Historical Western Springs

Western Springs Fruit Store is an American Success Story

How hard work and determination paid off for a 16-year-old immigrant from Sicily.

In 1899, a 16-year-old boy named August Serio came to the United States from Palermo, Sicily. After working and saving his money, he returned to marry Anna Calderone. But, the Italian Army inducted him, even though he had become a U.S. citizen. Three years later, he was discharged, married Anna, and returned to the U.S.  Initially selling fruit and vegetables door to door in the western suburbs (see first photo), August also started his two sons, Tony and Sam, in the business while they were still in grade school. By the time they were 16, they were working full-time. In 1927, the family opened a fruit store in Western Springs. And, in 1938, they moved the fruit store a block to be closer to the train tracks and other businesses in town.  …

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