Photograph of school children, Nelson, BC, 1930s - solo in inglese

Black and white photograph of school children, Nelson, BC, 1930s, in front of their schoolhouse, which is of wood construction. Mary Biollo was the teacher. Mary's brother, David Charles, is one of the students (from the left, second in the top row).

Mary Biollo was raised on the family farm with her five brothers and three sisters in Venice, Alberta. Her father Oliver John Biollo was one of the founders of the community. After his arrest and internment in 1940, Mary also faced an investigation for teaching Italian, and was forced to quit teaching her language classes. She would continue her teaching career, which lasted over 36 years. She passed away in 2012.