Hi Tony,
My niece, a student at Harvard, found this site and your message while looking into opportunities to study in Italy. (Her father, my brother, Joe Chevarley may also be contacting you.)
My grandfather, Gueseppe Ciavaglia, was from Pofi. He came to the USA in 1901 at the age of 20 and settled in Newton, Massachusetts. My maiden name - Chevarley - is an "americanized" version of his name. We grew up in Newton close to an Italian neighborhood called Nonantum or "the Lake". I believe that quite a few of these folks were also from that same general area. My father and mother visited Pofi in the 1960's and were warmly received, though could not find any relatives. My cousin, Paul Quinlin, visited about a year ago with his family, was also greeted warmly, but again, did not locate any relatives.
I'm hoping that as a resident of Pofi, with all of your connections there, you may be able to turn up some additional information for us.
Again, my grandfather's name was Gueseppe Ciavaglia, from Pofi, born probably around 1881 (I have the exact date somewhere), moved to the US in 1901 at the age of 20. I believe he had at least one brother, maybe named Paul, who visited my father's family in the 40's or 50's then either went back to Italy or settled elsewhere. I'm sorry I don't have more info for you but my grandfather died in 1957 when I was 6, and my father died in 1999. How I wish I had asked more questions!!!
My husband and I have visited Italy twice, but not yet to Pofi. Our son studied in Arezzo for a semester and LOVES Italy as well. I would love to come for the reunion if possible, so please keep me posted. Any further info you can find on the Ciavaglia family would also be appreciated.
Thank you,
Mary Jane (Chevarley) Blaquiere
PS. I will also pass along this site to other realtives who may be interested.
