Interview with Betty Costagnaro, Guido Costagnaro, Joseph M. Costagnaro, July 18, 1986

Interview Summary

The Costagnaros talk about their experiences as immigrants in eastern Kentucky. Born in Italy, Guido and Joseph describe their first impressions of Kentucky and about working in the coal mines near Hazard, Kentucky. Of interest is their conclusion that most immigrants came to Kentucky because they had relatives in the area. Also of importance is their discussion of World War Two experiences. Other topics include unionization, discrimination, recreation, coal bosses, and immigrant housing conditions. According to the Costagnaros, immigrants usually were put to work under a boss with the same nationality because most immigrants did not speak English. The safety booklets were also printed in different languages for the immigrants.

Interview Keyword

Appalachian Immigrant Community Appalachian Region boarding houses Catholic Church Coal Mining discrimination Great Depression Harry Caudill Immigrant Coal Miners immigrant mine bosses Immigrants mountaineers naturalization stonemasonry United Mine Workers of America wine-making World War II

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Social conditions Coal miners Coal mines and mining--Appalachian Region Costagnaro, Betty Costagnaro, Betty--Interviews Costagnaro, Guido Costagnaro, Guido--Interviews Costagnaro, Joseph M. Costagnaro, Joseph M.--Interviews Immigrants

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.