How many Italians live in Vancouver?In British Columbia? In Canada?
Vancouver = 69,000, BC = 126,420, Canada = 1.5 million (est.)
In which areas of Greater Vancouver do the majority Italians live?
Vancouver East and Burnaby North
Who was the first Italian to visit British Columbia?
The distinction belongs to Alejandro Malaspina. Sailing in the service of Spain, he arrived at Nootka Sound in 1791.
Which is the oldest Italian society still in operation?
Societa' Italiana di Mutuo Soccorso "Felice Cavallotti", Nanaimo, BC. It was founded November 4, 1900.
Which was the first mutual aid society established in Vancouver?
Societa' Figli d'Italia, January 1905, (Sons of Italy Society).
Who is the president of the Italian Cultural Centre Society?
Joe Finamore
How many Italian societies are members of the Italian Cultural Centre?
Thirty-eight
How did you get interested in writing the history of Vancouver’s Italians and their institutions?
I followed the example provided by my parents Marino and Phyllis Culos both of whom were recognized leaders in the Italian community for over 50 years. My mother served for more than 20 years as president of the Ladies League of the Sons of Italy and my father, honorary director for life was president of the Sons of Italy for nine years.
What inspired you to write the three volume series on Vancouver’s Society of Italians?
As a columnist for the L’Eco d’Italia newspaper, I often wrote about the community’s pioneers. I got my inspiration and best story leads from my ailing father Marino who lived through much of the history being chronicled. In 1992, he and I developed the idea to broaden the weekly articles into a full-length book. Unfortunately, he died before the first volume was finished.