Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Trucanos and Trojan

Bart Trucano at Spearfish Area Historical Society 3-1-2016
On March 1, 2016, Bart Trucano led over 80 members of the Spearfish Area Historical Society down the "Trucanos and Trojan" path of ancestry and stories.   Bart's great grandfather, Matteo Trucano, left a monastery in Italy as a young man to come to the Illinois coal fields.  His other great grandfather, Peitro Ciuretto, also came from Italy and moved to Terraville to work in the Terraville Mine where he was tragically killed by a blast in 1897.   The next generation, Bartholomeo Trucano and Mary Ciuretto Trucano, stayed away from the mines and became grocers in Lead.  Bartholomeo joined the Christopher Columbus Society, a club that advised and helped immigrants become naturalized.  Bartholomeo's naturalization papers were signed by Sol Starr and in 1915 he registered for the draft for WWI.
Early Day Open Cut Mining Black Hills Area
Trojan, SD approx 1918
Jim Ciuretto and Curt Hoselton delivering groceries

Some facts from the times:
-          A postcard in 1910 cost 1 cent to mail.
-          In 1914, miners who were in ill health went to Hot Springs for health treatments in the spa. 
-          The town of Trojan, west of Lead with a population of about 500, was originally named Greenmont then Portland, then Trojan.
-          In 1907, Homestake Mine changed the work hours for miners from 10 hours a day seven days a week to 8 hours a day seven days a week.  They

offered 6 days a week but the miners wanted to work Sundays.
-          Trojan Mining Co. eventually became Bald Mountain Mining Co.   It employed about 200 people.
-          Cyanide can lids were used around the area as insulation.
Aldo Trucano in center of group of people cross-country skiing in Trojan/Terry Peak Area 1927-1929