To the Editor:

I just read the Town Topics obituary of the passing of Mrs. Ida Perna, whom I did not have the honor of knowing. It brought to mind all the Italian immigrants, and the first generation Italian-Americans that I knew when I lived in Princeton. I went to school, played ball, and worked with the Pernas, Sfarras, Ninis, DiMeglios, Tamasis, Mennellas, Cifellis, and Panelees. May they forgive me if I’ve left any out or mangled the spelling of their names. But I wonder if many Princetonians today, especially those new to the area, are aware of the huge contribution and legacy that some of the first Italians who came to Princeton left for us to appreciate. Many came from several areas of Italy that were steeped in the traditions and skills of stone cutting and masonry. Early in the 20th century several local construction companies, encouraged by Princeton University’s building program, brought these artisans to Princeton, where they built beautiful buildings, many emulated elsewhere. For many, I’m sure, it was a pulling apart of families, with the hope of a future reunion. May I suggest if you know an Italian family, ask them to tell you their story, how grandfather Sal made his way here, how the Italian community, like many immigrant groups, kept together in a strange land, how the incredible gardens they keep today are part of their heritage. And maybe as important, that they teach their kids Italian, maybe the best way to retain it all.

Eric Mihan

Kennebunk, Maine