Dominic DiFiore

San Jose cannery owner.

From Sawyer's History of Santa Clara County, 1922:

"A brief story of the progress and success of Domenico Di Fiore shows what may be done by steady application, industry and well-directed energy. Early in 1874 Salvadore and Emma Di Fiore migrated to California, and there on September 21, 1886, Domenico was born. Salvadore Di Fiore early became interested in ranching, and purchased ten acres on the Stevens Creek road, on which Domenico's cannery is now situated. He developed his place by planting cherry trees, and later he set out peach, prune and walnut trees in his orchard. He still looks after his business affairs, and is part owner in the cannerj'. Mrs. Di Fiore died in 1911, leaving five children, four of whom are now living— Stefana, Mrs. John Burke; Domenico; Carmelita, Mrs. Ed. Murphy, of Monterey, and Emilio, who is associated in business with his brother. Joseph died in 1916, at the age of twenty-five.

"Domenico Di Fiore received his early education in the public schools of San Jose, but it was by actual experience in the world that he gained the most valuable information. At the age of nineteen he became a foreman in the large plant of the California Packing Corporation, where for six years he labored; and having from 1,500 to 2,000 people to look after, he received a valuable training, which served him well when, in 1913, he established his own business, known as the Di Fiore Cannery. When this first venture was undertaken by Mr. Di Fiore and his father, the structure was only 30x60 feet in size; and Domenico assisted in building the plant, and in installing the machinery, and then acted as manager of the plant. In 1915, when the plant was burned down, it was only twenty-one days later that the new cannery was in full operation, built on more modern lines and upon a larger scale. From a force of from fifteen to eighteen employes, when the business was started, to from 200 to 250 in the new plant is something of a jump, and their growth in annual output has increased in proportion, being at present from 80,000 to 100,000 cases annually. As the years pass, improvements are constantly being made to keep pace with the times, and the effect of these advances is apparent in the strepgthening of trade and patronage, as well as reputation for the quality of the output. Domenico Di Fiore acts as the general manager of the cannery, and the entire business depends upon his eflforts. The new plant covers some

"54,000 square feet of space. Mr. Di Fiore packs four standard brands of fruit — the Di Fiore, El Marino, Dominetta, and Cupertino, and he ships his pro- ducts to all parts of the United States and to England; and since he uses only modern machinery, he accomplishes a vast amount of work.

"Mr. Di Fiore's marriage at San Jose in 1917 united him with Miss Maida Cornwell, a native daughter, whose birthplace was HoUister; and in 1920 he erected a modern and up-to-date residence adjacent to his place of business, the dwelling costing about $20,000. He is a member of Fraternity Lodge No. 399, F. & A. M., and San Jose Pyramid No. 9, A. E. O. S., and he is also a member of Garden Citv Lodge No. 142, I. O. O. F., and Encampment No. 11. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the National Canners' League of San Francisco, and the Commercial Club of San Jose. He is vitally interested in all matters relating to the growth and pros- perity of the community in which he resides, and is highly esteemed by all who know him.