Dominic Joseph Cardillo Sr. Interview
Dominic (1913-1985) was born in Pittsburgh and moved to Saratoga Springs as a child with his father (Frank Cardillo), mother, and older sister (Mary Cardillo Monaco). He was the first one in his family to be born in America. While being interviewed by his son, Dominic "Dom" Joseph Cardillo Jr., he sheds light on his experiences during the Great Depression in the West Side. He also recalls and maps out family history and his father's immigration story.
This interview has a special apect since a son is interviewing his father. Their shared knowledge and understanding of their family allows deeper and more meaningful topics to be touched upon. There is no need for an explanation in most cases so it does not hold Dominic back from discussing what is important to him. The interview displays a reality of the West Side in regard to family and community, which does not exist today.
Dominic wrote a short story about his journey to the Adirandacks with his friends around the year 1930. In this story, we learn about social norms of the time, especially about teenagers. There is a complementary photograph with the story of Dominic on a hiking trail to Avalanch.
Dominic disucsses their family tree quite a bit in the interview. This is a helpful visual aid.
Dominic served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. These documents concern that time in his life.