h, many opened their own entrepreneurial businesses - many of which catered to the Italian taste in food, beverages and clothing. An Italian language newspaper, called La Gazetta del Massachusetts, was established at the turn of the century. With more than 5 million Italians arriving before 1900, Boston soon became a major hub for the Italian community, which slowly but surely emerged as a distinct Italian-American community with acculturation and the passing of time (Zwingle, 54). Gradually, as they became more comfortable in their new community, a number o0f Italians began moving into positions within city and regional government. The police and fire departments, for example, were seen as highly desirable employers; with political clout came a series of important Italian officials who contributed as well to the growing prestige and influence of the community.
However, as Zwingle (56) commented, these changes were gradual at best; the Italians were, for several decades regarded negatively by the largely Protestant, Anglo Boston community. The Nativist
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