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Within New England Harry lived in Quincy MA, Lincoln RI, and Central Falls RI
Harry at his shop
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
Once arriving in Quincy, Harry and John wasted no time in pursuing their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. They worked together, and between 1910-1940 they had opened multiple businesses, including a boarding house and a bakery. These were both successful to some degree, but ultimately didn't achieve what they were looking for. During the time they owned the bakery, conflict started to arise between John and Harry. They started to fight over the business and the financials of the company. Harry thought John was taking more than his share. Ultimately, Harry got kicked out of the partnership and was left with nothing.
In 1940, Harry, not knowing what was next, left Quincy and moved on to Lincoln, Rhode Island. He took on the job of most other immigrants, working in a mill as a weaver. After a few years of working in the mill, solely to save money for his bigger ideas, Harry left and opened West Side Autos in the early 40’s. The shop was in Central Falls, RI where his family eventually moved for added convenience. The shop was a success and stayed open until around 1948. The reason for its closing was his declining health. Harry suffered from what we now call Alzheimers. As the years went on, his memory degraded and it started to affect his ability to work.
William Dino, my grandfather, and his brother, Victor, decided they wanted to continue their father's legacy. They told their dad that they wanted to expand the business. Harry was very excited and fully supported his sons. In 1950, Dino Buick was opened in Central Falls. Harry was very proud of them and the success of the business, and often spent his days going to visit the dealership and his sons at work.
Harry and his wife Lale
Family
Family
While in Quincy, Harry's parents notified him of an arranged marriage they set up for him back in the village in Albania. That’s where Harry met his wife, Lale (Lah-le), who went by Marion in America. After getting married, Harry brought Marion back to America so he could share his new life with her. Their family was big with three daughters and three sons: Martha, Mary, Eva, William (my grandfather), David, and Victor Dino.
Everyone in my Albanian family agrees with this statement, “Albanian families are very welcoming and hospitable to others.” Whether it be immediate family or distant relatives, everyone is greeted and welcomed with the same enthusiasm. Our connections are valued above all else. Within the Dino family, the three girls (being older), went their own ways and got married before the boys had their lives figured out. Harry, his wife, and his three boys decided to all share a two story house. After my grandfather, William, got married to an Albanian woman living in Istanbul, Turkey (my grandmother), he brought her to live in the same house in Central Falls. Though the house was very small and there were a lot of people, none of that mattered - family connections did. After a few years, all the boys were married and had moved out and settled relatively close by.
Culture
Culture
Harry embraced the American way of life but there were a few things he did to preserve his culture. He would have attended a Mosque to practice his religion, but there were none around, so he let go of this weekly ritual. He was able to join an Albanian organization, Vatra, which was in Lincoln. Through this organization he was able to connect with other Albanians who had similar backgrounds, who wanted to be part of a community, and could talk to other like minded individuals.
Food, music, and socializing were always important to our Albanian family, and continue to bring us together.
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