Westwood Memory Project: Paleteros

In 2002, the Colorado Historical Society (now known as History Colorado) founded the Colorado Italian American Preservation Association (CIAPA). A volunteer organization, CIAPA’s mission is to work collaboratively with the Society and other organizations to develop, support and coordinate projects that preserve, promote and celebrate Italian American culture and heritage. Since 2002, CIAPA has carried out its mission by meeting with people from the Colorado Italian American community, recording their stories and creating an archive of research materials that includes oral histories, photographs, moving images, sound recordings and artifacts. To date, CIAPA has helped the Society acquire over 200 oral histories, 600 artifacts and nearly 6,000 photographs. Since 2002, CIAPA has developed over 4,000 research files, all of which document the history, culture and traditions of Italian American families in Colorado. Find the full record by searching the catalog number (in the title description) at: 5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado…aspx?lang=en-US

Oral history of Eugene C. Smaldone, CIAPA.OH.133

Jack Barber discusses family history in this oral history. 
Family History, Husted, CO. Recorded 12/13/1995

The Bea Roeder Colorado Folk Arts Collection represents materials collected by the Colorado Council on the Arts’ state folklorist Bea Roeder (1941-2003) over a twenty-one year period of time.

This OH is from Series VIII: Collected Oral Histories. See full catalog record in Argus at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal.aspx?lang=en-US&g_AAFC=HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final+%7cObject+%7c%25SsearAtta+%3d+%27dt043%27&d=d

Oral History of Jack Barber, MSS.2450.DT043

This oral history of Greg & Rita Gomez is part of the Museum of Memory's Displaced Aurarians project. It was collected on December 31, 2022 by Frances Torres.

Greg and Rita Gomez Delgado recount their experiences growing up at Auraria. They shared details about their experience at St. Cajetan’s Catholic School, and St. Cajetan’s Catholic Church. Similarly, they tied in the memories of the annual St. Cajetan’s Bazaar, and the smells and food of green chili, tamales, and the queen selected every year.  As well as describing the Ave. Maria clinic and its importance to the community. When the displacement occurred they shared how it changed their world and how they have carried this with them for 50 years ago and felt that day they watched their world fall apart.

“I Am Auraria'' is the culmination of a year-long Museum of Memory project that shares the stories of the hundreds of families who were displaced to make room for the higher education campus that now stands at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal.aspx?lang=en-US&g_AAFC=HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final+%7cObject+%7c%25SsearAtta+%3d+%27greg+and+rita+gomez%27&d=d

Oral History of Greg & Rita Gomez, 2023.96.2

In this oral history, Katherine Peabody discusses traditional Ute folk arts, specifically her beadwork, doll-making, and her shop located at the Four Corners National Monument near Cortez, Colorado. Peabody also talks about creating floral designs that are synonymous with Ute patterns used for leggings.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=aeb43b94-185c-4126-aadd-cea300832ba8

Oral History of Katherine Peabody, MSS.2450.CT026

Vicente Espinoza, a paletero (popsicle vendor) in the Westwood area, was interviewed about his life and work. He shared details about his childhood in Mexico, his various jobs over the years, and his current role as a paletero. Espinoza discussed the joys and challenges of being a paletero, his favorite foods and memories, and the importance of family and hard work. He emphasized the value of perseverance and not giving up on one's dreams, regardless of the type of work. Overall, the interview provided a glimpse into the life and experiences of a hardworking immigrant striving to support himself and stay connected to his roots. The interview took place on October 2, 2024 at Re:vision as part of the Westwood Paletro Memory Project.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=94b25026-4be5-45f2-9263-b33826db63f0

Vicente Espinoza Paletero Oral History

Alvaro, a 63-year-old paletero (popsicle vendor) in Denver, Colorado, shared his life story and experiences. He discussed his childhood in Mexico, his work history as a merchant and security guard, and his decision to become a paletero. Aldo described the challenges and rewards of being a paletero, including the impact of weather and the economy on sales. He also spoke about the importance of honesty, hard work, and family values that were instilled in him by his parents. Aldo expressed his appreciation for the support he has received from the local community and his desire to continue working as a paletero for as long as he is able. The oral history was conducted on October 2, 2024 at Re:vision as part of the Westwood Paletero Memory Project.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=eb08f236-8c43-4a1d-a390-b7cd57a69218

Alvaro Estrada Paletero Oral History

The interview is with Marco Antonio Torres Salazar, a paletero (popsicle vendor) in Westwood, Colorado who is part of the Re:vision program. Marco Antonio discusses his childhood growing up in the countryside, working various jobs, and now selling paletas (popsicles) after suffering a stroke. He talks about the challenges of the job, how he enjoys the work and interacting with kind people, and how he is passionate about getting ahead in life and working hard. Marco Antonio shares memories of his childhood, such as playing with toys like wooden horses and marbles, and the importance of his mother and grandfather in his life. He also discusses the difficulties he faced when first coming to the United States, such as the language barrier, but how things have improved over time. Despite facing hardships, including his children abandoning him, Marco Antonio remains positive and grateful for the support he has received from the community. Overall, the interview provides a detailed look into Marco Antonios life experiences and his perspective as a paletero in Westwood. The interview was recorded on October 2, 2024 at RE:vision as part of the Westwood Paletero Memory Project. 

See the full Argus record at:https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=e1ad7305-bf7a-485e-beba-7ea27a44cbd6

Marco Antonio Torres Salazar Paletero Oral History

This interview is with Jose who discusses his childhood, work history, and life experiences. Jose grew up in a small town in Mexico, attending school until 4th grade before starting work in agriculture. He later spent time in various U.S. States like California, Arizona, and Colorado. Jose has worked a variety of jobs over the years, including construction, hotel work, and currently as a leatherworker, which he enjoys for the daily income. He shares his passion for the work and the challenges he has faced. Jose reflects on his favorite childhood memories, important people in his life, and his dreams and goals, including wanting to build a house for his family in Mexico. He also discusses the cultural differences and difficulties of living in the U.S. As an immigrant. The oral history was recorded on October 2, 2024 at Re:vision as part of the Westwood Paletero Memory Project.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=e0c4f767-a9ba-478b-a524-337fb54f13fc

Jose Nunez Moran Paletro Oral History

The interview covers the life and work experiences of Adrián Buenrostro Vázquez, a 35-year-old paletero (ice cream vendor) from San Luis Potosí, Mexico who has been living in Denver, Colorado since he was a child. Key points include: Adrián discusses his childhood, education, and early work experiences before becoming a paletero. He enjoys his job as a paletero because it allows him to be active, interact with people, and earn a living. Adrián typically works long hours, from around 10 AM to 8 PM, 6 days a week. His favorite hobbies include painting and sports like baseball, hockey, and volleyball.
Adrián's family and their support are the most important things in his life, and he takes pride in being a hardworking and responsible person. The interview was recorded on October 2, 2024 at Re:vision as part of the Westwood Paletero Memory Project.

See the full Argus record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?component=AAFG&record=c4822983-6828-46cf-acf4-686368b26c86

Adrian Buenrostro Vazquez

Ms. Hale talks about how the Ku Klux Klan threatened father to give up job at Pell's fish market in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver.

See the full record at: https://5008.sydneyplus.com/HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final/Portal/Portal.aspx?lang=en-US&g_AACA=HistoryColorado_ArgusNet_Final+%7cObject+%7cSimpleSrch+%3d+%272020.27.3%27&d=d

2020.27.3

Oral history interview of Grace Hale, 2020.27.3

History Colorado creates a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. #historycolorado

Adrian Buenrostro Vazquez

History Colorado

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