Asturian-American Migration Forum

Greetings to everyone!

Donora has had many soccer teams over 1920-1950. Here are two teams from the 1930 Spanish Zinc Works and the Spanish Club Maroons from 1948-49. Can you name everyone in the photos? My uncles, Joe Barbao and Emil Barbao were on the 1930 team. The young boys on the 1948-49 team are Jimmy Fernandez and Ricardo' Dinks' Fernandez, son of " El Cubano.

Saludos a todos!

Donora ha tenido muchos equipos de futbol entre 1920-1950. Aqui hay dos equipos del ano 1930, Spanish Zinc Works y el Spanish Club Maroons del ano1948-49. Conoce a los jugadores en las fotos? Mis tios, Joe Barbao y Emilio Barbao jugaron con el equipo 1930. Los guajes en la foto del 1948-49 son Jimmy Fernandez y Ricardo'Dinks' Fernandez, hijo de 'El Cubano.

Hello everyone,
There were many things to do in Donora from 1920- 1960. The Asturian community added many activities, contributions and friendships over the years.

Here are just a few of the wonderful memories. Do you recognize anyone? The young boy holding the softball trophy is Archie Rodriguez, Morena's son. In the photo of the Women's Spanish Club are my mother, Maria Barbao, my aunt Gia Lorenzo and their girlfriends. The third is the Ladies Spanish Bowling League.

In the last photo is Lou Alvarez He is married to my cousin, Renee Barbao of Anmoore,West Virginia.
Please click on the photos for better viewing.

Saludos a todos,
Habian muchas diversiones en Donora durante 1920-1960. La comunidad asturiana presentaba demasiadas actividades, contribuciones y amistades por muchos anos.

Aqui hay algunos preciosos recuerdos. Conoce alguno? El chaval que tiene el premio del campeonato de pelota es Archie Rodriguez, hijo de Morena. En la foto del Club Espanol de Mujeres, estan mi madre, Maria Barbao, mi tia Gia Lorenzo y las companeras del club. La tercera es del Club Espanol de Mujeres de equipo de bolas.

En la ultima foto esta Luis Alvarez. Esta casado con mi prima,Renee Barbao de Anmoore,West Virginia.
Por favor de hacer un click por la foto para ver mejor.

Hello Everyone!
Tomas Barbao from Morcin and Vicenta Fernandez from La Plata were married in San Miguel de Quilono parrish on July 24,1897.

Tomas was working in Arnao until the workers strike in 1903. He and his family started to make plans to go to Grasselli, West Virginia. In 1905, Tomas along with some close friends left and got work at the zinc plant.
His family and other friends from Castrillon left Aviles in 1907 to Le Havre, France and onto Ellis Island , New York and then by train to Clarksburg. It was a difficult journey for a mother and her small children.


Grasselli was a new start for the Barbao's and other asturianos. Work was difficult and the quality of life was poor... however, family love, traditions and the Asturian community made life more enjoyable... children made everyone work harder and pursue a better life for them.

Grasselli/Anmoore was a great place to live... but change was always around the corner. Life wasn't so easy for the new generation. They had to help the family and to help close friends.

Their oldest daughter, Maria Barbao married Victor Garcia June 19, 1917... she was 15. In her wedding party was her 'Maid of Honor', Sagrario Gonzalez and her husband, Marcelino Rodriguez... who returned back to Aviles and became a very successful business family.

In October of 1918, the Spanish Influenza took Tomas Barbao, 43 and many other residents. These were tough times. Now the children had to take charge and carry on.

1919, many workers started to leave to find new work. Some stayed... my family moved on to Donora. Life got better slowly. Donora was a great community and the asturianos really stuck together to help one another through good times and bad. The Spanish Club was the center for all to meet, celebrate and remember the stories of family and friends.

The third generation has it's challenges... work, their families and carrying on traditions. Family values kept us moving forward.I know that our ancestors would be proud of the accomplishments of their descendents...great grandchildren with a lot of education... who keep the family history and memories alive.


Saludos a todos!

Tomas Barbao de Morcin y Vicenta Fernandez de La Plata
se casaron en La parroquia de San Miguel De Quilono, Castrillon el 24 de Julio, 1897.

