C.C.A. Baldi was the embodiment of the “Great American Dream.”
Born in Salernoo, Italy, young Charles Baldi dreamed of going to America. As a teen, he helped his nighbors write letters to relative that had already immigrated to the “New World.” He dreamed of living in America and taking advantage of all the opportunities American had to offer. At 14, that dream became a reality, when he, his father and younger brother arrived in Philadelphia — their new home.
Starting with a humble fruit pushcart, C.C.A. Baldi — his new American moniker — cornered the wholesale and retail market for lemons. He quickly parlayed his profits, using them to secure job contracts with railroads and getting employment for his fellow Italian immigrants. Ever the entrepreneur, Baldi opened a bank at which Italian immigrants could save money and send funds back to Italy. He published an Italian language newspaper. He and his brothers established the C.C.A. Baldi & Brothers, Inc., an anthracite coal supply business.
There was no stopping Baldi and his business ventures. He opened an insurance company, a real estate business, a charity, an Italian interpreter service, even a funeral home. His interest in local Philadelphia politics landed him an appointment to the Philadelphia Board of Education, the very first immigrant to be so named. He served on the board until his death in 1930. In 1974, Philadelphia honored Baldi by naming a new middle school after him. (I attended Baldi Middle School for eighth grade.)
Baldi was the father of five sons and two daughters. Several of his children entered Pennsylvania politics. Chuck Douglas wrote a book about his great-grandfather’s illustrious life. Baldi’s great-granddaughter, Taylor Swift, is arguably the biggest pop star in the world.