News and Events ~ October 2009

News from the Society:

Join the Party—Venite a Brooklyn!

In 1934 Salvatore Gallo was playing the accordion (lower left) and having a good time with a bunch of friends in Lower Manhattan.  Shortly afterwards his family moved to Brooklyn.
Seventy-five years later we’ll be celebrating the Crachese migration, and you should join the party!
This month’s event presents the opportunity for generations of Crachesi to assemble in Brooklyn and Manhattan tracing the trail of our ancestors in America.  It also blends in the second wave of Cracotans who came to North America after the calamities of the 1960’s.
The focus of this Reunion will be to complete the story of the Crachese migration, filling in details after their arrival in America during the early 20th century.  With the prosperity that ensued from their hard work, the initial immigrants left Manhattan’s tenements and neighborhoods for new areas that offered a respite from the crowded ghettos.  These new habitats included undeveloped areas in the surrounding Boroughs of New York City.  Brooklyn, the closest to Lower Manhattan, was a logical move allowing for an easy commute to the daily jobs in the City and also made visiting family and friends convenient.  The concentration of Crachesi in an area known as Dyker Heights in Brooklyn served as a foundation that would support subsequent generations, as this area provides the largest number of Society members.
Like Sal and his friends in the photo who are enjoying their musical interlude, we’ll be making some music of our own at the Reunion. If you can play an instrument bring it—if you have a favorite song from Brooklyn let us know about it—and most of all be there and bring your family for the fun!
We’ll also share stories, hear about life in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and tour the area rekindling warm memories of a time and place, just like in Craco Vecchio, before the frana.
Also included in our weekend celebration will be a trip back to Little Italy to sample some unique specialties and participate in a special Mass for San Vincenzo Martire, the patron saint of Craco.
On Oct. 26, 1899 the Società San Vin-cenzo Martire di Craco was incorporated in the State of New York, and our gathering represents an opportunity to reflect on the 110th year of an organized group of Cracotans gathering in Lower Manhattan to celebrate the feast of the town’s patron saint.
So, pack your bags, your music, your memories, and your family and come to Brooklyn—                                                                   VENITE A BROOKLYN!

Now available from the Society!

Salute! Cin Cin! Cent’ Anni!  No matter how you say it the intent is the same.  The Society is introducing wine glasses that are custom made in the US and etched with the Craco stemma on one side and “Uniti per Craco” on the other.  These glasses represent one of the items that will be available at the Reunion for purchase as part of the Society’s fund raising efforts.  Anyone not attending can order these limited edition glasses by sending a check for $18US for each 2 glass set plus $5 shipping &handling.  The price for a 4 glass set is $34 plus $6 shipping &handling.  You can purchase 6 or more glasses at $8 each plus $12 shipping & handling.  These are a limited edition, and orders will be processed on a first come basis so place your orders now.  If you can’t participate in the Reunion think about purchasing a set and using them to share in a toast with your family during the weekend.  Salute! !
Also available at the Reunion will be the English copies of Note Storiche Sul Comune di Craco.  A copy is a “must have” in every household that is of Cracotan descent.  The books are $34.90US each, including shipping and handling.
So if you are unable to attend the Reunion, you can still get a copy of this unique book or order glasses by placing an order with us directly by mail or on-line through Pay-Pal.
PayPal Ordering Instructions: Go to the PayPal site (www.paypal.com). Once on their site, select “Send Money” and enter your payment details in the Send Money box: in the “To” box enter the Society’s email address: memberservices@thecracosociety.org.  Then in the “From” box enter your email address.  Fill out the “Amount” box by entering the appropriate amount for each book or glass set you would like to order and then click on the “Continue” box.  Your order will be acknowledged and shipped via US Priority Mail service.
Direct Ordering Instructions
Please send a check for the appropriate amount for each book or glass set being ordered to:
                                                          The Craco Society
                                                          14 Earl Road
                                                          East Sandwich, MA 02537
                  Your order will be acknowledged and shipped via US Priority Mail service.