Life during World War II, even in rural Siskiyou County, Calif., was filled with sacrifices. For the Italian immigrants who had settled in the area years before the war, it was especially trying.
Many Italian-American families that had relatives in Italy listened anxiously to the radio for the latest news from Europe. Some sent care packages wrapped in burlap and filled with food and clothing to their families in Italy.
One Siskiyou County resident, Mary Zancaner, wrote that she was so afraid at night that light would escape through the black-out curtains that her mother made it a game. She also remembered the celebrations on VJ day when Japan surrendered.
Zancaner wrote, “All the whistles blew and the men streamed out of the mills and came home early.”
More Italian-Americans served in the U.S. armed forces during the war than any other single ethnic group. One example from Siskiyou County was Aldolfo Zanotto of Hilt, who entered the military in January 1943. He served as an airplane and engine mechanic with the 510th Fighter Squadron. He received a number of awards, including a good conduct medal and a distinguished unit badge.
Source: Silva, Mary S. Siskiyou County Italians: Cultural & Economic Contributions. Book II ed. McCloud: E. Mary Silva, 2010. 214-20. Print.
