Home Is An Island
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John Raposo
May 26, 2012, 8:26:14 AM5/26/12
to azo...@googlegroups.com
Earlier this week I started reading "Home is an Island" by Alfred Lewis (Tagus Press at UMass Dartmouth: 2012) which was published last month. Alfred was born in Flores (1902) and became prominant in California where he died in 1977. The book is an atobiographical novel and it is an absolute must read especially for 3rd and 4th generation Azorean Americans who are trying to understand why people in a tiny island would leave everything and everybody they ever knew and loved and sail off on whaling ships for the great and vast unknown, possibly never to return. Some did return many years later, loaded with treasure, becoming celebrities in their village; others returned quietly with empty pockets, pitied by someand ridiculed by others. Some died at sea, some just disappeared; others just never saw the
familes left back on the island again. Their great grandchildren in America are trying to discover who "Frank Marshall" of the Wester Islands was before he became "assimilated and acculturated" into the melting pot and married their great-grandmother Mamie Murphy in California.
Lewis's novel is lyrical and has a beautiful poetry like feeling about it.
Another great read, along the same lines is "Dark Stones" by Dias de Melo (from Pico) published by Gavea Brown:1988
Michael Gilfilian
May 26, 2012, 10:01:56 AM5/26/12
to azo...@googlegroups.com
That sounds interesting, my gg grandpa ran away from the family farm at 16 yrs old to go whaling on the CW. Morgan that stopped for supplies in the port on Faial. he returned home 10 months later and came to the US because he heard so much about it from the crew. He lived his whole life in New Bedford.
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Katharine
May 26, 2012, 12:28:23 PM5/26/12
to Azores Genealogy
Another recommendation for "Home is an Island," which I had borrow to
via Inter Library Loan in order to read several years ago, because the
book (originally published in 1951) hadn't been reissued yet.
Admittedly I have a special affinity, because my paternal grandfather
(on the Gonsalves side that connects me to 4th cousin John
Vasconcelos) was from Alfred Lewis' native village of Fajãzinha on the
west coast of Flores, which I visited in 2002 -- and because Lewis,
like my Grandpa, settled in California. I find the novel's writing
simple and affecting.
BTW, if you enjoy "Home is and Island" you might also like Lewis'
novel "60 Acres and a Barn," which depicts the life of an Azorean
immigrant -- NOT Lewis' alter ego from "Home is an Island," however --
in California's San Joaquin Valley. Tagus Press/UMass-Dartmouth
published it ca. 2005. Katharine.
via Inter Library Loan in order to read several years ago, because the
book (originally published in 1951) hadn't been reissued yet.
Admittedly I have a special affinity, because my paternal grandfather
(on the Gonsalves side that connects me to 4th cousin John
Vasconcelos) was from Alfred Lewis' native village of Fajãzinha on the
west coast of Flores, which I visited in 2002 -- and because Lewis,
like my Grandpa, settled in California. I find the novel's writing
simple and affecting.
BTW, if you enjoy "Home is and Island" you might also like Lewis'
novel "60 Acres and a Barn," which depicts the life of an Azorean
immigrant -- NOT Lewis' alter ego from "Home is an Island," however --
in California's San Joaquin Valley. Tagus Press/UMass-Dartmouth
published it ca. 2005. Katharine.
Steve Wright
May 26, 2012, 1:44:21 PM5/26/12
to azo...@googlegroups.com
I am also reading this book and thoroughly enjoying. Yes, it does help in understanding why my grandparents left the Azores and came to America. My grandparents left Teceira and never returned. I highly recommend. Thank you for your other book recommendation.
I wish I had spoken with my grandparents more about how, why. It is amazing to me how they left family and came to America not knowing anyone or the language. What brave people they were.
Thanks for sharing.
Colleen Wright
Researchng Silva, Goncalves from
Teceriia and Pico and Rosa, Cunha from Graciosa
Teceriia and Pico and Rosa, Cunha from Graciosa
--
Ralph Sellars
May 27, 2012, 6:25:11 PM5/27/12
to azo...@googlegroups.com
Hello Listers:
I too have purchased this book based on the great reviews on this list.
I am up to page 129 of 188, not to shabby for a non reading engineer, and I will agree that it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read.
I bought the book because my mothers maiden name was LEWIS. Her grandfather Manuel, my G Grandfather Lewis, also came from FLORES, AZORES as did the author! The earliest record I have found for my Manuel is as a member of the crew on the Whaling ship "Ocmulgee" docked at Edgardtown Harbor on Martha's Vineyard Island off the Massachusetts coast in the 1860 census.
