Home Sweet Home - Part II
Ernest Sanders
Published: December 23, 2006
Peggy Figliulo presents Evelyn and Kennedy a gift to commemorate the purchase of their historic home in Auburn Gresham.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Rob Figliulo presents Cory and Evelyn a rosary blessed by Pope Benedict.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
In a courageous illustration of kindness to address and mend the difficult times of the 1960’s in the Auburn Gresham community, the Figliulo family (Peggy-mom, and Jim, Rob, Steve, and Michael) presented several house-warming gifts to the new owners of their former home at 7700 South Throop. Along with gifts, a ceremonial key was given to Cory Williams, his fiancee, Evelyn Graham, and their daughter Kennedi, representing a transferring of the home from one family to the next.
Steve Figliulo presents the ceremonial key to Cory and Evelyn.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Hearing the innocent chatter of Kennedi's voice, Mrs. Figliulo immediately recalled childhood experiences for the Figliulo boys. They shared stories about running in the main hallway of their former home, sleeping arrangements upstairs, the combination ballpark/skating rink in their basement, and their recollection of their mom washing clothes around the clock while being pregnant, "all of the time." In a heartfelt and joyful expression, Mrs. Figliulo turned to Ms. Graham and said, "You're the one that will be controlling the halls.”
Rob (son) and his brother Steve talked about their experiences of being parishioners and running back and forth to St. Sabina church, whether it be for repentance or serving as an altar boy. Michael Cymbala (cousin) recalled his positive relationship with "Poppy," the Figliulo’s grandfather who later moved into the house with the family.
Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Figliulo embrace one another.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
Other current neighbors joined in this celebration and brought homemade baked goods and coffee to warm the hearts of everyone present. One neighbor who moved on the block while the Figliulos were still there (but did not remember them), even stopped by just to welcome both families home.
Vivian Clark, who moved onto Throop in 1965, said that she was really excited when she heard that the Figliulo family was returning to welcome the new family into the 7700 South Throop home. She and the Figliulos started naming former residents that they recalled, along with accompanying stories.
When asked about the sudden, unpleasant transformation happening in Auburn Gresham in the 1960’s Rob responded, “It's been very healthy for us all to recognize the injustice caused to the community. These injustices were hurtful to each but have faded in intensity over the years. It’s really great to be home again.”
Michael Cymbala presents Cory a bottle of joyous spirits to be used along with the rosary at a later date and time.
Photo: Ernest Sanders
“The Figliulo’s kindness is especially important in the Auburn Gresham community,” said Carlos Nelson, Executive Director of the Greater Auburn Development Corporation (GADC). “It bridges the gap between racial and ethnic disparities while simultaneously providing the ultimate neighbor to neighbor experience.”
Mr. Williams seemily agreed and said he could not wait for their spring wedding to occur so that he could consummate their engagement and, "carry my bride over the treshold."
It seemed that no matter the race or ethnicity, the Figliulos and the soon to be Williams family were unifying themselves around the 7700 South Throop home. No matter or whatever these families lost or gained as a result of this home, they have positioned themselves and others for more enlightening, healing and defining moments to come.
Carlos Nelson, Executive Director of GADC presents the Cory, Evelyn, and Kennedi a gift basket from the 7600-7800 Throop Street Block Club Association.
Photo: Ernest Sanders