The document to the left would have been posted throughout the comune of Rende after the massive earthquake that occurred on March 6, 1886. It gives some insight into the devastation that took place there. Below is a translation of this document. To view a larger image of this historical letter, click here.
Although this document is from Rende, damages throughout the province would have been evident. The surrounding towns of Montalto Uffugo, Marano Marchesato, San Fili, Cosenza (the city), San Vincenzo La Costa, San Benedetto Ullano and others would have suffered similar damages as that which occured in Rende.
COMMITTEE Rende, 30th March 1886
FOR THOSE INJURED IN THE EARTHQUAKE OF RENDE
The calamity that hit the unfortunate Comune of Rende, in the Province of Cosenza, is one of those that deserves the attention and the assistance of all it’s fellow-countrymen. This charming town standing a few kilometres from Cosenza the capital of the province, up on a hill among the Apennines, since 1854 tormented by that terrible earthquake that almost ruined the major part of the towns of that Province, and the buildings can now be seen in one way or another put back, that which the course of events on the 6th March at 7.53am was hit by two very strong earthquake shocks that caused the collapse of the major part of the houses and three churches, and leaving among the remaining structures, those that were collapsing and those that were seriously damaged. There is no way to say, how this town that was always so merry and today half ruined, can comfort their disheartened souls and saddened hearts.
It is a distressing scene! … Amid all the depression, there is now a Committee having it’s office in Rende to lead an appeal to the patriotism of all those Italians from wherever they come to help these poor victims, making themselves responsible for all the sums of money that the National Charity wishes to donate to help ease all this misfortune. For this there is the full belief and trust that this prayer in the name of a suffering population will be welcomed.
THE COMMITTEE GIUSEPPE MAGDALONE. President and Treasurer Doctor MARTINO GIUSEPPE GIUSEPPE DE ROSE ACHILLE ARMENTANO Priest GIUSEPPE MONACO MICHELANGELO MONCAVALLO Secretary
I would like to thank Carole at Alpine Settler Translations for her help in obtaining and translating this document on my behalf. You may reach Carole at carole.italy@yahoo.com
