(The following is a translation of a letter Antonio received from his sister Maria Aggazio in 1947. Information in parentheses contains translator comments)



San Giovanni In Fiore 9/3/1947



Beloved Brother,



For the third time I write to let you know the latest state of my good health, that at the moment we are all fine, in the same way I hope that the present (letter) finds all of you.



Hence, beloved brother, I am worried because it has been a long time that I have not received your news, while I have written 3 times. I would like to know the reason, this is why I beg you dear brother to answer and let me know everything and if this is because of your children. I beg if you can send me something (as in money) because we are now old both of us an send me whatever you can and if it is possible send a suit to your brother in law because the other (the old one) is all worn out and do it for my love, because I am your first sister (meaning oldest) I think you understand if not pretend that you are making a charitable act (like we give to the street people) (this word 'elemosina'is the word that makes me feel that they were from San Giovanni In Fiore because it is in the dialect of the town) and even if you do not, I beg you to answer and let me know all the situation of your family. Nothing else, I send you my best wishes and your nieces and nephews send wishes to their cousins and we say hello to our nieces and nephews and we send them embraces one by one and I send wishes me to you dear brother and to your bride (meaning wife) and I remain always your affectionate sister, Aggazio Maria. Good news and hurry to write.



After having written dear uncle and aunt and cousins and everyone, I that am writing, am the husband of your niece Caterina and I beg to keep me present (meaning in their thoughts) if in case there is any immigration, because I have a great desire to come to America. Nothing else I send you good wishes together with my wife and son, I remain always your nephew Oliverio Gennaro





Translated by Maria Restall, December 4th, 2003 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada