Amherstburg has rich history, multiple sculptures warranted

In respond to my colleague Terry Hall regarding recognition of our heritage in Amherstburg, Terry describes how we should honor the Indigenous heritage with an elaborate statue on our grounds. I’m all for any heritage recognition but I’d like to point out that our heritage in Amherstburg is very diverse. 

I, for one, have been trying to put a scope on the Italian immigrant heritage in our town.It goes all the way back before the depression and carries on where Paul Marra an Italian immigrant and owner of Marra’s Bread, the biggest bakery in Essex County, became the mayor of Amherstburg. In my time, we had DiBartolomeo and DiCarlo as mayor. We have had Mancini and Leardi elected to Queen’s Park. Armando DeLuca was the town’s solicitor. He was on the board of governors of two hospitals and the university.   

Politics is just a small contribution to our town by immigrants. In the early 50s Allied Chemical thrived with 50 per cent immigrant work values. 

Our farming industry as well thrived. Today our town is saturated with generations of immigrants in doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs and contractors. The town represents us all. It is right to honour the Indigenous but our town should honor equally all those that have had a big influence on our culture and environment.  We could have multiple sculptures in a heritage type area decorated for all to absorb, attract tourists educating who we truly are. 

          —Victor DiNardo

Amherstburg

Amherstburg has rich history - multiple sculptures warranted