Barb graduated in 1925 from Tufts and it was at this point of his story that he and I left off. I always wondered why and that part remains a mystery to this day. Leona took over their story and told me about St. Elizabeth's where Barb continued with his internship and residency and she was in Nursing school and her practicum. Love springs eternal with the couple from different worlds.
Next Chapter Four. Barb and Leona meet at Saint Elizabeth's.
COURTSHIP OF CONSTANTINE AND LEONA
When Barb graduated from Boston Latin, he had grown from a teenager to a tall, dark, very handsome young man. I am not sure if he had to spend any time at College but if so, it was not very long. He graduated high school around the age of 18 and graduated from Medical School in 1925 at the age of 25. He did not talk of those years at all except that he had gone to Tufts Medical School and his brother in law Joe Aiello, who was married to Aunt Elvira supported him financially during this time.
It was when he entered his Internship and Residency Program at St. Elizabeth's Teaching Hospital, which was connected to Tufts Medical School, that Leona Fisher Barbarisi picked up their story, relating the history of their years together at St. Elizabeth's.
Leona was born in Scotch Fort, Prince Edward's Island in 1903. She was the youngest of seven children born to Elizabeth McIntyre Fisher and Charles Fisher. Charles came from a family who built ships and carriages which were quite famous for their style and comfort. The relatives in Prince Edward Island could give you much more history of this family business. It appears they split in the early 1800's, some settling in Ohio and Detroit and Leona's family remaining in P.E.I..
When Leona was finished with high school she traveled to Boston to study nursing. Her two older brothers, Vincent and William were already Doctors and it was recommended by her parents that she be near them. She entered the nursing program at St. Elizabeth's Teaching Hospital. It was run by the Third Order of St. Francis Women from Allegany, New York. (Interesting side note: my mother's family were from Allegany County, New York) At St. Elizabeth's, there were very strict rules regarding fraternization between the male medical staff and the female nursing staff. If caught it would probably mean immediate expulsion.
Then, on one particular fateful day, Dr. Constantine Barbarisi was assigned a particular floor. According to him, he saw in the distance the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was tall, slim with beautiful blond hair and a smile that would melt your heart. At about the same moment Leona Fisher saw the most handsome man walking toward her and everyone disappeared except "him". If music were playing it would sound a lot like "Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific except for the fact that the song had not been written yet. This major spark did not go unnoticed. Sister Ignatius took it upon herself to watch this couple closely. As the days grew into weeks it had become evident that the couple simply could not be far from each other. Sister Ignatius spoke to each of them privately and asked that they refrain from being secretly together. One of the considerations was the cultural differences between them, and then there was the problem of not being accepted in either's family nor in society in general. Those were the days when Italians were looked down upon and shunned by the anglo-Saxons. If a girl dated an Italian, then no self respecting young man would ask her out. Terrible prejudice but it was so at that time. So after the lecture by Sister Ignatius the two continued to break the rules and pledged themselves to one another. Now, the truth of the matter was, Sr. Ignatius was a true yenta in another life. So to help them disobey the rules even more, she always saved two seats at the general assemblies and was close to the door so she could capture their attention quickly. She made sure they sat together and thereby was a secret accomplice. As Barb neared the end of his Residency, he and Leona made plans to marry. Everything Sr. Ignatius said was coming true. Uncle Joe who rarely raised his voice and Aunt Elvira talked until blue in the face to Barb. Why couldn't he find a nice Italian girl? This marriage was doomed from the beginning. She would never fit in their family circle. Of course, Elvira knew Leona would never be able to cook an Italian tomato gravy and she also knew Barb would never be able to live with out his pasta. The bottom line? No way did the Italians want this Scotchman in their home.
Well, things were not much better at the family gathering in Scotch fort. The differences in the culture was the first issue. Doctor Bill and Doctor Vince gave more dire consequences. That their children would not be normal. That the marriage would never last and the worst of all, no member of the family would attend the wedding. The deluge of tears was overwhelming. What could this poor couple do? Something worse than expulsion from St. Elizabeth's was happening. They were being expelled from their families.
As 1930 neared, Barb and Leona were too much in love to part company and decided to defy convention and get married. Father Guido Pallatto (you remember him?) married them. No family members attended the wedding. This piercing hurt never subsided over the years.
When Charles was born in 1931, (blond and blue eyed)naturally the families wanted to be a part of his life. By this time Barb and Leona had a huge circle of friends, many of them remained in their lives and they always got together every Friday evening.
When I came into the family in 1957, I was included in the Friday night get together's and remember them as being full of fun and laughter. I learned how to play Poker with this group. Leona and I became very close friends.
When Paul was born 2 1/2 years after Charlie, he was born with a brain injury. As Leona was in Labor, the Doctor was delayed in coming so the nurses crossed her legs to keep the baby in the birth canal. Leona screamed in pain but the Doctor wanted to be there and so gave the orders for them to prevent the birth. Paul banged his little head against the pelvic bone and the damage was irreversible. This plagued Leona's thoughts through the years because her brother Vince had warned her, erroneously, the possibility of having defective children.
Leonard followed not too long after and he was a miniature image of his Dad. Leonard and Paul developed a very close bond and as they grew older, Len fiercely protected his older brother.
By this time every member of the family was involved in their lives and many of them had to apologize for being so narrow minded and pompous. Barb and Leona were still in love and very forgiving. Barb had developed a huge practice. One of his close friends was Bill Naden, CEO of Esso Standard Oil. Barb was the "Company" physician for Standard Oil. Life was good at 780 Broadway, Everett, Massachusetts. Aunt Elvira cooked a marvelous Italian meal every Sunday for the Barbarisi family. Barb always drove over to 160 Cottage Street after Mass to pick up the best Italian sauce I have ever tasted, then and now. Got to say, I really miss it. I asked Aunt Elvira for the recipe and she gave it to me without hesitation. "Just a little bit of this and a little bit of that".
