The Pedro family wanted to make life better for all who had become their neighbors. After 100 years of service to St. Paul's economy, they knew a final gift of green space would bring vitality to the north side of downtown. Of the three sibling donors, Carl Pedro Jr. & Eugene died before seeing the park become a reality. Marilyn Pitera, surviving donor, shares her wishes, concerns, & memories of her family. In her own words...
"I speak for my family in asking you to permit the Pedro Park come to life, as it was originally envisioned. To make the Pedro Park a lasting memorial to the cherished memory of the life of Carl Pedro."
Marilyn Pitera, Pedro Family Donor, Oct. 2017
"Ever since my recent meeting with Councilmember, Rebecca Noecker at Key’s Restaurant, I’ve been very concerned about the information she presented. The latest news about the police annex building was a shock & disappointment. I learned that there is one viable buyer for the property; who has plans to turn it into another office building.
I’m sick to hear the City would act contrary to what my brothers & I were told long ago; which was to demolish the building so a large park (which would include that space) can be installed. I pray the City will honor it’s word. The dream of a large Pedro Park cannot become a reality if that building remains.
At the end of the day . . . the police annex building should NOT be sold . . . but SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED so the promised full block park can be installed when the time is right."
Marilyn Pitera, Pedro Family Donor, Oct. 2017
"Every day, life asks us to make choices. How we make those choices determines the final outcomes we are left with. We ask: Do I go now ? - or wait ? . . . Do I want instant gratification or am I willing to wait for something better ? . . . Do I accept a reduced size Pedro Park if I want it now ? or am I willing to wait for the necessary funding to become available to have the original promise fulfilled of a full block size Pedro Park ?
For me, it’s no contest. By nature, training & experience I will go with the full measure. I would hold out for the maximum benefit. Time will pass, and the result remains. If my temperament cannot wait & I want the park now; then I would need to sacrifice the size of the park & settle for a token park. That half-size park would be too small today, tomorrow or next year. I will not be here fifty years from now, but it will still be too small even then.
On the other hand, if I want to see the promise of the full block park fulfilled; I would willingly wait until financing is available.
Why would I choose to wait longer ?
Marilyn Pitera, Pedro Family Donor Oct. 2017
THE BEGINNING - My Father’s name was Carmine Thomas Simplegio Pitera. He left his home in Belcastro, Italy to become an American. When he got to Ellis Island, NY - the immigration agents changed his name to Carl Pedro. He was 17 years old, alone, frightened & had no money. His only assets were: hope & a driving force to seek the American dream & make something of his life. He planted himself in St.Paul MN. After that he was consumed with hard work & making a family, He dutifully continued it all until the end.
STARTING HIS FAMILY - He settled into the Italian community here & made friends in the neighborhood. He spotted a beautiful young girl & got introduced to her parents Lucy & Joseph Sofie. After a while he asked young Mary’s father if he could marry his daughter. Mary’s dad said: “She only 14 years old & still plays 'Run Sheep Run.' Come back again when she’s 17 years old. We’ll talk then.”
My Father did the only smart thing to do & proceeded to court Mary’s mother & father for the next three years. He visited her parents often & was always at Sunday supper; all the while building a warm relationship with young Mary & her mother & father. Three years later, he asked again & was welcomed into the family. So, Carl & Mary got married. Together, they had three sons: Carl Jr., Eugene & Alfred. I was the last & the youngest. I return today at 81 yrs. of age to tell you about my family.
STARTING A BUSINESS - As a young boy in Italy, Dad made shoes. So, when he got to America, he fixed shoes. Lots of shoes. During WWII, I remember my Mother taking me to the Paramount Theatre on 7th St. to see movie musicals. After the show, we walked to Dad’s shop: 'The Modern Valet.’ There, late into the night he worked alone fixing shoes. I can still see the six giant size cartons (each the size of my sub-comact Fiat). There were six cartons, (one for each work day of the week; Monday - Saturday.) I also remember the single light bulb hanging from above to lighten the spot where Dad worked.
Mother & I sat each sat in a customer waiting booth until Daddy was too tired to work anymore. Then we’d walk together to 7th & Wabasha & take the streetcar home.
LOVE FOR FLOWERS - When Dad wasn’t fixing shoes he worked in the yard. He loved planting things. Anything ! I think flowers were his passion. He was a member of the Garden Club of Ramsey County & won many awards & ribbons for his prized peonies & many other flowers. An eventual fruit tree orchard took 2nd place. Shrubs, bushes & anything else green that grew came next. He even had several big rock gardens filled with flowers. He loved it all.
PASSION FOR PLANTING - There’s a special story that tells the depth of Dad’s devotion to his plants. The story starts with a 1:00 am telephone call from our neighbor Mr. Thatcher. Mom answered the phone . Mr. Thatcher said he was worried about a small light that had been going on & off for some time in our back yard. Afraid of a prowler, he called to warn us about possible danger.
So, Mother ( who was not frightened of anything) went directly to the spot in the backyard with the flickering light. There was Dad (with one broken arm in a cast & sling) working in total blackness - digging & planting, using a long handled shovel with his one good arm. The flickering light was coming from the flashlight he had taped to the shovel’s long handle.
Mom & Dad had some words about this (as you can imagine.) He explained that the bushes had to be planted or they would dry out if he waited too long.
NEARING THE END - During Dad’s final week, he told us as death was approaching:
“As soon I feel better, I’m going to open up another shoe shop. I'm going to get all my customers back. You’ll see! “
FATHER’S FINAL VISION - As Dad lay in bed, during his last moments: he raised his arm, pointed to the ceiling & said to my Mother: - “Look, Mary . . . see all the flowers. Look, look, look.”
He was excited, agitated & hallucinating; and was still filled with love for his flowers. Right to the end.
MY PERSONAL WISH - So, it is now . . . I speak for my family in asking you to permit the Pedro Park come to life, as it was originally envisioned. To make the Pedro Park a lasting memorial to the cherished memory of the life of Carl Pedro.
Marilyn Pitera, Pedro Family Donor Oct. 2017
Photo Credit: James Peacock