Italian Social Clubs
Social clubs are places where Italian-Canadians gather to socialize and celebrate important events such as baptismals, first communions, weddings, and funeral receptions. There are a large variety of clubs such as: mutual aid societies, sports, occupational and professional, religious, and social.
While not all Italians are a member of a club, they do participate in the various activities that the club offers such as: football (soccer), bocce, card games, bicycle races, festivals, and charity fundraising.
There were three major waves of Italian immigration to Canada. The first was from 1870 to 1914. The second from 1920 to 1930, and the third from 1950 to 1970. Most of the Italians who came to Canada were from southern Italy.
Back then there weren't the social agencies now available to welcome newcomers to Canada. Many of the social clubs took up this important role by giving the newcomers a sense of community and by helping:
- teaching them basic English and French language skills
- educating them on the local etiquette and customs
- reading and translating various government and business documents and forms into Italian
- find work
- find a place to stay
- with banking and sending money to family back in the old country
- navigate the immigration system to bring family and relatives to their new country
- finding medical care, if they became sick
- fight social isolation
Decline in Italian Social Clubs
Sadly, there has been a decline in social clubs, not only in Canada but world wide. Demographics are the main culprit. With the decline in immigration from Italy and the aging of the cohort that had immigrated during the fifties and sixties the pool of available members has shrunk. And, the club’s volunteers have aged out. Finding staff that speaks Italian can also be a struggle.
Also, as Italians prospered many moved out of the neighbourhoods where the clubs had been initially established. As the makeup of the neighbourhoods changed it impacted memberships. With inter-marriages, changes in taste and interests many of the subsequent generations didn’t have the same need to join a club like their parents did.
Resources and References
History | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Italian Canadians | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Welcome to Italian-Canadian Narratives Showcase
Video
Italian Canadian Immigration Stories: Then and Now – Italian-Canadian Narratives Showcase