Up With People Legal

The Gavello Family

 Video of Family Photos

Listen to Theresa play the Piano for you while you read some of our history

Theresa's Sound Check on ~ September 1, 2018    'Tranquil'  

Learn more about Theresa's Composition & Styling of Music

© Copyright 2018 Big Time Music (BTM)

As I ponder about life in Asti, Italy...Our History begins...

I wonder if they ever thought-once they were married, that Columbo would be traveling to America - alone without Angela; his new Wife- nearly a year later; while she was nearly seven (7) months pregnant - with my Grandpa Louis?  To leave Italy to come to America - no English as far as I know, that had to be one of the bravest things to do during those times.  With thirty(30) dollars in their pockets, a dream in their hearts, and family to be with in America, soon their lives would mold into generations to come.  Remember, way back then, there was no internet; minimal information at libraries, and everything was difficult to come by.  This new adventure led the new beginnings of my Italian Gavello Family to now be my "mi Italiana Immigrato Famiglia en America"!

Years ago, just to find a book explaining the differences in the two languages of Italian and English at the time of the 1800's to the Early 1900's was not easy to have.  Unless you knew someone that spoke the two different languages, more than likely you would have needed to wait until arriving in the United States; where other Italian Immigrants traveled: having to learn the language themselves.  From then we grew into a lovely direction in family; some going their own directions; we grew in life, language, knowledge.  Then one day, my Grandpa Louis surprised me as he handed me a contract to type.  This was regarding his new Patent "Escallonia Terri" in 1981.  There I was in 1982, his Granddaughter, 'Terri', sitting & typing her first legal document at 19.  I continued to grow in life to sing opera, play the piano, write music, perform, and teach music, and that's the just the beginning.  Then I began Up With People Legal in 2012 to advocate & assist the Elderly & Disabled.  

Where those whom risked everything, left everything behind to come to the best place on Earth; America was their dream: they had heard so much about this wonderful place.  To work, have a family, go to Church, and live your life in a place only those whom could afford to travel would go to experience the USA.  This is what the Gianoglio & Gavello Families did; this is our home.  But our hearts are in Italy with the rest of our Famiglia.  To this day we still have Cousins and others taking caring for our family home there. 

When Columbo Gavello purchased property in the Richmond Hills, as below you'll see the "First House in the Richmond Hills"; contribution to the City of Richmond runs deep in the Gavello family.  I'm researching the original property that was purchased by Columbo, as I was told as a child, we either gave several acres or sold acres of our property to the City of Richmond.  Once I find out, I will place that history here. 

In my Famiglia di Gavello web page, you'll learn a little more about the Gavello's & Gianoglio's building a life from a suitcase; living the American Dream, and falling in love with the San Francisco Bay Area.  It is here you will see the beginning of the love for the other City by the Bay - Richmond, California.  

In the research for this family project, the internet has played a unique part to gather all the details; and I did find the 'Details'.  The property Columbo built his house on soon became what is now called "The Arlington Hills".  When the years passed, there's a few parks in those hills that were scuffed by the shoes of my ancestors, Columbo was an achiever; a builder; a lover of trees and plants.  He planted and arranged design of the Oak Trees in Alvarado Park - a branch off of "Wild Cat Canyon" - it's the little park with big ideas.  In this historic land document series, you'll see C. Columbo Gavello's name as a "Contributor of Trees".  We are farmers; we grow trees, have lots to do with plants we see daily even today, and we are earth dwellers; that's what the history says, and it's what I know.

In the Library of Congress, Historical Contribution is clearly noted in this Historic American Landscapes, a National Park Service Survey was done pertaining to the Richmond Park System.  In 1989, Louis Gavello, my Grandfather, interviewed with the for East Bay Regional Parks District in 1989.  I actually remember when Grandpa told me he was speaking to the news about Alvarado Park...it had something to do with Great Grandpa Columbo Gavello.  The stories my Grandpa had about what his Father did for the City of Richmond, just fantastic the "Old School" ways back then. 

Louis E. Gavello was the Foreman in charge of the Parks Department for the City of Richmond.  Grandpa worked for the City of Richmond Parks Department beginning in 1946.  

Notes:  "WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA HALS CA-104 ALVARADO PARK (East Richmond Park), (Grand Canyon Park), (Alvarado Area in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park) 5755 McBryde Avenue, Richmond Contra Costa County California HISTORIC AMERICAN LANDSCAPES SURVEY National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240-0001".

Our family history continues.

The Gavello Family Band

Photo of the Gavello Family Band Musicians:

• Left:  Aunt Gemma

• Center/Standing:  Grandpa Louis

• Center/Sitting:  Great Great Uncle Rico

• Right:  Great Aunt Josie

      Our very musical Famiglia with their musical instruments.  I never heard them play, but I'm sure they played at the Galileo Club once in awhile.  Maybe there's even a recording somewhere in the family archives?  Soon to come; more information about this musical side of my life.  I myself am a Music Instructor ~ Voice & Piano.  My two brothers as well are musicians.  My Mother played the Piano.  Mom wanted to sing, so because I couldn't be there with her at the time, in 2013, over the phone, I tau ght Mom how to sing!  One day I heard her singing a song...it just came natural to her. 

