Hi Carole,

Just a quick update; The letter you so kindly translated for me was sent to Maria Porta on 10 Feb 2009, along with a return envelope and two of your Italian stamps. I have had no response and since almost 2 months has passed, I'm assuming they are not interested. I only write you to confirm that I did send the letter and to thank you once again for your assistance in this matter.

__________________________________
10 February 2009

Sig.a. Maria Porta
Via Monte Rite, 10
32044 Pieve Di Cadore, BL
Italy


Gentile Signora Porta,

Io sto facendo delle ricerche sulle antenati di mio nonno Francesco Romano DeMaso (soprannominato Pitùs) che fu nato a Nebbiù il 29.12.1866. Qui allegato c’e una lettera che ho ricevuto dal Comune Di Pieve Di Cadore 11.11.2008. Come può vedere, loro hanno identificato anche il mio bisnonno Luigi DeMaso e la sua famiglia, e hanno anche fatto cenno a Maria e Francesco Porta dicendo che sono legato da vincoli di parentela con Achille Federico DeMaso, il fratello di Francesco.

Sarei molto interessato se potrò determinare se siamo parenti. Io e il mio marito abbiamo fatto una visita alla zona di Pieve Di Cadore nel 1999. Abbiamo trovato tanti persone con il nome DeMaso in Nebbiù (siamo fermati al piccolo bar in centro), ma nessuno di loro sembravano di essere parenti nostri. Devo dire però, che abbiamo passato una visita meraviglioso,

Se non le disturbo troppo, potrà mandarci qualche informazione su queste fatti di famiglia?

Cordialmente vostro,
__________________________________________

That's a shame Joe. But it does happen. I had exactly the same reaction fom people I wrote to - 'zilch'. Of course if Maria had been elderly or ill, there could be many reasons why you have had no reply . But may be others will know differently, but two months doesn't seem long in the scheme of things...

Wasn't there anyone else you could have written to?

Carole wrote:

That's a shame Joe. But it does happen. I had exactly the same reaction fom people I wrote to - 'zilch'. Of course if Maria had been elderly or ill, there could be many reasons why you have had no reply . But may be others will know differently, but two months doesn't seem long in the scheme of things... Wasn't there anyone else you could have written to?

Yes, there was a Francesco Porta living in the same town, different address. Having visited the place in 1999 - I can say that it is a very tiny village. I'm guessing everyone has probably read the letter by now. I'm afraid to sound pushy in that they may suspect I have ulterior motives. Actually, I'm not certain that I would have responded to a similar letter delivered to my mailbox. Everyone is very security conscious these days.

JoeB wrote:

Carole wrote: That's a shame Joe. But it does happen. I had exactly the same reaction fom people I wrote to - 'zilch'. Of course if Maria had been elderly or ill, there could be many reasons why you have had no reply . But may be others will know differently, but two months doesn't seem long in the scheme of things... Wasn't there anyone else you could have written to? Yes, there was a Francesco Porta living in the same town, different address. Having visited the place in 1999 - I can say that it is a very tiny village. I'm guessing everyone has probably read the letter by now. I'm afraid to sound pushy in that they may suspect I have ulterior motives. Actually, I'm not certain that I would have responded to a similar letter delivered to my mailbox. Everyone is very security conscious these days.

Just a though Joe.... have you thought of sending them a photo of you and your wife now? If they met you before, this may allay their fears/wories.

Great idea. I have a photo taken in the local pub That I can send them. Might help them to recall our visit. See attachment...

I think a photo is a great idea. You have nothing to lose.

nuccia wrote:

I think a photo is a great idea. You have nothing to lose.

Only if Interpol starts searching for the troublesome American from Chicago.

"I'll do it"... Thanks ladies