By Christine Lorraine Morgan ~ Aug. 23, 2023

Keeping history alive is very important to one of little Italy’s landmark fixtures, La Nuova Aurora Society. Founded in 1907, “This organization was created to support the growing Italian community in Erie and the surrounding areas,” according to http://www.nuovaaurorasociety.org

One of the ways the club is working toward this goal is through a collection of historic images. “The Legacy Project is a path of continuity, a collection of photo memories of family and community, a photo story of their lives…The Dining Room walls (north and south) display the photo story of those we keep in our hearts,” explains Karen LaPaglia, board of director trustee.

Most photos in this post are from the dining room walls of the Nuova Aurora Club. The black-and-white pre-1907 image of the Nuova Aurora Society’s building was originally posted by Louis Caravaglia. Other images were captured on July 31, 2023.

“We do not want to forget those who came before us, those who sacrificed time and a part of their lives to bring us here today…to remind us who we are and where we came from,” she added.

Presenting the original structure that eventually became the Nuova Aurora Society at 1518 Walnut St. This image was captured in the early 20th century. Image credit to Louis Caravaglia.

Here is La Nuova Aurora Society as it stands today at 1518 Walnut. By the 1940s, there were numerous local clubs in the little Italy area. As of today this is one of the only clubs left.

This Legacy wall photo shows Albert Bonaminio, Immaculata Esther Palermo, Rome DiNicola, Palma Rose DiNicola (seated), Angelina Mannarelli, Louis DiSanti.

Angelo LaPaglia, Anthony LaPaglia (1929)

Wedding of Carmen Vendetti, 1929
Carmen Vendetti (seated), Chester Vendetti (Standing behind Carmen), Standing ~ additional groomsmen

Filomena Cirillo and Joseph Di Fucci ~ United in Marriage on the April 14, 1928

The Legacy Wall is situated in the dining room of the Nuova Aurora. It features photos of many of little Italy’s families from the past.

Father: Generoso Franceschello, Daughter: Lena Franceschello, October 1, 1950 ~ St. Paul’s R.C. Church

Michael DeMarco, Lucia Caserta DeMarco, Geneva Caserta Orlando, Anthony Orlando, 1942

Tony Palermo, unknown, Joseph Iesue, Immaculata (Mackey) Herbert, IMMACULATA ESTHER IESUE PALERMO, JOSEPH PALERMO, Antoinette Pallotto, unknown, Teresa Mary DiNicola, 1953

Frank Leone, Kelly Falcone, Pauline (Juliano) Leone, Joe Leone (July 1937)

Giulia Manzi Spadaccini, Gilbert Manzi, Sam Manzi, Helmar (Elmer) Spadaccini, Gelsumina Manzi Ferri, Amadeo Joseph Spadaccini, Santino Ferri, Josephine Martinucci Manzi, Lillian Spadaccini, Janet Manzi.

Dominick and Jean (Adiutori) DoNofrio, 1948

Armand Chimenti, City of Erie, Chief of Police ~ February 1966 to 1971

Angelo Giovanni Fatica at his store on 16th & Liberty …with his daughter Ann Fatica (Strand), 1921

Robert Demarco, John DeMarco, Pacifico DeMarco, Albert DeMarco, 1942

Juliante Family

Many of little Italy’s ancestors sat at this bar at some point over the past century. I know mine did 😉

Watch the video presentation of this story here: