Columbus Day Has Special Meaning for Area Business

The family that operates Johns-Carabelli Company/Mayfair Memorials takes pride in the founder's role in creating the Columbus Day holiday.

Joseph Carabelli, who started the company in 1879, was a state representative and introduced legislation in 1910 to declare Columbus Day a state holiday. Carabelli said Columbus should be given credit for being convinced that there was land on the other side of the Atlantic to be discovered.

"Some will say that if Christopher Columbus had not discovered this country, somebody else would have," Carabelli wrote in an article published in The Citizen. "But, supposing another hundred years would have elapsed from the date above stated, how would the people of this great, progressive country like to be thrown back a hundred years?"

There are not longer any relatives of Carabelli involved in the Johns-Carabelli Company, but Michael Johns Jr. has been in contact with Carabelli's great-grandson, Donald Williams, and takes pride in Carabelli's accomplishments.

"I think it's terrific. We're really trying to build up that relationship again," Johns said. "He's a large part of how Little Italy developed. He is still considered the father of Little Italy."

The Johns family has been linked with the Carabellis for generations – his grandfather, John I. Johns, started working for the company in 1931. John I. Johns' father-in-law was already working there as a stone carver. The business, now on Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst, was originally located across from Lake View Cemetery.

Johns said the company will have a truck in today's parade with a big picture of Joseph Carabelli.

"We wanted to do something to mark the occasion. It's not like we can have a Columbus Day sale on all headstones," Johns said.

Making the day even more special was the recent honor given to his sister, Monica Johns Montani. Monica, who serves as the company's vice president of design, was recognized on Oct. 3 by the Cleveland Italian American Heritage Committee with its corporate award.

"She was among six people recognized for their unique contributions to the community and how their Italian heritage influenced their life and participation in the community," said Johns, who is active himself as past president of the Rotary Club of Hillcrest-Sunrise.