Starving for information on the Lewis line, and particularly on the Island Of Flores Azores and the reviews indicate that the book is an autobiographical novel, I was sort of hoping, and expecting mention of family members such as names, ages, locations etc, of siblings, aunts/uncles nieces/nephews grand parents etc that came and went around family gatherings etc., would be noted in the book.
Unfortunately, so far, I have not found that is the case. It goes into detail of a boys dreams, hopes, fears, joys, sorrows, anticipations, etc, school, teachers, church, the color of the sea, or trees, the moon , the sun etc. but not about family or relatives. He mentions his mother and father often , punishments, encouragements, and difference in approach between his mother and dad etc. but so far genealogical type of data of names, relationships, dates or locations are not featured. .
Again, it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read. It does what the reviewers have said it does. It provides documentation and the development of the society at the time as seen through the eyes of a frank and honest person who lived it and has shared it. But it would be misleading to hope or anticipate a trove of genealogical information.
Ralph
Katharine
May 28, 2012, 2:26:17 PM5/28/12
to Azores Genealogy
Re "Starving for information on the Lewis line":
When visiting the Regional Archives in the Horta Public Library --
where pre-1911 records for Flores, Corvo, Faial and Pico are stored,
and back when patrons could still examine original record books -- I
searched out of sheer nosiness(!) for the baptismal registo of the
future Alfred Lewis in the Fajãzinha, Conselho of Lajes (Church of
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios), book covering 1902 baptisms -- and found
it right where it ought to be. The book is now scanned and online --
and in such pristine condition with clearly legible penmanship,
compared to the older records with which so many of us struggle
(sigh!):
http://www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt/biblioteca_digital/FLR-LF-FAJAZINHA-B-1891-1910/FLR-LF-FAJAZINHA-B-1891-1910_item1/P96.html
(homepage: http://www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt/ig)
ALFREDO LUIZ is listed having been born in the settlement of Pico
Redondo at 8 PM on April 30 and baptized on May 4, 1902. His parents
are listed as JOSE ANTONIO LUIZ and ANNA LUIZA DA CONCEIÇÃO, both
laborers. Alfredo's paternal grandparents were JOSE ANTONIO BORREGO
and THEREZA MARIANNA DE JESUS; his maternal grandfather was listed as
unknown, while his maternal grandmother was IGNACIA LUIZA. Alfredo's
godparents were married laborer JOSE COELHO MANCEBO and an unmarried
woman named MARIA JOAQUINA. Curiously -- considering that in the US
Alfred Lewis became an accomplished writer in both Portuguese and
English -- the baptismal information had to be read to these folks
because they were all illiterate (pretty common there back in those
days, however).
To my considerable disappointment, none of the above names connect to
what I know thus far of my family tree in Fajãzinha, but perhaps
someone else here will discover that they're related to this future
author! Katharine.
When visiting the Regional Archives in the Horta Public Library --
where pre-1911 records for Flores, Corvo, Faial and Pico are stored,
and back when patrons could still examine original record books -- I
searched out of sheer nosiness(!) for the baptismal registo of the
future Alfred Lewis in the Fajãzinha, Conselho of Lajes (Church of
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios), book covering 1902 baptisms -- and found
it right where it ought to be. The book is now scanned and online --
and in such pristine condition with clearly legible penmanship,
compared to the older records with which so many of us struggle
(sigh!):
http://www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt/biblioteca_digital/FLR-LF-FAJAZINHA-B-1891-1910/FLR-LF-FAJAZINHA-B-1891-1910_item1/P96.html
(homepage: http://www.culturacores.azores.gov.pt/ig)
ALFREDO LUIZ is listed having been born in the settlement of Pico
Redondo at 8 PM on April 30 and baptized on May 4, 1902. His parents
are listed as JOSE ANTONIO LUIZ and ANNA LUIZA DA CONCEIÇÃO, both
laborers. Alfredo's paternal grandparents were JOSE ANTONIO BORREGO
and THEREZA MARIANNA DE JESUS; his maternal grandfather was listed as
unknown, while his maternal grandmother was IGNACIA LUIZA. Alfredo's
godparents were married laborer JOSE COELHO MANCEBO and an unmarried
woman named MARIA JOAQUINA. Curiously -- considering that in the US
Alfred Lewis became an accomplished writer in both Portuguese and
English -- the baptismal information had to be read to these folks
because they were all illiterate (pretty common there back in those
days, however).
