Michele D'Agnillo, Adding Masterful Finishing Touches to His Floral Arrangement Design

Michele D'Agnillo, Adding Masterful Finishing Touches to His Floral Arrangement Design

Italian Americans, California Artificial Flowers

Michele was born in Agnone, in the province of Compobasso, Italy on April 6, 1894. He was the son of Donato Nicolo and Antonietta (Pannunzio) D'Agnillo. At 17 years old, he immigrated to America, where he worked in foundries, copper mines, vineyards, and orchards. In 1920, he returned to Italy, and married Giuseppina Icabone in 1921. Michele then returned to America and settled in Providence, and in 1922, his wife joined him. They were the parents of one son. His hobby of making flowers developed into a life long means of livelihood. With the help of his wife, he made flowers that Cherry & Webb Company bought. His first order was for $5, and the Outlet Company bought his second order for $200. His business, Calart Company, was started in a tenement house on Spruce Street. When the business grew, he moved to 32 Broadway, and then later again to Westminster and Snow Streets. His flowers were distributed throughout America, Mexico, Canada, and England. In 1939, Michele built a factory and office building at 400 Resevoir Avenue, Providence, where he employed more than 700 people.

Joseph R. Muratore

Muratore, Joseph. Italian Americans in Rhode Island Volume II. Charleston, Chicago, Portsmouth, San Fransisco: Arcadia Publishing., 2000.

Arcadia Publishing

c. 1950-1980

Joseph R. Muratore Collection

Photograph

English

JM-IAIRI-II-19XXXXXX-P-32

Providence, Rhode Island