Algonac Asset Award 2019

Thank you for the honor of the Algonac Asset Award for individuals who are out there making the world a better place and representing Algonac along the way. On behalf of my family, both living and dead, I express appreciation.

The City of Algonac is an asset to me. The City of Algonac is an asset to me.

Literally, without Algonac I would not have been conceived. History…International…National…and local events beginning in 1898 lead to my birth. The United States of America ordered Angelo Andino out of Ohio to Michigan. A Noncommissioned Naval Officer, he was stationed at Chris Craft. He and Commissioned Officer Mallon taught the other Navy military men to compensate compasses and to build landing craft for Normandy Beach.

Angelo was the son of Italians who immigrated to Ellis Island when Europe was in ferment and WWI provocations arose. They settled with their sponsors in Youngstown Ohio.

In Algonac, Angelo met Vera Polito, whose people also immigrated from Italy because of WWII issues. They landed at Ellis Island, settled with their sponsors in NYC, moved to Detroit, and finally to the village of Algonac.In his Navy dress uniform, Angelo married Vera in 1944.

The world was at war. Food stuffs and other basic commodities were rationed.

Citizens of the Village of Algonac shared their rations with the bride and groom. Those wedding gifts enabled Vera’s mother to cook and serve Italian wedding dishes at the receptions in their home. Citizens helped family and friends to cook and bake. They learned Italian traditional recipes. Rations as wedding gifts enabled Angelo’s family to buy gas and tires with which to drive from Youngstown to Algonac. Friends and neighbors moved in together and invited out of town guests to stay in their homes.

Some would say that “I am a product of Chris Craft.”

While the “Greatest generation” was making the world a better place those born to beleaguered Italian immigrants were also making a place for me in this world. Some would say that “I am a product of Chris Craft.” Without Algonac, I would not exist.

There was another occasion when friends and neighbors helped our family. They moved in together and invited our out-of-town relatives to stay in their homes for the funeral. Our Dad died young of a sudden heart attack in 1962, leaving my little sister and I fatherless.

Now you know why Algonac is so special to me. I want everyone to enjoy our beautiful city on the St Clair River. My family saga consists of local history coupled with national, and international memoir. That’s what makes the City of Algonac an asset to me.