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Nicholas P. Ciotola Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection

 Collection
Identifier: PICT-2002-020

Scope and Content

The Nicholas P. Ciotola Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection consists of reproductions of photographs of Italian-American individuals, families, and businesses in Albuquerque. There are reproductions of advertisements for Italian-American run businesses in Albuquerque, and postcards of various Albuquerque landmarks. The items in the collection were compiled for inclusion in Nicholas P. Ciotola's book, Italians in Albuquerque. The date range of the collection spans from the late 1800s, when the first Italians arrived in Albuquerque, to the 1970s. The majority of the items date to the first half of the 20th century.

The collection organization is modeled on the chapters in the book Italians in Albuquerque. The first folder is The Old World and the New. The items in this folder explore the experiences of many of Albuquerque's Italian immigrants in both Italy and the United States, and the events that made them decide to leave their native land. Photographs include images of Italy as well as of experiences during their voyages from Italy to the United States.

The next, Working in Albuquerque, illustrates the lives and jobs of several Italian-Americans in Albuquerque. The items show interior and exterior views of several Italian-American workplaces, including Napoleon's Garage, the Sanitary Bakery, the Pastime Theatre, Franchini Brothers' Wholesale and Retail store, the Savoy Hotel, the Super Service Station, and the KiMo Theatre. A highlight of this section is a photograph of Ginger Rogers at the KiMo Theatre.

Stories of Success, the third folder, documents the growth and development of several businesses started by Italian immigrants in Albuquerque, such as the Paris Shoe Store, the Porto Rico Saloon and Grocery, the Champion Grocery and Meat Market, and the Palms Beer Garden and Grocery.

In the fourth folder, The Italian Community, items show various activities of the Italian-Americans community in Albuquerque. There are several photographs of Columbus Hall, an Italian-American community center and social gathering place, and of outings made by Italian-Americans to locations in the Sandia and Jemez Mountains of New Mexico.

The final folder, Ties to the Old World: Religion and Family, contains photographs of various Italian-American clergymen in Albuquerque, churches and parochial schools frequented by the Italian community, and various religious ceremonies, especially weddings. There are several photographs of events that took place at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and one postcard showing San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town.

Dates

  • 1884-1970

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of photographic and print material allowed for research purposes. Copyright was transferred to CSWR. For more information see the Photographs and Images Research Guide and contact the Pictorial Archivist.

History

The Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection was created by Nicholas P. Ciotola, a scholar specializing in the study of Italian-American history. His books include the volume for which these items were collected, Italians in Albuquerque, as well as Boundless Lives: Italian Americans of Western Pennsylvania, and Italians of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Ciotola is a graduate of the University of New Mexico, his masters thesis is entitled: The Italians of Albuquerque, 1880-1930 : a Study in Immigrant Adjustment and Assimilation. Mr. Ciotola is currently the curator of the Italian-American Collection at the Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sources: Ciotola, Nicholas P. Italians in Albuquerque, Chicago, Ill.: Arcadia, 2002. Ciotola, Nicholas P. "The Italians of Albuquerque, 1880-1930: a Study in Immigrant Adjustment and Assimilation," M.A. thesis, University of New Mexico, 1997.

Extent

159 plus items (1 box) : 153 black and white photographs, 6 postcards, 1 three-ring binder containing copies of all items in the collection plus detailed captions

Abstract

The Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection is made up of reproductions of photographs, posters and postcards pertaining to the lives of Italian immigrants and their families residing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Items cover the time period from the late 1880s to the 1970s, focusing on Italian-American businesses, family life, and community in Albuquerque. The items in this collection were included in the 2002 book, Italians in Albuquerque, by Nicholas P. Ciotola.

Arrangement

Arranged the same order the items appeared in the 2002 book Italians in Albuquerque, by Nicholas P. Ciotola. Each Folder corresponds to a chapter in the book:
  1. Folder/Chapter 1: The Old World and the New
  2. Folder/Chapter 2: Working in Albuquerque
  3. Folder/Chapter 3: Stories of Success
  4. Folder/Chapter 4: The Italian Community
  5. Folder/Chapter 5: Ties to the Old World: Religion and Family

Physical Location

B2. Shelved by Pictorial Number.

Collection Available Online

The Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection is available online via New Mexico's Digital Collections. Browse the Nicholas P. Ciotola Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection, part of the Center for Southwest Research's digital Pictorial Collections for a complete list of images.

Related Material

Italians of Albuquerque Oral History Project. Center for Southwest Research, University of New Mexico
Title
Finding Aid of the Nicholas P. Ciotola Italians in Albuquerque Pictorial Collection, 1884-1970
Status
Completed
Author
Laura York
Date
© 2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English
Sponsor
Funding provided by the University of New Mexico Libraries, Center for Regional Studies

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451