Asturian-American Migration Forum

Remembering a childhood friend from Donora and honoring his memory... David M. Muniz (1946-2001) David Muniz was born in Donora, Pennsylvania on July 24,1946 to Joe and Julie Muniz, where he grew up with his three brothers, Joe, Fred and Muggsey, and his sister Dolly. At that time, Donora, a small t...

The fifth from the right is Mary Campa Alvarez... her husband was "Calabaza"!
The fifth from the left is Mary Fernandez... her husband was "Cardina"!

Linda... this was another Consuelo... now I remember Rafael, he worked with my grandfather in the Zinc Works.

Linda, Here is a photo from the Donora Spanish Ladies Club... Consuelo is in the front row, first seat. Rafael must have had a nickname... if you have a photo of him, please post it. I reviewed the 1930/1940 census with their names here in Donora. I'll try to add somemore info later. Who remembers t...

Carmen, Nuestra familia Barbao eran de Otura y la Parroquia de San Sebastian de La Foz de Morcin. En nuestro arbol no he visto el apellido, Vasquez. El apellido Barbao es raro en esta parte de Asturias. La Parroquia de San Sebastian de La Foz de Morcin tendra mas informacion. Saludos Jim Barbao Garcia

15 Aug 1907 Port of Boston, Massachusetts aboard the SS Invernia arrival of Rosa Lopez (48) with daughter, Etelvina Alvarez (27) and her daughters, Maria Etelvina (7) and Julia (1). With them was a young boy, Manuel Rodriguez (11). Rosa, also used the surname Rodriguez. They listed their destination...

Nicolas Barbao (25 Jan 1872-22 Jun 1907) was from La Foz de Morcín living in Piedras Blancas and working at the mill in Arnao. Many workers went on strike at Arnao in the early 1900s and were let go. Nicolas went to Cuba for a couple of years. His brother Tomas went to West Virginia in 1905. He retu...

My great grandparents, Tomas Barbao ( La Foz de Morcin) and Vicenta Fernandez( La Plata) lived in Ventorillo... a small neighborhood of Piedras Blancas. They were married at La Parroquia de San Miguel de Quilono in Ventorillo. There are still plenty of records in El Registro Civil de Castrillon. Som...

Mindi, Your family in Donora was very well known and respected. When I was just a child, I remember Angel and Ramona. Morena and your great grandfather, Frank, were famous for their homemade chorizos and morcillas. Frank had the market down on Meldon St. near the Zinc Works and was an outstanding me...

Saludos a todos los asturianos y a su familia... deseamos que los pasen bien estos dias de fiesta con felicidad, paz, salud y prosperidad.

Jim Garcia Barbao

Kathy, Your family and the Ibanez's were wonderful friends among the many asturianos living in Donora during the 'golden years'. Your father, Alfonso, helped many when it came to plumbing and other handy work around the house. Your mom, Pepa, is a beautiful example of the asturiana women. Your cousi...

I like your prices better Art. I remember my grandfather using the term " reales". He said 20 reales equaled a US dollar. I always felt that the 3rd class ticket was a lot less than what I quoted previously. How could a family in those times afford to travel? My grandmother recounted to me...

I believe that many of us are interested in learning how our families left for America. What ports from Asturias did they use to go to Liverpool, England or Le Havre, France? What were the costs of the passenger tickets? What did it cost the children? Many travelled 3rd class. What were there quarte...

Janice, I'm Jimmy. My sister would love to meet you and talk about Donora. Please take some family photos to stir her memory. She knows that I have been very active with our families history. Your grandparents, Candido and Consuelo Alvarez probably left Spain from Aviles or Gijon to Liverpool, Engla...

Janice, Here are some photos of Quico and Aurora with friends. It was amazing how close many of the Asturianos were to one another. Please read some of the posts that I have written on Donora. I remember most of your family. Jimmy Garcia Barbo http://www.postimage.org/Pq2aB5H0.jpg Many of these Astu...