Echoes From The Attic and Poems, Independence, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Feb. 2001 Typed by Belford Carver Written by by Edna F. Campbell Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ INDY HAS A LONG AREA HISTORY The town of Independence was ready to celebrate its second Little Italy Day. The festival is a tribute to the predominant Italian heritage of its citizens. located about 62 miles north of New Orleans, Independence was settled over 150 years ago by people from Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama. The town was incorporated in 1903. The first mayor was R. D. Manard and R. Calmes was the first marshall. During the early years of the 20th century, there was a mass immigration of Italians from southern Italy. Reportedly they were drawn here by the strawberries. With the increase in population came a rise in industry. Mrs. Prudence Robertson Moore of Independence has compiled historical articles concerning her great-grandfather, Eli Robertson, who settle in Independence area in 1812 before it was Independence. She is a daughter of Thomas Robertson, pioneer landowner and School Board leader. She has watched the growth of the town and the impact made by the Italian people. An old landmark remains as the home of the John Genovese family, one of the first Italian settlers. The Genovese's daughter, Josephine, was the first baby of Italian parents to have been born in Independence. She was later married to Charles Anzalone, state representative and mayor of Independence for 16 years. He was influential in gaining medical scholarships for numerous Italian students. Many Italians have become leaders in business, professions and in politics. One of these is the present mayor, John LaRock, who is a grandson of the John Genoveses, pioneer settlers. Independence is making giant steps in industrial growth. With the endorsement of a bond issue in 1973, a greatthrust in upgrading the city was made. The mayor and City Council worked to improve the service for the citizenry. Kellwood Apparels Plant and National Bedding Company have added jobs and high incomes while giving the town a new outlook on the future. During the past year the police station was moved and is now adjacent to City Hall. Another move for greater efficiency was the installation of a new communications system between police, fire, and emergency service. New police vehicles have been added. (From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, VIII, 1974, by Edna Campbell) (Pic of home)