For many Italians, immigrating to Canada meant more than adjusting to a new environment. It involved finding ways to make this strange country their new home. New Italian Canadians adapted to their surroundings by discovering ways to not only keep their traditions alive but thrive. Located across the Detroit River is the city of Windsor, Ontario which became a haven for new Italian immigrants. Windsor provided close proximity to the United States and to the growing auto industry. Additionally, many Italians had family or other ties to the Detroit area.
As the United States increasingly restricted immigration, Canada became the next best option and Windsor was the right choice for these Italians to be near their American relatives. Through their shared experiences, Italian Canadians were able to use religion, the formation of social clubs, and an appreciation for music and sport to make a lasting contribution to Windsor’s cultural development and create a vibrant Italian community.
Italians in Windsor
Italians have been in the Great Lakes region well before the founding of Detroit. Two Neapolitan brothers, Enrico (Henri) and Alphonse de Tonti were part of the French regime that came to North America seeking economic profit based on the fur trade and establishing posts at strategic locations, which became the first settlements. Enrico (or Henri) was chief aid to LaSalle in the exploration of the Great Lakes and traveled through the Detroit-Windsor strait toward the end of the 1670s. Alphonse was the first recorded Italian to arrive in what is now Detroit.
Matteo Palmieri was the first known Italian in Windsor. He was born in Naples and fought alongside Giuseppe Garibaldi to liberate and unify Italy (Risorgimento). After a failed battle, he was forced to flee his homeland to France, England, and Quebec and eventually arrived in Windsor, Ontario in the 1860s. Palmieri moved back and forth between Detroit and Windsor, eventually settling in Windsor where he died in 1916. He is credited with founding the Italian Benevolent Society, of which he was also the first president, and devoted much of this time to assisting immigrants.
The Italian Community in Windsor
Windsor’s Little Italy is located along Erie Street. Back in the 1900s, Windsor’s Mayor Col. Ernest Wigle had a goal of bringing together the community and the beautiful culture so many citizens offered the city. Erie Street served as the main link between the east and west sides of Windsor. The creation of Little Italy injected excitement and civic-minded spirit to the neighborhood where the community formed clubs and associations with the foundation of Italian culture and history. The creation of Via Italia, the business improvement association dedicated to promoting Italian culture on Erie Street, represents the interests and vitality of the arts, restaurants, and businesses located in the Via Italia community. Windsor’s commitment to preserving the neighborhood with Italian culture and traditions makes you feel like you’re stepping into Italy while in Canada.
AJ Forrisi
Assistant Editor for America Domani, AJ Forrisi is a Brooklyn-based writer and photographer. His work focuses on food, travel, sports, landscapes, and urban scenes. You can find him on Instagram @aj.photo.works.