Laura
On the Fourth of July in 1929, Eugenio and Attilia Villani arrived in the United States of America. This was the first occasion of importance that would influence who I was to become. My parents emigrated to our country to avoid the conscription of my father into Mussolini’s Fascist army. My father had been to America on two prior occasions and returned to Italy to romance my mother. My grandfather had also come to America to apprentice himself to a shoemaker, to earn sufficient money to allow him to marry my grandmother. My father trained as a stonemason and in marble work. Marble work became his profession. St. Mary’s on the Villanova University campus and Sacred Heart Church in Manoa are my father’s work. My mother was sent to school and upon finishing her basic education was sent to convent school to learn all the skills she needed to make her corredo da sposa (hope chest). She was instructed in cutwork linen, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and all the skills she would need to create a home. Her parents owned land, and they made wine from their own vineyard, honey from my uncle’s bees, olive oil from their olive grove, and tomatoes and other vegetables from their garden. They had pigs, chickens, and lambs, which they slaughtered for meat.
Upon their arrival in the United States, they lived in South Philadelphia, but after they visited paisani in Haverford Township, my mother fell in love. Why was she raising her children in the city when there was this paradise, with homes set on large lawns, trees, and gardens? In 1936, when I was one and my sister Rosalba was 4, we moved to a house in Haverford Township with a large side yard and back yard and a very large open field behind our property. This was the second decision which greatly influenced my life. Rather being raised in an Italian community in South Philadelphia and attending Catholic schools or city public schools, I would be educated in Haverford Township, a white Anglo-Saxon community.
Oakmont School was my elementary school, with Girl Scouts, hockey, and friends becoming my world. History would mark my grade school days with two events: the bombing of Pearl Harbor on a spring-like day, December 7, 1940, and later the Japanese surrender in 1945, with celebrating in the street and the burning in effigy of Japanese prime minister Tojo.
Haverford Junior High was a big world that opened up many new opportunities to me. There was a counselor who became a mentor and in my adult years a friend. Hockey continued to be a love, along with chairing dance committees and working on the school newspaper and yearbook. Haverford High School provided more areas for growth. There were history courses, science courses, and Home Economic courses. Along with this world of learning there was a literary magazine, yearbook, student government, sports and dances, and so much more to enjoy and in which to become active, as well as honor societies for which to strive. I spent my summers playing with the other children on the block, especially with my best friend Janet, who remains a dear friend to this day. Walking to the library, going to “camp” at the elementary school playground, and during high school years taking summer courses for which I did not have room in my regular schedule. At home, we canned the bounty from my parents’ garden.
With the Fall of 1952 came my senior year in high school, and graduation was upon us! I applied to several colleges and received acceptances – but Temple not only accepted me, they were willing to pay for my education. The die was cast and to Temple I went. It was not a first choice, but as I got to know the school I became impressed with the quality of education they offered. The choice of classes was almost more than I could handle. As I chose my major, Psychology, and became familiar with the opportunities offered, I found myself editing the yearbook and involved with Campus Ministry. I had the opportunity to present author Pearl Buck with an award from the university. Alpha Sigma Alpha became my sorority. The Psychology department became a second home to me, and I was given a graduate assistantship as a senior. This gave me a stipend and help with fees that my academic scholarship did not cover. I received my B.A. in June of 1957. I was offered an opportunity to do graduate studies in the department, but it was not to be.
Another decision, which would dictate the direction of my life, took the place of continuing my education. I met Charles Bushar in my Freshman year. We became engaged at Easter 1957, and as my Mother said: “It is time to get married.” We were married on January 4, 1958. Charles was posted to Camp Pendleton in California, and that became home for the following four years. Our first child, Lauretta Marie, was born on December 8, 1958, in La Jolla, California.
My life as an officer’s wife was good, but there were hours that needed to be filled. I had sewn most of my clothes since seventh grade. I sewed drapes for our apartment and clothes for Lauri and myself. The elementary school in “officer’s country,” which was part of the public school system, was advertising for a fourth grade teacher. Charles asked why I did not consider applying for the position. I had no background in education, but despite this I was offered the job. I taught fourth grade, and it was a grand year. Our time in California was a good start to our marriage. I was very close to my family, and Charles and I had to learn to support one another.
