CHISHOLM, Minn. (Northern News Now) – Before 1880, the Iron Range belonged to the Anishinaabe and the Voyageurs. After that, immigrants from Europe started to arrive. Between 1880 and 1920, nearly 14 million Italians emigrated to the United States. Dionella Valentini said in a 2013 interview that many of them were restauranteurs.
“Yes they were, they know how to cook and they know how to eat,” said Dionella.
In 1920, the Tiburzi brothers came to Chisholm from Sarnano, Italy. They bought the Chisholm Cafe and by 1934, it was called Valentini’s. Di married into the family in 1950 and became the ultimate noodle maker. She would keep a close eye on the work of the other Valentinis.
“You do your job right and she’s right there with you but if you do it wrong, she’ll let you know it.” said son Robert Valentini.
Di kept making noodles until she was in her late 80’s. Family estimates she made 11 million feet of them; enough to stretch from Chisholm to LA and back. Before retiring, Di did share her Italian noodle making secrets with the next generation.
“She taught us how to do it, she taught me right away but she wouldn’t let me do it because she said it’s her job until she leaves.” said nephew Paul Marturano.
Di left just days before her 88th birthday in 2013 and knew Valentini’s was in good hands.
“Heavens to Betsy yes, this is my nephew here and he’s got all his kids working here and this will go on for ever and ever.” said Di.
Dionella Valentini passed away not long ago at age 100 and her family’s supper club is indeed still going on.
The Valentini empire now includes a restaurant in Hermantown.
Holding on to History in Chisholm, Dave Anderson, Northern News Now.
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