by Mark Jacob and Stephan Benzkofer

Monday is Columbus Day, a holiday that Chicago has celebrated with a parade since 1868. Italians have brought a rich culture to the city, along with such luminaries as Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, sportscaster Harry Caray, activist Florence Scala, actors Joe Mantegna and Dennis Farina. And there's much more:

1. Antonio Pasin, who grew up near Venice, immigrated to Chicago after his parents sold their mule to help pay his passage. Once here, Pasin pioneered another type of transportation, creating the Radio Flyer red wagon in the early 1930s. Pasin's company is still based in Chicago, with his grandson Robert as "chief wagon officer."

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Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/