La Torre di Pomodori

Artist: Rita Vali
Title: La Torre di Pomodori
Medium: Ceramics

Producing Community:

The Louisville Historical Museum is located on what was an important cultural cornerstone for the Louisville community. Located on the north end of town, The Jacoe Store was a grocery operated by Italian immigrants Eliseo and Ann Jacoe that carried fresh produce from across Louisville.

One farm that the Jacoes would buy from is the Takemoto Family Farm, established by two Japanese immigrants Shinakichi and Kumakichi Takemoto. Their son Noburo “Nob” Takemoto recalled that twice a week during growing season, they would sell their tomatoes for 80 to 90 cents a flat to the Jacoe Store. Many residents would turn these tomatoes into conserve (a tomato paste) or sauce. By buying from a local farm, the Jacoes facilitated economic and environmental sustainability while also building a strong sense of community.

Italian Gardens:

Growing Italian gardens was one of the ways Italian immigrants in Louisville were able to not only grow their own fresh food but to celebrate their Italian heritage. Typically, home gardens varied based on one’s family heritage. Italian gardens consisted commonly of basil, oregano, tomatoes, peppers, and even grapes! Growing their own gardens and collecting seeds at the end of the season was an easy, effective way for working-class families to save money on produce. Sometimes, the Italian immigrant community would band together to buy truckloads of grapes from California to make their own wine right here in Louisville!

What is your favorite thing to plant in your garden?