Date
June 16, 2011
Maker
Columbus Centre
Accession#
ICEA2011.0041.0001
Interview With Joseph Mastromonaco
Joseph Mastromonaco was a child during World War II living in Montreal’s working-class area of Saint-Henri. His father, Giovanni Mastromonaco, born in Italy, was one of the Italians interned from that city. He describes the neighbourhood; the Italian community and its relationship with other ethnic groups; his childhood, including some struggles with stuttering; and the emotional consequences of his father’s absence during his early formative years. Some reference is made to the role of the Catholic Church and the early work of immigrants as “fornachaires” – those who kept the furnace and grounds of the wealthy residents of Westmount. He also describes his understanding of the function of the Fascist Party and the Sons of Italy, and the perception of Mussolini by the Italians of Montreal and Saint-Henri. He describes the day the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested his father in their home, and the efforts of his mother to learn of her husband’s whereabouts, including a frustrating experience with a Liberal aide, and later trips to Petawawa.
In this opening clip Joseph Mastromonaco introduces himself and speaks about his parents.
Joseph Mastromonaco speaks about the Montreal neighbourhood he grew up in.
Joseph Mastromonaco speaks about the close ties within the Italian Canadian community in Montreal.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about the lack of Italian masses at the local churches in Saint-Henri in the years prior to the war.
In this clip Joseph Mastromonaco talks about the various feasts and processions that were celebrated in his neighbourhood.
Joseph Mastromonaco speaks about the discrimination the Italian community faced in Montreal prior to the war.
In this clip Joseph Mastromonaco expands upon his interactions with the other ethnic groups in Montreal.
Joseph Mastromonaco speaks about the places the Italian community would gather in Montreal.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about the night his father was arrested by the RCMP. He also speaks about his involvement in the Order Sons of Italy.
In this clip Joseph Mastromonaco explains why the Italians joined the local fascio in Montreal.
Joseph Mastromonaco explains what being part of the fascio meant to Italians in Montreal. He also elaborates on what his Italian heritage means to him and how it differs from the Italians that migrated after the war.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about his Italian identity and how the fascio helped Italians to maintain their heritage in Canada.
Joseph Mastromonaco explains the importance of Benito Mussolini to Italians in Montreal.
Joseph Mastromonaco describes the day that his father was arrested by the local authorities.
Joseph Mastromonaco describes how his family survived during his father’s absence.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about how he dealt with his father’s internment with friends and at school.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about how his mother’s personality changed after his father’s arrest.
In this clip Joseph Mastromonaco talks about the efforts his mother made in order to find out where her husband had been interned. He also talks about his mother going to visit his father in Petawawa.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about corresponding with his father through letters.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about his father’s return home and expresses how his father’s absence affected him personally.
Joseph Mastromonaco elaborates on how his father’s absence affected him for the rest of his life.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about growing up with a chip on his shoulder as a result of his father’s internment.
Joseph Mastromonaco talks about his father’s character.
In this closing clip Joseph Mastromonaco talks about his father’s business and explains how he lost the business due to his internment.