Tomas estaba trabajando en la fábrica de Arnao durante la huelga de los empleados en 1903. La familia empezaron sus planes para America...Grasselli, Virginia del Oeste. En 1905, Tomas y algunos
compañeros emigraron y consiguieron trabajo en la fábrica de Grasselli.

Su familia y otras amistades salieron de Aviles hasta Le Havre, Francia para su viaje a Nueva York y luego en tren pa' Clarksburg. Fue un viaje demasiado duro para una madre con fíos pequeños.

Grasselli presentaba oportundades nuevas para la familia Barbao y para otras familias asturianas. Trabajo era dificil y la nivel de vida mal... pero los valores de familia, amistades, tradiciones, y la comunidad asturiana nos ajuantaban cada dia para vivir... los hijos necesitaban mas seguridad y los padres trabajaban mas para tener mejor vida para ellos.

La vida en Grasselli/Anmoore era buena... pero siempre con cambios en la vida. Para los hijos , la vida continuaba siendo dificil.Ellos tenían que ayudar a la familia y pa' amistades.

La hija mayor, Maria Barbao, se caso con Victor Garcia el 19 de Junio 1917... ella tenia 15 anos. En la boda, la madrina, Sagrario Gonzalez y su marido, Marcelino Rodriguez volvieron pa'Aviles y empezaron unos negocios muy famosos.

En octubre de 1918, fallecio Tomas Barbao de la infuenza. Muchos mas murieron. La vida fue un disastre. Ahora, los hijos tenian la responsibilidad de cuidar y de continuar con la vida.

En 1919 muchos trabajadores empezaron a buscar otros trabajos en otras partes... muchos quedaron. Mi familia fue pa' Donora. La vida mejoraba poco a poco. Donora era muy buena y los asturianos estaban undidos ayudando el uno al otro durante los tiempos buenos y los malos. El Club Espanol era el centro principal para reunir todos a celebrar, charlar y acordarse de familia, amistades y 'la patria querida'.

La generacion nueva tenía sus problemas... trabajo, sus hijos y siguiendo tradiciones de familia. Los valores de familia nos animaron p'adelante.Yo se que nuestros antepasados estarian muy orgullosos con nosotros... bisnietos con mucha educacion ... y que mantenían la historia de la familia y los recuerdos vivos.

Hello again!!

The Victor Garcia Margollez family of Donora has a wonderful history and story. Victor's father, Jose Garcia Lopez was born in Rodiles, Grado and went to work in Arnao. He married Maxima Margollez de la Campa from San Martin de Laspra and made their home there in 'el Gallo del Cueto'. They had three sons, Jose, Victor and Manuel.

Saludos otra vez!!

La familia de Victor Garcia Margollez de Donora ha tenido mucho exito con su historia. El padre de Victor, Jose Garcia Lopez, nacio en Rodiles, Grado y luego fue a trabajar en Arnao. Se caso con Maxima Margollez de la Campa que era de San Martin de Laspra. Es donde vivieron
en el 'Gallo del Cueto'. Tuvieron tres fios,Jose, Victor y Manuel.









Victor's father, Jose made his first trip to America in 1906, stopping first in Havana, Cuba to visit Maxima's brothers, Francisco and Manuel and then onto Cherryvale, Kansas to visit friends. On his next trip in 1911, he took his sons, Jose and Victor to Cuba to live and work with their uncles while he went on to America to relocate the family.

El padre de Victor, Jose, hizo el primer viaje p'America en 1906, parando primero en Havana, Cuba visitando con los hermanos de Maxima, Francisco y Manuel. Luego se fue pa Cherryvale, Kanas a ver amistades. El proximo viaje, llevo a los hijos, Jose y Victor pa Cuba a vivir y trabajar con los tios
mientras que el buscaba trabajo y vida para la familia en America.









Jose, Maxima and son, Manuel emigrated to the US in April of 1913 and made their home in Grasselli, West Virginia. Victor left Cuba in August of 1913 to be with his family. His brother, Jose came in 1918.

Jose,Maxima y el hijo, Manuel emigraron pa los Estados Unidos en abril,1913 y tenian la casa en Grassell, Virginia del Oeste. Victor salió de Cuba en agosto, 1913 a vivir con la familia. Su hermano, José vino en 1918.