We returned home in the summer of 1960 and bought a home in Haverford Township. Our second daughter, Stephanie Ann, was born August 1, 1962. I returned to Temple to complete the master’s program in education that I had started prior to being married. I took classes at night and my folks would take care of Lauri and Stephanie. We welcomed Danielle Eugenia into the family on June 18, 1965. I graduated from Temple with a M. Ed. in February 1966.
All the things a young mother does occupied my time. Sewing the children’s clothes and my own dresses, keeping a home, cooking, and time with family and friends. I found myself attempting to find something of interest that used my education. I obtained a position working part time for Delaware County Service for Children and Youth. I was responsible for the psychological evaluations of the children under their care. I did this for ten years.
Once the children were settled in school and Charles was established in his career, I thought it was time for me to work full time. I decided I would like to become a guidance counselor. I received an offer of a graduate assistantship to Villanova University in their Education Department. It was an offer I could not refuse. I started full time at Villanova and received my M.A. in June 1976, with certifications in Guidance Grades 1-12 and School Social Work. Upper Darby School District offered me a position as a counselor. During the 23 years I worked at Upper Darby, I held the position of counselor, and at various times I worked as a Social Worker and ESL teacher. It was an incredible experience, and I loved every minute of the time I spent in the district. I have maintained my involvement with the district to this day. I have been a member of Mendenhall-Tyson Scholarship Foundation for 32 years. For 12 years, I was Chair of the Upper Darby Scholarship program that gives scholarships to graduating seniors.
Charles and I also own The Historic Towne of Smithville, in New Jersey. We bought it in January 1997. It had once been a popular destination on the Jersey Shore. At the time of purchase it was literally a ghost town, with only the office building and six shops occupied. In its heyday there were 35 boutique retail shops, two restaurants, and two large festivals. However, that was then, and today I can say: Smithville is back! The Smithville Inn which dates back to 1787 has regained its stature as one of South Jersey’s premier eateries. All the shops are occupied, and our festivals draw patrons from across the Tri-State area. All the partners take an active part in the day-to-day operations of the Towne. You can get a tour of the Towne on our website: www.historicsmithvillenj.com
In addition to my involvement with Smithville, I am part of a small group of ladies that holds a monthly tea for cancer patients in the Philadelphia area at AstraZeneca Hope Lodge. In addition, I am a member of a book group, Aged to Perfection… Charming and Cantankerous. Charles and I are involved with ADROP, an agency that services the underserved in the city and in our church community. After I retired, I also joined the Main Line YMCA, and became a member of the board in 1998. The Y is the best gift to give yourself!
Our lives have been blessed.
Upon their arrival in the United States, they lived in South Philadelphia, but after they visited paisani in Haverford Township, my mother fell in love. Why was she raising her children in the city when there was this paradise, with homes set on large lawns, trees, and gardens? In 1936, when I was one and my sister Rosalba was 4, we moved to a house in Haverford Township with a large side yard and back yard and a very large open field behind our property. This was the second decision which greatly influenced my life. Rather being raised in an Italian community in South Philadelphia and attending Catholic schools or city public schools, I would be educated in Haverford Township, a white Anglo-Saxon community.
Oakmont School was my elementary school, with Girl Scouts, hockey, and friends becoming my world. History would mark my grade school days with two events: the bombing of Pearl Harbor on a spring-like day, December 7, 1940, and later the Japanese surrender in 1945, with celebrating in the street and the burning in effigy of Japanese prime minister Tojo.
Haverford Junior High was a big world that opened up many new opportunities to me. There was a counselor who became a mentor and in my adult years a friend. Hockey continued to be a love, along with chairing dance committees and working on the school newspaper and yearbook. Haverford High School provided more areas for growth. There were history courses, science courses, and Home Economic courses. Along with this world of learning there was a literary magazine, yearbook, student government, sports and dances, and so much more to enjoy and in which to become active, as well as honor societies for which to strive. I spent my summers playing with the other children on the block, especially with my best friend Janet, who remains a dear friend to this day. Walking to the library, going to “camp” at the elementary school playground, and during high school years taking summer courses for which I did not have room in my regular schedule. At home, we canned the bounty from my parents’ garden.
