Sunday, August 29, 2010

September 11, 2001 A Day To Remember (2)

"Brusciano, Italy remembers the innocent victims of the International terrorist attacks of September 11 2001. "

In Memory of September 11, 2001


Also joining with me in remembering the innocent victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 is the town of Brusciano, Italy, who has dedicated their largest public square to the memory of these victims. This public square has been restyled as "Piazza XI Settembre," a symbol in spreading the values of peace and international solidarity between peoples and cultures."





Ristrutturata Piazza XI Settembre a Brusciano 2010

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Monday, August 23, 2010

Red Hook, Reflections on History: Article #1 (b)

John J. Burkard Red Hook historian, Brooklyn, New York.
.
"Hooverville in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York (2)"

(Continue from Page: 1)
.
Many stories are told about the effect various nationalities have had on today’s society. Aided by local churches and merchants who donated food and clothing they have been able to survive the worst peace-time disaster America has ever encountered. My friend and fellow historian Lars Nilsen has devoted much time to studying the history of the Norwegian migration from Norway to America. Lars tells me that when Red Hook's Hoover City had finally closed, there were at least 800 poor souls in residence, half of which were unemployed. Inclusive, Norwegian seamen who lost their jobs, had to remain in this country, were also part of that group.

On a lighter note, historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. noted that Hoover's name became a prefix charged with extreme dislike. For example, the newspapers that the homeless used to cover themselves were called "Hoover blankets"; Jackrabbits were called by farmers "Hoover hogs"; empty pockets pulled inside out were labeled with the term "Hoover flags"; Freight cars used for shelter became "Hoover Pullmans"; Cardboard used to line a shoe with a worn sole was called "Hoover leather"; and an automobile pulled by horses because the owner couldn't afford gasoline was labeled a "Hoover wagon."

However there did appear to be a glimmer of hope at the end of that terrible oft-mentioned tunnel., when Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected in November of 1932 as the 32nd President of the United States, earning the reputation as the man who saved America. Immediately upon taking office he began implementing his "New Deal" policies such as "Works Projects Administration, affordable housing construction, tax reductions across the board as an incentive for businessmen to hire the unemployed and so on and so forth.

Strange as it may seem, many of his programs which he proposed were already being implemented in New York State where he had served as Governor a year earlier. Stranger still, these policies were the brainchild of Al Smith, the Governor ,FDR had succeeded.

Few people in today's modern times, realize that the Empire State Building was built in record time during the depression and that the former Governor Al Smith was chairman of the Empire State Association, an agency that was responsible for the construction of the tallest building in the world at that time.

In his famous inaugural address which impressed the American people, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt stated to millions of listeners "let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself___nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance." With these words, there was absolutely no doubt that he instilled the much needed hope, that our nation needed. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt will always be remembered as the President who saved the United States.

JOHN BURKARD

Red Hook, Reflections on History: Article #1 (a)

John J. Burkard, Red Hook historian Brooklyn, New York

"Hooverville in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York"

Most people find themselves unnerved by the visibility of a homeless person occupying a sidewalk, sleeping in a cardboard box or wrapped in rags to protect themselves from the elements. They are offended by the display of their poverty. They cringe in disgust assuming that these unkempt homeless wretches dressed in tattered garments are vagabonds asking for handouts. The homeless, the unfortunates, are looked upon as human debris, that should be banned from the rest of society. It has always been an unpleasant visible feature of urban life

In retrospect, I would like to direct your attention to the worst edonomic depression, with devastating consequences that America has ever experienced, which began shortly after the Wall Street Stock market crash in October of 1929. An atmosphere of fear, mass hysteria and panic reigned. Bankrupt businesses and many banks closed their doors. Depositors flocked to the banks in droves attempting to withdraw their precious savings, only to find that their life's savings was completely wiped out when the banks collapsed. Those that were able to sell whatever assets they had became miserly hoarders. But alas, it was too late. The great American dollar was soon worthless, and nothing could stop the catastrophic happenings which ensued.


As a result of the sluggish economy, massive lay-offs occurred, and company bankruptcies led to closures. Farm and mortgage foreclosures were at an all time high. Total chaos existed everywhere. As a consequence, millions were left unemployed thus pushing many over the brink into homelessness.. Here, there, everywhere, cries of lament and despair were frequently heard. "What will we do?", How will we survive? How will we make ends meet" How will we pay the rent? " This is the end of everything we worked for." Unable to cope with their losses, many committed suicide, husbands deserted their wives and children. The entire scenario seemed to bring out the very worse in humanity. It was a vicious world out there,where men and women alike seemed to have a dog-eat-dog attitude in their dealings with one another..

This horrible experience lasted from 1930 to about 1939 in Red Hook,. Nevertheless, it lasted longer in Seattle, Chicago and other parts of the United States. Shanty towns, or squatter communities known as Hoover cities during President Hoover's term in office were mushrooming all over the United States. These were people that were evicted from their homes and farms. President Hoover became the focus of blame for the economic conditions that was plaguing the nation, which some of it was beyond his control while others were created during his administration. The President had succeeded Calvin Coolidge who was another Republican who ran the country with an iron economical fist, reducing taxes , and as comments circulated, that he was leading the United States on the road to apparent prosperity.


These cities of the homeless, better yet the hopeless, were called Hooverville's, Hoover towns, or Hoover Cities etc. Shortly after Central park witnessed these people starting construction on their poverty town, Red Hook's became occupied. Park employees began destroying the shacks and no sooner they were torn down, the faster they were rebuilt. It got to the point where officialdom did not want to destroy these living quarters. One official remarked "these people are clean, they are not annoying others, they are respectable. They even have their own worshiping facilities. Clergymen from the local churches and synagogues would preside on Saturday if he was a Rabbi, and Sunday if they were a priest or Minister. Since these Hoover cities had no toilets or washing facilities they were in violation of the city ordinance laws and Board of Health regulations. They even had street signs to designate where they lived, with a post office facility, as well as their own security and fire crews. Their main thoroughfare was named Depression Avenue. Aptly named, wouldn't you agree?.

