Casa Emigranti Italiani

" To Remember and Understand"

Vasquez, Paolo ( Rev.)

The more I read about the early history of Italians in Hartford and the more one name comes across for the span of time ( 1915-1952 ) and influence he had on the Italian immigrants of the time: the Rev. Paolo Vasquez!

Born in Canicattini Bagni in 1881, Vasquez emigrated first to NYC and then to Hartford in 1909. He graduated from Trinity College in 1914 and the Berkely Divinity School in 1915! He returned To Hartford in 1915 and became rector of St. Paul 's Mission on Grove Street in the predominantly Italian East Side and Front Street areas.He was a Rector at St. Paul until 1952 and passed away in 1972!!

The first news account of him is dated 1923 when he is listed as a pastor in the marriage of the Sbriglios as evidenced by the article below.

But 1923 was a time of upheaval at St. Paul's church and for Rev. Vasquez. Conflict broke out between two different factions of members, conflict which went on for two years until officers were installed that favored Vasquez.

I have also attached several articles relating the reverend's 10, 20, 25 and 30 year anniversaries.

I am also attaching copy of two sermons by the reverend dating back to 1926 and 1927 as captured by the Courant!

The history of the Saint Paul Mission on grove street as outlined in a document dating back to 1936! The report was attached to the Work Progress administration report .