Ermenegildo Gaido
(February 2003 -- Milwaukee, WI)

From where did your family emigrate and when? Who emigrated (self, parents, grandparents) and what were their names?
Both my parents emigrated from Italy (Piemonte Region) in 1920. My dad's name was Antonio Gaido (from San Martino). Mother's name was Domenica (Andrina) Gaido.

What led them to their destination (relatives already there, hopes of a job at a mill, mine, etc. Please explain)?
My dad came over before mother and went to two different locations before settling in Milwaukee. He went to Iron Mountain, Michigan as did quite a few Italians, because of the jobs available in mining. After a short stay he went to New Castle, Wyoming where his brother (Emillio) had settled. They worked in a flour mill. For some reason he left Wyoming to come to Milwaukee where another brother (Martin) lived. In Milwaukee he worked for several years in tunnel work and then for Vilter Manufacturing for many years. Once he settled in Milwaukee, he returned to Italy to marry my mother and bring her back to Milwaukee.

Did they emigrate to another location before or after (Argentina, France, England, etc.)?
Could be -- not sure!

Did they settle among other Piemontesi and were they members of a Piemontesi society (fraternal, mutual aid, etc.)?
Settled in Bay View with other Piemontese immigrants. Dad was a member of the G. Garibaldi Society and mother joined the Anita Garibaldi Society.

Did your family maintain Piemontesi traditions -- language, culture, history, cuisine, etc.?
Yes in all areas. My parents spoke Italian and I and my brother spoke English at home. My parents were able to speak English.

Did your family return home to visit or to live after the initial emigration? Did they maintain contact with family back home?
Yes, only to visit and maintain contact.

Do you identify yourself more as American, Italian or Piemontese?
American, but very proud to be Italian descent.

Have you visited your family's town(s) in Piemonte? What was your experience like?
Yes, I went twice. Once with my father and son and a second time with my wife, son and daughter-in-law. It was an amazing experience to meet all my parents' relatives and to know the environment they grew up in. Gaining a knowledge of my "roots."

Have you studied your Piemontesi genealogy? Please explain why.
No.

Do you belong to the Piemontesi nel Mondo, Famija Piemonteis or any other organization?
Member of the Garibaldi Society.