804 LaFarge Ave Historic Survey - Laserfiche WebLink

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Resource Number: 5BL7983 Temporary Resource Number: 157508415007 According to County property records, the 2000 survey record for 804 La Farge, and a written genealogy of the Zarini family provided by Nadine Harris Caranci, Peter Zarini purchased 804 La Farge in 1906. The "Harris Genealogy 2003" states: The purchase price was $150.00 — 8% interest payable annually and the transaction was financed by the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 66. He and Savina raised their children in this home and remained there for the rest of their lives. Peter carried a scar of deep indentation in his forehead which he received when using a pick while working in the mine. The pick slipped striking him in the forehead. In 1934 Peter suffered a stroke and his legs were paralyzed for the rest of his life.... He later learned to move around on crutches. ... Savina Ferrari Zarini was a devoted wife and mother. She was an excellent seamstress and made all her own clothing as well as all the clothes for her family of eight. Peter worked as a coal miner in several mines in the area. Peter and Savina's children who survived to adulthood were Mary (Biella), Rachel or Rachael (Ferrari), Edyth, Ernestina (Michela), Silvio, Esterena (Lepenske, Campbell), Ernest, and Hazel (Harris). Edyth died of the flu in 1918. Silvio moved to California; he died in 1938. All of the other children, as adults, lived in the Jefferson Place addition in or near their parents' home at some point, some for decades. The 1910 census records show the Zarinis living on La Farge near Spruce, which is an accurate description of the location of 804 La Farge, with eight children. Directories from the 1910s also show that family at this location. In 1920, the Zarinis are also shown as living on La Farge near Spruce with five of their children. In the 1920s, their son Ernest is also listed as a resident of 804 La Farge in directories. In the 1930s, a number of different Zarini family members lived at 804 La Farge. In 1930, the Zarinis are living on La Farge with their son, Ernest, and their grandchildren, Evelyn and Dennis Lepenske. Directories indicate that in 1930, son Silvio was also a resident of 804 La Farge, as were daughter Rachel Ferrari and her husband, Angelo. Grandchildren may have also been residents, but would not have appeared in the directory. In 1935, the household included daughter Esterena Lepenske, who had recently divorced from her husband, as well as Peter and Savina and their son, Ernest. The Zarini family history described in "Harris Genealogy 2003" describes typical Zarini family activities in Jefferson Place during this period: Most of their social life centered around their families. Sunday afternoons were often spent singing old songs and visiting old friends. Often times the neighbors gathered in one yard or house and drank wine or beer. During afternoons the ladies would visit each other, bringing along their fancy work which they did as they visited. Since there were different dialects spoken in certain sections of each country, many times language became a barrier and people only visited with others who came from the same part of Italy from which they did. The children played games in the streets in the evening — games such as "Run sheep run", "Kick the can", "Pies", and "May I" were among the favorites. At eight o'clock each evening the night police officer rang the bell which was housed in the town hall and that was the signal for all children to head for their homes.... Another good time for the family was the fall when they all assembled to make sausage and do the canning. Peter always listened to the radio and kept informed of current world events. ...Peter was [a] strong and loyal supporter of the United Mine Workers Union and a staunch admirer of John L. Lewis. Savina Zarini died in 1942 and Peter Zarini died in 1947. Upon the death of Peter Zarini in 1947, Esterena "Rena" Lepenske, who remarried to Argyle Campbell, ended up being the owner of this property and her siblings transferred their interests in the property to her. Rena (1904-1977) and Argyle (1909-1983) Campbell lived at 804 La Farge for several more decades. Rena is remembered as having assisted in the births of many babies. Argyle worked as a machinist and was an active member of the Louisville Rod & Gun Club. Directories from the 1950s indicate that they lived at the rear of the house during that period. In 1956, the residents of the front of 804 La Farge were Rena's niece, Joan Harris Angell and her husband, Otis (Joan's mother, Hazel Zarini Harris, lived next door at 801 Spruce). The house at 804 La Farge went by two other addresses over the years. Besides the old address of 305 La Farge, it was also referred to in the 1940 directory as 806 La Farge. (The 1940 directory also referred to 800 La Farge as 802, and referred to 808 La Farge as 810.) 3