Girl from The Canyon

This is the story of passionate and dynamic individuals who leave their native Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries seeking the American Dream in Northern California. It is the story of four generations of an American family and the significant impact that disease, accidents, electricity, education, and technological changes bring. It is the story of determination and family foremost that a young California farm girl inherits and manifests in her life. A personal tribute from a daughter to her mother.

The dreams of opportunity and land guide young men and women from Italy and Ireland in the latter half of the 19th century to the rural regions of Northern California. Life ending diseases like malaria, the Spanish Flu, and infection and deadly accidents from saw blades and trains cannot halt their families survival and success. The technological advances of the train, the automobile, electricity, and the radio significantly impact the life of these Americans and their descendants. The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the Roaring '20's, the Depression, World War One and World War Two, and the upheaval of the 1960's all set the stage of American life. Education becomes the greatest agent of change for these families. The pinnacle of their journeys is manifest in a young California farm girl, Marilyn Pozzi as her life unfolds in the rapidly changing American 20th century. The roots of her family color her life and lead her along the path to city life in San Francisco.

Patricia Maloney Blake grew up as a "city girl," but was lovingly afforded with "country girl" perspectives and experiences. My love of history and family guided me to share my mother's story. I am a nurse, married with two sons, two daughter in laws, two grandsons, and an awesome extended family. I find great tranquility in writing and exercise.