       My Grandma Maude (maiden: Tamblyn) Gavello also sang absolutely beautifully (not in this photo).  In Church she would always point to the 'Melody' and say, "Come on, sing along with everyone...da da da...dee dee dee...".  Beauty, my Grandma & my Mom, beauty in my Great Aunty Josie & Gemma, as similarities in face features with Great Grandmother Angela (Gianoglio) Gavello; as all the 'Gavello & Gianoglio Women' have this undeniable beauty; blue eyes, Brown or Auburn or Red hair, and the face of Royal Princess Beauty, as I see it.  My Grandpa Louis and I were one of the lucky ones that have a partial green & blue eye.  I haven't heard yet of any other like that in the family; but I'm still investigating.                   

Great Uncle Paulo Gavello

Letter Circa. 1908 to 1911 from Paulo Gavello to all his Brothers in America

       This is the translation of the letter that Paulo Gavello wrote, then mailed from Montaldo Scarampi to the United States of America; where our Gavello & Gianoglio Familglia traveled to.  They were missed over all those years, I'm sure.  

       Then, in April of 1912, Paulo traveled with my Great Uncle Alex Giagnolio to see the family; as it had been several years since he saw his famiglia.  This is the translation from the original letter.  I hope to add a photo of the original envelope, letter, and anything else regarding Paulo Gavello.

     At the time of the early 1900's, our Famiglia farmed the Italian Hillside on our property: it was 'Survival of the Fittest' and money was not on the minds of the ones that wanted to live a good wholesome life; we all must work to make house & home for our family.  This letter is from the time where family was everything; a carrot was candy, and civilization in the real world was what some craved to experience; freedom, salary, growth.   In his letter, Great Uncle Paulo seems to be 'Holding Down the Fort' as my Mom would say, but it seems as though he has dreams that are being held back: and the Gavello's never dream, they work; and work hard.  

       Columbo and his Brothers made their own furniture.  The chair that Paulo is leaning on is one of our Gavello Art Designs©.  Weaved from different earthly goods, a beautiful chair perfect for the corner of a room, or out in the open such as Paulo is posing for this lovely photo.

Paulo's Letter to his Brothers in the USA:

Here's Paulo's original letter written on a post card: 

The letter reads:                                         

"Dear Brothers:  

For now I would like to tell you that I am in good health and the same I hope is for you.  I would like to know if it is possible to have some jobs there where you are.  Here is not much about salary. 

Dear Brothers I inform you that Nonna's Grandfather is in hospital in Torrino.  In the hospital he went through full examination, and they sent him home.

Goodbye, (adornment) your brother, Paulo"

More Gavello Family Photos

These photos are being placed here with minimal information.  More details will be added at a later time.  Thanks.  

Clara, Fredo & Delina, G...

Left to Right:

Maude Gavello, Louie Gavello, Donald Gavello, and Barbara Gavello

Circa: Approximately 1939

Left to Right:   

Great Grandpa Christoforno Columbo Gavello, Baby Virginia, Elizabeth-girl, and Great Grandma Angelina (Angela) (Gianoglio) Gavello 

The Gavello's

In the News...

       The 25th Wedding Anniversary of Angelina & Columbo Gavello on February 25, 1930.  See the article here, stating "Gavello Home is Scene of Celebration".  This photo was taken in honor of their special day.  A few years later, Angelina died.  God bless you, Great Grandmother Angelina (Angela).  This same photo is shown larger above. 

       Here's the News Article regarding the 'Grand 25th Anniversary Celebration.  A last name correction with my Grandma Maude Tamblyn - news paper has her listed as "Famblyn".  At this time, my Grandpa Louis Gavello was not yet married to my Grandma Maude Tamblyn.  As this was in 1930, it would have been in 1931 or 1932 when they were married.  What a wonderful time they had at this 'Wedding Anniversary Gala' for them, 'Christening for Baby Bongio', Happy Birthdays to Grandpa Louis & Great Grandpa Columbo - both in June. 

       This celebration was at their home they built with their own hands, in the 'Hills of Richmond' on 946 Sonoma Avenue.  Below is a little history of the First house on the Hill in the Richmond Hills located in beautiful Northern California.  

Many points in our Gavello History were made in this one article:

• Christening of Baby Bongio, but it states  states 'Gongio' in the article. 
• The Birthdays of Columbo & Angela
• Music furnished by D. B. Lamperto & C. Soldavini
• Games, Dancing, Gifts & Good Wishes from their Friends & Family

This is from the article:

"A Silver Wedding Celebration, Christening, and Birthday Party occasioned a gathering yesterday at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Columbo Gavello at 946 Sonoma Avenue.  The Infant daughter of Mr. & Mrs Bongio was christened at a pretty ceremony.  Mr. & Mrs Coilumbo were fetted on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary and Gavello and his Son Louis observed their Birthdays.  A dinner party assembled many friends and the afternoon was spent in dancing & games, with music furnished by D. B. Lamperto & C. Soldavini.  The honored guests were the recipients of many gifts and showered with flowers & good wishes from their friends..."

