Antonio Colautti and Laura Colautti

Country of Origin: Italy
Ship Name: Conte Biancamano (Antonio), Vulcania (Laura)
Port of Entry: Halifax
Date of Arrival: August 10, 1953 (Antonio), April 2, 1955 (Laura)
Age on Arrival: Antonio - 36, Laura - 31

My Mother used to tell this story often. Before coming to Canada she felt that it was only correct that she should try and learn some English, and it would be helpful to her as well, and she did in fact learn some English before arriving. My father came in 1953. When my mother arrived in Halifax in 1955, she had 3 children in row, ages 11 (Eugenio), 6 (Ferruccio), and a toddler just 2 weeks shy of 2 years of age (that's me, Rita) along with her trunk of belongings. She recalls that at one point an official at the warehouse came by to assist her, and he reached to pick up the trunk which was in very bad shape and was being held together with rope. When the official went to pick up the trunk ... my mother spoke up and said excitedly "Broken, Broken". She was terrified the trunk would fall apart and the contents spill out. Upon hearing my mother speak these words of English the official was so astonished and pleased that he not only managed the trunk but picked up the toddler (that's me) as well and helped my mother to get quickly through the crowds and get into a line to be processed.

My mother went on to learn English at night school in Thunder Bay. She would take the bus on cold winter nights (very freezing temperatures and deep snow) to the local high school and take night school English classes. My mother went on to become very fluent in English, both written and spoken. She becames so good at English that she would often correct others, in their speaking and grammar (!) and helped all 3 of her children with their school work. For a short time she also tutored other children in her home in English!! In later years, she went on to take additional night school classes learning French, Spanish and German. She always proudly said she spoke 5 languages, Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German.

My father also spoke English fluently and as a result was able to learn a new trade. He became a glazer (working with panes of glass) and together my parents raised their family and sponsored in later years other family members who came to Canada.

Both my father and mother embraced this country and were proud Canadians.

Rita McHorgh