Victor started working at the zinc plant in Grasselli. He met Maria Barbao. Picking blackberries was a way to make extra money from jam and homemade wine... and a place for 'novios' to meet. June 19,1917 they married. Jose Leon was Victor's 'Best Man". Jose and his wife,Julia returned to San Martin de Laspra to live.

Victor empezo a trabajar en la fundicion de zinc en Grasselli. Conocio a Maria Barbao durante el verano,recogiendo a moras...una manera de tener algunos reales mas vendiendo mermelada y vino de moras... y un lugar para los recien novios. El 19 de junio,1917, se casaron. Jose Leon fue el 'Padrino'. Jose y su esposa, Julia volvieron pa San Martin de Laspra a vivir.






In 1924 Jose, Maxima and son, Jose moved to Langeloth to start a business. Victor and Mary with daughter, Angelina, move to Donora. Victor starts work at the Zinc plant.

En 1924, Jose,Maxima y el hijo, Jose se fueron a Langeloth y empezaron un mercado. Victor y Maria con la fia, Angelina, van a Donora. Victor empieza trabajo en la fabrica de zinc.









Jose passes away in 1948 and Maxima in 1950. They lived a long and successful life. We are part of their legacy.

Jose fallecio en 1948 y Maxima en el ano 1950. Vivian una vida larga y prospera. Nosotros somos el futuro de esta familia.

My grandmother's grandmother was Teresa Alvarez de la Campa, who was a native of San Martín de Laspra. Do you have any other information on the de la Campa family?

Hi Bob,
Maxima Margollez de la Campa's father was Francisco Margollez
Barredo and he was from Ribadesella, Villaviciosa. Her mother was Rosa Moralia de la Campa Garcia. Rosa's mother was Juana Garcia Fernandez. Her father was Manuel de la Campa... but they were from San Martin de Laspra. Maxima had two brothers, Francisco and Manuel, who went to Cuba in the early 1900's. I am waiting on the marriage certificate of Maxima's parents. I 'll keep you posted... jbarbo

Hello,
Mary Garcia ( Maria Sagrario Barbao Fernandez) was born at home on October 26, 1901 en El Ventorillo, San Miguel de Quiloño, Castrillon.

She left in April 1907 with her mother, Vincenta, siblings and family friends... she was five years old. She did not return to Asturias until July 1979. The memories and reunion with family and friends would come alive during her wonderful visit.

Saludos,
Mary Garcia ( Maria Sagrario Barbao Fernandez) nació en casa el 26 de octubre, 1901 en El Ventorillo, San Miguel de Quilono, Castrillon. Emigró en abril, 1907 con la madre, Vicenta, sus hermanos y algunas amistades de la familia... Maria tenía 5 años de edad.No volvió p'asturias hasta julio, 1979. Los recuerdos y la reunion con familia y amistades saldrían con gran éxito durante esta maravillosa visita.





Mary's mother, Vicenta Fernandez Garcia, was born in La Plata, one of 14 siblings. We still have family living in La Plata and Piedras Blancas.

La madre de Maria, Vicenta Fernandez Garcia, nació en La Plata, una de 14 hermanos. Tenemos todavia familia viviendo en La Plata y Piedras Blancas.






The reunion with Sagrario Gonzalez de Rodriguez and family was the best part of Mary's visit. Sagrario was Mary's 'Maid of Honor' back in 1917. They have remained friends for over 60 years. Sagrario's husband, Marcelino Rodriguez, was a very successful and well- known business owner in Aviles. Their son, Billy and his wife, Flor owned the Marvil furniture stores. In Donora, 1959, they celebrated Sagrario's visit with wonderful party at the Spanish Club.

La reunión con Sagrario Gonzalez de Rodriguez y su familia fué lo mejor momento del viaje. Sagrario fué la 'madrina' en el matrimonio de Maria en 1917.
Se quedaron amigas por mas de 60 años. El marido de Sagrario, Marcelino
Rodriguez, era un hombre de negocios, muy conocido y con mucho éxito en Aviles. Su hijo Billy y esposa, Flor, tenían las tiendas, Muebleria Marvil. En Donora, 1959 celebraron la visita de Sagrario con una fiesta en el Club Español.














Mary visited where her father, Tomas Barbao Gonzalez was born. Otura was the mountain village above La Foz de Morcin. Here was the old, fallen home.What a beautiful place, Otura.

