In this edition of Tales from the Archives, Stephanie and Sandy share a collection of fascinating, quirky, and heartfelt Italian American stories pulled from old newspapers across the country. From a young immigrant girl mistaking New York’s Trinity Church doors for a saint’s shrine, to six unfortunate monkeys lost in a Nashville fire, to the hidden talent of a sculptor in Riverside, California—each story offers a glimpse into everyday lives of the past.

You’ll meet fiery saloon keeper Mary Panzano of Memphis, whose broom made headlines, and Celeste Kari of Chicago, the remarkable “Nut Queen” who built a thriving business empire after being widowed as a young mother. Along the way, there’s also young love, courtroom comedy involving missing pants, and more odd headlines that remind us just how colorful history can be.

Join us as we dust off these forgotten clippings and bring to life the small but unforgettable fragments of Italian American history.