Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Carmela Sabilia, better known as “The Peanut Lady” or “Mama Joe,” who emigrated from Italy to Georgetown in 1898. In the 1920s and 30s, one day each week Mrs. Sabilia roasted peanuts over a wood fire and sold them for 10 cents a bag walking a 13-mile round trip from Branchville to Main Street. This 20-year enterprise was undertaken to pay for her son’s college tuition. The other six days she worked in her husband Joe’s store, Sabilia’s Groceries, Fruit & Vegetables, Ice Cream & Candy.
Carmela Sabilia (The Peanut Lady)
Dr. Darla Shaw portrays Carmela Sabilia, better known as "The Peanut Lady" or "Mama Joe," who emigrated from Italy to Georgetown in 1898.
More Posts
History Close to Home – An Archaeologist Takes Students Through Time
September 30, 2024
Ridgefield Historical Society partnered with Ridgefield High School on an innovative new educational program, bringing ancient stone tools from our collection into the classroom, offering students a hands-on exploration of
New Insights into Ridgefield’s Revolutionary War Legacy Shared
September 21, 2024
Keith Marshall Jones III offered fresh perspectives about the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield in this captivating lecture.
Seeking Proposals for Battle of Ridgefield Archaeology Project
September 17, 2024
The Ridgefield Historical Society seeks to contract with a professional cultural resource management firm to carry out the objectives of an American Battlefield Protection Program Grant, administered by the National
Historic Preservation Volunteers Needed
September 3, 2024
The Ridgefield Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Committee seeks volunteers to help preserve the character of our town.