My early encounters with statues were limited to the distant tales of the one in New York, symbolizing the welcome to immigrants, and those within the solemn walls of churches.
Jenny Maestri’s maternal lineage traces back to Lucca, Italy, suggesting a potential involvement in the figurine-making trade. My father would point out the Sacred Heart Statue during our Good Friday visits to the Cabrini Convent’s chapel, along with the two dogs from Barracks St.
Yet, little did I know then that these seemingly disparate encounters were possibly all intertwined.
Natale’s obituary mentioned our family’s long connection to the church, but digging deeper didn’t yield much until we looked into Campi Albareto. Its size and history, especially its old cemetery, hint at a lineage stretching back centuries. It seems our ancestors might have been a group of skilled craftsmen and their families, possibly known as the Maestri Comacine. The Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome, adds weight to this theory, linking the Campi to the Maestri Comacine.
We learned that in Italy, graves are leased for 75 years, and families can decide whether to renew. When leases expire, bones are moved to a common grave to conserve space. That’s why I couldn’t find some expected names, like Lazzardo Maestri. It’s also said that inheritance rights are preserved in Italy, which might explain why the Maestri in the village were cautious about meeting us.
Even the priest wasn’t available and Maria didn’t find any Maestri cousins, many graves and streets in Borgo Val di Taro carry the Maestri name. These artisans, known as the Maestri Comacini, were more than just builders—they were architects, painters, and engineers who made a lasting impact on history. Despite their significant role since the Middle Ages, their contributions were often overlooked by historians.
The French Revolution, spanning from 1789 to 1799, was a period of significant change in France. It was triggered by various factors including financial strain caused by the country’s involvement in the American Revolution and King Louis XVI’s lavish spending. The revolution resulted in the overthrow of the monarchy, with King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, meeting their end by guillotine.
In the early 1860s, amidst the backdrop of Italian Unification, the Maestri family embarked on a journey from their village in Borgo Val di Taro, Italy to New Orleans. Italy was experiencing rapid changes with shifts in landownership and hardships for peasants. Despite political unification in 1861, social reforms were slow, leaving many peasants impoverished and oppressed. Seeking new opportunities, the Maestri family ventured across the Atlantic.
The American Civil War devastated the wealth of Louisiana’s planters, impacting our French ancestors. There was resentment towards immigrant populations, particularly Italians, for perceived lack of support against the Union. As more Italians arrived in New Orleans, tensions rose, leading to the establishment of “Little Palermo” in the French Quarter.
The lynching of Italians in 1891 marked a turning point for the Maestri-Dale families and the city’s dynamics. It signaled the decline of French ancestral power and the rise of the Maestri family in New Orleans. A series of events, including Arthur C. Dale being institutionalized, his father’s death, Italian immigration, Prohibition, the Great Depression further shaped the family’s trajectory.
Nicholas Galatas came into the world on April 22, 1815, in St. Tammany, Louisiana. His parents, Marie Rose Leonor Dubuisson and Joseph Galatas, were his sturdy foundation. The Galatas household nestled in Bonfunca, where boat-building was more than just a trade—it was a tradition. Crafting vessels, especially the impressive 60-footers, was a family affair.
As Nicholas matured, he charted his own course, eventually steering into the realm of law enforcement. In the bustling 1850s, he assumed the mantle of Sheriff of Saint Tammany Parish. Yet, Nicholas’s interests weren’t confined to upholding the law; he was also a staunch advocate for the Know Nothing Movement. This political faction held strong views on immigration, advocating for strict controls and limitations.
Through Nicholas Galatas’s story, we catch a glimpse not only of a man’s journey but also of the vibrant tapestry of Louisiana’s history.
The Galatas family’s involvement in the anti-immigration movement against Italians likely intersected with the broader context of Prohibition, as sentiments against certain immigrant groups often intertwined with concerns about alcohol consumption and its perceived societal impact.
As the nation grappled with the prohibition of alcohol, Joseph A. Galatas, a prominent figure within the family, found himself navigating the changing tides of the liquor industry. His ownership of a saloon in Mobile, Alabama, placed him at the forefront of this societal shift.
Through these historical threads, we glimpse the complexities of an era marked by cultural, social, and legislative upheaval, offering a window into the lives of Nicholas and Marie Rose’s descendants as they navigated the winds of change.
