Izvorni znanstveni članak
Ethnic Entrepreneur: Frank Zotti (1872‒1947): A Croatian Immigrant Success Story
Frances Kraljic Curran
; Department of History, Columbia University, New York, USA
Sažetak
This essay deals with Franjo (Frank) Zotti, a prominent early 20th century Croatian steamship agent, banker, newspaper editor and fraternal leader. His lifetime corresponds with the years of major Yugoslav immigration to the United States, 1900–1914, and continued beyond to World War II. Known as “King of the Croatians” and one of the Croatian communities wealthiest members, Zotti’s influence extended across the American continent and the Atlantic ocean.
Franjo Zotti was born in 1872 on the Dalmatian coast at Kotor. He died in 1947 in California. He lived in the United States for fifty-eight years, fifty-two in the New York metropolitan area. His last six years were spent in Los Angeles, another area of Croatian immigration and a region believed by some to resemble the Dalmatian coast. From the time of his arrival in New York City in 1889 until his death Zotti was an active political and business figure. His life serves as a testimony of American social mobility and its excesses.
Zotti’s activities brought him personal profit, gain and status, but they also brought into focus the Croatian immigrant group and broadcast its identity and existence. In his leadership positions Zotti was both supported and challenged by his fellow countrymen. A diversity of opinion and independent behaviour existed within the Croatian community and the immigrants chose to support those of his activities and views which suited their needs. Franjo Zotti was one of several “mediators” in the adjustment of Croatians to American Life. He personally benefited from his leadership position within the community. He likewise worked to enhance the existence of the Croatian community for power could be exercised through the group.
Ključne riječi
Franjo Zotti; United States of America; immigrants; Croats
Hrčak ID:
127985
URI
Datum izdavanja:
28.4.1989.
Posjeta: 1.504 *