From Rags to Riches to the Gallows

Everyone loves a rags to riches story.

Emilio Picariello could have served as a role model for fellow immigrants. He came to Canada penniless, with little schooling and the added handicap of speaking English as as second language when visible minorities were relegated to second class citizenship. 

But he didn’t let any of these ‘shortcomings’ hold him down. Beginning as a labourer, he worked his way up to electrician, to owning a grocery store. Upon moving to Fernie, he worked in a macaroni factory, then began making cigars and ice cream.  

When Prohibition arrived in 1917 Emilio, better known as ‘Pic,’ recognized opportunity on a grand scale—rumrunning. Like everything else to which he’d turned his hand, he succeeded. 

This time, however, tragedy awaited him—illegal liquor sales would make him rich, but cost him his life.  

The story of ‘Emperor’ Pic in this week’s BC Chronicles.

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PHOTO:  Emilio Picariello made his fortune, only to lose his life on the gallows. —Wikipedia