Census – Bildstein household 1900
Arthur C. Dale’s formative years were marked by immersion in two distinct disciplines, thanks to his upbringing in the Bildstein household. Under Bildstein’s tutelage, Arthur acquired skills in engraving, a craft he honed by the age of 16.
Simultaneously, Arthur was nurtured by the Galatas family, where he delved into the intricate realm of boat design. These dual influences would significantly shape his future endeavors. Combining his expertise in engraving with his passion for boat design, Arthur later innovated a patented shallow draft boat design.
Historical events impacted our ancestors, their response to these wars were more impactful than the way Katrina changed our lives.
My take way is they did what was best for the people they loved. Image how bad things were in France in the 1700s then in Italy in 1860s even here in New Orleans after the Civil War.
“… King Louis XVI and his wife, Marie Antoinette, meeting their end by guillotine.” The executors wrapped their heads in rags, it is from this event that their DNA was recovered, leading to a genetic match in the family.
Robert S. Maestri: A Complex Figure in New Orleans History
Robert S. Maestri’s story is one of ambition and influence, set against the backdrop of a vibrant but often turbulent New Orleans. Born into a family of immigrant entrepreneurs, Maestri inherited a legacy of business acumen rather than formal education. His early years saw him immersed in the operations of his family’s furniture store on the outskirts of Storyville, the historic red-light district of the city.
While the association with Storyville might raise eyebrows, it’s important to understand the context of the time. The Maestri family, like many others in the area, operated within the realities of their environment. They managed a row of properties, including establishments rented by those marginalized by society. Maestri’s path diverged from formal education as he assumed increasing responsibilities within the family business, eventually becoming a shrewd manager of their properties.
Through astute investments and strategic relationships, Maestri rose to prominence in New Orleans, becoming one of its wealthiest residents by 1928. While there were whispers of his involvement in various enterprises, including gambling, Maestri’s true wealth was built on his business acumen and property investments.
Maestri’s association with figures like Huey Long is a testament to his understanding of the political landscape. Recognizing the need to align himself with charismatic leaders, Maestri threw his support behind Long’s political ambitions, contributing significantly to his campaigns. However, it’s worth noting that Maestri’s contributions weren’t solely motivated by personal gain; his journey from humble beginnings instilled in him a sympathy for those challenging the status quo.
During his tenure as mayor, Maestri left a mixed legacy. While accusations of corruption and ties to vice were not uncommon in the political climate of the time, Maestri also oversaw significant civic achievements. He played a role in reducing the city’s debt, supported cultural organizations, and spearheaded efforts to restore historic landmarks.
Yet, the shadow of corruption loomed large, with the spoils system flourishing under his watch. Despite efforts to maintain public safety and appearances, allegations of impropriety persisted. Maestri’s legacy is a nuanced one, reflecting the complexities of a city navigating its way through economic challenges and political upheaval.
Furthermore, Maestri’s era coincided with the infiltration of organized crime into the fabric of New Orleans. Figures like Frank Costello, a prominent New York mobster, expanded their illegal operations into Louisiana under arrangements with political figures like Maestri and Long. This partnership between politics and the underworld added another layer of complexity to the city’s social and political landscape, further shaping Maestri’s legacy.
In hindsight, Maestri’s story serves as a reminder of the intricacies of power and influence in urban environments. While his actions may raise ethical questions, they are also emblematic of the realities faced by those seeking success in a city shaped by its past and striving towards its future.
Robert Maestri certainly left his mark on New Orleans history, there are other ancestors within our family tree who embody values worth celebrating. Natale, Melia, and Mother Gertrude, among others, stand out as admirable role models deserving of recognition.
One pivotal moment in our family’s history occurred in 1891 with the lynching that brought Mother Cabrini to New Orleans. This event marked a significant shift in power dynamics, transitioning influence from old pre-Civil War families to newer immigrant families like ours, spanning from the Arthurs to Jenny’s lineage. It wasn’t merely a passing of the baton but a moment of seizing opportunity—a subtle yet profound power shift.
Navigating the legacy of Robert Maestri requires delicacy. While he exhibited both generosity and a giving spirit, his role in New Orleans history, particularly with darker undertones, cannot be overlooked. His story is nuanced, reflecting the complexities of our familial past.
Turning our gaze to Saint Tammany Parish unveils another layer of our ancestry. Nicolas Galatas, serving as Parish Sheriff in the 1850s, and his descendants harbored anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly towards Italians. Surprisingly, the parallels between the Maestris and the Galatas families may run deeper than initially apparent.
