Giovanni Scaldoni had come to America at great sacrifice. In Italy, the land of his birth, a land rich in tradition, he would make a decision that would forever affect his family and his life.

The young Giovanna Pomaro had been widowed two years and cared for her small daughter, Antoinette. The prospects of being courted once again were not on her mind when Giovanni came calling. With reluctance, her family consented to the proposal of Giovanni, who, even at that time, dreamed of a better life in another country. The year was 1905.

Their love grew, they worked hard, and saved for a new life in a new land that promised opportunities unheard. They had two daughters, who, along with Antoinette, made a family of five. Resources were limited, but the Scaldonis were determined. It was decided that Giovanni would come to America, establish a home, and then send for his family.

In the early 1900's, Chicago was a boomtown known as the "Garden City." Factories were building up everywhere and labor was scarce. Giovanni began work almost immediately. He worked hard and sent money to his family every month to pay for their trip to America, but his efforts were in vain.

In Giovanni's absence, Giovanna was living with her parents. The family, particularly her mother, could not tolerate the idea of her daughter and granddaughters going to America. The Scaldonis reluctantly agreed to wait.

The years came and went. The young daughters became young women and still Giovanna's mother would not allow her daughter to leave for she too had become a widow. In all, there were fourteen lonely years of waiting. The sacrifice had been almost too hard to bear, but now it was time for a family reunion.

With more than human courage, she and her daughters bid farewell to family and friends. It was Giovanna's last good-bye. She would never return to the land of her birth or her parents again.

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants passed through Ellis island in search of a better life and the freedom to enjoy it. It was here, amidst the passion of chance or failure, that Giovanni was reintroduced to his family. With tears of joy, each made new commitments. They would never be separated again.

A year later, Sylvia was born. She was the first and last of the Scaldoni's to be born on American soil.

Giovanni saw his daughters grow into womanhood, marry and bear children. There was a sense of community surrounding the Scaldoni family. They kept favorite traditions from the old country. Some of which included the family meal preparations. So desirous were their cooking skills that local restaurants had retained them to make pasta, ravioli, and other Italian notables.

The spirit of the Scaldonis lives on in their children. Because of the great respect and admiration of Giovanni's posterity, the Scaldoni name is fondly remembered by a little gourmet grocer and grill in the small, southern Utah town known as St. George.