Bonazza Family Papers

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2020-008

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection consists of records of the Bonazza family of Rochester, New York. The family were immigrants from Italy who ran a successful restaurant, the Adirondack Lounge, for many years. The materials consist of photographs, postcards, a Y.M.C.A. pamphlet and a charcoal portrait, dating from 1914 to 1937.

Dates

Creation: 1914-1937

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Biographical Note

The donor provided the following information on the family:

Mary Zeffino Bonazza was born in the town of Sera San Bruno, Calabria, Italy. She lived in Rochester, New York, in the early 1900s with her husband, Biagio Bonazza. For a short time, they initially lived in Utica, New York, but relocated to Rochester for most of their time in the United States. Ultimately, Mary Zeffino Bonazza did not enjoy her life in America, and moved back to Italy with her husband.

Mary and Biagio had 4 sons, all born in Italy prior to the family's immigration to the United States. One, James, appears to have died in infancy. The others all stayed in the United States when their parents returned to Italy. They were: Ralph (1888-March 18, 1974), Joseph (1892-November 11, 1966) and Bruno (1902-September 10, 1951). Ralph became a butcher. He also operated a tavern called the Adirondack Lounge at 99 Monroe Avenue in Rochester from 1934 to 1938. (Photographs of the tevern are included in this collection.) Joseph found work as a tile setter. Bruno spent his adult life in Utica, apparently working as a mechanic.

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

0.09 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection consists of photographs, postcards, a Y.M.C.A. pamphlet and a charcoal portrait from the Bonazza family of Rochester, New York. The materials date between 1914 and 1937.

Arrangement

This collection consists of 2 folders and 1 object.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mary Bonazza Bianchi, 2020.

Condition Description

Postcards, pamphlet and portrait all in good condition. Photographs are good to fair, with many curling, torn or showing evidence of having been torn from scrapbooks.