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“Italian family living 428 E. 116th St., 2 floor back. They were so illiterate I couldn't get their names. Have been in U.S. only one month.” Lewis Hine

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“Italian Bread Peddlers,” Mulberry St., New York

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“Family of Louis Rizzo, a laborer who works some. The wife and four children (none could speak English at all) work on feathers and make about $3.00 a week. Been in U.S. five months. Do not go to school yet. They were working in a very dim light.” Lewis Hine

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Italian market, Mulberry Street, New York

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“Italian Organ Grinder” NYC, 1892

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Italians often held their church gatherings in cramped basements and less-than-ideal settings. This drove them to seek permission from community and religious leaders to establish their own places of worship. Saint Joachim was created in 1888. It was the first Italian parish in New York City, located in the lower east side. Italian newcomers could embrace their Catholic beliefs using their native language and cherished customs. It was within the walls of Saint Joachim that the inaugural Saint Rocco Statue found its home, revered by the Southern Italian immigrants of Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Saint Joachim Church

The parade of St. Rocco

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“Carmela Picciano, 311 E. 149th St., 3[rd] fl[oor] rear. 12 years old. Making Irish lace for collars. Works until 9 P.M. sometimes. Dirty kitchen.” Lewis Hine

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Italian Day Laborers in NYC, Lewis Hine, 1910

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Italian Newsies on the street in New York City, 1910, Lewis Hine.

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Boy carrying hats (in hat boxes) in NYC, Lewis Hine.