From Mark Lesina, United States

The below class photo of Scuole di Val Morobbia 1930 that was published in a magazine in the late 1970’s or in the early 80’s. The two adults are identified in the photo, however the students are not. Since the photo was taken in 1930’s some of these students stayed in Valle Morobbia and helped shape the valley into what it is today, while others may have immigrated around the world. Do you recognize anyone?

Scuole di Val Morobbia 1930
School of Valley Morobbia 1930

The photo was sent to me by Elma (aka Emma) Maretti-Guidotti who was born February 10, 1927 in San Antonio, Switzerland to Fillipo and Maria Maretti-Maretti. Emma immigrated to California’s Salinas Valley where she married and had two sons. My Grandmother Erminia Martini-Lesina was a cousin of hers and for a while worked as a nanny to Emma’s two sons. Emma had sent the photo to me as it contained Carlo Martini, brother of Erminia.

Emma’s parents as mentioned were Fillipo Maretti (Apr 12, 1895/Jul 03, 1994 and son of Tomaso and Martina Victoria Martini-Maretti) and Maria Maretti (Feb 18, 1904/Jul 15, 1975 and daughter of Carlo “Chester” Erminia Codiroli-Maretti). To this couple 10 children was born. One of their son’s has a museum located in Valle Morobbia dedicated to the history of the Valley. It offers you a view of what life was like – the tools that were used, living conditions, a look at what the Ticinesse immigrate had to prepare for their voyage to America, etc.,- Giancarlo has organized an incredible account of life in Valle Morobbia. If anyone is traveling in the area and is interest in the history of the people and the valley – it is a must see.