In September of 2011 there was a notice in the Providence Journal noting that on September 6, 1901, President William McKinley was shot during the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. My cousin, Netta Iantosco DiSanto had called my mother and jogged her memory that their Grandfather, Giuseppe Iantosco, was there when the President was shot.
When my mother told me about the incident, I was curious enough to research the assassination and discovered that it was after McKinley’s death that Congress passed legislation charging the Secret Service with protecting future Presidents’ lives. It was an interesting piece of personal history to learn that my Great Grandfather was present at this history making occasion. It had prompted me to ask my mother questions about him since he died a long time before I was born. I learned that he traveled throughout America, visited Yellowstone National Park, worked fabricating steel and owned a variety store in Providence. He also wanted to move the family from Providence to Cranston near Roger William Park, but Mamadona didn’t want to “move way out to the country.”
Iv’e been going through some old photographs in anticipation of using some in my next project and came across one of my grandfather. It was taken at one of our family reunions, which were held every year until the late 1960’s. All the female cousins would meet every month during the year and plan the summer outing. I’m not really sure why the reunions stopped, but I know several of my cousins keep looking to me to start them up again. I’ve been known to plan a few parties in my time.
Since a reunion for my family would mean a gathering of around 250 people, I suggested that it is more than a one person venture. I keep waiting for some of the younger cousins to step up to the plate and offer to help. Maybe next year will be the year for the Iantosco-Bevelaqua Reunion. So, since I am being sentimental, I thought I would share a favorite cookie recipe with you. My mother would often make molasses sugar cookies for the family.
Molasses Sugar Cookies
¾ cup shortening
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
½ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ cup molasses
½ teaspoon ginger
1 egg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking soda
Melt shortening in a small pan over low heat, remove from heat and let cool. Once the shortening is cool add the sugar, molasses, and egg and beat well.
Sift together the flour, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the first mixture and beat until all the ingredients are mixed together.
Chill for at least one hour. Form the mixture into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place on greased cookie sheets about 2” apart. Bake in a 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Mangia With Micheline 