These varied individuals were not hoboes, tramps or lazy, just like their modern counterparts today, on the contrary they were gifted and talented people,who went about converting these tin-lots (that's what they were in Red Hook) into a livable space. They were poor souls who had reached the end of their rope, needing help, hope and definitely love. Some local churches felt the need to supply faith with hope, a unique blend of compassion that seems to work wonders always.

Continue on Page: 2

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com

.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

The Italian Niche: Early Italy-Sources of Information(1)

In the fourth century B.C., just when the Greek world, in spite of a background of flourishing civilization, was falling to pieces politically, the opposite process was going on in another part of the world. In Italy political unification was in full swing, and a powerful empire including the whole peninsula was in process of formation. This development took place, not among the Greek colonists of italy and Sicily, who, as we have seen already, were unable to maintain a permanent union even among themselves, but among the Italian tribes, who had for a long time kept up relations with the Etruscans and Greeks and gradually adopted their culture. By virtue of this process of union, Italy came quickly to the front in the politics of the fourth century B.C.: and from the end of the second century her voice is decisive in the public affairs of the East, and the Greeks have to obey her bidding.

This state of things, which fixed the course of man's development for many centuries, suggests a fundamental question. How was it possible, on italian soil and on the basis of a league presided over by one of its members, to create a single power with a strong army and a rich treasury, whereas Greece, in spite of her creative genius, never succeeded in any of her attempts to secure the same result? In other words: why did Rome, just such a city-state as Athens or Sparta, succeed in solving the puzzle which had baffled both Athens and Sparta and even the Greek monarchies founded upon military strength by the successors of Alexander?

The rise of this empire with Rome for its capital, and its extension over the peninsula and later over the world, was enormously impressive, as an historical fact, to the thinkers and historians of antiquity, whether they were natives of Italy and therefore themselves makers of that empire, or Greeks and therefore forced to submit to its sway. Great intellects, such as Polybius, the Greek historian who described the palmy days of Rome and her brilliant victories in East and West in the second century B.C., and a succession of prominent Roman statesmen__men of light and leading__all gave their thoughts to this problem and tried to find a satisfactory explanation. The explanation they gave was dictated by the political and philosophical ideas current at the time.

Starting from the position that the welfare of a state depends partly upon the moral qualities of individuals and partly upon the excellence of its constitution, the Greek philosophic historians attributed the success of Rome to just these two causes: the virtues of Roman citizens, and the perfection of the Roman constitution__a constitution which realized in practice the ideal shaped long before by Greek philosophers, from Plato downwards. We, however, cannot accept this explanation as sufficient. Investigation into the conditions of life in Rome and italy have proved to us, What Polybius himself was beginning to realize at the end of his life__that the view held by the ancients concerning the Roman constitution and the moral and civic virtues of the Roman people is exaggerated and does not entirely correspond with the facts, and, at all events, is not a complete answer to the question.

It is clear that the causes of Rome's success are more complex and lie depper: they can only be discovered by careful study of the historic environment which moulded the course of life in Italy from remote antiquity. But of that early development we know little. The Greeks were chiefly interested in the fortunes of their own colonies in Sicily and south italy. They knew of the italian tribes as early as the seventh century B.C., but took no keen interest in them till two centuries later; they were most concerned with them at the end of the fourth century and beginning of the third. It must be added that the copious historical literature produced by the Sicilian and italian Greeks has not reached us or has reached us only in sorry fragments. The most valuable of these fragments were taken by Roman writers between 100 B.C. and A.D. 100 from the Greek historian Timaeus, a native of Tauromenium (now Taormina) in Sicily, who lived at the end of the fourth century and in the first half of the third, and collected whatever was then known concerning the history of the different Italian clans.

To be continued: (2)
.

Brusciano , Italy Italian Feast August 2009: In English (1)

"Feast of the Giglio in Brusciano, Italy in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua."

August 25, 2009

It is a festivity to Brusciano. Obelisks and carts are moving in the wake of the ancient traditions of Campania Felix. Great event in honor of Sant' Antonio di Padova.
.
It is a festivity to Brusciano. Festivity of the Gigli 134th edition since 1875. All ready for departure: Obelisks and floats, banners and flags, civil and religious authorities, police and Civil Defense people and church, fishing boats and committees, musicians and singers, poets and storytellers, young and old, resident historians and visitors, immigrants and tourists. On Wednesday, August 26th at 20,00 it opens with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by the Apostolic Nuncio, S. Archbishop Luigi Travaglino with the three pastors of Brusciano concelebrants Don Michael Lombardi, Don Giovanni Lo Sapio and Don Baldo Lombardi in the beautiful, large, cosmopolitan and inclusive Piazza XI Settembre. Following the Procession of the Saint.
.

The Mayor, Dr. Angelo Roman Antonio, has asserted that “this festivity is the pride of Brusciano and we do everything to preserve it and improve it each year." I thank all the associations of the Gigli, clubs and committees, the Church and law enforcement for maximum collaboration and ensured availability. The President of the festival, Nicola Di Maio said that "the strong blessing of St. Anthony of Padua, May 31st, this edition will be dedicated to the brotherhood without compromising a healthy competitive spirit. We all want to respect and carry forward the heritage of the Feast of Gigli that binds us together, in mutual esteem, the other realities of Campania Felix..

