Scannavino's in America

In the early 1910's through 1920, some of the brave Scannavino's ventured out of Ragusa and went to new places. They couldn't speak the language, they didn't know "how to be American," and they didn't know anybody. I feel that these are the bravest people who have the most courage. They would leave everything they have to make a better life for themselves the people they love.

I traced my Scannavino family back to the 1600's. It wasn't until 1911 when the first Scannavino came to America. Her name was Santa Scannavino and from my research(which is not fully completed yet), she was born in 1884. She came into New York Harbor with her two children on March 27, 1911. Her oldest daughter was Carmelina, age 6, and the other daughter, Giovanna, age 1. She was married to Andrea La Terra, also of Ragusa. Andrea came to America first so he could find work, and establish living conditions for his children and wife. Santa's exact relation to me would be my great great great aunt. She is my great great grandfather's sister. We'll talk about his voyage to America in my next blog post. It is very interesting and scandalous!

Next up, is Angela Scannavino. Angela is another sister to my great great grandfather and Santa. She was born in 1883 and came in 1912. Ironically, she also came with two children. One named Giovanna and the other Gina. When she came to America she had 5 more children. Angela's husband was Vincenzo Antonio Tabacchino who also came from Ragusa. In total there was 7 children: Giovanna, Gina, Alfred, Vincent, Anna, Violet, & Jeannette. Amazingly, her daughter Anna, born 1914, and other daughter Violet, born 1917, are still alive and well! I spoke to Violet on the phone and she told me so much about our family history....

Last for this blog, is Giovanna Scannavino, birth date is unknown. Giovanna is another sister to the people above. From what Violet told me, Giovanna came to America for a short while. She didn't like it, and went back to Ragusa.

Be sure to read the next blog :)