Italian Tour
KENOSHA COUNTY

Kenosha County was established in 1850. Italian immigration into the community began in the 1890s and continued into the late 1920s. These Italian immigrants predominately came from Chicago. They settled in the "Westside" of Kenosha which is now the Columbus Park area. Homes of Italian Americans can often be recognized by their vegetable garden during the growing season. Sage, parsley, basil, oregano, eggplant, tomatoes and grape arbors are signs of Italian heritage.

Many of the Italian immigrants started their own businesses such as barbershops, restaurants, grocery stores, tailor shops and shoe repair shops. Some of these earlier families still own their businesses today. Kenosha has stores that have been open for over eighty years that are run by generations of Italian families such as Andrea's Hometown Store and Tenuta's Italian Grocery Store. Other Italian laborers worked at Nash Motor Corporation, later American Motors Corporation and now Chrysler Engine Plant. In the 1920s, Charles Nash and his family had toured Italy. Mr. Nash was said to have been so impressed with the people he met that upon his return, he personally directed his hiring office staff to open up job opportunities to Italians in 1924. Italian Church Festivals are very authentic celebrations of the Italian heritage. Call Mt. Carmel and Holy Rosary for details about their festivals and list of the 1996 festival dates.

Famous Italians born in Kenosha: Don Ameche (Actor), Alan Ameche (Football Hall of Famer), Al Molinaro (Actor), Daniel Travanti (Actor) and Concetta Tomei (Actress).

Visitor's Guide to Festivals

Attractions Durkee Mansion Holy Rosary Church Kenosha County Historical Museum Mt. Carmel Church Bakeries Paielli's Cardinali's Food & Beverage Andrea's Italian American Club Luigi's Mangia's Roma Lodge Ruffolo's The Station

Tenuta's Villa D'Carlo Shopping Andrea's Gino & Connie's Tenuta's (see display ad this page) Events Italian Festival, Festival Park, 5 Fifth Street, Racine. Sponsored by Roma Lodge. Contact Sam Pulice, (262) 632-5468. For more information... Contact The KENOSHA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU, 1-800- 654-7309.