Code,127006
Speaker,"Frank Fiorilli and Richard Gallitto, Members of Holy Rosary Parish, Cleveland"
Date,7/20/2011
Interviewer,James Lanese and Kenneth Valore
Abstract,"Frank Fiorilli and Richard Gallitto trace the story of the Little Italy community and Holy Rosary Church.  The church represents one of three major community and neighborhood institutions that shaped the community and provided the culture and community that marked the Italian neighborhood during the first three quarters of the twentieth century. Murray Hill School and the Alta House (founded by John D. Rockefeller) provided the education and social resources for immigrant workers and families. Holy Rosary parish was the center of spiritual life for the small community bounded by Case Western Reserve University and the suburban 'heights'.  By the later quarter of the century, population shifts and issues with the university and with school busing programs found the community changing residents, but maintaining its cultural reputation. Holy Rosary remains vibrant and active with its past parishioners, the university, and current residents."
Tags,comma-separated
Special Notes,n/a
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0,"Introductions, Frank Fiorilli in parish since 1935"
1,Richard Gallitto in parish since 1928; grandparents were founding members
2,"Frank and Richard remenisce about the neighborhood, school, and Alta House"
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9,Neighborhood relationship with CWRU and the reputation of the community.
10,
11,Profile of the community; Catholic population and the role of the church.
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13,"Frank was a history teacher, community representative, and leader."
14,"Holy Rosary, Murray Hill School, and Alta House were the major influences in the community."
15,Church role in the community.
16,Italian was taught in Murray Hill School prior to WWII
17,English was encouraged at Holy Rosary and Alta House
18,"Alta House was established by John D Rockefeller. He would ride down Mayfield road. Named after his daughter, Alta"
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21,"Mr. Carabelli was friend of Rockefeller and business leader of ""Hill"" and ""Mayfield"" community."
22,"Area, Italian Ghetto- was never 'claimed' by Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, or East Cleveland."
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25,"Murray HIll School is unique with amenities, i.e. pool."
26,"Alta House, 1905"
27,Holy Rosary original wood church on current school site.
28,Church was a 'mission' church staffed by an order of priests from Italy.
29,Current church built 1908 in Romanesque and Baroque style.
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32,"First church to have gas lights; influenced by church in Campobasso, Italy."
33,Original statue of Mary; simple design interior.
34,Several statues representing patron saints of regions in Italy.
35,Community featured several (>50) social clubs.
36,"Self contained community of people, stores, and employment"
37,Community was a safe place.
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40,"Following WWII, education became a focus in community; prior to that family members would leave school for work to help support family."
41,"Community relations with CWRU were strained during the 50's with tension between residents and students, and with university efforts to buy properties and build facilities."
42,Recollections of community board actions with University Circle Inc.
43,
44,Community population transition occurred as Italian families left to the suburbs and other ethnic groups moved in.
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47,Student busing began for Murray Hill before the city desegregation order; troubles began.
48,Community set up group to face issues with university and schools.
49,
50,Population shifts helped reduce the troubles.
51,Italians are now a minority in the residential community.
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53,"Housing is substandard per city codes, however little enforcement."
54,Rents are $300 -$800 per month; many absentee landlords (former residents).
55,
56,University buildings and condos have changed the neighborhood.
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58,"Holy Rosary priests did not want to close HR school, but required more help."
59,Population decline forced the close of Murray Hill school; Montessori school replaced HR school.
60,The Montessori program is very successful.
65,"Holy Rosary church has been remodeled often, once due to a fire."
66,Entrance steps have been changed; elevator access added.
67,Church is in association with Abington Arms-senior citizen living.
69,HR sponsors Neuman program for CWRU
72,RCIA program is very successful
74,Feast of the Assumption is high point of year for church and community.
75,Originally a lay celebration based upon feasts in Italy.
77,One pastor decided to 'take it over'. Has been HR tradition since.
79,Closing comments.