Collaborative Effort Recognizes Immigrant Families Who Shaped Malletts Bay Agriculture
Vermont Business Magazine The Colchester Historical Society, in partnership with the Vermont Italian Cultural Association (VICA), announced a public celebration to dedicate a new historic marker honoring the legacy and contributions of Italian immigrant families who settled here and built a thriving farming community. The commemoration follows an 18-month effort led by Colchester resident John Devino, with support from the town of Colchester, to recognize the contributions of these families. The dedication ceremony will take place Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m. across the street from the former Brigante’s fruit and vegetable stand at 682 Malletts Bay Avenue. Well-known garden expert Charlie Nardozzi will be the Master of Ceremonies.
The historic marker recognizes the Brigante, Mazza, Lomartire, and Leo families, Italian immigrants and first-generation Vermonters who arrived in the region between 1902 and 1913. Upon settling in the Malletts Bay area, these families cleared more than 500 acres of land to establish what would become one of the largest fruit and vegetable growing regions in Vermont.
“We are very excited and proud to be a part of this celebration to honor these very hard-working families and their wonderful farms with this Vermont Historic Marker," said Bonnie Potter, President of the Colchester Historical Society. "Clearly, they are a very important component of our local heritage and have been feeding us for approximately 125 years. That is an impressive legacy which will now be forever remembered and recognized.
The marker will be unveiled at the event. It reads:
“Agriculture has played a significant role in the history of Colchester and the state of Vermont. From 1902-1913, members of the Brigante, Mazza, Lomartire, and Leo families arrived from Italy and settled in this area of Malletts Bay. They cleared more than 500 acres of land and began farming, eventually establishing one of the largest fruit and vegetable growing areas in Vermont. Their farmstands provided fresh produce for sale to area residents and served as a gathering place for locals to celebrate the arrival of summer. This first-generation of Italian Vermonters and their descendants made significant contributions to the establishment and preservation of Colchester’s rural and agricultural character.”
VICA President Lisa DeNatale said, “We are delighted to honor and celebrate these Italian Americans and their contributions to Vermont. The event marks a significant moment for the town, officially recognizing the families whose work helped shape Colchester’s agricultural heritage.”
The Mazza family, one of the four families honored, remains a cornerstone of the Colchester community. The late Senator Dick Mazza, who owned and operated Dick Mazza's General Store in Malletts Bay for decades, was a prominent figure in the region until his death in 2024. Additionally, Sam Mazza’s Family Farm continues the agricultural tradition today, operating a 350-acre farm, market, and bakery that serves as a gathering place for the community.
The dedication ceremony is open to the public and will include descendants of the families and local officials.
About the Vermont Italian Cultural Association: VICA is dedicated to preserving and promoting Italian culture and heritage in Vermont. Membership is open to anyone interested in Italian culture, arts, language, history, and other aspects of Italian civilization. VICA sponsors a broad range of activities including travel, language groups, art and sculpture presentations, Italian film, opera, food, and bocce events.
vermontitalianculturalassociation.org
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