With the Fall of 1952 came my senior year in high school, and graduation was upon us! I applied to several colleges and received acceptances – but Temple not only accepted me, they were willing to pay for my education. The die was cast and to Temple I went. It was not a first choice, but as I got to know the school I became impressed with the quality of education they offered. The choice of classes was almost more than I could handle. As I chose my major, Psychology, and became familiar with the opportunities offered, I found myself editing the yearbook and involved with Campus Ministry. I had the opportunity to present author Pearl Buck with an award from the university. Alpha Sigma Alpha became my sorority. The Psychology department became a second home to me, and I was given a graduate assistantship as a senior. This gave me a stipend and help with fees that my academic scholarship did not cover. I received my B.A. in June of 1957. I was offered an opportunity to do graduate studies in the department, but it was not to be.
Another decision, which would dictate the direction of my life, took the place of continuing my education. I met Charles Bushar in my Freshman year. We became engaged at Easter 1957, and as my Mother said: “It is time to get married.” We were married on January 4, 1958. Charles was posted to Camp Pendleton in California, and that became home for the following four years. Our first child, Lauretta Marie, was born on December 8, 1958, in La Jolla, California.
My life as an officer’s wife was good, but there were hours that needed to be filled. I had sewn most of my clothes since seventh grade. I sewed drapes for our apartment and clothes for Lauri and myself. The elementary school in “officer’s country,” which was part of the public school system, was advertising for a fourth grade teacher. Charles asked why I did not consider applying for the position. I had no background in education, but despite this I was offered the job. I taught fourth grade, and it was a grand year. Our time in California was a good start to our marriage. I was very close to my family, and Charles and I had to learn to support one another.
We returned home in the summer of 1960 and bought a home in Haverford Township. Our second daughter, Stephanie Ann, was born August 1, 1962. I returned to Temple to complete the master’s program in education that I had started prior to being married. I took classes at night and my folks would take care of Lauri and Stephanie. We welcomed Danielle Eugenia into the family on June 18, 1965. I graduated from Temple with a M. Ed. in February 1966.
All the things a young mother does occupied my time. Sewing the children’s clothes and my own dresses, keeping a home, cooking, and time with family and friends. I found myself attempting to find something of interest that used my education. I obtained a position working part time for Delaware County Service for Children and Youth. I was responsible for the psychological evaluations of the children under their care. I did this for ten years.
Once the children were settled in school and Charles was established in his career, I thought it was time for me to work full time. I decided I would like to become a guidance counselor. I received an offer of a graduate assistantship to Villanova University in their Education Department. It was an offer I could not refuse. I started full time at Villanova and received my M.A. in June 1976, with certifications in Guidance Grades 1-12 and School Social Work. Upper Darby School District offered me a position as a counselor. During the 23 years I worked at Upper Darby, I held the position of counselor, and at various times I worked as a Social Worker and ESL teacher. It was an incredible experience, and I loved every minute of the time I spent in the district. I have maintained my involvement with the district to this day. I have been a member of Mendenhall-Tyson Scholarship Foundation for 32 years. For 12 years, I was Chair of the Upper Darby Scholarship program that gives scholarships to graduating seniors.
Charles and I also own The Historic Towne of Smithville, in New Jersey. We bought it in January 1997. It had once been a popular destination on the Jersey Shore. At the time of purchase it was literally a ghost town, with only the office building and six shops occupied. In its heyday there were 35 boutique retail shops, two restaurants, and two large festivals. However, that was then, and today I can say: Smithville is back! The Smithville Inn which dates back to 1787 has regained its stature as one of South Jersey’s premier eateries. All the shops are occupied, and our festivals draw patrons from across the Tri-State area. All the partners take an active part in the day-to-day operations of the Towne. You can get a tour of the Towne on our website: www.historicsmithvillenj.com
In addition to my involvement with Smithville, I am part of a small group of ladies that holds a monthly tea for cancer patients in the Philadelphia area at AstraZeneca Hope Lodge. In addition, I am a member of a book group, Aged to Perfection… Charming and Cantankerous. Charles and I are involved with ADROP, an agency that services the underserved in the city and in our church community. After I retired, I also joined the Main Line YMCA, and became a member of the board in 1998. The Y is the best gift to give yourself!
Our lives have been blessed.
