The Italian Farmers of Canastota - Paperback

by Richard C. Beer (Introduction by), Joseph T. D'Amico (Author)

This classic, previously unpublished work details the story of a small and determined group of Italian immigrants, mostly from Sicily, who settled in the central New York State village of Canastota in the early 1900's. Combining local historical research, statistical analysis and oral history recollections, "The Italian Farmers of Canastota" provides a superb case study of the American immigrant experience. Originally researched and written in the late 1930's, this book includes photos, maps, charts and a new Introduction that gives a broader historical context to this work and brings up to date the story of these immigrants and their descendants.

Author Biography

Joseph T. D'Amico was born in 1913 in Canastota, New York. His parents were Italian immigrants from Castiglione, Sicily, who went into the onion farming business in Canastota. As a boy, Joseph D'Amico worked on his father's farm, giving him first-hand knowledge of that arduous work. He graduated with a degree in sociology from Syracuse University. "The Italian Farmers of Canastota" originated as his senior thesis. After service in World War II Joseph D'Amico settled and raised his family in Canastota, while working for the U.S. Veterans Administration. He was transferred to Buffalo in 1965, where retired and then passed away in 1998. He is buried at St. Agatha's Cemetery, in Canastota.