Thank you from Rome, Italy. My partner and I made it a point to visit Pier 21 during our trip to Canada to see my brothers a couple of years ago, so it was really interesting to read this piece and recall the emotional experience of what was for me a landmark visit. That is because I was born in the Veneto area and emigrated to Canada with my mother and brother in 1956, going through the great arrivals hall of Pier 21. We travelled in one of those 8-berth cabins you mention, taking turns to sleep in the single berth my father had been able to afford, when he sent for us to join him in Canada, where he had found work a year earlier. I was only less than 3 years old at the time, but I have vivid memories of the long boat trip, the horrible salty soup we were made to eat, my mother's constant seasickness, and the moment we approached the Pier where my elated mother pointed out a waving man to us, and shouted out "Ecco papà! Ecco papà", but I had no idea who this "papà" was as I couldn't recall having ever seen him. And I was somewhat afraid of him during the 24-hour train ride that then took us to Montreal and to the tenement apartment with the rats in the basement, which then became "home".
HI again....just did a bit of research (your inspiration) and found out grandparents from Udine came via Le Havre, France to Ellis Island on ship called La Lorraine. This was in 1910. They then were processed into Canada at Port of Quebec City. Not sure how they got there, but.....
a great read....thank you. I believe my northern Italian grandparents came this was but in 1921. I wonder what the name of the ship was then? Or was Pier 21 open then? thank you
i wonder where they entered. I did the research for my other grandparents from Souther Italy. They definitely came through Ellis Island USA. in 1891. Not sure where Northern Italians came in.
I think we should all visit Pier 21. These people and their contributions are as much a part of the fabric of Canada as Indigenous Nations, Metís, the Hudson's Bay Company, British loyalists, French settlers, voyageurs, Acadians, maple syrup, hockey and so much more.
(I am also proud to know one of the people named in the Roll of Honour you photographed.)
Thank you from Rome, Italy. My partner and I made it a point to visit Pier 21 during our trip to Canada to see my brothers a couple of years ago, so it was really interesting to read this piece and recall the emotional experience of what was for me a landmark visit. That is because I was born in the Veneto area and emigrated to Canada with my mother and brother in 1956, going through the great arrivals hall of Pier 21. We travelled in one of those 8-berth cabins you mention, taking turns to sleep in the single berth my father had been able to afford, when he sent for us to join him in Canada, where he had found work a year earlier. I was only less than 3 years old at the time, but I have vivid memories of the long boat trip, the horrible salty soup we were made to eat, my mother's constant seasickness, and the moment we approached the Pier where my elated mother pointed out a waving man to us, and shouted out "Ecco papà! Ecco papà", but I had no idea who this "papà" was as I couldn't recall having ever seen him. And I was somewhat afraid of him during the 24-hour train ride that then took us to Montreal and to the tenement apartment with the rats in the basement, which then became "home".
Thanks Francesca for sharing this personal and moving experience of yours. Warm regards, Arianna & Stefano
HI again....just did a bit of research (your inspiration) and found out grandparents from Udine came via Le Havre, France to Ellis Island on ship called La Lorraine. This was in 1910. They then were processed into Canada at Port of Quebec City. Not sure how they got there, but.....
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a great read....thank you. I believe my northern Italian grandparents came this was but in 1921. I wonder what the name of the ship was then? Or was Pier 21 open then? thank you
Dear Eloise, thanks for your comment. From what we understand, Pier 21 was not open yet in 1921. Best, Arianna
thank you Ariana
i wonder where they entered. I did the research for my other grandparents from Souther Italy. They definitely came through Ellis Island USA. in 1891. Not sure where Northern Italians came in.
I think we should all visit Pier 21. These people and their contributions are as much a part of the fabric of Canada as Indigenous Nations, Metís, the Hudson's Bay Company, British loyalists, French settlers, voyageurs, Acadians, maple syrup, hockey and so much more.
(I am also proud to know one of the people named in the Roll of Honour you photographed.)
Totally agree, Renato. Those people made the country... literally. And the Rolls of Honour are well deserved...