Mary Viola, or "Vi", would enjoy a close relationship with her Grandmother, the Irish Matriarch. She would move in with her in 1905, after her parents' experiment with city living had taken its course. Dad was a successful marble cutter and setter for Hilgartner and Sons, making 25.00 a week at the time, and life was good. An opportunity came for even greater income, and William E. decided to move his wife, Mary Catherine, and daughter Vi to New Orleans to take advantage of a special opportunity. His company paid all travel expenses, and he received a raise to 30.00 for relocating, which seemed like a lot of money to a little girl.
Vi left a bit of an autobiography for us. It shares her impressions of a gracious train trip down south, viewing the cotton and peach fields along the way. They found a home quickly when they arrived, and spent time getting to know the city, including the parks and local Catholic Church. Vi also met a Creole friend at the Fourth of July Celebration, and Dad took a photo of them together. Doesn't she look thrilled?
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