“Off the boat from Italy…”

After being married to Italian’s from New York I have often used the phrase “off the boat” to mean…authentic, original, Mamma Mia, etc,

After our interest in Italy grew so did my hubby’s interest in his past. His Mother and a few living Aunts all had different stories of where his Grandparents were from in Italy, when they come to America, whether they were citizens of the US and more. Like many on the quest of history, we turned to www.ancestry.com. This website is really worth the 30 day free trial or 20 buck a month. We were able to find his grandparents, the picture of the ships they arrived onto Ellis Island, original signatures and some important dates and facts.

After more research we realized that the dates were very important on his father’s side to possibly establish us with dual residency in Italy. This residency would allow us to travel without so much red tape, and other perks. We got to a stand still however…the mystery of if and when his grandfather’s petition for citizenship was granted???

On a recent trip to New York we were invited to visit in person to find out if in fact…he was accessed or denied….?

We took the subway to the gate of NYC and a large State building that was so lovely inside I got in trouble for trying to take pictures. We had an appointment with “Dave” who promised he could help us. We were stunned by the amazing rows and rows of HUGE “Harry Potter” like books on walls and walls of shelves. We gave Dave a number we found online and sure enough, he shimmed up a ladder (he was no spring chicken either) and grabbed the most enormous book you have ever seen and smacked it (dust and all) on a table. He whipped it open to 3 ORIGINAL documents of my hubby’s relatives.

It was amazing to see the original signatures, the dates and information all in tact after 100 years. We were glad to know he was indeed a US citizen but bummed that it happened prior to the birth of my Father In Law which means no dual citizenship for us.

Nonetheless, the journey was very special….Here are a  few pictures of the documents and books…

The New York State Building where our search began…

We took the subway downtown to Chambers…

The petition ….

Hubby’s hand beside his grandfather’s signature…

He took the Oath and the Court admitted him…

Now this is a book people!

Could you imagine working here…Dave went right to the book that had 1923 records!

3 original pages including his intent to work and take care of his family.

Today…The Carideo family still thrives -loving both the US and Italy!

 

 

About Melonie

A busy Managing Real Estate Broker, active soccer Mom, professional volunteer, missionary wannabe. Living in the Cherokee National Forest area of Tennessee, vacation in the Apuan Alps of Italy...found rural Tuscany and love to talk about it!
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