Isca sull’Ionio, Calabria, Italy: My Great-Grandmother’s Village
Last week, my grandmother’s first cousin, Domenica (but don’t call her that–she goes by Marie) from America and her childhood friend, Laura, came to visit me. Both of their mothers, as well as my grandmother’s mother Concetta, were born in Isca sull’Ionio, or Isca on the Ionian Sea, which is the village next to mine.
Meet Concetta via her 1941 US citizenship certificate:
To explain a bit, my great-great-grandfather (Concetta’s father) was born in the village I now live in, and he married a woman from Isca, and that’s where they had their children. So my roots, as well as those of my Marie are actually from both villages. Laura’s family is all from Isca.
The connection between this tiny village on the Ionian coast and my area back home in Pennsylvania is extremely strong; indeed, most of the Italian (Calabrian) families in and around my hometown come from this village and share names like Varano, Scicchitano, Bressi, Feudale, Mirarchi, and Nestico (here, it’s Nesticò, accent on the last syllable).
One of my most vivid memories of the first time I visited here was my jaw continually dropping at just how many last names I saw on signs and businesses that were so very familiar to me–even the geographical position of Isca is very much like our towns nestled into the Appalachian Mountains.
You can read more about Isca’s history and links in the United States at IscaCalabria.com, made by a friend of mine that I met via the Internet quite a few years ago. He ended up connecting me with a woman originally from Isca who now lives in South Philly (I also lived in Philly at the time); it turns out that she had also lived up in my area of Pennsylvania…and, as we discovered once we got talking, had even worked with my grandmother in a sewing factory in the 1960s or 70s.
Talk about a small world, huh?
Alida gave me one of the best quotes ever during an email exchange four years ago, and I hope she doesn’t mind my sharing it here:
When I was a little girl, before I knew of the rotation of the earth, I really believed that those pretty mountains ate the sun and by a miracle God would send it back the following day.
Don’t you just love Italians?
A few years ago, Alida, her family, my mom and I went to the San Marziale festival, organized by Iscatani, in South Philly together.
Now back to our visit to Isca with my cousin. Through genealogical research, I was able to pinpoint the street, although not the exact house, of our family. It’s called Via Borgo, and here’s Marie in front of the entrance to the smallest “street” I’ve ever seen in my life:
Here’s a look down said street:
As you can see, there’s actually a bit of reconstruction going on, but Isca Superiore is still mostly emptied out, even more so than my village; in fact, every time we asked about someone who had formerly lived up there, we were directed to the Marina village. Isca was particularly hard hit by an earthquake in 1947, so that was the impetus for many to get off the hill.
We didn’t have too much time to walk around Isca, but here are some old scanned photos of mine from a previous visit:
Then we went back to P’s parents’ house in Badolato Marina and enjoyed a lovely lunch with them. Here are P’s father Salvatore, P’s mom Caterina, Marie (eyes closed, sorry–told her to leave on her sunglasses!), and Laura.
Marie had a great time trying to teach P’s dad some English words–much laughter ensued as “I looooooove you” repeatedly echoed throughout the Marina. And since I never tire of hearing old family stories, this provided yet another opportunity for Marie to share what she remembers of her grandparents–my great-great-grandparents–and others long gone.
P’s mom must’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic too because she broke out her old photos; I had never seen a baby picture of P before, so that was extra special. What a cutie! You may or may not see said photos scanned here at some point. Good thing he doesn’t read the blog, eh?
So after quite a day full of emotion, laughter, great food, and fun, Marie, Laura and I headed back up the mountain to Badolato. As they rested, I got to thinking, as I’m wont to do.
*
I have always thought of Isca as representing the feminine side of my Italian family, as my great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother were born there–who knows how far back that goes, but I’d sure like to find out. Even the town’s name ends in “a” denoting the feminine. I’ve always had a stronger connection with the women in my family, and so I would’ve guessed that Isca was the place for me if I were going to settle in Calabria.
But there’s so much more to me than that feminine side, and I’d say I’m pretty balanced in my traditionally masculine and feminine influences. I’m not a girly-girl by any means, and you couldn’t tear me away from a football, baseball, or basketball game in America if you tried. I can also be awfully aggressive when I want/need to be.
Interesting, then, that it’s my great-great-grandfather who was born in Badolato (note that it ends in an “o” denoting masculine) and relocated to Isca for his wife; I, on the other hand, was first drawn to Isca (my family had never heard of Badolato until I found citizenship records), but then the pull to Badolato was so strong that I ended up staying here, in the masculine village, if you will.
And here I found my P.