Maria fué a visitar donde nació su padre,Tomas Barbao Gonzalez. Otura es una aldea por la montaña arriba de La Foz de Morcin. Allí estaba la tumbada, casa vieja. Que sitio tan guapo era Otura.








Maria Barbao de Garcia lived a wonderful, happy and challenging life full with memories of family and friends from her early days in Grasselli, Donora and Asturias. I loved her life stories ... I will always love her.

Maria Barbao de Garcia vivía una vida maravillosa, alegre, con problemas normales
una vida llena de recuerdos de familia y amistades de los anos tempranos en Grasselli, Donora y Asturias. Me encantaban las experiencias de su vida...La amaré para siempre!!!



I am posting some other photos of Sagrario and family. Her great-great grandson, Alberto sent them to me.

Estoy poniendo otras fotos de Sagrario y famlia. Tartanieto, Alberto, me las mandó.







Ramon Gonzalez and wife, Generosa were very well known in the asturian community. Ramon taught english in Grasselli and Donora for many years. They had a very large family and a good family with a lot of history. They
lived a full life with much success.
Ramón González y su esposa, Generosa fueron muy conocidos por la
comunidad asturiana. Ramón dió clases de inglés en Grasselli y Donora
por muchos años. Tuvieron una familia muy grande y buena con mucha
história. Vivieron una vida llena con mucho éxito.












Greetings to all of Sagrario's family!!!

Saludos a toda la familia de Sagrario!!!

Happy Easter!
Victor Garcia Margollez was born at home in San Martin de Laspra on September 21, 1896. As a young boy he loved San Martin, his family, his friends and the surrounding neighborhoods, Campiello, El Pontón, Las Chavolas, Arnao... every little corner had a nick name and many were given nicknames from where they lived... he was ' Victor'
del Gallo' .
Victor left for Cuba in 1911 and then to US in 1913. Over the
years he would see many family and friends come to live and work in the US. He would write letters and send large packages of clothes, gifts and souvenirs of America to his family and to his friends. We had a cousin,
Manuel Alvarez from Bayonne, New Jersey in the Merchant Marines and this was the best way to send things to Asturias.
In 1955, Victor and a good friend, Angel González returned
to their beloved homeland.

¡Felíz Semana Santa!
Victor García Margollez nació en casa en San Martin de Laspra el 21 de septiembre, 1896. De guaje, estaba encantado con su vida en San Martin, con la familia, con las amistades por todos los barrios de Campiello, El Ponton, Las Chavolas, Arnao, etc... cada rincon tenía un mote y muchos de ellos tenían el mote de donde vivían... pues Victor era
'Victor del Gallo'.

Victor emigró a Cuba en 1911 y luego en 1913 p'America.Durante su residencia en Grasselli y Donora , muchas amistades y familia vendrían a visitar, a vivir y trabajar aquí.Victor correspondía y mandaba paquetes grandes, llenos de ropa, regalos y recuerdos de America a la familia y a sus compañeros en Asturias.Tuvimos un primo, Manuel Álvarez de Bayonne, New Jersey
en la Marina y mandabamos todo con él... era bastante barato. En 1955
Victor y un buen amigo, Angel González volvieron pa' su patría querida.



Victor stayed in his old home in San Martin de Laspra visiting with family and friends, like Jose Leon and Julia. He would take walks to all the places that he remembered as
a young boy. The 'Romeria' of San Martin was the highlight of his visit with his friends, Marcelino Rodrguez, Sargrario y Manolo... the typical asturian food was second!!! We still have family around San Martin de Laspra. The families of Nicasio Garcia Lopez and Francisco Garcia Lopez.

Victor pasaba su visita el la casa vieja del Gallo en San Martin de Laspra
con familia y amistades como a Jose Leon y Julia. Andaba por los caminos
y lugares, los cuales que conocía de joven. Destacó la Romería de San Martin de Laspra durante la visita con sus compañeros , Marcelino Rodriguez, Sagrario y Manolo... la comida asturiana típica vino en lugar segundo!!! Todavía tenemos familiares por San Martin de Laspra. Las
familias de Nicasio Garcia Lopez y la de Francisco Garcia Lopez.












Victor loved his heritage, culture and his family. He was, especially, proud of his daughter, Judy and I when we graduated from college and became teachers. When Judy and I first visited Asturias, we walked in the steps
of our family and we understood this love... we understand that we are
children of Asturias... thanks dad for this wonderful gift... "we climbed the tree and got the flower".

