Mary Truffelli
(May 2003 -- Oakland, CA)


From where did your family emigrate and when? Who emigrated (self, parents, grandparents) and what were their names?
Parents John and Maurilia Bussa, they came from Refrancore about 1907.

What led them to their destination (relatives already there, hopes of a job at a mill, mine, etc. Please explain)?
Necessity.

Did they emigrate to another location before or after (Argentina, France, England, etc.)?
No.

Did they settle among other Piemontesi and were they members of a Piemontesi society (fraternal, mutual aid, etc.)?
Settled in Oakland, California, among other Piemontesi.

Did your family maintain Piemontesi traditions -- language, culture, history, cuisine, etc.?
Yes.

Did your family return home to visit or to live after the initial emigration? Did they maintain contact with family back home?
(They) did not return, but remained in touch with relatives.

Do you identify yourself more as American, Italian or Piemontese?
American with Italian descent.

Have you visited your family's town(s) in Piemonte? What was your experience like?
Yes, I loved every minute. (I) was treated royally.

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

Do you belong to the Piemontesi nel Mondo, Famija Piemonteisa or any other organization?
No. (My) brother and husband were members (of Piemontesi nel Mondo).