News and Events ~ September 2009

 

News from the Society:

The History of the Town of Craco

 

The Craco Society proudly announces the publishing of the English language version of Note Storiche Sul Comune di Craco, the definitive history of the town of Craco written by Prof. Dino D’Angella.  This now out of print book was published in Italian in 1984 and reprinted in 1999.  Prof. D’Angella, who authored other books on the history of Bernalda, Pisticci, and Basilicata, used his extensive understanding of the region and its history to infuse his work on Craco with the events in each era that influenced the town and its people.  Beginning with Craco’s origin and then spanning centuries of invaders, plagues, famine, natural disasters, economic and social upheaval, along with political changes, Prof. D’Angella tells the long and rich history of Craco ending in its final catastrophe in the 20th century.  He also includes material about the dialect, customs, and even proverbs which are unique to the town.
Recognizing the importance of this book to the Society’s mission, after getting Prof. D’Angella’s permission and support, a project was undertaken using volunteer members to translate it into English.  Extensive effort was provided by Tom Rinaldi, Joseph D. Rinaldi, and Dr. Helen Tuzio along with a non-member Linda Lee Davis.  Bob and Janet Rubertone undertook the long and laborious task of converting the translations into an artfully edited final version.  Along the way they refined difficult passages, upgraded the photographs, and prepared the book for printing.
To make sure the book is always available, an on-demand printing process was selected.  The book will be stored in a digital form with a service provider who prints and ships the book directly on every order.
In today’s world it is not common that individuals have available such an extensive and factual documentation about their family roots.  For anyone who has any Cracotan blood in them this is a “must-have.”  Parents and grandparents should make sure it is available to all their family members ensuring that the next generation understands the story of their ancestral town.
Pre-publication orders can be placed now through the Society.  Please send $29.95 + $4.95 shipping & handling per book (a total of $35/book) to The Craco Society, 14 Earl Rd., E. Sandwich, MA 02537, USA.  Books will be shipped from the first printing, directly to you by priority mail.

 

 

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The Third Annual Crachesi del Nord America Reunion

 

 

The Reunion plans are set, the registration material is in the mail and will be arriving shortly.  To the left is one of the posters that will begin to show up in Brooklyn & Lower Manhattan storefronts soon.
With members’ requests to use a traditional Crachesi event as the basis for a reunion this one will coincide with the feast of San Vincenzo.  Here is what’s in store for those who can come.
Friday night  all are welcomed to Sirico's in Brooklyn for wine, food and, as the evening progresses, we'd like to start up an old fashioned sing along (don't worry about being shy!). Please think of any songs you would like us to include from Sidewalks of New York to your favorite Italian classics.  What songs remind you of stoop ball and egg creaes?  Let us know and we'll track down the lyrics so everyone can join in song!  Send song suggestions to: memberservices@thecracosociety.org. Got a guitar, mandolin or other musical instrument?  Bring it along to Sirico's on Friday night!  Our Saturday meeting and information program is themed: “Stories from Brooklyn” and we are still collecting stories from members who grew up in Brooklyn. If you would like to submit your written memories to include in our program, please write us at: memberservices@thecracosociety.org. Don't worry about spelling- we'll take care of all that stuff- just get your memories down on paper to share with the rest of us!  If you have a story you'd like to share about growing up in Brooklyn and you'd like to tell the story at our reunion, we would love to add you to our program.  Please let us know at: memberservices@thecracosociety.org.  We are also accepting old photos, programs and other memorabilia about the Cracotan experience in Brooklyn. We can scan these and send back your originals.  Saturday afternoon/evening includes a cus-tom tour of Brooklyn's Cracotan neighbor-hoods led by the now famous Tony Muia of the Brooklyn Pizza Tours.  Tony will have a nice comfortable bus ready for us at the Knights of Columbus Hall and will pick us up after our Saturday program concludes.  Tony grew up in Bensonhurst and will point out not only the famous sites but also stopping/driving past members' homes, schools, and churches for photo opportunities.  Tony will drop us off on 18th Avenue for some quick shopping and an early dinner (paid on your own) at L & B Spumoni Gardens before taking us back to K of C on 86th St (where drivers can leave their cars in a secure lot).  What would Sunday morning be without a good cannoli and espresso?  Join us for our return to Ferrara's on Grand and Mulberry Streets in Little Italy.  Ferrara's is normally closed on Sundays, but we have special ties with the management and, just like last year, the dining room will be open only to Cracotans on this special occasion.  After Ferrara's, we will walk together to St Joseph's and the Mass for San Vincenzo.  Afterwards we'll have lunch at Forlini's on Baxter Street and then visit the newly opened Italian American Museum at the old Stabile Bank on Mulberry & Grand.

We hope to see you there!!!!