4609 Shattuck c1915

Description:
Maria Costa (sister of Pasqualina Avanzino) in front of grocery store at 4609 Shattuck Avenue (looking west), Temescal district, Oakland Calif.

Date of Document:
circa 1915

Document Author:
Unknown

Geographic Location:
4609 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland Calif.

Context:
Vincenzo Casazza opened the store around 1894 when he was 49 years old. In 1912, Vincenza sold the store to his nephews, brothers Carlo (husband of Pasqualina) and Luigi "Lui" (1889-1962) Avanzino. [from Ron Avanzino notes]The store had been added on to the original dwelling. After the store closed, the building housed a succession of businesses, including a window shade factory, upholstery supply, butcher shop, jazz venue, and clothing boutique. [Jennifer Dowling and Jeff Norman notes]Maria Costa was the sister of Pasqualina Palmira Costa (1885-1965), who was born in Donetta, a village that is part of Torriglia, Italy. In October 1909, following her arrival in February 1909 (via Ellis island) to the U.S. from Italy, Pasqualina married Carlo Giuseppe Avanzino (1869-1945), who also was born in Torriglia, Italy. Carlo and Pasqualina were living at 566 45th Street in Temescal when their first child, Joseph, was born on November 14, 1910. Soon after, on November 25, 1910, Carlo bought the house at 415 48th Street (it is uncertain whether they ever lived there, but they probably did). On July 29, 1915, Carlo bought the house at 409 48th Street and moved in just before their son, Tillio, was born. (In 1922, he paid taxes on the 415 48th Street house, and in January 1923 he had some painting and electrical work done at the property, so it is assumed he continued to own it.) In around 1926, Carlo moved the 409 48th Street house to the back of the property and built a new house, 411 48th Street, at the front of the property. In April 28, 1928, Carlo bought the house at 413 48th Street from his uncle, Vincenzo Casazza. They rented out 411 48th Street until 1945, when Carlo died, and then Pasqualina, their daughter, Elvira, and Tillio moved into 411 48th Street and rented out 409, 413, and 415 48th Street. Ron's parents, Joseph and Lenore Avanzino rented the house at 413 48th Street. Carlo and Pasqualina probably never lived at 413 48th Street, because it was small (700 sq. ft