       The time-period in 1930 brought extensive history into the Gavello Famiglia.  We had weddings, births, 25th wedding anniversary, and all celebrated with warm family & friends gathering during special occasions.  When all these occasions were mentioned, it seemed as though this would have been in June of 1930.  They must have had a 'Combination Celebration'.  What a fun time.  These were the days; the good ole' days we long for today; look at as a wondered yesterday, and the hope of remembrance in the years to come.  This is us:  Famiglia di Gavello.

News Article of June 21, 1956

This was Columbo's 70th Birthday! As Great Grandpa Columbo's Birthday was June 6, 1956 (June 6, 1884 - that's the date he was born), the date of his party was June 21, 1956; a few weeks later.  The Party was one (1) day before my Grandpa Louie's Birthday was June 22nd, and he would have been 50 years old (June 22, 1906 - that's the date he was born).

• Daughters:  Gemma & Josie 

Painting of Angela & Columbo 1930's

     This is a painting of Great Grandmother Angelina and Great Grandfather Columbo somewhere in the 1930's. 

     I don't have a very good photo of this, as I had to take a photo of my computer screen, but it at least is here; what I have.  When I obtain a better photo of this, I will place it here.

Gianoglio Family in Italy:

Upper/Standing Behind:

• Great Grandmother Angela

• Great Uncle Marco 

Lower/Sitting:

• Great-Great Uncle Luigi

• Great-Great Aunt Margarita

• Great Uncle Alessandro 'Alex' Gianoglio - also seen above in many years from photo below 

       I met only one in this photo, my Great Uncle Alex.  What a great man he was; so kind; a pleasant personality; always, always smiling & speaking Italian.  My Great-Grandmother Angela and I look very similar; as my Mother told me many times. 

       As I learn more details about my Great Grandmother Angela, Great-Great Aunt Margarita, my Great-Great Uncle Luigi, and my Great Uncle Marco, Uncle Paulo Gavello and others that mi Famiglia have maybe never heard of.  I will place the information here.                                   

Gavello Family Portrait

Standing behind:  Guiseppe Gavello - Brother to Columbo & Brother-in-Law to Angelina

Left (sitting):  Columbo

The little guy standing next to Columbo:  Louis-my Grandpa

Right (sitting):  Angelina-my Great Grandmother

Right (in Angelina's arms) Josephine-my Aunty Josie

in 2018, we take a look back...

The First House on the Hill...

      Here's the only "House on the Hill" in Richmond, California.  Some of the hills can be seen behind it...nothing there but the hills & grass.

     This is approximately 1909.  On the ladder is possibly my Great Grandfather Columbo, Great Uncle Guiseppe Gavello, or one of the many friends that assisted in building 'The First House on the Hill'.  It's possible also that my Great Grandpa Christoforno we called him "Grandpa Columbo", was taking the photo...but who's on the ladder?  It's a mystery.  The others there in front of the house on the Left: is Grandpa Louie, Great Grandma Angela, and Great Aunt Josie.     

The Hard-Working Gavello's

      This house was built by Grandpa Columbo, my Great Uncle Guiseppe, and a few family, friends, but mostly by Grandpa Columbo.  See the Windmill - that's the Water House.  There was a little room with a small bathroom, sink, and the old-fashioned roll type-washer was there.  In the front there was a beautiful old-fashioned 'Wishing Well', but was used daily to gather the water.  I remember this house...very nice.

      There's a photo I will add one day where it shows the hills empty except for the Gavello House.  I also have a photo that was taken before hey built their home; showing the bare hills.  The bare hills are showing through a little here, as what a site; one little house on the hill where now, today, there's lots of houses on this hill.  This is the lower portion of 'The Arlington Hills' in Richmond, CA. 

Columbo was One of the Founders of the Galileo Club

This is the Galileo Club in Richmond, CA with a performance going on.  There's my Grandpa Columbo standing there cheering everyone on!  This is still operational today.  It's an Italian Club that was founded in the 1930's by Italian immigrants.  There was also a branch of this club called "The Columbo Club".  I have more historic photos I want to provide to the Richmond Museum.  This is one of them.

Columbo had the 1st Man-Cave...at least it was His first...

As it's proven to be a really good place for a Man to have a place to rest; a space to call his own, in the history of our Famiglia, it was a very necessary choice for Columbo Gavello.  He had a 'Man Cave' that was outside, kind of like a place with all the trimmings.  When I spoke with family, learning all about "Columbo's Pergola", and the cute set up he had; like his own little house.  Family stated to me, "It was round, made of lattice, it was about 15 feet wide, made in the shape of an oval.  He loved the color 'Blue' as everything he owned had to be blue, this was also painted blue.  The roof was was lattice, so when it rained, everything in it got wet.  The walls were made of plywood, where he placed many family photos on cardboard and nailed them up.  That's why many photos you'll see a nail hole through the photo and the cardboard. ".  So many memories; so little time in my heart to put all this on paper...or the internet to share with everyone.  I don't have the photo, but one day if I ever find one,I will put it here. 

Here's Columbo in a Costume sometime in the 1940's