Immigration: Carol Agia And Marco Circelli Discuss History Of Italian Immigration In Philadelphia
Like many Italian-Americans in Philadelphia, Carol Agia’s grandparents came to Philadelphia around the turn of the 20th century. One of her grandfathers immigrated in 1896 at the age of seven, while the other arrived in 1915 when he was 12 years old. “Often the father and the oldest son came over, saved a little bit […]
Poplar: Ukrainians Still Return to Area to Attend Historic Cathedral
In 1907, Bishop Sotor Stephen Ortynsky, the first bishop of the Ukrainian Catholics, purchased the old Cathedral Church. More than 100 years later, Ukrainian Catholics flock to a new cathedral on the same land Ortynsky bought. “Ukrainians have a strong identity not only to their faith, but also to their ethnicity,” director of communications John […]
South Philadelphia: Museum Puts History Of Italian Immigration On Display
Throughout the history of the United States, many immigrants have come looking for a better life. While this country can present new opportunities, many immigrants stay grounded to their roots and are proud of their heritages. This is true for those of Italian descent who have a long history of immigration to this country. Between […]
South Philadelphia: A Museum’s Love Letter to Italian Immigration
East Passyunk Avenue has long been a hub for Italian families, businesses and culture, making it the perfect spot for the History of Italian Immigration Museum, the first and only of its kind in the area. HIIM, at 1834 E. Passyunk Ave., was the creation of Filitalia International, a nearly 30-year-old South Philly-grown non-profit created […]
Tacony: Lorenzo’s Café Espresso Aims to Bring Neighborhood Together
There is no such thing as a grand opening without a ribbon cutting, so what does an Italian cafe owner do when there is no ribbon in sight? Use a red, white and green banner of course. Jan. 30, 2016, was a Saturday afternoon like no other for Lisa and Mike Lorenzo. It was the grand […]
South Philadelphia: Vincent Iannelli Keeps Up 105 Year-Old Family Business
Walking down East Passyunk Avenue, you might miss this Italian, family-owned and operated pizza shop. Iannelli’s Famous Brick Oven Bakery may be small but third generation owner, Vincent Iannelli, knows his way around the kitchen. The 28-year-old Iannelli inherited the bakery from his grandparents, Terry and Mirna, who started the business in 1910. Iannelli’s grandparents […]
Olney: Family Bakery Serves Community for 110 Years
Countless cakes, cookies and other tantalizing pastries fill the cases of Oteri’s Italian Bakery, a family-owned business since 1904. The sweet-smelling bake shop and deli at 4919 N. 5th St. bustles with activity daily. And it’s no wonder: this old-school Italian bakery is a famous staple in Olney. Oteri’s history began in Sicily, Italy, birthplace […]
South Philadelphia: Community Celebrates Growing Mexican Population
Mark al Simon has a simple request for his South Philadelphia community, which continues to change. “All I ask is we respect each other. From the beginning it was the Irish, then the Italians. Now we got the Asians coming in, Latinos, Mexicans,” he said. Living near the 900 block of Ellsworth Street in a […]
South Philadelphia: Over a Century of Deliciousness
No matter how much people fight temptation most give in every now-&-then to a little sweet treat. And in South Philly many feel the best place to grab the tastiest of deserts is at Isgros. Located at 1009 Christian Street near 10th, this pastry shop has been serving Philadelphians authentic Italian deserts for the last […]