Federal Hill in Providence in Providence County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
The Mattera Legacy
Giovanni Giuseppe Mattera dreamed of building a legacy in America. In 1908, he left his beloved home of Ischia, Italy, sailing to Ellis Island and settling in the enclave of Federal HIll.
A gifted entrepreneur, Giovanni started out selling coal. He later branched out to sell produce, wine grapes and imported specialty foods. He and his four sons operated Jolly Joe ice cream trucks, serving the residents of central Rhode Island. A visionary in his time, Giovanni achieved his ultimate goal of acquiring and developing real estate assets, including this very building, which housed the famous Mattera Bros. Market on "The Hill."
Giovanni fell in love with and married Francesca. Together, with their seven children-Filomena, Yolanda, John, Salvatore, Marie, Gennaro and Anthony - the Mattera dynasty have lived here in the apartments above the market for close to one hundred years. Giovanni and Francesca distilled in their children a code of honor built on respect for American values and the Italian heritage, family & faith… Loved Eternally.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 41° 49.429′ N, 71° 25.856′ W. Marker is in Providence
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Giovanni Da Verrazzano (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); P.F.C. Louis Tocci Memorial Square (about 400 feet away); Raymond Dettore, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monsignor Cavallaro Plaza (approx. 0.3 miles away); Burrington Anthony House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Giuseppe Garibaldi (approx. half a mile away); Woonasquatucket River (approx. half a mile away); Ebenezer Knight Dexter (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Providence.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 10, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
