Spirit of Our People

Tuesday, May 8, 2007
I love Rockford mainly because of the people. They endured a brutal recession in the 1980s and continue to triumph over job restructuring and company closings. Rockfordians give so selflessly of themselves. I have lived all over this state, and have worked from Cairo to Rockford and the people here are truly special. Rockford is well-regarded by people in other cities because of its volunteerism. Many Rockfordians probably don’t even realize this. I have heard such positive things about Rockford in the other cities I lived in, including from many Illinois legislators. I love the small-town hospitality and friendliness and the sense of community and connections among people. They readily accept “outsiders” and are warm and inviting. I love the landscape, proximity to larger cities without living among the big city hassles, the Rock River, Rock Cut State park, city parks, the YMCA, downtown, the ethnic groceries and festivals (especially Festa Italiana), On the Waterfront, the social clubs, bars and restaurants (especially Irish Rose, Caffe Greco, Maria’s, Paragon, Octane, Brio, Deli Italia, Cliffbreakers, DiTullio’s, Altamore’s, Taco Loco), the music scene, palatial St. Anthony Church, excellent museums, the good and affordable housing stock and the older neighborhoods with their dignity and history. I moved back voluntarily here after a twenty-year absence and I am pleased to see Rockford’s continuing progress and the young professionals’ embrace of downtown with their eclectic businesses. My favorite memory is of the Italian community of South Rockford and their wonderful traditions that we all took for granted. It was a naturally integrated community where everyone got along well. People walked everywhere, fed everyone, helped everyone and watched out for other people’s children. The Italian immigrants were so proud of their tidy homes and businesses, beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and they made great homemade wine (especially the Nonas/Grandmas). Crime was virtually non-existent and no one locked their homes. Men would gather on corners to tell their tales of the day, gesturing and laughing and you always heard mandolin music, singing, bocce games and children playing. St. Joseph’s Altars and grand parades on Catholic holy days and holidays were the norm. I miss the smell of baking bread from the bakeries and homes, that mingled with the smell of steaks and pasta coming from La Contina and Maria’s Cafe. You couldn’t buy better homemade sausage anywhere and there was ready access to all the small specialty stores and services within walking distance. Many cities are trying to recreate this model of community where people live above where they work and do their commerce in their “backyard”. In Italy, most cities still have this charm and people travel from all over the world to share in it. Today, South Rockford’s growing Mexican population is bringing its own traditions to the neighborhood that they are largely responsible for rehabilitating and revitalizing.

Thanks to: Valeri DeCastris

Booker Washington Center

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