The Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office Council has approved a $20,000 grant to complete a historical mapping for the Cape Verdean people in Norwich.

An agreement for historical context was signed between the council and contractor Rachel D. Carley, an architectural historian from Litchfield.

One of the most recent interviews was completed with Alfred H. Gonsalves (Fred) and his sister Judy (Gonsalves) Gomes. They are the children of Cape Verdean stonemason Julius aka “Mocho” Gonsalves and Lydia (Perry). Their parents and sisters Elaine and Jean are deceased.

Fred and Judy, in a recent photograph, are holding a scrapbook which was an 80th birthday gift to “Mocho” from his grandchildren. It holds many memorable photos of his life, stone work and family. Their mother Lydia prided herself on ensuring that all their children had a good education.

After immigrating to the United States from the Cape Verde island of Brava, at the age of 14, Julius Gonsalves worked at many jobs from laboring on his father’s pig farm to a stint as a merchant marine.

After settling in Norwich, Julius was able to find work as a stonemason after borrowing a hammer and stretching the truth about his experience. Little did he know that this would be the beginning of a lifelong career in the construction industry.

He would later own his own masonry company: Julius Gonsalves & Son, a business founded on perfection and pride in which he remained active for the rest of his life as shown in a 1982 photo, where at the age of 73, he was still working full time at the craft he loved.

One of the walls he built is located at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic. Today, Fred still runs the business.

On Jan. 4, 2008, a collaboration among Elanah Sherman of the Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project, the Cape Verdean Santiago Society and Norwich Arts Council hosted an exhibit featuring photographs of masons Julius Gonsalves, Belmiro J. Rodrigues and Jose Santos. Photographs of their elegant stonework were taken by Peter J. Crowley and Richmond Jones.

Sherman stated “The hallmarks of Cape Verdean stonework are respect for the stone and its requirements; intuitive artistry; and a stable and meticulous construction that enables the work to last for years with no need for repair.”

Director of the Otis Library Bob Farwell has graciously invited the foundation to conduct Interviews in their second floor meeting room.

Three to four members, per Cape Verdean family, are invited to be interviewed to share their story. Contact me at (860) 705-3176.

Our foundation wants to ensure that the stories of families’ contributions to the city of Norwich are documented and preserved for years to come.

Roberta J. Vincent lives in New London, where she is president of the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation. She is also member of the Norwich Arts Center Board, NFA Alumni Board and Norwich Lions.

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