Customer Reviews

Newark's Little Italy: The Vanished First Ward

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is an excellent contribution to both Italian American history and the local history of Newark, New Jersey. I was sceptical in ordering this book via the mail as there are probably only a handful of quality works documenting the Italian experience in America. (Blood of My Blood being one ). Most books, unfortunately, are either embarrassingly superficial or reflect a typical, morbid emphasis on organized crime.

Michael Immerso has crafted an intelligent, well written account of a once vibrant Italian American neighborhood in Newark. His careful tracing of the changes within the First Ward during the first 50 years of the 20th century and then its ultimate demise is complemented by numerous excellent photographs, many of which no doubt came from private family albums. Immerso's examination of the central role of the Catholic Church in the neighborhood is particularly noteworthy. The author's effort is timely as well in view of the fact that all the Depression Era residents of the neighborhood are now aging and as they pass from the scene so will their yet untapped insights.

This is a must read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience in America. It's hoped that books like this will encourage other scholars to explore the countless other local histories waiting to be documented.

This book is a must have for any Itlian American whose parents grandparents or themselves grew up in Newark. I was born well after this time and it symbolizes the unity of the Italians during a time that wasn't easy for anyone, let alone Italians.My grandparents tell me stories similar to those accounted for in the book. It was a very special time that our present generations can't appreciate. This book is the closest thing to appreciating the First Ward. I can look at this book over and over and the sense of pride sends shivers down my spine. Il quaderno e' bello!

My parents are first generation Italians who lived in Newark. I was born in Newark and lived there until I was five years old. To this day my parents still talk of how great Newark was back in those days. I read the book and loved it. I gave it to my mother who also loved it. Great work. I hope Michael Immerso writes a follow up book.

My wife gave me this book as a Christmas gift last year. I finished it that very day and have since variously underlined passages, highlighted sections and dog eared pages. This work by Michael Immerso reiterated all the stories I heard at the knee of my grandfather or in the kitchen with my mother, aunts and cousins.

Mt.Prospect and 7th Aves. came to life again where I often heard what it was like living in St. Lucy's parish and a few doors down from the Fire House and behind Rotunda pool.

Even those that have no personal identity with the 1st. Ward would be served well if they read this chronicle. It speaks of the way that the American dream can be earned. If a community value system exists, if simple pleasures count, and if a work ethic matters, than this Italian community wrote the book.

I'm just really happy that Michael Immerso had the historical perspective and vision to recount it.

I just finished reading Mr Immerso's book "Newark's Little Italy-The Vanished First Ward". All I can say is WOW. Not only was it a great trip back to another day and time, but I also found some of my ancestors in it. If your Italian, you need to read this book.

I thank Michael Immerso for putting this book together. He puts together a history of the Italian-American culture that flourished in Newark. This culture that was so strong that despite the fact that the First Ward is vanished (as the title points out), its legacy still lingers in New Jersey (anyone remember 'Nicky Newark'?)

For fans of this book, there was an New Jersey Network documentary that accompanied it, which airs occasionally on NJN and WNET/channel 13. A copy of the video is available.

Also, the Newark Public library ran an exhibit concurrently with the release of this book, and if I am correct, the exhibit is now part of their archives.

This is a great book of photographs of the old times in Newark
if you are from the area or had relatives there, the
pictures will take you right back.