Colchester Middle School students were privileged to travel to Barre in June to see the sites and learn about the influence of Italian immigrants as part of a three-day course entitled “The Italian Experience.” With the help of Lisa DeNatale, we coordinated an itinerary packed with history, fun, and food on a beautiful early summer day.
Prior to our trip, we discussed the rise of the Barre granite industry along with the roles and working conditions experienced by Italian immigrants in the quarries and the carving sheds. We learned about early 20th century socialism and unionization and the role that the Old Labor Hall played in improving working conditions for laborers. We also discussed the influence of Italian Americans in present day Vermont.
Our day in Barre began with a lengthy stroll through Hope Cemetery. It is a beautiful setting, and the incredible craftsmanship of the granite headstones and statues were truly a sight to behold.
Our next stop took us to the Old Labor Hall where we met with Carolyn Shapiro and some other volunteers who were kind enough to meet us. They provided us with a tour and discussion of the build-
ing, and we were very grateful for their time. We went upstairs and were treated to a captivating performance on the Bread and Roses strike. This tied in nicely with our recent studies of the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory fire and expanded students’ knowledge of the historical struggles for fair and safe working conditions for laborers.
Following a quick jaunt to the Rise Up Bakery, we walked to Vermont Salumi where we met its proprietor, Pete Colman. Pete was gracious with his time, spoke of his upbringing in Italy, and how his hobby for cured meats eventually grew into a successful business venture. He gave us an overview of the processes, and we toured the interior to see the quality controls of the operation. By then we had worked up quite a hunger and made our way next door to Pearl St. Pizza. Chris Ruiz and his staff had prepared some delicious Grandma’s Pies, garlic knots, chicken wings, and large green salad. We enjoyed it all “family style” to cap off a great day.
On behalf of the students, a sincere thank you to all who made this an educational and tasty day!
