Little Italy

Book excerpt: In Little Italy: The Way It Was, Peter Corona, Ph.D. shares personal stories of the early days during the first half of the twentieth century when San Diego's Little Italy had more than 6,000 families living within its boundaries. Once known as the "Italian neighborhood" or the "Italian Colony," this thriving community was one of America's best kept secrets. In a pre-determined society that dictated life's direction from birth to death, residents followed a unique code of ethics, customs, and folkways, but most importantly, adhered to a code of silence. Through personal recollections, conversations with lifelong friends, and surveys of church and public records, Dr. Corona vividly describes the history of Little Italy's people and professions while detailing the conversations, activities, and events of life in the Italian Colony during the Depression, World War II, and the years immediately following. Others will enjoy the entertaining stories about Lou the Junk Man, Sparky's clubhouse with the secret door, Angel Garcia who smelled the fish at the Westgate Cannery, and the Washington Wharf Rats. As one of the original residents of Little Italy, Dr. Corona leaves a lasting record for future generations about a fascinating neighborhood with a unique history.