Civil war, social unrest, and famine in Europe displaced millions of Europeans in the mid 19th century, driving many to break their ties to the country where they were born and start somewhere new. Santa Clara College and the surrounding area was one place where these immigrants made their new home.
Severino Martinelli came to California when he was 14 years old to work with his father and uncle, who had left Switzerland in the 1850s during a period of famine and civil war. In the 1860’s, Severino became friends with Father Caredda, the prefect of discipline and band director at the young Santa Clara College.
Santa Clara College Band 1860. Martinelli played the horn in the band even though he was not a student. Courtesy of the SCU Archives and Special Collections.
Under Caredda’s tutelage, Severino learned to sing, play the organ, and compose music, even though he was not a student. Mr. Martinelli was a man of many talents; he played the organ and was the cantor at mass. He also served as Head Cook of the college until 1903.
Mr.Martinelli’s listing in the local directory (Husted 1896:663)
Severino Martinelli married Clementina Baccigalupe, another immigrant to Santa Clara in 1876, and he and his family lived near the college on Lexington Street near Lafayette. He died May 2, 1931, far from the place of his birth but close to community built by him and other immigrants who had fled economic troubles and civil unrest in Europe.
Further Information:
The Annals of Santa Clara: College and University (1851-1951) manuscript by Rev. Henry L. Walsh, S.J. Santa Clara University Archives and Special Collections. University records of Mr. Martinelli
The Santa Clara City Library Genealogy Collection Information on European immigration
to Santa Clara
“Auxiliary Bishop confirms Class” The San Francisco Call. May 21, 1906. A contemporary mention of Mr. Martinelli’s contributions to a Catholic service