Now I struggle to balance those masculine and feminine influences once again–this time in a culture with fairly distinct gender roles. Southern Italy isn’t what you’d call modernized in its ideas about what a woman and a man should do. Lucky for me that I’ve found a guy who loves that I work and that I actually *want* to go hunting for mushrooms in the mountains, etc., with the boys–and he also happens to be a great cook who occasionally surprises me with his housekeeping abilities.
It’s not always easy, of course, but I’m loving the challenge.
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Michelle that was an awesome story!!! I laughed and also had a moment of nostalgia while reading about the old villages. I am strongly tied to my parents village, Maida, and I have tons of family there still, so every time I go back I learn more and more about my family! Great job, I really enjoyed this one!
What a wonderful glimpse into what pulled you to your particular village – I’ve always wondered about the exact family connections. Isn’t it funny, too, how things influence us when we don’t even realize it and how that ends up having a profound affect on our lives?
What a wonderful glimpse into your family history and wow i totally missed the picture of P back in July so it was great to check out the link and P too! What a handsome man! The pictures are awesome. I swear i have one of those hanging in my bedroom!
Beautiful, evocative writing. And I’m glad you’re loving the challenge, because I know it is.
Yeah I should comment on the rest of the post, but
I hadn’t seen P before Oh la la. He is very attractive. So taken am I, that now I am left with no other thoughts.
(though I do wish I hadn’t said oh la la la, because Teena Marie has started singing in my head and wont stop)
Hi Michelle,
It was great to hear from you. Thanks, for your link to my website about your family’s other Home Town, Isca Sullo Ionio. I loved your stories about Isca. Time flies, it seems like just yesterday, we met on the net and I introduced you to Alida and our Festival back in Philly. We hope to visit you next summer in Badolato. I saw your photo of the street Via Borgo, that is the street my Fatherinlaw still lives on today, that was my wifes grandfathers house. You posted a photo of Concetta, my wife said Concetta is related to her friend, that lives in Isca, so my wifes friend would be your 3rd cousin. Rosa will call her friend in Isca. Maybe she can tell us the exact address you are looking for on Via Borgo. Have you been to City Hall in Isca. Their Genealogical Records date back to about 1750, for birth, baptism, marriage and death records. They may also have the address. I love your site here. Great stories and posts from everyone. See you soon. Dave.
Maria, glad you enjoyed, and I do hope to meet up with you the next time you’re down this way–Maida isn’t *too* far away you know
Karen, glad you enjoyed it! Whenever I think about how I ended up here, it is truly amazing. So many things, tidbits from childhood on up, just wow, you know?
Enza, well then I’m glad I linked to the P post–but I hope you don’t have a pic of *him* hanging in your bedroom–hah! I had to read that one twice
Jennifer, thanks; much appreciated from someone that I know knows
Taffiny, I hope you get that song out of your head, and then come over to mine and remove it.
Dave, I should’ve known you’d show up with some wonderful further information! I can’t believe that’s your wife’s grandfather’s house and that you’ve found my third cousin. Amazing! Alida’s sister did some research for me a few years ago (found some birth and marriage certificates–yeah! Those are the ones that just listed “Via Borgo” no house number), but I really kind of dropped the whole genealogy thing once I got here. Not sure why as now everything is really quite accessible. I did go to the church here in Badolato last week and searched through some old baptismal records, but came up short
I have to go back before Don Vincenzo gets bored with the whole thing 
I really do have to devote some more time to this again…so interesting and so fun when you find stuff!
Thanks so much for stopping by–can’t wait to see you, Rosa, and the bambini
This post really did make me think about what a small world it is! It’s really wonderful that after so many generations, you have gone back to live where your family came from. Italy has a strange way of doing that to people… I don’t even have any Italian ancestry but still I felt drawn to the place!
Such a great post, Michelle! When I was in Italy many years ago, I never made it to the area where my family is from — Lonate Pozzola (sp?). But, both sets of my dad’s grandparents came over from there (surnames Arbini and Aliverti). Many of the Arbinis came to the U.S., while some Alivertis did, but more of them went to Argentina for some reason. At any rate, I can’t wait until I can return some day and search out their hometown. I got as close as Milan, but not further out to their town.
That’s so wonderful that you were able to bring some of your heritage full circle. 
Christina
Your village is fantastic looking…we can trace my hubby’s grandfather coming over to Ellis Island when he was 5 and even see his mother and father’s signatures on the registration book from 1921. It makes me wanna start a blog about germans (me) and swedes (him)…
I’m so glad I found your blog TOO. I love your stories, your writing style, all of it. And ok I lived in Philly too. I will keep reading now that I am hooked…. I’m linking your blog to mine tomorrow morning when I wake up and can focus again.
