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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1956 | | Notes: Here is a picture of the Melfis, Frescos and Di Tullios making home-made wine. In Italy growing grape, harvesting it and then crushing it for its juice and allowing to ferment it and later storing the alcoholic beverage in barrels or jars was part of the day to day life of any farmer living in Southern Italy. Growing grape prior to 1969 in Southern Italy was perceived as essential as growing tomatoes. Grape was not considered a luxury food. However, in Canada few immigrants living in large city centers (And most were) grew their own grape. They simply bought the grape and made the wine -- but in this country wine was perceived more of a luxury drink. Sure it was essential to the "Italian" way of life, and yet few people considered making wine as "work." It was a fun activity.... Photo: Mr. Giuseppe Melfi. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: mid 1950s | | Notes: Wine, torrone and good company make for happy times at the Di Tullios. | Contributed by: Madeleine
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: mid 1950s | | Notes: Here is a picture of the Di Tullios in their Sunday best, ready to go out and "pay a visit." | Contributed by: Madeleine
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1954 | | Notes: In the 1950s those living in Southern Italy did not celebrate Christmas by decorating trees. Nonetheless as soon as they immigrated to North America they did so, much to the delight of their young children. Present in the photo are the contributor, her parents and two relatives. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: late 1950s | | Notes: In the late 1950s there were only four channels (two English, two French) which Quebecers had access to. Nonetheless, most people, children in particular, loved whatever was offered. | Contributed by: Madeleine
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1959 | | Notes: The contributor and her sister next to their beloved new T.V. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1961 | | Notes: The contributor and her sister, Sue, are seen here standing in front of their father's wine press. In the 1960s the Melfis, like most recent Italian immigrants, made their own wine. At that time the entire extended family would come and help out. Later, in the 1970s, most people (including the contributor's father) bought electric-powered grape crushers, making the process of making home-made wine less labor-intensive, and possibly less fun as well, as fewer individuals were needed to help out. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1962 | | Notes: This photo is rather unremarkable, except for the toy accordion held by the contributor's cousin, Camillo. The accordion may not have been the official musical instrument of Southern Italy, but it sure felt like it was to those of us growing up in Canada in the 1960s. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Canada | | Date: 1968 | Notes: In the 1960s making home-made wine was considered a vital part of being "Italian." Those who bought their wine at the liquor store were looked down upon. Store-bought wine was considered of poor quality, and viewed with suspicion (Had impurities in it!). Nowadays, of course, few third-generation Italian-Canadians make their own wine. It's enough to drink wine with one's meal (be it French or Australian) to "feel" Italian.
Present in the photo are the contributor's father, uncle, brother-in-law and cousin. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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Montreal, Quebec, Italy | | Date: 1967 | | Notes: In the 1960s Italian families often played "Tombla" -- an Italian-style Bingo game. Back then games were not divided by age group -- adults and children always played together. No one could be excluded -- even toddlers had to be counted in. | Contributed by: Mary Melfi
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