Italian-Americans have lived in my hometown of Ashtabula, Ohio, for well over a hundred years. In that time they have become an integral part of the community’s culture, economy, and history. Many of the immigrants that came directly from Italy throughout the 20th century were able to find steady work in one of the area’s numerous factories, allowing their culture to prosper through the building of predominantly Italian-American schools, churches, and even bars.

However, as rustbelt cities began to decline in the late 20th and early 21st century, Ashtabula was no exception with many factories and jobs being moved. This has affected the Italian-American community there greatly, with families having to again face the difficult decision of whether or not to move to a place with better opportunities, or stay in Ashtabula and try to make the best of their situation. Sadly, many left the area as it became too hard to lead the successful life that was once a near guarantee.