Giulia Caruso Kanner and Talbert's
Title
Giulia Caruso Kanner and Talbert's
Subject
The life of Giulia Caruso Kanner (1926-2025) from Naples, Italy, to Eritrea to New York to Florida. Her creative work in Talbert shop on Madison Avenue.
Description
This research was conducted by Ida Pettener and Stella Potenti, recipients of the Marco Pozza Fellowship (Florida Atlantic University Italian Program), and coordinated by Prof. Ilaria Serra.
The photographs collected here and the interview conducted at Giulia's home on March 5 and March 16, 2024 are the source of information for:
- Giulia’s life in Italy and Africa during Fascism;
- Meeting her husband, an American soldier, during the War in Naples;
- Her life in New York where she worked in her mother in law’s store, Talbert.
- Objects and memories of her creative work
You can watch an excerpt of our interview here: https://youtu.be/IygfTukxywI
We found Giulia's story was worth telling and documenting: from her youth in Eritrea, to her arrival in New York as a war bride and finally for her creative contribution to the husband's business.
For over two decades (1946–1969), Giulia sold unique, handcrafted items such as hats (which she made on-site with the help of four milliners), framed mirrors, painted eggs and stones, and more. Talbert started as a millinery, founded by Albert's mother in 1939. But when hats fell out of fashion, Giulia had the vision to turn the store into an accessory shop. Although she wasn’t an artist herself, she had a gift for business and shared her creative ideas with artists. Giulia’s journey is a shining example of American entrepreneurship infused with Italian creativity.
Besides the photographs, included in this collection is a narrative essay on our research.
The photographs collected here and the interview conducted at Giulia's home on March 5 and March 16, 2024 are the source of information for:
- Giulia’s life in Italy and Africa during Fascism;
- Meeting her husband, an American soldier, during the War in Naples;
- Her life in New York where she worked in her mother in law’s store, Talbert.
- Objects and memories of her creative work
You can watch an excerpt of our interview here: https://youtu.be/IygfTukxywI
We found Giulia's story was worth telling and documenting: from her youth in Eritrea, to her arrival in New York as a war bride and finally for her creative contribution to the husband's business.
For over two decades (1946–1969), Giulia sold unique, handcrafted items such as hats (which she made on-site with the help of four milliners), framed mirrors, painted eggs and stones, and more. Talbert started as a millinery, founded by Albert's mother in 1939. But when hats fell out of fashion, Giulia had the vision to turn the store into an accessory shop. Although she wasn’t an artist herself, she had a gift for business and shared her creative ideas with artists. Giulia’s journey is a shining example of American entrepreneurship infused with Italian creativity.
Besides the photographs, included in this collection is a narrative essay on our research.
Creator
Ilaria Serra, Ida Pettener, Stella Potenti
Source
https://youtu.be/IygfTukxywI
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University Italian Program
Date
1926-1970s
Contributor
Florida Atlantic University Italian Program
Rights
Permission granted by Giulia Kanner and Giulianella Monteleone.
Format
.Jpeg files
.pdf file
.pdf file
Language
English and some Italian
Type
Hands-on research
Identifier
Oral history
Coverage
Italy, Eritrea, New York and South Florida
Collection Items
Research group
From Left to Right: Stella Potenti (Researcher), Giulia Caruso Kanner, Ida Pettener (Researcher),
Ilaria Serra (Professor, wearing Giulia’s necklace creation), and Ezilda Rohan (Giulia’s relative).
The picture was taken on March 16, 2024, during…
Ilaria Serra (Professor, wearing Giulia’s necklace creation), and Ezilda Rohan (Giulia’s relative).
The picture was taken on March 16, 2024, during…
Italian decor in Florida
Giulia and her daughter created an Italian corner in their Florida kitchen. The picture is a townscape in Boccadasse (Genova). This speaks to the creative streaks that runs in the family.
Baby Giulia with her Parents
Giulia’s parents. Giulia’s father, Guglielmo, was from Naples. Her mother Nella Aletti was from Varese.
Stresa 1926
Giulia’s aunt in one of the most beautiful Italian tourist locations in the Twenties, Stresa on Lake Maggiore.
Giulia and parents
Giulia with her mom and dad: “Mia mamma era sempre elegante” (My mother was always elegant).
Captain Caruso and a friend in Eritrea
On the right Captain Caruso, Giulia’s father, in Eritrea.
In the 1930s, Captain Guglielmo Caputo relocated to Africa, in the Italian colony of Eritrea, to fulfill Mussolini’s dream of an Italian Empire and a place in the sun. The family lived in…
In the 1930s, Captain Guglielmo Caputo relocated to Africa, in the Italian colony of Eritrea, to fulfill Mussolini’s dream of an Italian Empire and a place in the sun. The family lived in…
