Page 17: CHAPTER V • DAD IN CASTELMEZZANO
In 1914 Dad was drafted into the Army during the First World War, and served as a Top Sergeant. He was the interpreter for the Austrian prisoners, stationed in a camp in the Royal Forest of Gallipoli, not too distant from Castelmezzano. He bought a horse named lampo (“lightning”) and went home quite often.
Respected and friendly with his superiors, he resided in the officers’ quarters, where by special permission I was allowed to be with him during part of the school vacation periods.
Dad was a musician and a magician. He entertained us and his friends playing the mandolin and displaying his outstanding skill in magic tricks. He was an avid reader, using much of his spare time studying. Self-taught, he spoke and wrote English, French, Spanish, German, and of course Italian. He was shred, alert and genial, well-liked and well-respected by his peers.
After the war he was elected mayor of the town, and remained in that position a very long time. He worked hard, and with the help of the rich relatives in America improved his condition, as well as that of the town. He induced his brother Joseph to purchase one of the better homes in town, which he converted into the Municipal Building.
Under his able supervision, with funds generously donated by the Campagna family, a very fine schoolhouse for the eight elementary classes was built. This replaced the cramped quarters housing four grades which I attended school.
As mayor he fought for and was instrumental in obtaining sewage disposal, water and electricity. He also procured government aid to improve and pave the streets.
Soon after Grandma’s death the parental home was deeded to Dad. In 1925 he erected an additional floor. Eventually, when utilities became available, he completely renovated and modernized the house, which was and remains the outstanding palazzo in Castelmezzano.