Looking back with Val

This photo shows the Clare Brick Kiln c 1950 on the corner of Opie and Jessie Streets, Clare.

The owner, John Gervasi built his home on the opposite corner. This home is still standing.

This area was known as Little Italy because of the number of Italian families living there.

John Gervasi emigrated from Italy and came to Clare in 1938 were he set up the Clare Brick Kiln.

Numerous homes in the mid north are built with his bricks.  

He donated the bricks for St Michael’s Church Hall. 

The Gervasi daughters, Tina and Illa attended St Joseph’s School in Clare.

Illa studied law and was the youngest person at the time to be admitted to the Bar.

She died in 2004 and Tina died in 2012. John Gervasi died in 2005 aged 104, his wife having predeceased him.