High Hopes

It was 1946 and my husband wanted us to buy a business of our own. I had always objected because too many Italian families bought greenhouse businesses. The first thing they would do is build a kitchen in the back of the business. They would have lunch and supper there. The children would go straight from school to work in the greenhouses. The children could never stay for different activities. The children never had an education. After a few years of hard work, they would lose their business and would have to start life all over again. It really was sad. I said I would never let it happen to our family.

Tony talked it over with me and the children. He said to me that three of the children have had their education. He promised he would work hard and he would never lose our business. Tony went to Pennsylvania and Ohio and a few other places that had greenhouses for sale. He would investigate and find out what kind of schools they had and if the town had a Catholic church. Tony couldn't find anything that suited him.

One day a salesman that went around inspecting boilers came to inspect the boilers at Totty's, where Tony was foreman. They talked and the man found out that my husband was looking for a business for himself. The man said he knew of a Mr. Asmus who had his place up for sale in Closter, N.J.

My husband went with a friend to Closter to talk to Mr. Asmus. The price he wanted was too high, but everything was in good condition: 57 acres of land, barns, a three car garage, an old Colonial home with a well in the front. My husband talked to his friend about it. The friend said he would become a silent partner, and go into business with him. That pleased my husband. When the day came to sign the papers, the silent partner said he couldn't swing it and be in business with us.

My husband came home from the bank. He was heartbroken; his dream was shattered. I had been praying to Saint Anthony to guide us to make the right decision. I felt bad for my husband and I believed that Saint Anthony had failed us.