Not every individual has the same opportunity for education. You might think that I am referring to a college education or other post high school education, but that would not be the case in this short story about my paternal grandfather's experience.
Charles Bonadio was born in 1906 here in Pennsylvania. His parents were Italian immigrants who came to America separately between 1900 and 1903. We know from census records, that his father Pasquale completed 2nd grade and his wife Rose, completed 1st grade, but neither one could read or write. Rose could not speak English, but Pasquale could. Pasquale worked at the local brickyard and was able to have enough money to buy a home in 1916 and have it paid for in 13 years time, paying $10 a month. They raised 10 children.
In order of birth, the highest grade that each completed according to various census records:
1. Mary born 1901 in Italy - she was shown to have attended school at age 9 (4th grade) in 1910. She married at 16 (1917) and died the following year.
2. Jennie born 1905 - completed 8th grade, did attend school in 1919
3. Charles born 1906 - 7th grade, did attend school in 1919
4. Rose born 1908 - 7th grade, did attend school in 1919
5. Frank born 1910 - 9th grade, did attend school in 1919
6. John born 1912 - 7th grade, did attend school in 1919
7. Bessie born 1915 - 8th grade, did attend school in 1930
8. Mae born 1917 - 9th grade, did attend school in 1930
9. Tony born 1921 - 7th grade, did attend school in 1930
10. Mick born 1923 - 7th grade, did attend school in 1930 & 1940. Only completed 7th grade by age 16.
Now, according to my grandfather, Charles, he would tell us that he and his siblings had to leave school early due to discrimination towards Italians where he lived. He would say how they were picked on until they just could not attend school any longer. Despite the short educations, they all were able to read and write and with the exception of Mary, held decent jobs over their lifetimes. And many of the next generations completed high school and went on to attend college and enjoy successes in their lives.
In 2006, the local newspaper published an interesting article about what it was like to grow up Italian in their town. It does seem to support a bit of my grandfather's story.
I include images here.
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