Kings County
Biographies
F. P. ARMI
Among the comparatively recent additions to the mercantile establishments of Hanford is the Quality bread bakery, established and still operated by F. P. Armi, who is realizing a gratifying success in his enterprise. He was born near Venice, Italy, on the 16th day of April, 1895, and received his education in the schools of his native land. At the age of eighteen years he came to the United States and on March 12, 1913, arrived in Hanford, where his brother Frank was then living. His first employment was on a farm, where he worked two days, and then took a job as driver of a bakery wagon for Samuel Adams. He then went to Dinuba and learned the trade of baking in the shop of the Testori bakery. Later he returned to Hanford and for a time was employed at various things until the entry of the United States into the World war, when he promptly enlisted for military service. He was sent to Camp Lewis, Washington, for training, and was assigned to the Three Hundred and Thirty-Eighth Baking Company, as a part of the Eighth Division. He was promoted to corporal and was later sent to Camp Lee, Virginia, and eventually was sent to Camp Kearney, in California, where he received his discharge on January 16, 1919.
Returning to Hanford after leaving the army, Mr. Armi accepted a position as baker in the New French-American Bakery, where he was employed until June, 1924, when he established a baking business of his own. His shop and store are located at No. 327 West Fifth street and he is producing a fine quality of bread and pastry, which he sells at both wholesale and retail. Many of the stores of Hanford are supplied by him and his trade is constantly and steadily increasing in volume.
Mr. Armi was married at Camp Fremont, by the chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, to Miss Amelie Plumel, who was born in Fresno, but reared in Kings county. To them have been born two sons: George and Robert. Mr. Armi is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the Owls, and the American Legion. Genial and accommodating, and painstaking in the quality of his products, he is eminently deserving of the respect accorded him throughout the community.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926.
pp 517-518
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, Jan. 2005
FRANK ARMI
America has for more than a century drained Europe of its best and warmest blood, and the result has been to stimulate our growth and development almost beyond calculation. Among the sons of Italy who have come here and become identified with our life and our institutions is Frank Armi, one of the most successful and respected citizens of Hanford. He was born near Venice, Italy, on the 24th day of January, 1894.
Frank Armi acquired his education in the schools of his native locality. When sixteen years of age he came to the United States, his destination being Hanford, Kings county. For a short time after coming here he was employed on the George McCore ranch, then he went to Goshen Junction and for a year operated a lunch room there. Selling it at the end of that time, he went to the northern part of the state, where he was variously employed for two years. Returning then to Hanford, he was engaged in business here and in Corcoran for four years, followed by three years as local agent for the San Diego Brewing Company. Upon the entry of the United States into the World war Mr. Armi enlisted and spent nine months in the army in the United States. Upon his discharge from military service he returned to Hanford and for a time was in the trucking business. In November, 1921, he bought the business in which he is now engaged, and so successful was he that in the latter part of 1924 he incorporated the business under the name of the Hanford Auto Wrecking Company, Incorporated, of which he is president. The company carries a full line of parts for practically every make of automobile, both new and old, and also carries a large and complete stock of new tires and tubes. It has trucks and trailers for sale and most anything needed in the repair of a motor or car can be found at No. 310 East Sixth street. Five men are constantly employed and the business is showing a steady increase each year.
Mr. Armi was married to Miss Mildred Montz of Fresno, California, and they have one child: Frank, Jr. Mr. Armi gives his political support to the republican party and is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Woodmen of the World and the American Legion. Mr. Armi is deeply interested in the prosperity of Hanford and gives his support to every movement for the betterment of local conditions. He is a man of fine personal qualities, and because of his industry and his upright life he enjoys the confidence and regard of his fellowmen.
History of Tulare County and Kings County, California – Kathleen Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. I, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1926.
pp 582-583
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, Jan. 2005