As it ravaged the world; the influenza epidemic of 1918 devastated Bostons congested North End and left hundreds of orphans in its wake. Touched by this crisis; a Roman Catholic priest and a group of Italian Americans founded the first home for Italian children in Massachusetts. Franciscan Sisters devoted 24 hours a day to providing the children with a safe; loving; and spiritual environment. In addition; the home provided educational support for its residents. Over time; the changing needs of children mandated that the agency change the nature of its services from custodial care to treatment. In 1974; in response to the changing political and social climate; the agency became the Italian Home for Children. Today; it is a nonprofit; nonsectarian residential treatment facility with a capacity for 61 children of all races; nationalities; and religions. The images in The Italian Home for Children document milestones in the organizations history: the devastating influenza epidemic; the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception; Christmas plays; a visit from Joe DiMaggio; trips to Canobie Lake Park in the summer; the Tony Martin benefit performance at Boston Garden; and the home as it is today--a refuge for children in the most severe crises.
#409048 in eBooks 2005-11-09 2005-11-09File Name: B009A3AJ54
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy RPGFantastic0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Richard PembertonGreat photo history of the town I grew up in from the mid 1940s to the late 1960s.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Very Enjoyable Book!By Terry A. MooreI have lived in Chico for 40 years. This book is very accurate. and provides a very fun trip down memory lane. I only wish it was available in a hardback.