To my considerable disappointment, none of the above names connect to
what I know thus far of my family tree in Fajãzinha, but perhaps
someone else here will discover that they're related to this future
author! Katharine.
Lorraine
May 28, 2012, 3:43:28 PM5/28/12
to Azores Genealogy
Cunha in Graciosa search
To Colleen Wright,
I notice here that you are searching Cunha from Graciosa. My family
may be connected: grandfather was Joao Cunha Dias, b1858, grandmother
was Maria Jesus Cunha, b 1864, father Jayme Cunha Dias, b 1890,
father's first wife Maria Tomas Cunha, b 1890. All born in Barro
Branco section of Graciosa.
Lorraine Price
On May 27, 6:25 pm, Ralph Sellars <resj...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello Listers:
>
> I too have purchased this book based on the great reviews on this list.
>
> I am up to page 129 of 188, not to shabby for a non reading engineer, and I will agree that it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read.
>
> I bought the book because my mothers maiden name was LEWIS. Her grandfather Manuel, my G Grandfather Lewis, also came from FLORES, AZORES as did the author! The earliest record I have found for my Manuel is as a member of the crew on the Whaling ship "Ocmulgee" docked at Edgardtown Harbor on Martha's Vineyard Island off the Massachusetts coast in the 1860 census.
>
> Starving for information on the Lewis line, and particularly on the Island Of Flores Azores and the reviews indicate that the book is an autobiographical novel, I was sort of hoping, and expecting mention of family members such as names, ages, locations etc, of siblings, aunts/uncles nieces/nephews grand parents etc that came and went around family gatherings etc., would be noted in the book.
>
> Unfortunately, so far, I have not found that is the case. It goes into detail of a boys dreams, hopes, fears, joys, sorrows, anticipations, etc, school, teachers, church, the color of the sea, or trees, the moon , the sun etc. but not about family or relatives. He mentions his mother and father often , punishments, encouragements, and difference in approach between his mother and dad etc. but so far genealogical type of data of names, relationships, dates or locations are not featured. .
>
> Again, it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read. It does what the reviewers have said it does. It provides documentation and the development of the society at the time as seen through the eyes of a frank and honest person who lived it and has shared it. But it would be misleading to hope or anticipate a trove of genealogical information.
>
> Ralph
>
> ________________________________
> From: Steve Wright <cswrigh...@gmail.com>
To Colleen Wright,
I notice here that you are searching Cunha from Graciosa. My family
may be connected: grandfather was Joao Cunha Dias, b1858, grandmother
was Maria Jesus Cunha, b 1864, father Jayme Cunha Dias, b 1890,
father's first wife Maria Tomas Cunha, b 1890. All born in Barro
Branco section of Graciosa.
Lorraine Price
On May 27, 6:25 pm, Ralph Sellars <resj...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Hello Listers:
>
> I too have purchased this book based on the great reviews on this list.
>
> I am up to page 129 of 188, not to shabby for a non reading engineer, and I will agree that it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read.
>
> I bought the book because my mothers maiden name was LEWIS. Her grandfather Manuel, my G Grandfather Lewis, also came from FLORES, AZORES as did the author! The earliest record I have found for my Manuel is as a member of the crew on the Whaling ship "Ocmulgee" docked at Edgardtown Harbor on Martha's Vineyard Island off the Massachusetts coast in the 1860 census.
>
> Starving for information on the Lewis line, and particularly on the Island Of Flores Azores and the reviews indicate that the book is an autobiographical novel, I was sort of hoping, and expecting mention of family members such as names, ages, locations etc, of siblings, aunts/uncles nieces/nephews grand parents etc that came and went around family gatherings etc., would be noted in the book.
>
> Unfortunately, so far, I have not found that is the case. It goes into detail of a boys dreams, hopes, fears, joys, sorrows, anticipations, etc, school, teachers, church, the color of the sea, or trees, the moon , the sun etc. but not about family or relatives. He mentions his mother and father often , punishments, encouragements, and difference in approach between his mother and dad etc. but so far genealogical type of data of names, relationships, dates or locations are not featured. .
>
> Again, it is a well done unusual book, an easy read, and a pleasant read. It does what the reviewers have said it does. It provides documentation and the development of the society at the time as seen through the eyes of a frank and honest person who lived it and has shared it. But it would be misleading to hope or anticipate a trove of genealogical information.