Victor le encantaban el patrimonio, la cultura asturiana y la familia. Estaba
muy orgulloso de los hijos, Judy y yo cuando terminamos con las
carreras universitarias y empezamos trabajo de maestros. Cuando Judy y
yo fuimos la primera vez p'Asturias... caminabamos por los mismos sitios
de nuestra familia y comprendimos este cariño... comprendemos que somos hijos de Asturias... gracias, papá, por este gran regalo... "subimos el árbol y cogimos la flor"

¡Felices Pasquas!

The Junco family from Moundsville,West Virginia are part of the Barbao
family history.Manuel Junco was married to Teresa Rodriguez and lived
in Havana,Cuba. Their son, Manuel was born in 1897. Manuel got remarried to Dionisia Fernandez in 1898.Their son,Joaquin,was born the following year. In 1914 the family came to Graselli and the family grew.
Sons, Manuel got married to Edubijes Alvarez Barbao and Joaquin married Violeta Alvarez.

¡Felices Pascuas!

La familia Junco de Moundsville, Virginia del Oeste son parte de la historia de la familia Barbao. Manuel Junco casó con Teresa Rodriguez y vivieron
en Havana,Cuba.Su hijo nació en 1897. Se casó en 1898 con Dionisia
Fernandez.El año siguiente nació su hijo, Joaquin. En 1914, toda la familia vino a Grasselli... ahí la familia crecía. Los hijos, Manolo se casó con Edubijes Álvarez Barbao y Joaquin se casó con Violeta Álvarez.



Dobijes's mother was Teresa Barbao. She died in Bayonne in 1936. Her father, Mateo Alvarez of Mieres died in a mining accident in 1916. Her brothers were Manuel, Vital and Amador Alvarez. Manuel and his wife, Engracia(Grace) and family lived in Bayonne, New Jersey. Also, Vital,
his wife, Aurora and daughters lived in Bayonne. Amador lived in Florida.

La madre de Dobijes era Teresa Barbao. Murió en Bayonne en 1936. El padre, Mateo Alvarez de Mieres murió en un accidente en las miñas en 1916. Sus hermanos, Manuel, Vital y Amador. Manuel y su esposa, Engracia(Grace) y familia vivieron en Bayonne, New Jersey.
Tambien en Bayonne, vivieron Vital, esposa, Aurora y hijas. Amador vivía en Florida.




Manuel and Dobijes have six children in Graselli, Mary, Anita, Lola, Manuel,
Josefine and Joe. Dionisia's husband dies in Grasselli in 1929. The Junco clan moves to the Farm in Moundsville in the late 1930s.Manuel and
Joaquin go to work at the zinc mill. Anita, her sister Josefine and girlfriend, Dorthy would always come to visit the Barbao family in Donora and Anmoore every summer.

Manuel y Dobijes tenían seis fíos en Grasselli, María, Anita, Lola, Manuel,
Josefina y Joe. El marido de Dionisia murió en Grasselli en 1929.Toda la familia Junco se fueron pa'Moundsville en 1930. Manuel y Joaquin
fueron a trabajar en la fundicion. Anita, su hermana, Josefine y una amiga, Dorothy irían todas cada verano pa'Donora y a Grasselli a
visitar a la familia Barbao.





Mary, Anita and Joe Junco still live in Moundsville. Manuel lives in Ohio. They have a rich history that started in Asturias. Anita is my favorite cousin who shares with me these family stories.


Mary, Anita y Joe Junco todavía, viven en Moundsville. Manuel vive en Ohio.
Ellos tienen una historia de familia muy rica, la cual que empezaba en Asturias. Anita es mi prima favorita... que sigue contándome cosas de nuestra familia.

Happy Easter...

I always read the posts with great interest hoping to find a relative or friend from Moundsville, Grassella or Donora. Through the years I have found some. Its hard sometimes because my Dad has been gone for 20 years as well as all his siblings. My Mom is 95 and hard to remember all the names...so I go on what I remember as a child.

When reading your post and looking at your pictures I realize that I know the Junco's. They lived on Lafayette Avenue right door to my Aunt Tomasa Vallina and Uncle Cuesta (Jose) Vallina. Tomasa was originally from Grassalli and moved to Moundsville...she was my Dad's sister.

