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Never Ever Count New York City Out Ever

Part One

Adriana Trigiani

Aug 17, 2021
7

I am a proud Appalachian and always will be, even though I have lived longer in New York City than any other place. As an Appalachian, I had a good radio, and as the local radio stations signed off for the night, soon the airwaves cleared and made it possible to pick up pop stations including WABC out of New York City. I went to sleep listening to bands I might not have heard in Big Stone Gap on WLSD or Norton Virginia WNVA, and that music filled my heart with a yearning to be in the city that never sleeps. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh only solidified that desire. I read it for the first time when I was 11 years old- my pal Annie Noel recommended it because she knew I had thing about New York City. I re-read it so many times, I lost count.

My grandfather Michael A. Trigiani was a garment manufacturer in business with his wife, my grandmother, Viola. They operated the Yolanda Manufacturing Company out of Martins Creek, Pennsylvania. They had a work force of women (and a few men who did the cutting and machines) who made fine silk blouses. They began their mill in 1943 and closed it in 1967. My father went into the same business eventually but moved south where there was a new work force ready to train, who wanted the jobs. Shipments were a big deal- there was a truck company called Overnite that went between New York City and Big Stone Gap to return with the shipments of completed garments. Another time, I promise to get into the factory life, but for now, understand that a navy blue truck with white stars was part of the waft and weave of my childhood and the success or failure of my father’s business.

I own a hat that my father bought me in New York City at Macy’s. It was green velvet, shaped like a triangle, with small velvet leaves sewn on the trim. It tied under my 5-year-old chin with a long green ribbon. I liked it mostly because it came from New York City, as a fashion statement, it made me look like a dancing acorn. The first time we came into the city, my father drove us into mid-town. I remember every detail, the flickering lights in the Lincoln tunnel on the tile bricks, the scent of the exhaust, and the bright sun when we exited the tunnel into the city. A seed was planted back then, by the family business and literature, and it has grown to fruition. I still love this city, I understand it, and if I’m being honest, I need it.

Join Adriana every Tuesday at 6 PM EST for Adriana Ink on Facebook Live, featuring conversations with the world’s greatest authors. Follow along with Adriana on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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7 Comments

  • Ida Holyfield
    NYC is the world's greatest city, far as we're concerned. I was born in Trenton, NJ and my parents loved the city, loved to share stories about going there for shows, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square on New Year's Eve, etc. during the pre- and post …
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    Stephanie Brown
    New York City seems a bit overwhelming to this small town girl. Like Chicago did in 1989. My husband had training there for two weeks. He could walk to his training.. so that left navigation in the big city to me. Which honestly is a nightmare.. so I …
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    Frances Broaddus-Crutchfield
    Although I was older, I LOVED Harriet the Spy. I loved New York City, too. When I moved there, I felt for the first time in my life, that I didn’t have to be like anyone else. All different types of people accepted me, and I loved them.
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  • Nita Wilson
    My first trip to NYC was with Jack Gibbs to visit the World Fair in 1960’s. We did the grand tour of the city. We saw Lisa Minnelli in Flora,The Red Menace. Shopped at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. We ate at the automat, Lindy’s, and Mama Leoni’s were …
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  • Karen Lembo
    Its been so long since i have been to new york city. We used to go on the 4th of july my son Brenton my friend jim and I. It was always an adventure. I want to thank you Adriana for helping remember those good times. And to learn about you and you fami…
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    Cameron Brown
    Again, thank you for sharing your enjoyable and informative essays! You are very much appreciated as your writing/interviewing are anticipated!
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    Vita Veronesi
    I enjoy reading about your family's history. It makes me think of my family stories. Thank you.
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