Thursday August 27, will parade committees of Gigli of Sant' Antonio, Passo Veloce and Gioventù. The three special features for this year regarding these associations are: for Sant' Antonio dedicated to promoting the culture of organ donation in conjunction with the Association "to donate the Life" of Pisa; for the rediscovery of the Passo Veloce religious figure, servant of God, Nina Lanza; for the Gioventù, in its 25th anniversary in the development of calendrical 12 months with as many floats and theatrical and musical scenes with hundreds of extras, actors, singers and dancers.

Friday, August 28th will parade committees of the Gigli 'O Parulano, with ""Fantasia and' Parulano; Croce will present the "Superheroes" and the Ortolano whose team work and theatrical plays are entirely in the hands of the designer Pasquale Terracciano.

Attending Brusciano; from Padua, Padre Enzo Buzzard, Rector of the Pontifical Basilica of the Holy Father Danilo Salezze, director of the Messenger of Sant' Antonio.

The Ballad of the Gigli, Croce, Gioventù, Ortolano, Parulano, Passo Veloce and Sant' Antonio is for Sunday on August 30. Monday, after the award of the best students of primary schools, by the Assessor P.I. Prof. Francesco D'Amore, the second review "Brusciano Dance" and as the artistic director Antonio Castaldo says is "dedicated to the memory of the choreographer's creative Pina Bausch Dance Theater who recently passed away. Associations and dance schools participating in this project are: Agora Dance; Bora Bora; Evento Latino; Etoile; New Ormi Dance; Passione Danza; Social Dance. On Tuesday, September 1, there will be a final concert and fireworks.

Translation by Miriam Medina into English

To see the images of the feast.

Responsible for this press release: Dr. Antonio Castaldo Tel. 081.5218249 e-mails: ufficstampabrusciano@libero.it

Brusciano , Italy Italian Feast August 2009: In Italian

"Festa dei Gigli di Brusciano in onore di Sant'Antonio di Padova"
25 Agosto 2009

E’ festa a Brusciano. Obelischi e carri si muovono nel solco di antiche tradizioni della Campania Felix. Grande evento in onore di Sant’Antonio di Padova.

E’ festa a Brusciano. Festa dei Gigli 134esima edizione dal 1875. Tutti pronti ai nastri di partenza: Obelischi e carri, gonfaloni e bandiere, Autorità civili e religiose, Forze dell’ordine e della Protezione civile, popolo e Chiesa, paranze e comitati, musicisti e cantanti, poeti e cantastorie, giovani e vecchi, residenti storici e visitatori, emigranti e turisti. Mercoledì 26 agosto alle ore 20,00 si apre con la Solenne Celebrazione Eucaristica presieduta dal Nunzio Apostolico, S. Ecc. Mons. Luigi Travaglino con i tre parroci di Brusciano concelebranti, Don Michele Lombardi, Don Giovanni Lo Sapio e Don Baldo Lombardi nella bella, ampia, cosmopolita e solidale Piazza XI Settembre. A seguire la Processione del Santo.

Il Sindaco, dott. Angelo Antonio Romano, ha affermato che “questa festa è l’orgoglio di Brusciano e facciamo di tutto per preservarla e migliorarla ogni anno. Ringrazio tutte le associazioni dei Gigli, i circoli e i comitati, la Chiesa e le Forze dell’ordine per la massima collaborazione e la disponibilità assicurate”. Il Presidente della Festa, Nicola Di Maio dice che “forti della Benedizione antoniana del 31 maggio scorso a Padova, questa edizione sarà all’insegna del della fratellanza senza però rinunciare ad un sano agonismo. Tutti noi vogliamo rispettare e portare avanti il patrimonio della Festa dei Gigli che ci accomuna, nella reciproca stima, alle altre realtà della Campania Felix”.

Giovedì 27 agosto sfileranno i comitati dei Gigli di Sant’Antonio, Passo Veloce e Gioventù. Le tre peculiarità per quest’anno riguardanti queste associazioni sono: per Sant’Antonio la dedica alla promozione della cultura della donazione degli organi in collaborazione con l’associazione “Per donare la Vita” di Pisa; per il Passo Veloce la riscoperta della figura religiosa, serva di Dio, Nina Lanza; per la Gioventù, nel suo 25esimo anniversario lo sviluppo calendariale dei 12 mesi con altrettanti carri e scene teatrali e musicali con centinaia di comparse, attori, cantanti e danzatori.

Venerdì 28 agosto sfileranno i comitati dei Gigli ‘O Parulano, con “Fantasia e’ Parulano”; Croce che presenterà i “Supereroi” e l’Ortolano la cui squadra di lavoro scenografici e teatrali sono interamente in mano allo scenografo Pasquale Terracciano.

Attesi a Brusciano, provenienti da Padova, Padre Enzo Poiana, Rettore della Pontificia Basilica del Santo e Padre Danilo Salezze, direttore del Messaggero di Sant’Antonio.

La Ballata dei Gigli, Croce, Gioventù, Ortolano, Parulano, Passo Veloce e Sant’Antonio è per domenica 30 agosto. Lunedì, dopo la premiazione dei migliori studenti delle scuole dell’obbligo, a cura dell’assessore P. I. Prof. Francesco D’Amore, la Seconda Rassegna “Brusciano Danza” che come dice il direttore artistico Antonio Castaldo è “dedicata alla memoria della coreografa creatrice del Teatro Danza Pina Bausch recentemente scomparsa”. Le associazioni e scuole di ballo aderenti a questo progetto sono: Agorà Dance; Bora Bora; Evento Latino; Etoile; New Ormi Dance; Passione Danza; Social Dance. Martedì 1° settembre un grande concerto finale ed i fuochi d’artificio.

Continua alla pagina delle immagini della festa

UFFICIO STAMPA E COMUNICAZIONE DEL COMUNE DI BRUSCIANO
Responsabile Antonio Castaldo Tel. 081.5218249 e-mail: ufficstampabrusciano@libero.it

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com
.

