An Italian Cultural Event in 1907

The following is an article I found recently in the Washington Post describing a cultural event for the new Italian Americans of that city. Our own Salvatore Chite, 33 years old and still single, and his cousin, Alfio Longo, entertained the audience with a "fantastic Sicilian dance" at this affair. The word that looks like "musicist" in the occupation field on Salvatore's passenger record tends to make a little more sense. How I would love to see such a performance today.

AMBASSADOR IS SPEAKER

Baron Mayor des Planches Addresses
Italian Children.

Expects Them to Become Good Americans
and to Reflect Credit
Upon Fatherland.

For the special benefit of the Italians of the city, the Christ Child Society gave an entertainment last night in Gonzaga Theater, North Capitol and I streets. Baron Edmondo Mayor des Planches, the Italian Ambassador, delivered two short talks, the first, in English, to the Italian children of the society's settlement, and the second, in his native language, to the audience in general.

He told the children that they must realize and appreciate the great good the society is doing for the sons and daughters of Italy in the District, and that they must make good citizens, so that they would be an honor to their fatherland. By request, he spoke in English, because many of the children of Italian parents understand no other language. He said the children should learn and be proud to know the tongue of their parents.

Ambassador des Planches, in his Italian address, spoke upon good citizenship, saying that the way for the Italian people to win the highest respect of America was by being good Americans.

Following his address, the Cecilian Orchestra rendered an overture, and G. Arancio sang a barytone [sic] solo. Two dozen little girls then sang songs of Italy. Miss S. Lewis sang soprano selections from grand opera, after which pupils of Miss Shreve sang and danced. Miss Irene Kemno rendered a soprano solo, and six little girls gave a fancy dance. Al. Fennell amused with comic songs, and Milburn mystified with feats of magic. A fantastic Sicilian dance was presented by Chite [sic] Salvatore, Bruno Natale, Alfio Longo, and Angelo Carta.

Besides the Italian Ambassador, there were present Esme Howard, counselor of the British embassy, and his wife, Lady Isabella Howard, who is much [sic] interested in the work among Italians.

The Washington Post (22 Apr. 1907): 14.