[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E375]]



            PORTUGUESE INSTRUCTIVE SOCIAL CLUB INCORPORATED

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                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 2002

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 80th 
anniversary of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club Incorporated 
(PISC). The Club commemorated this important milestone on Saturday, 
March 16, 2002.
  In the early 1900's, Portuguese immigrants started making Elizabeth, 
New Jersey their new home. The Portuguese Instructive Social Club was 
born out of pride for the founder's heritage, and as a way to preserve 
Portuguese culture, language, and traditions. The Club provided a 
support structure to help immigrants adjust to American culture, the 
English language, and a new way of life.
  The Club became a reality thanks to the dynamic leadership of Amadeu 
Correia and a group of fellow Portuguese immigrants. Officially founded 
on March 18, 1922, the Portuguese Instructive Social Club became the 
center of the Portuguese community in Elizabeth. The Club was first 
located at 131 Pine Street, later moved to 131 Third Street, and today 
is located at Routes 1-9 and Portugal Grove Street in Elizabeth, New 
Jersey.
  Over time, the Portuguese-American community has grown considerably, 
and with its growth, the Club began offering more activities to its 
members. By 1925, the Club included a drama group, an orchestra, and a 
soccer team. Ten years later, on January 20, 1935, a new group emerged, 
the ``Ladies Auxiliary of the Portuguese Instructive Social Club.'' In 
1935, Amadeu Correia founded the Portuguese School, then known as 
``Escola 1 de Dezembro,'' with a class of about 30 students. Today, the 
school is known as ``Amadeu Correia School,'' with an average of 275 
students. In 1940, the ``Youth of the PISC'' introduced new activities, 
such as bowling, basketball, soccer, and youth dances. On February 7, 
1970, after a major fundraising drive, the new Portuguese Instructive 
Social Club in Elizabeth, New Jersey was inaugurated.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Portuguese 
Instructive Social Club Incorporated for providing 80 years of 
camaraderie and the preservation of Portuguese culture and traditions 
in New Jersey.

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