Thurber – Italian Hill

Thurber is a former enclave of primarily Northern Italians which peaked in the early 20th century before dissipating in the 1930’s. The immigrants settled in Thurber as there was plentiful work in the coal mining and brick making industries, and while Italians comprised just a quarter of the towns population, they made up over half of its coal miners. The residents of Italian Hill attended mass at St. James Catholic Church, in the area there were dozens of Italian businesses, such as grocery stores and saloons, along with multiple bands led by well known Italian musicians. As the town of Thurber dissipated the Italians dispersed to neighboring towns, states, and back to their home country.