Brusciano, Italy Religious Feast August 2009 (Images))












Pictures are courtesy of Journalist and Head of Press Office Dr. Antonio Castaldo, Brusciano, Italy.

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
.

Brusciano, Italy News/Events: English (24)

"Great Participation in the Conference on "Racket and Usury" promoted by the Association "Citta Invisibile" with the Sponsorship of the Presidency of the City Council of Brusciano. "

Great participation, on Friday October 30th at the Conference on "Racket and Usury in our Territory," developed in the Elementary School "Dante Alghieri," in Piazza XI Settembre of Brusciano. The event was organized by the Association “Città Invisibile” of Brusciano, "Youth Forum" of San Vitaliano in collaboration with the Anti-racket Association "Domenico Noviello" of Pomigliano D'Arco with the sponsorship of the Brusciano community led by Dr. Angelo Antonio Romano, for the Presidency of the Town Council of Antonio Di Palma. The audience was rich with the presence of local citizens, social and cultural, sports and leisure operating, of the formation of the education and musical contribution of the Professor Rocco Di Maiolo. The participation of the business world was poor.

The entire meeting, moderated by Paola Coppola, the editorial staff of "The Ambassador" directed by Francis Anthony Martignetti, was followed by the Commander of the police station of Brusciano, Marshal Marco Di Palo. After the greeting of the President of "Citta Invisibile", Felice Marotta, there was the contribution of the head teacher Professor Luigi Gesuele accompanied by some pupils of his Didactic Circle, "Dante Alighieri" who read their works on the legality....

The institutional greetings were delivered by the Deputy Mayor and Alderman to Hygiene and Health, Dr. Vincent Cerciello, also on behalf of the Mayor A. Antonio Romano. The Deputy Mayor Cerciello expressed "great appreciation for the excellent initiative of cultural associations and anti-racket on a dramatic issue such as the current one which is usury and racketeering. A disturbing phenomenon that stifles the economy of our territory, destroying businesses and places of employment that impedes the possibility of a decent future for many young people who have chosen to stay in our land. The municipal administration - Dr. Cerciello has concluded- is near and supports associations that, through this brave network to listen and help support those who live the drama of usury and racketeering."

The Alderman to Budget and Finance, Dr. Carmine Guarino, has stressed on the "economic power of the clans while the vice of the usurers is hurled on the poor ones and on the firms that are having difficulties, in a context of unprecedented crisis. Information should be encouraged to assess the problem and create specific services and programs of intervention. Prof. Amato Lamberti in his speech has placed the emphasis on the environmental disaster" of this territory that I know for administrative reasons due to my Presidency to the Province of Naples and for reasons of social searches. To the volcanic, Hydrogeological risk, wastes are added by the illegality, the criminality and the mafias. Because of the Dioxin some zones would have to be uninhabitable". The president of the Anti-racket Association, Salvatore Cantone, has recalled his experience as victim, complainant and founder of the Association of Pomigliano d' Arco.

The Hon. Francesco Barbato, a member of the Finance Commission of the Chamber called on those present to contact him to send forward the complaints by ensuring anonymity and to defeat "the mafia there is need of realizing a cultural revolution. Should join hands with all the decent people who do not recognize themselves in this system. It takes strong signals, but the situation may reverse. We ask ourselves: where I live, what do I do and what must I do to change. Only so-concluded the Hon. Barbato- another Campania is possible."

Leandro Limoccia Anti-mafia researcher to the SUN University of Naples spoke at the place of the Assessor to the Campania Region on. Corrado Gabriele and invited to write" a book that has never been written on positiveness. It is necessary to walk together and defeat the three enemies: bad policy, Camorra and Mafia."

Agnese Ginocchio, Ambassador of Peace and International Legality, has invited all "to be active citizens, to safeguard the future of the youth, to be with the correct part, to love your neighbor and be protagonists of change that you want for the world."

The Sociologist and Journalist Antonio Castaldo conclusively has recalled to memory three fundamental stages of the local history of Brusciano: " the Anti-camorra march of the early 80s in solidarity with the Cooperativa Agricola Rinascita object of extortion suffered denounced by president Sebastiano Lanza: the extraordinary city council of the half, of the 90s, announced by the Mayor Avv. Luigi Travaglino; the dissolution of the City Council of 2006 and the subsequent ruling of the State Council in favour of the recurrent town administrators. Important moment of social education.

Press Release November 2, 2009

Responsible for this press release: Dr. Antonio Castaldo Tel. 081.5218249 e-mails: ufficstampabrusciano@libero.it

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
.

Table of Contents (10b) English Section

Y. Brusciano, Italy: News/Events : Dr. Antonio Castaldo
Sociologist and Journalist, Head of Press Office in Brusciano, Italy

Translation into English from the Italian Press News by Miriam Medina

"Feast of the Giglio in Brusciano, Italy in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua." August 25, 2009 (1) (Images: 2)

Press Release #7 "Work has begun in the restructuring of the municipal sports field and construction of the roundabout in Via De Ruggiero." 9/25/09

Press Release #8 "By Brusciano on pilgrimage to Medjugorje with the Parish Community S. Maria delle Grazie, led by parish priest Fr Michael Lombardi." 9/29/09

Press Release #10 "From our land a young artist has participated with success in the festival of pictoral arts "Muralespanso 2009" at Diamante in Calabria." 9/30/09

Press Release #11 "Brusciano pays homage to the archaeological site of Starza Regina to Somma Vesuviana." 10/2/09

Press Release #14 "In Brusciano Sister Maria Crocifissa of the Institute "Vittime Espiatirici S.M.C. Brando" celebrates 102 years. Greetings from the mayor and the municipal administration. 10/7/09