>
> Ralph
>
> From: Steve Wright <cswrigh...@gmail.com>
> To: azo...@googlegroups.com
> Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2012 1:44 PM
> Subject: Re: [AZORES-Genealogy] Home Is An Island
>
> I am also reading this book and thoroughly enjoying. Yes, it does help in understanding why my grandparents left the Azores and came to America. My grandparents left Teceira and never returned. I highly recommend. Thank you for your other book recommendation.
> I wish I had spoken with my grandparents more about how, why. It is amazing to me how they left family and came to America not knowing anyone or the language. What brave people they were.
> Thanks for sharing.
>
> Colleen Wright
> Researchng Silva, Goncalves from
> Teceriia and Pico and Rosa, Cunha from Graciosa
>
> Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2012 1:44 PM
> Subject: Re: [AZORES-Genealogy] Home Is An Island
>
> I am also reading this book and thoroughly enjoying. Yes, it does help in understanding why my grandparents left the Azores and came to America. My grandparents left Teceira and never returned. I highly recommend. Thank you for your other book recommendation.
> I wish I had spoken with my grandparents more about how, why. It is amazing to me how they left family and came to America not knowing anyone or the language. What brave people they were.
> Thanks for sharing.
>
> Colleen Wright
> Researchng Silva, Goncalves from
> Teceriia and Pico and Rosa, Cunha from Graciosa
>
> On Sat, May 26, 2012 at 5:26 AM, John Raposo <marra...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Earlier this week I started reading "Home is an Island" by Alfred Lewis (Tagus Press at UMass Dartmouth: 2012) which was published last month. Alfred was born in Flores (1902) and became prominant in California where he died in 1977. The book is an atobiographical novel and it is an absolute must read especially for 3rd and 4th generation Azorean Americans who are trying to understand why people in a tiny island would leave everything and everybody they ever knew and loved and sail off on whaling ships for the great and vast unknown, possibly never to return. Some did return many years later, loaded with treasure, becoming celebrities in their village; others returned quietly with empty pockets, pitied by someand ridiculed by others. Some died at sea, some just disappeared; others just never saw the familes left back on the island again. Their great grandchildren in America are trying to discover who "Frank Marshall" of the Wester Islands was before he
> became "assimilated and acculturated" into the melting pot and married their great-grandmother Mamie Murphy in California.
>
> >Lewis's novel is lyrical and has a beautiful poetry like feeling about it.
>
> >Another great read, along the same lines is "Dark Stones" by Dias de Melo (from Pico) published by Gavea Brown:1988--
> >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Azores+un...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive.
> >For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
>
> Earlier this week I started reading "Home is an Island" by Alfred Lewis (Tagus Press at UMass Dartmouth: 2012) which was published last month. Alfred was born in Flores (1902) and became prominant in California where he died in 1977. The book is an atobiographical novel and it is an absolute must read especially for 3rd and 4th generation Azorean Americans who are trying to understand why people in a tiny island would leave everything and everybody they ever knew and loved and sail off on whaling ships for the great and vast unknown, possibly never to return. Some did return many years later, loaded with treasure, becoming celebrities in their village; others returned quietly with empty pockets, pitied by someand ridiculed by others. Some died at sea, some just disappeared; others just never saw the familes left back on the island again. Their great grandchildren in America are trying to discover who "Frank Marshall" of the Wester Islands was before he
> became "assimilated and acculturated" into the melting pot and married their great-grandmother Mamie Murphy in California.
>
> >Lewis's novel is lyrical and has a beautiful poetry like feeling about it.
>
> >Another great read, along the same lines is "Dark Stones" by Dias de Melo (from Pico) published by Gavea Brown:1988--
> >To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Azores+un...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive.
>
> --
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Azores+un...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive.
> For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group athttp://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."> --
> To unsubscribe from this group, send email to Azores+un...@googlegroups.com. Follow the confirmation directions when they arrive.
Steve Wright
May 28, 2012, 6:17:53 PM5/28/12
to azo...@googlegroups.com
Thank you Lorraine. I will keep for my records. I have been concentrating on my mother's side - Silva and Goncalves. Hopefully, will start paternal side later this summer.
I will keep you posted.
Colleen
For more options, such as changing to List, Digest, Abridged, or No Mail (vacation) mode, log into your Google account and visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/Azores. Click in the blue area on the right that says "Join this group" and it will take you to "Edit my membership."
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