Scenes on the Hill

Mayor Angel Taveras Cuts the Ribbon at the Zuccolo Center's New Computer Lab Room

The computers were donated by G-Tech and in the photo is State Senator Paul Jabour, Providence City Councilman (Federal Hill) Bryan Principe, Mayor Taveras, Zuccolo Center Director Jackie Poulios, and some of the children at the Zuccolo Center

Santa Visits Federal Hill!

Santa visited Federal Hill on December 11th. Above, Santa with Olda Haawa, Mrs. Claus, and Carmela Natale. Santa with Councilman Bryan Principe and Mrs. Claus.

People, Places, and Events

The Early Arrivals - Their Families and Their Progress

by Comm. Joseph R. Muratore

The community of Federal Hill started on Spruce Street. Spruce Street runs parallel to Atwell's Avenue. At the beginning of 1900 it was the cradle of Rhode Island's Italian colony, "Little Italy" as it is called today. Very few streets are entitled to such recognition. To Rhode Islanders it is the equivalent to what Mulberry Street means to New York, or the North End to Boston.

It was on this street, 110 years ago that many noted men and women began their way in the New World and created a future for their families and themselves based on solid traditions. The first group of Italian immigrants settled on Federal Hill in 1870 and continued until 1910. In the early days of settlement, not only in Rhode Island but throughout the United States, the church was the focal point due to the severe obstacles created by the lack of knowledge of the English language. Most immigrants relied on the pastor for the translation of letters, documents, birth certificates and referral of doctors and undertakers, and for the most important factor, that of finding jobs. The pastor quickly became the most prominent member of this new community, and the person who held together a new society built around customs and traditions.

The first Catholic Church on Federal Hill was organized in 1889 on Knight Street. It was named the Holy Ghost, and Reverend Luigi Paroli was the first pastor. In 1901 the corner stone was laid and dedicated by Bishop Scalabrini who came from Piacenza, Italy for the dedication. Reverend Flaminio Parenti was named the second pastor in 1922, and during his term the church filled the needs of over 100,000 immigrants. Father Parenti served as pastor for 40 years until 1964 when he was named Pastor Emeritus and succeeded by Reverend Joseph Invernizzi. The Holy Ghost Church on Federal Hill made a great contribution to the immigrants; the forming of the Scalabrini Order. It realized the need for another Catholic Church. In 1921 the Holy Ghost Parish was divided and the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was founded later one of the most prominent leaders, Monsignor Galliano J. Cavallaro. Tuscans, Marzanesi, Frosolonesi and other immigrants from the island of Ischia lived near the Mt. Carmel Church at the end of Spruce Street. At the end of the street near where the Rectory is today, the first soda company in Rhode Island was established, the Hebe Soda Company.

Spruce Street became the center for all activities, from doctors' offices to bars where Italians would spend their time reminiscing about their motherland and dreaming of the future. Many politicians and lawyers met daily to discuss problems of immigrants such as Signor Pesaturo, whose office guided the great number of immigrants pouring into Providence every week. Mrs. Pesaturo was the
first woman to teach Italian in Rhode Island. While reflecting on this history, it's amazing to note how many Italians worked so hard to make the lives of other immigrants easier and to open the doors to
the New World. Today, Federal Hill is a national attraction where people meet to enjoy great food; a place where film directors prepare the next Oscar winner. Most importantly, Federal Hill delivers the sense of community that our ancestors felt in 1870 would continue.