essay
The hill upon a city: the evolution of an Italian-American community in St. Louis, 1882-1950
little italies in north america • Toronto • Published In 1981 • Pages: 141-164
By: Mormino, Gary.
Abstract
This is an article on the Italian-American community, the Hill, in St. Louis, Missouri. Lombards and Sicilians came to work in the city's clay mines and brick yards; a chain migration followed. Mormino discusses the development of the parish and mutual-aid associations. The article is outstanding in how it shows the impact of ward politics on the maintenance of the Italian-American community and identity over time. The ethnic enclave was organized by political leaders for the Democratic party. This solid ethnic and democratic voting block made the difference in some close local and national elections. This political power reinforced ethnic identity and way of life. Mormino also discusses the role of a local priest in organizing youth sports as an alternative to youth gang behavior. A famous product of this sports program is Yogi Berra.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2000
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
- Document Type
- essay
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Historian
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard ;1999
- Field Date
- 1973-1976
- Coverage Date
- 1882-1950
- Coverage Place
- St. Louis, Mo., United States
- Notes
- Gary Mormino
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 161-164)
- LCCN
- 82175514
- LCSH
- Italian Americans