Press Release #16 "Mayor Angelo Antonio Romano visiting the historical school "Dante Alighieri" 10/12/09

Press Release #19 "Mayor Angelo Antonio Romano has sent his best wishes to Bishop Beniamino Depalma for 10 years a bishop to the Diocese of Nola." 10/20/09

Press Release #20 "At Brusciano in the Council Hall on Sunday October 25 a day of study on Environmental Safety" promoted by the AEOP Campania." 10/23/09

.
Press Release: # 23 " Delivered work on redeveloping and securing the viability of the access ramps to highway 162. Local authorities, administrators and technicians attending the ceremony ended it with an auspicious toast, pastries and fireworks provided by an exultant and excited Alderman Mimmo Esposito." 10/29/09

Press Release: #24 "Great Participation in the Conference on "Racket and Usury" promoted by the Association "Citta Invisibile" with the Sponsorship of the Presidency of the City Council of Brusciano." 11/2/09

To Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox.com
.

Brusciano, Italy News/Events: Italian (24)

"Grande partecipazione al Convegno su “Racket ed Usura” promosso dall’Associazione “Città Invisibile” con il Patrocinio della Presidenza del Consiglio Comunale di Brusciano."

Grande partecipazione, venerdì 30 ottobre al Convegno su “Racket ed Usura nel nostro territorio” svolto nella Scuola Elementare “Dante Alighieri”, in Piazza XI Settembre a Brusciano. L’evento è stato organizzato dalle Associazioni “Città Invisibile” di Brusciano, “Forum dei Giovani” di San Vitaliano in collaborazione con l’Associazione Antiracket “Domenico Noviello” di Pomigliano D’Arco con il Patrocinio del Comune di Brusciano, guidato dal dott. Angelo Antonio Romano, per la Presidenza del Consiglio Comunale di Antonio Di Palma. Ricca di presenza la platea con la cittadinanza locale, operatori sociali e culturali, sportivi e del tempo libero, della formazione dell’educazione ed il contributo musicale del maestro Rocco Di Maiolo. Scarsa la partecipazione del mondo commerciale. L’intero incontro, moderato da Paola Coppola, della redazione de “L’Ambasciatore” diretto da Antonio Francesco Martignetti, è stato seguita dal Comandante della Caserma dei Carabinieri di Brusciano, Maresciallo Marco Di Palo. Dopo il saluto del Presidente di “Città Invisibile”, Felice Marotta, c’è stato il contributo del Dirigente scolastico prof. Luigi Gesuele accompagnato da alcuni scolari del suo Circolo Didattico, “Dante Alighieri” che hanno letto i loro elaborati sulla legalità.

I saluti istituzionali sono stati formulati dal Vicesindaco ed Assessore all’Igiene e Sanità, dott. Vincenzo Cerciello, anche a nome del Sindaco A. Antonio Romano. Il Vicesindaco Cerciello ha espresso “grande apprezzamento per l’eccellente iniziativa delle associazioni culturali ed antiracket su un tema tanto drammatico quanto attuale quale è quello dell’usura e del racket. Un fenomeno inquietante che soffoca l’economia del nostro territorio, distrugge aziende e posti di lavoro che preclude la possibilità di un futuro dignitoso ai tanti giovani che hanno deciso di rimanere nella nostra terra. L’Amministrazione comunale -ha concluso il dott. Cerciello- è vicina e supporta le associazioni che, attraverso questa coraggiosa rete di ascolto e di aiuti, sostengono coloro i quali vivono il dramma dell’usura e del racket”.

L’Assessore al Bilancio e Finanza, dott. Carmine Guarino, ha posto l’accento sul “potere economico dei clan mentre la morsa degli usurai si avventa sui poveri e sulle aziende in difficoltà, in un contesto di crisi senza precedenza. Occorre incentivare l’informazione per valutare il problema e creare specifici servizi e programmi di intervento”. Il Prof. Amato Lamberti nel suo intervento ha posto l’accento sul disastro ambientale “di questo territorio che conosco per ragioni amministrative, dovute alla mia Presidenza alla Provincia di Napoli e per ragioni di ricerche sociali. Al rischio vulcanico, idrogeologico, dei rifiuti si aggiungono l’illegalità, la criminalità e le mafie. A causa della diossina alcune zone dovrebbero essere inabitabili”. Il Presidente dell’Associazione Antiracket, Salvatore Cantone, ha raccontato la sua esperienza di vittima denunciante e fondatore dell’associazione di Pomigliano d’Arco.

L’On. Francesco Barbato, membro della Commissione Finanza della Camera ha invitato i presenti a contattarlo per mandare avanti le denunce assicurando l’anonimato e per sconfiggere “ la camorra c’è bisogno di realizzare una rivoluzione culturale. Occorre prendersi per mano con tutte le persone perbene che non si riconoscono in questo sistema. Ci vogliono segnali forti, ma la situazione si può ribaltare. Chiediamoci: dove vivo, cosa faccio e cosa devo fare per cambiare. Soli così - ha concluso l’on. Barbato- un’Altra Campania è possibile.”

Leandro Limoccia ricercatore Antimafia all’Università SUN di Napoli è intervenuto al posto dell’Assessore alla Regione Campania on. Corrado Gabriele ed ha invitato a scrivere “un libro che non è stato mai scritto quello sulle positività. Occorre camminare insieme e battere i tre nemici: cattiva politica, camorre e mafie”.

Agnese Ginocchio, Ambasciatrice internazionale di Pace e Legalità, ha invitato “ad essere cittadini attivi, a salvaguardare il futuro dei giovani, a stare con la parte giusta, ad amare il prossimo ed essere protagonisti del cambiamento che si vuole per il mondo”.

