Spanish Immigrations in Donora, PA

[Barbara Alonso Novellino]

Thank you Bob...

Glad to know that my childhood memories were correct.

Barbara

[Sonia Garcia Mandzok]

Barbara,

There were several Jose Garcia's in Donora, one of whom was our Gaitero. He had the bluest eyes! You are correct, Raymond still resides in Donora. In my graduating class there were five Garcia's, none of whom still reside there.

As far as nicknames, it just astounds me that so many were known by them. I remember a number of people by their nicknames and I couldn't tell you their given name if my life depended on it. My Dad's nickname was Patas and supposedly he was called that because of his strong legs. For instance, there was Calabaza, so named because of the shape of his head. And so on..........

Sonia, or as my Dad called me.....Sonina.

[Barbara Alonso Novellino]

Hi Sonia,

Can I assume that you are the Sonia I contacted through Classmates thinking we might be related?

You said that Raymond is still living i Donora...do you ever see him? If so please give him my Love and tell him that I am Julio Garcia's daugher. Small world isn't it.

As far as the nicknames are concerned, you are so right. Very few people in Moundsville were ever known by their legal name...those nicknames just stick.

Regards,

Barbara or as My Dad called me Barbarina

[ctjedda]

My family was back and forth between Simpson, West Virginia and Donora, Pennsylvania. My grandfather, Joseph Fernandez (1910-1950) great-aunt Estella Fernandez (born 1911 or 1912), great-grandparents Carolina Martinez (1893-1913) and Alfredo Fernandez (born 1888). Do any of these names ring a bell for anyone here??

[puny224]

Lance Muniz

Sonia,
My grandfather was known as "Punk" from Donora. His name was Joe Muniz and was married to Julie (Campa) Muniz. They lived on 12th street when I was young, but I think they lived on 10th street before that. My father was Dave Muniz and I fondly recall the happy stories he would tell of growing up in Donora. He often talked of the Spanish club. My aunt Mary (Campa) Alvarez lived right across the street from the Spanish club. My brother and I would visit in the summers and travel back and forth between the club to swim and aunt Mary's for snacks.

My grandfather Punk came to America when he was very young. He was born in Salinas Spain and I think he worked in many different mines and factories from California, to the mid west, to Ohio before he finally settled in Donora where he worked the zinc and steel.

[Sonia Garcia Mandzok]

Lance,

I knew your grandparents and the last time I saw your grandfather, Punk and your great aunt Dolly, was in Las Vegas a few years ago at my uncle's funeral. As at most funerals, you talk of old times and he told me how he got his nickname. He told me that he still had two sisters living in Salinas, but had never been back to Spain. But I think after that, he did go, or so someone told me. I hope he did. I was sorry to hear of his death.

I graduated with your uncle Joe and saw him at our last class reunion. We had breakfast together at Campa's and talked of our years growing up on 12th street. I left before the Spanish Club built the swimming pool, but have fond memories of that place. That's where my wedding reception was held.

Don't forget your heritage and if you haven't yet, visit Asturias. You will be welcomed with open arms and you will feel like you've gone home. Give my regards to your family

Sonia

[jbarbo]

Lance,
Your grandparents and family were very,very close to mine. Your dad, Dave and brother, Fred, were like my brothers. I know your mom and her family. My family lived on 12th St since 1924. Many Asturianos lived in this neighborhood and knew one another's family. The Campas were a very big family. The Spanish Club, fiestas, weddings, births and deaths would bring all together to share their friendship, stories of families, stories of Asturias... good times and bad. It would be these memories that bring us together today.
In this forum there are many stories of Donora, Anmoore, Cherryvale, Langeloth, Moundsville, Canton, Cuba, Asturias, etc. What a vast amount of history that our families were part of. I believe that many of our ancestors knew one another in Castrillon/Oviedo, Asturias... maybe, many were related.
Julie and Punk were wonderful people and their children are great examples of a happy home with love and of family values. Look at the success that your father accomplished.
I was in Donora last week for a funeral for my cousin, Manuel Pete Lorenzo. I saw your uncle Joe and we talked about our families. There aren't many Asturianos left. We can continue on for them with these stories. Dolly has many. Save old pictures. Start your family's story for your children. I hope one day to meet you and share more with you about your family. Please say hello to everyone... Jimmy Garcia Barbao

[concinnitas]

I had a great aunt, Lila Sanchez (maiden name Inclan) who lived in Donora. My grandmother Edith Inclan from Moundsville WV was her sister. We lived with my grandmother and would make the trip between Moundsville and Donora quite often in the 1970's and 1980's. My great aunts, uncles and grandparents have all passed, but I am very interested in finding where they came from exactly in Spain. My aunt Lila was born in Spain while my grandmother Edith was born in St Louis, MO. I know they were from Austurias, but where I am not exactly sure.I noticed there is an area called Inclan in Austurias. Very interested if this has any ties to my grandmother's family. My name is Ryan Bacha, and my father's family also came to the US and settled in western PA in the Uniontown area. Small world when I see how many families took similar paths from Europe to the US.

[Bob]

I have ancestors in Asturias on my abuela's side of the family. She was Josefa (called Sena by everyone) Fernández Inclán. My ancestors were from Podes in Gozón. My tio Miguel, who functioned as family historian, once told me that Inclán is a Visigoth name.

[rick14]

I saw that someone mentioned Porkchops on here, he was my Great Grandfather (my Grandmother Amor's Father) We just named our daughter after his wife, my Great Grandmother Manuela and we call her Lola. I was lucky enough to go to Donora and visit with some family a few years back, it was great to see Ping and hang out at the Spanish Club. I hope to go back soon, it was really neat to meet some people that know my family from there. My Grandfather Joe was called "Kans" referring to Cherryvale, KS where he had lived before Donora. He and my Grandmother Amor are both still alive in California and I check on here from time to time for him. He has told me to say hello to everyone he knows on here and hope you are all well!