Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
P0045_117 |
Collection |
North End Neighborhood Collection |
Description |
Primo and Matilda Fracassi. Primo Fracassi was born January 1, 1865, the son of Santa and Lucia (Bertani) Fracassi. In 1903, on the ship 'Leon XIII', Primo Fracassi arrived at Ellis Island from Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italy. He had come to America to secure a new life for his wife, Matilda Guidi, and their five children, who were still in Italy. A few years later he returned to them, and the family soon welcomed another child. In 1912, Primo and Matilda immigrated to America with their six children: Pia, Vera, Vittoria, Alba, Angelo and Renato, all under the age of 22. From 1919 to 1925, Primo worked as a storekeeper and shoemaker at their home and shoe shop, 165 York Street, York Village, Maine. In 1925, Primo purchased a home at 68 Russell Street, in the North End of Portsmouth, NH, known as the Hart House. He also purchased the property next door at 78-80 Russell Street. Five of the Fracassi children raised their children in Portsmouth: Pia and her husband Leonardo Procario lived at 19 Elm Court. Vera and her husband Arcangelo "Cangi" Ferrini lived at 64 Deer Street. Vittoria and her husband Mario Pesaresi lived at 78 Russell Street and later at 265 Thaxter Road. Alba and her husband Primo Tosi lived at 18 Raynes Avenue, and Angelo "Guilillo" and his wife Natalina "Flavia" Genestreti lived at 80 Russell Street and later at 73 Northwest Street. Eventually, Primo and Matilda welcomed 24 grandchildren. In late October, 1938, the six Fracassi children surprised their parents with a party at 68 Russell Street, Portsmouth, honoring their 50th wedding anniversary. |
Object Name |
Print, Photographic |
Search Terms |
North End Neighborhood (P0045) Russell Street York (Me.) |
Subjects |
Neighborhoods Italian-Americans Immigrants |
People |
Fracassi, Primo, b. 1865 Fracassi, Matilda Fracassi family |