What a lovely post, with superb pictures. Thank you for sharing this part of your family story with us. I also like the certificate of citizenship – you could imagine a whole story from it.
Mmmm… Very good looking, your P! Very Italian…
Michelle?
When my grandmother passed away I could not find where she kept the addresses of her family in Sorrento. She and my grandfather were both from the Amalfi.
You’ve inspired me to scan some old photos of my family for my own blog.
I have grandma’s US Citizenship certificate too.
Sending bloglove,
Frances
How fantastic to be able to trace back where your family all came from & lived, & that these places have a pull on you too.
I enjoy reading your site. This post was neat. I liked the street that looks like an alley.
UGH!!! Sorry! Sometimes my grammar sucks!! No i definitely don’t have a picture of P hanging on my wall, although….nah only kidding. I was talking about the other photos u posted!
You are such a gem. Your talent for family history and photography and weaving it all together is truly special. I am so impressed by your creativity and ability to write.
Great photos, and I love your site! I need to add you to my little blogroll… Thanks for the visit and the great comments the other day!
I NEED to go to Italy someday!!
Thanks! I love your blog. It makes Italy seem so much closer. I spent a summer in Salerno and fell so much in love with the city that there isn’t a day I don’t miss it. Thanks for sharing yoru life with us.
thats funny i live 15 mins outside philly and often go to the italian market even if it isnt quite what it used to be…my mom grew up there but we are abruzzese
small world
I love the way the houses are lined up like that…looks like crayola from far. Great story and awesome pics! I terribly need to visit Italy in the future!
Shelley, I’ve now gotten an email from someone who grew up in the same town, knows my grandmother, and worked with my mother. Small world is right
Christina, you’ll get there! For me it was an amazing experiences, and I’m sure it will be for you too
Kerith, oh I love family histories–be sure to send me the link if you start that blog!
Diana, thanks! I look forward to getting to know you better
Vesper, oh, the citizenship certificate holds its own stories to be sure–and those are just the real ones. Imagine all the creative turns we could take with it! Thanks for the compliment on P, and the Michelle? That’s my name. I started going by Sognatrice (dreamer in Italian) when I first started, but my real name came out pretty quickly…so whatever you feel comfortable with
Frances, ooh, do scan! I need to scan many more photos, if only to keep them stored on CDs/the computer, but I do hope you’ll share some on the blog. I love old photos and the stories that go with them!
Madelyne, thanks, and thanks for commenting!
Maryann, it’s funny that the street in front of my current house isn’t very much wider–but I’m on a corner, so it doesn’t feel so confining
Enza, no it wasn’t your fault at all! I have a bad habit of reading too quickly and confusing myself. Anyway, it was a good laugh, so no need to apologize!
Jen, aw thanks…what a lovely comment
Waiting, I do hope you make it here someday, but you should warn the little one…I’m a squeezer
Everyday Delights, why thank you–and thanks for sharing your tribute to Salerno. Wonderful!
Italiana, lucky you! Have a go at Fante’s, DiBruno’s, D’Angelo’s, and of course Anthony’s Coffee House for me please.
Grace, I love the Crayola comment! So true! Glad you enjoyed, and yes, come on over
Michelle, your writing is so impressive. Sometimes, I feel like I’m reading a book; and I just finished a chapter, and can’t wait to turn the page and start a new one. I
It’s funny the way so much from Southern Italy is linked to PA. Thanks for mentioning my family name. I remembered when you told me about Alida, couldn’t believe we were even “tied” together with knowing her.
Guess this big big world isn’t so big after all.
Friend, aw thanks
And if I had even a bit of a remaining doubt as to which far away friend you are, I’m now certain! Crazy world, isn’t it?
I love stories about families. Your story has come “round a great circle!
Meredith, I love family stories too; thanks for reading mine
I LOVED that, and the photos are great. I especially love Maria’s citizenship paper – THAT was so cool!!!
Ate up every bit of this from the first word to the last crumb…
Your writing is as good as your cooking looks.
Thanks for sharing!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
Scarlett, glad you enjoyed, and I hope you’re enjoying other crumbs on this special day
I don’t think I can explain why — or perhaps I can — but this is my favorite post of all time.
Every word, every image, beautiful.
David, wow. You’ve left me wordless (almost). All I can say is grazie mille for reading and taking the time to write such wonderful thoughts in the comments–where they become treasures.
I love the connections. It’s fascinating to think about the Italy to America to Italy story that you are carrying on.