Il sociologo e giornalista Antonio Castaldo conclusivamente ha richiamato alla memoria tre tappe fondamentali della storia locale di Brusciano: “la marcia anticamorra dei primi anni ’80 in solidarietà alla Cooperativa Agricola Rinascita oggetto di estorsione subito denunciata dal presidente Sebastiano Lanza; il Consiglio straordinario comunale della metà, degli anni ’90, indetto dal Sindaco Avv. Luigi Travaglino; lo scioglimento del Consiglio comunale del 2006 e della successiva sentenza del Consiglio di Stato a favore dei ricorrenti amministratori comunali. Importanti momenti di pedagogia sociale”.

COMUNICATO STAMPA del 2 Novembre 2009

UFFICIO STAMPA E COMUNICAZIONE DEL COMUNE DI BRUSCIANO
Responsabile Antonio Castaldo Tel. 081.5218249 e-mail:
ufficstampabrusciano@libero.it

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

.

Table of Contents (21)

XI Memories (Brooklyn, Manhattan and Personal)

1. Manhattan Memories: Recollections of the Old Neighborhood-East Harlem (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
2. The Old New Yorker Tells of Changes 1901 (1) (2)
3. Brooklyn Memories: A Glance backwards, 60 Years Ago (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

Table of Contents (20)

New York City Neighborhoods

1. Jone's Wood (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
2. Five Points Neighborhood (1) (2)
3. Recollections of the Old Neighborhood: East Harlem (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net

MAIN BLOG DIRECTORY-August

Table of Contents (2)
A.) Getting To Know Mimi (B.) N.Y.C. History (C.) Italian Harlem(D.) Spanish Harlem (E.) Black Harlem (F.) New York State
.
(G.) Tenement Living: Social Issues Of Urban Life
(Poverty, Crime&Vice, Homelessness, Group Conflicts, Diseases, Gays&Lesbians: Gender Identity, Domestic Violence, Drug&Alcohol Abuse, Police Brutality )
.
Table of Contents (3)
(H.) Chit-Chat Over Coffee Swirls

Table of Contents (4)
(I.) Jewish Knowledge (J.) Self-Improvement (K.) Historical Facts On England & United States

Table of Contents (5)
(L.) Miscellaneous (M.) Timetables (N.) Ethnic Groups (O.) Legal Talk(P.) Entertainment: Backward Glances (Q.) Immigration

Table of Contents (6)
(R.) Women__Bio Sketches, Feminine Fancies, Recipes, Kitchen Talk.(S.) Worship

Table of Contents (7)
(T.) A Little Taste of History, (U.) U.S. History-Transportation, (V) U.S. History-Panics, Economic Depressions, Business Matters

Table of Contents (8)
(W) El Rincón En Español (The Spanish Corner: )
.
This section is dedicated to articles of historical facts, poetry, self-improvement, human interest stories etc. written in Spanish.

Table of Contents (9)
(X) So Mr. President, What Did You Do During Your Term in Office....? (The Series)

Table of Contents (10a) In Italian
(Y) Brusciano, Italy News/Events: Dr. Antonio Castaldo, Journalist

Table of Contents (10b) English Section
(Y) Brusciano, Italy News/Events: Dr. Antonio Castaldo, Journalist

Table of Contents (11)
(Z) The Italian Niche
.
Table of Contents (12a)
Pensieri di uno scrittore italiano: dott. Antonio Castaldo
.
Table of Contents (12b)
Thoughts of an Italian Writer : Dr. Antonio Castaldo
.
Table of Contents (13)
I) "El Rincón Borinqueña"

Table of Contents (14)
II) Arts and Entertainment

Table of Contents (15)
III) Architecture
.
Table of Contents (16)
IV Education
.
Table of Contents (17)
V Wisdom: Thoughts From the Indian Masters
.
VI Understanding Music
.
VII Creative Writing

Table of Contents (20)
IX New York City Neighborhoods

Table of Contents (21)
X Memories (Brooklyn, Manhattan and Personal)
.
MESSAGE BOARD FOR THEHISTORYBOX.COM
(Feel free to express your comments or ask questions regarding: "TheHistoryBox.com." which will be reviewed before posting. Thank You..

************ .
Contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net or miriam@thehistorybox
.

Brooklyn Memories: A Glance backwards, 60 years Ago( 8)

Continued from Page: 7

Stages

Almost all the public stages employed, on Long island, centre at present in Brooklyn ferry. Should the village of Olympia continue to extend along the shore of the East river, and its ferry to be properly regulated, there is no doubt but that Main street will be the principal way for many of the stages. And if a road be made across part of the Wallabout, it will lessen the distance to Newtown three miles. Brooklyn ferry and Olympia being so near New York, the stages are better supported by them than they would be by any other places on the Island. There are two stages which drive to North Hempstead, one to Sag Harbor, one to Gravesend, one to Jericho, one to Flatbush and New Utrecht, two to Newtown and Flushing, one to Rockaway, and one to Far Rockaway. It is only a few years since these stages began to run, say, the first not longer than eight years ago, and the others within that period. Formerly the United States mail stages with four horses drove from this town to the eastern end of the Island, but it was found not sufficiently lucrative, and abandoned. The mail is now carried on horseback, and goes and returns in a week. The stage which first ran from North Hempstead, was no other originally than a market cart that carried people for hire. This was driven by a free black, who, meeting with encouragement, lately purchased a stage, and still continues to drive it.

Climate

The climate of this Township is favored in summer with breezes from the sea; and the highness of some of the situations, render the whole Township very healthy. At the Ferry, in summer, it is warmer than in many other places; at Gowanus and Bedford, it is very cool. In winter, the thermometer is lower than it is in the city of New York, from the northerly exposure of the sparsely situated houses. Some eminences are unrivalled for summer retreats. It is observed by Smith, that the city of New York is thought to be as healthy a spot as any in the world. Of this be the case with respect to New York, surely this Township, which lies higher than that atmosphere, must claim superior excellence.

