by Jody Valet

People don't realize how many successful businesses were started by Kansas City Italians. I would like to post a picture and story about a KC Italian business every week for #TBT. Please send your photos and stories to me @ jhvalet@aol.com. This week we will start with my family. This is an early photo of Fairyland Park taken around 1925.

Salvatore "Sam" Brancato was born in Campofelice di Fitalia, Sicily. He immigrated to the United States in 1896 and settled in Kansas City, MO. He was a blacksmith by trade and later ventured into the grocery business. In addition to the grocery business he started acquiring real estate in Kansas City soon after his arrival. In 1923 Sam opened Fairyland Park. Fairyland was one of the largest amusement parks in the Midwest and it was owned and operated by the Brancato family from 1923 until its final season in 1977. Fairyland Park is fondly remembered by many Kansas Citians.

Source: Kansas City Italians