As a child I spent many happy times at the Junco's. I remember Dobijes as having a great laugh and a deep voice. She was always very kind to me...and I had many great meals in her house. I also knew the children...I especially remember Anita and Josefina who we called Nina..and Manuel the son. They were also good friends with my cousin Jovita (Jay) who was my Aunt Tomasa's Grandaughter.

The last time I was in Moundsville I visited Anita and Nina...looking at the pictures you posted I would recognize Anita anywhere.

I am so very happy to see a post about them.

Barbara Alonso Novellino

I recently acquired a cedar chest filled with family history items of my grandfather, Celestino Fernandez Menendez Garcia (later Tim F. Garcia). He immigrated at age 8 from Asturias through Ellis Island to Spelter and later Anmoore. His parents were Ulpiano Fernandez Menendez and Virginia Garcia.

In the chest was a letter to Tim and wife Wilma Garcia from Jose Fernandez of Donora, PA dated June 3, 1955. I'm thinking perhaps Jose was a cousin of my grandfather's because of certain contents in the letter.

While Fernandez is a most common name - does this Jose Fernandez of Donora sound familiar to anyone on Forum affiliated with Donora?

Linda Garcia

Linda,
Fernandez is a common name, but in Donora there were 4-5 Jose (Joe) Fernandezes:

1. Jose 'Cardina' Fernández and wife, María
Son José 'Pepe' Fernandez

2.Joe 'Caski' Fernández
His father, Celestino Fernández
His grandfather, José María Fernández
This may be a possibility. Please check the post by Carol
Kowall on her family.

3. Joe Fernandez, the shoemaker, lived down on Meldon
Ave. and rented from Oscar Bullya
Son José Fernández

4. Jose Fernandez, bachelor, worked in the zinc mill.

Good luck with your family history.

Linda,
Fernández es un appellido muy común, pero en Donora habían 4-5
José (Joe) Fernándezes.

1.José 'Cardina' Fernández y esposa, María Cardina.
Su hijo,José 'Pépe'Fernández.

2.Joe'Caski'Fernández.
Su padre,Celestino Fernández.
El abuelo,José María Fernández.
Esta familia puede ser una posibilidad. Debe leer el post de Carol Kowall
sobre la familia.

3.Joe Fernández, el zapatero, vivió en la calle Meldon en la casa de Oscar Bullya.
Su hijo, José Fernández

4.José Fernández, soltero, trabajó en la fundición.

Buena suerte con la historia de la familia.

Muy buenas,

Me llamo Alberto Fernández y desciendo de Sagrario González y Marcelino Rodríguez. Me ha sorprendido muchísimo ver sus fotos en tu post. De hecho, ni siquiera tengo una de las fotos que acabo de ver. Como acabo de ingresar, no puedo ver tu correo para escribirte, pero me pregunto si podrías proporcionarme información sobre mi familia. Gracias,

Alberto Fernández

Mr. Barbao,
The Cardina Clan is my family. José was my grandfather's brother. They were from Cardo. Are there any of that family left? My great-gpa was called Cardina as well. Did you know Angel and Genaro or Dolores Fernandez? These would have been Cardina's uncles and

Saludos Eric y la familia Cardina,

Aquí te pongo fotos de Cardina y de su esposa, María Cardina. Habían tantas
Marías en Donora que tuvieron que usar los motes del marido o su apellido
de soltera como María Barbao, Lola de ' Porchapas", María 'La Calabaza',
María 'La Peseta', María ' Pinales' y muchas mas.
Soy muy amigo con el hijo, José 'Pépe' Fernández . Donora ha
cambiado muchísimo... hay muy pocos hijos asturianos ahí hoy día.
Buena suerte con tus estudios.


Hello Eric and the Cardina family,

I am posting here some photos of Cardina and of his wife, Maria Cardina.
There were many Marias in Donora that had to use the nicknames of
their husbands or their single surnames as Maria Barbao or Lola de
"Porchapas", Maria "La Calabaza", Maria " La Peseta", Maria "Pinales"
and many others.

I am very good friends with their son, Jose Pepe Fernandez. Donora has
changed a lot... there are very few descendents of the asturians left today.
Good luck with your studies.