Lariccia Discusses Italian Immigrants, ‘Great Coal War’ June 17

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Author Ben Lariccia will discuss his upcoming book, “Coal War in the Mahoning Valley: The origin’s of Greater Youngstown’s Italians,” at Youngstown State University June 17.

The presentation, sponsored by the Youngstown Torch Club, begins at 5:30 in Kilcawley Center. 

“Coal War in the Mahoning Valley,” which was co-authored by Joe Tucciarone, is a comprehensive look at the Great Coal War of 1873, when workers at area coal miners went on strike to protest a proposed 25% pay cut. In response, companies hired Italian immigrants as they arrived in New York, establishing the first Italian communities in the area.

When they arrived to work, the immigrants were declared strikebreakers and attacked by the striking workers. As a young attorney, future president William McKinley represented striking miners after one such clash. 

Lariccia is a contributor to La Gazzetta Italiana newspaper, writing about the history of the Valley’s Italian-American communities. 

For more information or to make a reservation for the program, contact Don Butler at 330 856 5897.

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