An Immigrant Story - Paul Tinetti

This 1930 Houghton County Polk Directory shows members of the Tinetti family living in Laurium.

Houghton County Polk Directory, 1930

Paolo (Paul) Tinetti began an immigrant story around 1889 when he left his native Italy to find work in the Copper Country. By 1898 he had been naturalized in Houghton County and was married to fellow Italian immigrant Magdalena Massoglia. They lived in Laurium.

Paul and Magdalena's family grew with the arrival of children, but also additional family members: Magdalena's father moved in, as did Paul's brother Luigi (Louis) in 1902, after his discharge from the Italian army. Louis soon married Magdalena's sister Rosa.

 

Louis Tinetti lived in this home on Pewabic Street in Laurium with his wife and family.

NPS Photo

Louis worked at the First National Bank of Laurium. Paul and Magdalena staffed the confectionery and general merchandise store they owned at 103 Hecla Street. The brothers and their wives were regular travelers, returning often to the Genoa area to reconnect with family.