Local author celebrates Italian American history
Trending
MARTINS FERRY -- Local author Blake Milella Caputi is celebrating Italian American history with a new book commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
"The Italians and Their American History in Honor of the United States 250th Birthday" explores the history and heritage of Italian American immigrants and their contributions to the country. The independently published book recently was released and is available at blakemilellacaputi.net.
Caputi said the idea for the book came during a meeting with the Sons and Daughters of Italy about plans to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.
"I wondered who the first recorded Italian American was, so I Googled it and found out that Cesare Alberti was from the 1600s," Caputi said. "Being very proud of my Italian heritage, I decided to write a book of the Italian immigrants and their role in the history of our country and its 250 years of existence."
The book traces Italian American history from early explorers through modern times and highlights immigrants and their descendants who have contributed to American life. Caputi said she covers a variety of professions, including astronauts, architects, doctors, teachers, inventors and entertainers.
She also honors Italian American military members, particularly those who received the Medal of Honor, and includes stories about celebrities and local residents.
One of the stories Caputi found particularly interesting involves Belmont County's Presutti family, owners of the Ohio Firework Company, which has been a community fixture since 1913. Caputi said the family's connection to fireworks dates back more than 700 years and traces to Guitano Presutti, who she said traveled to China with Marco Polo in 1268 and returned to Italy with knowledge of making fireworks.
Caputi became an author in 2010 with "Where Do I Begin," but said her battle with cancer changed her perspective on life and inspired her to pursue writing and illustrating.
After being diagnosed with a rare form of invasive melanoma, Caputi underwent a two-year battle with cancer that resulted in the amputation of her index finger, partial paralysis of her right arm and the loss of muscle on her right side. At 69 and right-handed, she said she was unsure whether she would still be able to draw and write.
She created the children's book "Jason Finds Happiness" to prove she could still draw, completing the illustrations herself. Proceeds from the book, after printing expenses, are donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for chemotherapy treatments.
Caputi established a fundraiser called Jason's Happiness and said she has raised $9,000 toward a $15,000 goal to fund 10 treatments. She also copyrighted the book so proceeds will continue going to St. Jude in the future.