The Milford Historical Commission congratulations Charles Paul Collins, author of “The Remembering: Of Leather & Stone.” The recently published book is a historical fictional novel that is heart-warming and historical. You actually feel what it must have been like for a young man to cross the Atlantic Ocean for several weeks to arrive in America.

The residents of Milford are fortunate for the three years Charles spent compiling factual information about his family and Milford for this book. Once again, the history of the town comes alive with all the events that are related so vividly in the book. It is a pleasure to read and it leaves us with a new perspective and appreciation for our early settlers and the historical events that took place in Milford-town.

The book relates stories of Cornelius Collins arriving from Ireland, and Giuseppe Ambrosini, from Italy.

Cornelius Collins came to America to escape the Great Famine in Ireland. He wanted to find a better life here in America and help his family back home by sending them money. Cornelius couldn’t read or write as so many of the Irish were denied the opportunity for an education.

Upon arrival, Cornelius was sent to Milford-town where he got a job in a boot factory on Central Street. He lived in an old barn converted into a bunk-house and ate food that he purchased along with his fellow workers. He was happy, had everything he needed, a job, a place to sleep and food. Milford-town had much to offer. 

The novel is of great importance to the town’s heritage as it offers a look back at the town, in the mid-1850s. Cornelius loved Milford-town, the first St. Mary’s Church on Church Hill Street, as well as the beautiful new granite church, the parks, stores along the Main Street, the parades, the circus, and all the entertainment Milford-town provided.

He fell in love with his sweetheart, Johanna. They were married by Fr. Farrlley, and eventually, lived on Purchase Street where their children attended school in a brick schoolhouse. (The little brick schoolhouse is still standing, built in 1832.)

The second part of the book is “The Stonecutter - G. Ambrosini – Away to America – 1891.”

“This young man was baptized Giuseppe, son Angelo Ambrosini and Luigia Lodi, on January 19, 1866, in Provincia di Como, Lombardia, Italy. When he was 14 his father took him to learn the stone-cutting trade for marble and stone craft. He learned to read and write, study mathematics and architecture.”

Giuseppe wanted to come to America where they were advertising for trained stone cutters.  Milford Pink Granite was known as one of the finest granites in the country. Buildings and monuments were being built everywhere and stone cutters from Lombardia were especially sought after. Giuseppe arrived in New York, greeted by the Statue of Liberty. He first went to Quincy, but soon found a new home in Milford-town, where he worked in the quarries, raised his family, and was an active member of the community.

Charles Paul Collins is a remarkable storyteller with a passion for people and history.

Books are available at Amazon and at the Milford Historical Commission, 30 School Street.

Submitted by the Milford Historical Commission