In the hottest day of the summer of 1795, when the fever made its appearance in New York, the thermometer was at 95, but it has never arisen to that height in this Township; and on some of the eminences has never passed 80. The yellow fever does not make its appearance here, as in New York. There have been cases of fever at Brooklyn Ferry and Bedford, but they could always be traced to New York.

Either this fever is imported, or it is not. If it be imported, it cannot be natural to the place, and must prevail according tot he intercourse with the place, from which it is imported. If it be natural, it must arise from those internal causes which produce it. Now physicians have proved that putrid exhalations generate this disorder. As the greatest part of the ground in this Township is in its natural state, or submits to agriculture, and not surrounded with docks filled in with the refuse of families, nor so thickly crowded with houses that vegetation cannot bloom, it is clear this disorder is not natural to this Township. If the slaughter houses are suggested as producing putrid exhalations, it is refuted, as they are continually cleansed by the tides. If this fever, be contagious, as some assert and others deny, are not all situations, however healthy, liable to the same calamity? Pulmonary complaints, pleurisies and catarrha prevail in winter.

Pleasures

The chief pleasures of this township consist in visiting, dancing, sleighing, riding fowling and fishing. A marriage party is conducted with as much propriety as in any place of the same extent and sleighing parties have as much glee. The frequent resort of society of the people from New York in their pedestrian and equestrian excursions, renders the place agreeably various by the continued round of intercourse. Teal, quail and snipe afford an agreeable amusement for those who are fond of fowling. In winter dances are frequent, and rendered peculiarly agreeable by unrestrained sociability and hilarity, though divested of all grossness. Ceremony is entirely unknown, and it is only when that is absent that the mind can find repose. Mutual intercourse is the cement of society, and when to this is joined all that is engaging and agreeable, from what source can the mind derive higher satisfaction? With the hook and line, fish of almost every denomination may be caught in the East River. No Play-house, Assembly-room or Circus is as yet established within this township; whenever the inhabitants are desirous of these latter amusements, they cross to the city of New York. (Which is as true in the year of our Lord 1860 as it was 60 years ago.)

Shipping

The shipping of this township is not very considerable, consisting chiefly of sloops, schooners and brigs. Previously to the year 1788, the principal business of this town was carried on by small boats and petty-augers, carrying furniture, manure, boards, & C., to different parts of the township. In that year, docks were erected, and sloops for firewood, lumber and other articles to vend, arrived here. After that, brigs with West India and European produce, tar, wine and tobacco arrived, and carried away staves, plank, flour, & C. The first ship that every landed and took in a cargo at this township was "The Sarah," owned by Messrs. Comfort and Joshua Sands, about ten or twelve years ago. The first India-man built on the island, was that, under the superintendence of Mr. John Jackson, in the year 1798. In the year 1799, the United States frigate Adams, of thirty-two guns, was launched at the Wallabout. The number of vessels that arrive and depart within the year has not been ascertained, nor the amount of cargoes. A board of trade, established here to settle amicably those disputes which arise relative to marine affairs, and regulate other matters of a familiar nature, would become in time of considerable consequence. And as the number of our vessels is supposed to increase annually, such a regulation would be of the utmost importance.

Derivation of Names

The name of this township is evidently derived from the Dutch settlement about a mile from the ferry made upwards of one hundred and fifty years ago. The name of this settlement was taken from that in Holland, from which primitive town the settlers came. In some old books the name is spelt Breuckland, Broeckland, Breuiklen, which signifies a morass, and some people write it so to this day. On the chalices of the church, which were brought from Breukeland in Holland, it is engraved as the name of that town; but the modern appellation is Brooklyn.

Olympia is derived wholly from the elligibleness of the situation, comprehending all the rare qualities which must ever attend those places, the air of which is pure and the situation hi9gh and eminent.

Gowanus was formerly called Gowan's Cove, on account of his living there; but it has taken the name from Gowan's huis, or house.

Wallabout: This appellation is derived from the circumstance of this place formerly belonging to an Indian by the name of Walle, to which the Dutch have added bocht or bay, although it has often been called by them the Kyck-out.

Redhook obtained that name from the quality of the sand, of which it is entirely composed.

Bedford: Names of places arise sometimes from fancy, sometimes from the name of the first settler, other times from the native place of the original proprietor of the present. From which of these causes this name is derived cannot be absolutely ascertained, though there is a faint relic that a Dutchman with his family, seceded from the settlement made at Brooklyn, and gave the name of his birth place to it: as the French settlers at the revocation of the Edict of Nantz gave that to New Rochelle.

END

Source of Information: Brooklyn Daily Eagle 5/14/1860

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
.

Brooklyn Memories: A Glance backwards, 60 years Ago (7))

(Continued from Page: 6)

The subject has grown on our hands, beyond the limits of the space at our disposal, and we shall dismiss the remaining topics more briefly. In the year 1800 there were eight grist mills in Brooklyn township, which were turned by the tide of the East River. There were also some small manufactories of cable, cordage and twine; and a patent floor cloth manufactory was established in 1797, and its owner writes to Mr. Kirk to deny a report that it had suspended; we hope it lived until its founder died a millionaire. Our historian has a strong appeal to his fellow citizens on the subject of manufactories, and entreats them to rouse from their inaction, and not be content with being the "wheel-barrow men of New York."

