|
Italian immigration into New Haven began to increase in the latter part of the 19th century. By 1900 over 5,000 Italians had immigrated to this city. By 1920 some estimates place the number of immigrants as high as 60,000. The area around Oak Street, the Hill, and Wooster Square became the home of many Italians.
What attracted the many Italians to New Haven? While New Haven had a busy harbor on Long Island Sound, it was used for commerce and not as an immigration facility.  But it was this commerce that was the key to the thriving industry that grew up in and near New Haven. The numerous streams provided power for industries that developed soon after the founding of New Haven in 1638. The city was also located on a main rail line that went along the Atlantic coast making it easy to ship raw materials and finished products. So by late in the 19th century New Haven had a growing need for workers for their factories. It is reported that representatives of these factories eagerly recruited immigrants as they arrived in New York, and word of the employment opportunities in New Haven undoubtedly filtered back to Italy. Some of the major factories included the Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Sargent & Co (Tools and locks), Goodyear Rubber Co, and the AC Gilbert Co. (Toys) as well as many smaller firms, machine shops, and manufactures of clothing. Another feature of the area was fertile farmland and the need to raise vegetables for the growing population. Many workers therefore found seasonal employment on truck farms.
|
Our Towns 
