Francesco Maccagno       The Maccagno family (of whom we speak) is originally from Villafalletto, a small agricultural center on the plains of Saluzzese. I

t was formed by Francesco Maccagno, (born in Vottignasco (CN) in January 1872) and Giovanna Gastaldi (born on 08/11/1871 in Villafalletto (CN)).

Contrary to what usually happened at that time, the Maccagno family did not move to Argentina as many other  Piedmont  families did, but preferred North America as an ideal place to find a job and make a fortune.

At the age of twenty (in 1892) Francesco decided to leave for the United States to go to work at the Swall Ranch in Tulare (CA), and then in 1898, returned to Italy to marry Giovanna .

In Italy they ran a restaurant that was called "Cafe Novo."

The restaurant business will always be an anchor for their lives in the USA.

The family of Francesco and Giovanna consisted of four children:

- Caterina (Katherine) born on January 7, 1901;
- A daughter was born in June 1902 - died prematurely;
- Lorenzo (Laurence)  was born in April 1905;
- Giovanni (John) was born on 7 July 1906;
- Alberto Francis (Frank) was born on 22 October 1912.