Argento, Theresa, 2004 March 9

Theresa Argento recalls life before and during urban renewal in Wooster Square. One of seven children born to Italian immigrant Nadio Carrano, Argento offers memories of the neighborhood and family life pre-redevelopment -- comparisons to life in Amalfi, the role of the Sargent Hardware Company in the neighborhood, trips to Lighthouse Point, Lucibello's Pastry Shop, and to New York City to see Frank Sinatra sing. Her family owned Carrano's produce market on Chapel Street, which was demolished in the course of construction of interstate 91. Argento describes being evicted from the family's home above the store, and moving with her mother to the Annex section of New Haven. She also describes how redevelopment affected the St. Andrews Society, an Italian fraternal organization, and St. Michael's Church. Argento often gathers with other former neighborhood residents to reminisce about the old neighborhood at events like the Saint Andrews Feast and the Wooster Square Cherry Blossom Festival.

Interviewer: Barca, Sarah

Length (min): 65