Lois Repetto Rosato
(April 2003 -- San Francisco, CA)


From where did your family emigrate and when? Who emigrated (self, parents, grandparents) and what were their names?
Emigrated from Arquata Scrivia, Alessandria, Piemonte. Grandmother, Fiorina Repetto, (in) 1921. Father Celestino Repetto (and) three brothers, Mario, Romolo, Enrico.

What led them to their destination (relatives already there, hopes of a job at a mill, mine, etc. Please explain)?
Grandfather Vincenzo and son Ettore in America already.

Did they emigrate to another location before or after (Argentina, France, England, etc.)?
Came directly to S.F.

Did they settle among other Piemontesi and were they members of a Piemontesi society (fraternal, mutual aid, etc.)?
Settled with Vincenzo and other paisani.

Did your family maintain Piemontesi traditions -- language, culture, history, cuisine, etc.?
We spoke Piemontese, ate Piemontese and were very Italian. I spoke no English upon entering school.

Did your family return home to visit or to live after the initial emigration? Did they maintain contact with family back home?
None of them returned to Italy. No correspondence, as far as I know.

Do you identify yourself more as American, Italian or Piemontese?
Italian. My mother migrated from Parma, so -- mixed dialects.

Have you visited your family's town(s) in Piemonte? What was your experience like?
Yes, met family and really connected with my roots.

Have you studied your Piemontesi genealogy? Please explain why.
Yes, for the sake of my family.

Do you belong to the Piemontesi nel Mondo, Famija Piemonteis or any other organization?
I belong to Piemontesi and Liguri nel Mondo. S.F. Italian-American Athletic Club.