Kansas City is one of several towns harboring a Little Italy community. Many Italian immigrants called this small triangular grid, in Kansas City's north end, home in the 1900s and 1910s. Eventually, many Italians moved from the enclave to other parts of the city. But in its heyday, the neighborhood of narrow streets bustled with activity. Men played bocce ball in empty lots. Many families kept a goat in their yard. The residents were hard workers. Mom and I were curious about where the DeMayo family lived after arriving in America so we took a stroll to see what culture we could find. A funeral was just at its close when we walked by the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. As the dark, stout mourners exited the heavy wooden doors, they bid each other goodbye with a kiss on each cheek. This little neighborhood is now home to some Viet Namese immigrants and the appetizing smell of Asian food hung in the air, trapped between the close buildings. I bet when the DeMayos lived there, the smell of marinara sauce greeted the noses of passers-by. Many of the business still bear Italian names and even the fire hydrants are painted in Italian colors.