Thanks Laura; it’s definitely a unique opportunity
Loved the article on Isca. I will be there sometime this year (taking a discovery trip to Isca, the family’s homeland with my cousin) We are both from Kulpmont, Pa. and the need to discover my roots has been pulling me for a few years now. I’m reading a book right now called “Dances with Luigi”. I highly recommend it. It’s about the same thing I’m going through right now. The need to understand the original family ties and the country. Keep up the good work on the blog. I’ll tell your brother Bernie and Nancy I was talking to you when I see them.
*Nonfaciabruta, feel free to email me (address on sidebar) if you’d like to talk personally! Glad to hear that more and more of us from the Coal Region are coming back here–you’re going to love it
Hi sognatrice!
I came across your blog by chance and I Enjoyed reading the different comments. I was born in Isca and emigrated to Canada at the age of 10 with my family. I recognized many of the names mentioned in your blog for example Alida is my cousin. and remember the places in your photos. I was back only once in 1972. and am sure a lot has changed and a lot has remained the same. Hope to be back there some day soon.
take care
Hi Sam! And welcome! Thanks so much for reading and commenting
Hi. Great reading! My parents came to Montreal Canada in the 60s…My mom was born on Via Borgo way back in the 30s!!!! I’ve been there several times to visit family. Great place and wonderful times.
Alberto Mirarchi
Hi Alberto, great to see you here! Another family from Via Borgo…soon I’ll know them all I think
Ciao,
sono nata e cresciuta ad Isca, ma ora vivo a Milano. Mi fa piacere che ti piace il paese e le tue origini. Conosco un ragazzo che ti ha scritto. I cognomi che scrivi sono molto conosciuti, e vedere le tue foto; mi hanno fatto ritornare per un attimo in paese. Sono tutti posti dove sono stata, almeno un migliaio di volte.
Ho alcuni parenti a Shamokin, ed altri a Toronto e Montreal.
Ora che ho trovato questo sito, qualche volta lo rivisiterò con piacere.
Ciao
Ciao Felicita, benvenuta! Mi ha fatto molto piacere di vedere il tuo commento stamattina. Ti devo dire che i miei parenti sono arrivati a Shamokin da Isca–adesso tutti stanno in un paese lì vicino. Infatti scrivo spesso con un compagno di scuola che vive ancora lì…il suo cognome è Scicchitano di Isca…forse siete parenti? Grazie per la visita!
Sai, ad Isca ci conosciamo tutti. E’ un piccolo paese ma una grande famiglia. Sicuramente conoscerò la persona, che va Scicchitano. In fondo, sicuramente, saremo parenti, anche se lontani.
Sono molto contenta della tua risposta, sei stata molto tempestiva. Se hai bisogno di sapere ulteriori informazioni del paese; sarò disponibile ad aiutarti.
Ciao ed alla prossima
Grazie Felicita! E’ un paese bellissimo con cittadini bellissimi
I was searching for historic information about the region of Calabria and came about your site. I’m a Mirarchi, and my great grandparents settled in Kulpmont, PA.
This makes me want to visit Isca even more!
Come on over Liz…lots of Mirarchis for you to find! My family is from the Kulpmont area as well
Hi Liz,
My cousins are Mirarchi’s from Kulpmont. Orlando, Aldo, and Gloria. They are children of my cousin Pauline, whose mother was Teresa Mannello.
Hey Rick! I’m sure the older generation in my family knows them
I can relate to a lot of this! The only relatives that I have in Italy (that I know of) is my grandmother’s first cousin and his family. They are from a small town near Capua called Camigliano in Campania. I love reading about your heritage in Calabria due to my own roots in Southern Italia! I hope I land a job in the South somewhere soon!
I hope you do too, David!
This is incredible! I have been trying to figure out where my Feudale side of the family hailed from, we knew my great grandfather Antonio Feudale(we called him Popu) was from Isca, so I started to do some research and was so happy to come across your sight! He too moved to the Kulpmont area, my grandparents Samuel Feudale and Bernadette lived in Shamokin then, now they and most of my relatives live in York, PA. Thank you for such a lovely story and sharing it, now more than ever I would love to return to my great graandpas old stomping grounds! Happy travels to all:)
Jordan, you might be interested to know that Papù is the *old* dialect word for grandfather…they really don’t use it anymore unless they’re referring to Papù meu (my grandfather), but it *is* what my grandmother called her grandfather too
I’m actually in Kulpmont right now as I type this…visiting family for the holidays 
Thanks for stopping by, and if you head toward Isca, let me know!