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The Heart of the Neighborhood in Historic Little Italy
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Baltimore's Little Italy:
Heritage and History of The Neighborhood
In addition to many other topics on the ethnic and charming neighborhood of Baltimore's Little Italy, this history book (published 2015) includes the following segments about St. Leo's Church . Its author, Suzanna Molino, is a St. Leo's parishioner, granddaughter of four Italian immigrants; and director of the nonprofit organization, Promotion Center for Little Italy. The book is available for purchase on the online Souvenir Shop of Promotion Center for Little Italy and proceeds benefit that organization.St. Leo the Great Church:
Anchor of “The Neighborhood”- St. Leo’s Firsts
- Restorations and Improvements
- Noteworthy Features
- St. Leo’s Italian Orphan Asylum, 1913–1957
- St. Leo’s School, 1882–1980
- Historical Parish Societies Still in Existence
- Earlier Parish Societies and Organizations
- The Ravioli Is Still Rampant (ravioli recipe included!)
- Why St. Leo’s Honors St. Anthony with an Annual Italian Festival
- Feast of St. Gabriel Italian Festival
- Rev. Oreste Pandola Learning Center
Synopsis
Before outdoor films, mouth watering cuisine and the spectacle of bocce brought thousands of visitors to its streets, Baltimore’s Little Italy was a haven for generations of immigrants. With St. Leo’s Church at its heart, The Neighborhood is a place where lifelong friendships are forged and nicknames are serious business. The community still celebrates the Feast of St. Anthony Italian Festival in tribute to the saint who was credited with saving the neighborhood from the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. As sons went to the front during both world wars, families pulled together during the hard times. With memories of beloved local figures like Marion “Mugs” Mugavero and artist Tony DeSales, interviews with lifelong locals and a few classic recipes, author Suzanna Rosa Molino creates a spirited history of this enduring Italian community.
We just received your book and love it ... we sat with it for hours. It's beautifully and warmly written ... it really is wonderful for anyone who has roots there. The immigration photo of my godfather, Andrew Lioi, was so wonderful.
Jeannette Castronova