After adverting to the small beginnings of the great cities of the old World, he winds up with the following eloquent but somewhat incomprehensible peroration:

Why on fancy's wings may we not anticipate the same fascinating prospects in Olympia where the heavy wagon teeming with the rich produce of the field, shall drag heavily on the pavement. When the bleached canvass shall waft our immense produce to distant countries, and return with the luxuries of the East where the early academicals bell shall summon the drowsy student to prayer, while the arts and sciences glow with the inexpressible energies of new inventions and discoveries. The Corinthian capitol shall yield to the caster designs of her artists, and gravitation be discovered the mere chimera of fancy. The lover of genius shall pry open the innermost caverns of truth, and the science of pure intelligence burst in full splendor upon the mind.

A lodge room was erected on the corner of James and Main street in 1798; this was the only society then in the county.

"The fire companies are rather associations allowed by law, than societies. The acts have not limited their duration, although the members may change every year. The first fire engine, for the use of the freeholders and inhabitants, was established in the year 1768; and an act of the Colonial Legislature was passed, investing them with certain privileges. It is, without doubt, as useful an institution as towns can possess. There are two fire engines here, which the inhabitants keep in excellent repair, and fully answer the purposes intended. The privileges of these companies have lately been extended."

Besides these there were two volunteer military companies, and a powder house and arsenal was about this year established.

From what follows the reader will make his own deductions. We shall take leave of the writer here, first, however, introducing Mrs. Eagles, a lady the writer enumerates as among the curiosities of the township.

Curiosities: Mrs. Eagles, the widow of Jacob Eagles, and who has now two children to support, is called the American Heroine, from this circumstance. At the battle of Long Island, when the British landed here, in the beginning of the American war, her husband was killed in action. She immediately went into the field, put on his regimentals, seized his gun, bayonet and ear touch box, and swore that she would fight for her country, her husband, and her sex, which she did, and it is said, killed many of the enemy.

It is said that the great road leading through this Township to Flatbush, was originally an Indian foot path, although not an Indian is now to be found in the place. it is also said that a considerable part of this Township was originally sold by an Indian to a Dutchman for a jack knife. Flints, which the Indians use for their arrows, have been ploughed out of the ground. The wreck of the English prison ship, "the Jersey," is still to be seen at the Wallabout, and many thousand skeletons are said to lay near her, under the sand. The tulip tree is a great curiosity, being thirty feet round at the lower circumference of a frustum, five feet high, and twenty feet at the upper circumference. It is said that many years ago it was brought from the woods in their pocket, and transplanted there. Many traces are to be seen where attempts have been made to dig for money. The report obtains that Captain Kidd buried money in Olympia some years ago: the roots of the tulip tree, the little fort, and other p laces are evidences of the fact. A sacramental table is to be seen in the Dutch Church, which was brought out with the original settlers.

To be continued: A Glance Backwards 60 Years Ago (8)

Source of Information: Brooklyn Daily Eagle 5/14/1860

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
.

Brooklyn Memories: A Glance backwards, 60 years Ago (6))

(Continued from Page: 5)

The ferry communication between New York and Brooklyn, is of all things most vital to the latter. To have it frequent, regular, safe and cheap, is a condition of its growth, almost of its existence. The vast corporation that now controls the ferries of the Western district, have secured to us the former these requisites. That in transporting millions of passengers annually, as the Union ferry have done for years, without any serious accident, should not be forgotten to the credit of the company; on the score of frequency and regularity no complaints can be made, and while we insist on cheapness, it should be remembered that those points which are even more essential are secured to us. Our historian gives the early history of the first ferry so concisely, that we use his own language:

One man of more force than the rest, and whose name is now lost, observing this intercourse to increase, and that the only way to the Indian settlements was by their foot paths, purchases a boat for the conveyance of people from New Amsterdam to Nassau island, for hire or an uncertain toll. He erects a booth or small ferry house on the shore, and causes a few logs to be got together for more convenient landing. The most uncultivated mind, even if left to itself, will make some improvement beyond the ordinary course of nature. With the proceeds of the ferry; in time, he erects a house of more conveniences and keeps an Inn and furnishes new and better boats for the conveyance of animals, as well as man. By a grant from the Governor to the City of New Amsterdam the jurisdiction of that corporation is made to extend to low water mark on Nassau island shore. This newly erected body purchases the ferry, house, and land from this man, and receives the profits.

It is worth while to contrast this incipient undertaking with the resources and facilities of the present corporation. Instead of the solitary boat the Union ferry company own a fleet, named and valued as follows:

Boats

Atlantic, cost
Bedford
Brooklyn
Exchange
Ellen
Fulton
Gowanus
Louise
Montague
Montauk
Manhattan
Metropolis
Nassau
Pacific
Transit
Union
Whitehall
Wyandank
$45,000
$21,000
$32.000
$28,000
$19,000
$27,000
$25,000
$17,000
$30,000
$21,000
$17,000
$23,000
$32,000
$40,000
$16,000
$13,500
$19,500
$20,000

In the year 1800, there were in the township of Brooklyn but three schools, containing about
Total: $431,000

The "booth, or small ferry house on the shore," and the "logs got together for more convenient landing," are supplanted by the following ferry houses:

Ferry Houses, Etc.

Hamilton Ferry, New York side, valued at:
Hamilton Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
Atlantic Ferry New York side, valued at:
Atlantic Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
Montague Ferry, New York side, valued at:
Montague Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
Fulton Ferry, New York Side, valued at:
Fulton Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
Roosevelt Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
Catharine Ferry, New York side, valued at:
Catharine Ferry, Brooklyn side, valued at:
$ 6,000
$ 2,500
$ 6,500
$ 4,800
$16,700
$16,000
$10,000
$18,800
$ 7,000
$ 9,000
$ 8,000

Total: $104,800

The Company has a capital of $800,000; they earn $64,000 interest on that sum: pay New York for rent of piers $56,000; and transport 35,000 each way daily.

To be continued: A Backward Glance 60 Years Ago (7)

Source of Information: Brooklyn Daily Eagle 5/14/1860

To contact: miriammedina@earthlink.net
.