While FDR had his fireside chats, I experienced porch side chats where I learned much about my heritage. It is well known that weekly Sunday suppers were a special time for large Italian families. It was a day of rest, except of course for Italian mothers — but they loved it, as they had an opportunity to enjoy the company of relatives and visiting friends.

Life was simple and uncomplicated. There was a weekly routine that was only interrupted by a wedding, religious service, celebration, or social activity at the local ISDA lodge. Routine, habit, and custom created stability for Italian immigrants. It was a form of security and basic to their survival.