The Way We Were

A section dedicated entirely to Elba Island and the way it was in the past, revisiting memorable historical photos as well as interesting and funny newspaper articles.

In search of Elba's traditions, discovering stories, proverbs and common saying of our grandparents as well as typical traditions of our culture to never forget our origins and the daily sacrifices that were once necessary.

These were the time when the word tourism was still unknown and the houses near the sea had no commercial value, because the saltiness of the sea consumed them; when there were barter used as a currency and  exchange of favors; when the given word counted more than a signed contract, and respect and gratitude were the basis of human relationships.

Days when the farmer during a deserved break was unwrapping a fig leaf with a piece of cheese inside and ate it with pear freshly picked from his orchard. Days when you had to take a donkey to go to Portoferraio from the nearby villages, which sometimes meant  a full day travel.

In this section you will learn about Elba through the stories of our elderly, people of strength and honor who were used to roll up their sleeves and work hard to bring home a piece of bread.

Sometimes going back with the memory can make you think and remember the fortune that this island had thanks to tourism, which has transformed the lifestyle of one of the most beautiful island in the world in few decades.

Advertisement for Miss Italia

Advertisement for Miss Italia

News from Corriere Elbano "Advertisement for Miss Italia"August 16, 1953.

Nicknames

Nicknames

News from Corriere Elbano "Nicknames" 1953

Watered down milk

Watered down milk

News from Corriere Elbano "Watered down milk" 1959.

Fight between sisters

Fight between sisters

News from Corriere Elbano "A fight between sisters" February 23, 1960.

An old fox

An old fox

News from Corriere Elbano "An old fox" of July 28, 1960.

An inexperienced hunter

An inexperienced hunter

News from Corriere Elbano "an inexperienced hunter" September 20, 1960.

Early rally

Early rally

News from Corriere Elbano "Early rally" September 20, 1960.

Who are these millions?

Who are these millions?

News froml Corriere Elbano "Who are these millions" May 5, 1960.

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