Italians in

the St. Helens area

Benvenuti!

The Rosasco, Valpiani, Corsiglia, Romiti, Caniparoli, and Pasero families gathered for the 1912 grand opening of the Italian Importing Company on North 14th between Columbia Boulevard and St. Helens Street. The expansive, multi-storied business sold groceries and feed. Many Italian families formed a community that retained its culture and language for years. In fact, Theresa Ballatore Marson, who moved to St. Helens in 1920 at age five, only spoke Italian when she started school. Her mother ran Ballatore Boarding House. Nick Federici bought the Royal Shoe Store in the 1920s. Federici’s Shoes closed its doors in the 1990s. Another business with an echo of Italy remains: Bertucci’s, a coffeehouse on Columbia Boulevard. (CCMA)

By the early 20th century, people from all over the world were making their home in and around the adjoining cities of St. Helens and Houlton. Some of these individuals and families intended to stay put, while others were determined to return home after making their fortune in the land of opportunity. Among those that called this area home was a large group of Italians, coming from places like Piasco, Civago, and Castelgrande...

MASTEN CAMP YANKTON: Front Row: Ettole Monte, Enid Caniparoli, Pasquino Valpiani, Virginio Romiti, Abromo Caniparoli. Second Row: ?,?, Pete Valpiani, Joe Caniparoli, John Caniparoli, Eillena Valpiani, Mary Valpiani Terry, Leonilda Romiti, Alo Romiti, Amelia Facchina with Lincoln in lap, Maria Caniparoli with Clara on lap, Maria Romiti with Rina on lap. Third Row: Ralph Valpiani, Stephano Valpiani, Arturo Faccina, Bella Gaspari, Arturo Magnani, George Romiti, Angelo Medici, Louie Facchina, Alfrado? Fourth Row: Biando?, Marko Gaspari, Alphonse Cecchini

Masten Lumber Company photograph of Italian families. Watch the slide show below to see members of the Caniparoli, Romiti and Valpiani families.