[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29741]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE MARCHEGIAN SOCIETY OF NEW HAVEN AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 
                           100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to congratulate the Marchegian Society of New Haven as they 
celebrate their centennial anniversary--a remarkable milestone for this 
very special organization.
  Founded in 1909 by 36 men who had come to the United States from the 
Marche Provence of Italy, the Marchegian Society was born out of a 
sense of responsibility to their fellow Marchigianni. They wanted to 
provide financial assistance for their fellow members in the event of 
illness, death, or accidents--not an uncommon occurrence at the turn of 
the century. Though the majority of the Marchigianni came from agrarian 
backgrounds, they were skilled artisans who were family oriented, 
industrious and proud of their work ethic. While they quickly 
assimilated into American society, the Marchegian Society provided them 
with a way to celebrate their shared ancestry, culture, and traditions.
  The original members of the Marchegian Society met in a building at 
the lower end of Minor Street in the Hill section of New Haven, 
Connecticut. In 1923, the society purchased its present home on Cedar 
and Minor Streets. The acquisition allowed the organization to expand 
in size and led to the formation of the Marchegian Club for the 
purposes of social endeavors. In 1924, a group of 132 women founded the 
Societa Femminile Marchegiana which functioned under its own bylaws 
until a fusion pact was passed in 1936 giving the Marchegian Ladies 
Society an equal partnership with the men--an act of equal rights for 
women well before the concept became a national issue.
  The construction of the present building was completed in 1936 and 
the new facility provided an outstanding space which soon became the 
social and cultural center of the community. Minstrels, musical shows, 
bowling contests, card games, bocce tournaments and weekly dances were 
among the many activities and charity events held there. The society 
remained a very progressive organization and continued to care for its 
members, providing sick and death benefits as well as cemetery plots 
for those members who could not afford one. The Marchegian Society 
provided a social and financial safety net for their members and, when 
the nation called on communities to sell war bonds during World War II, 
the society held numerous rallies to support the cause. The pride that 
they have shared, from generation to generation, in their community, 
their work, and their nation--that sense of family--is what has made 
this organization so special and what has enabled it to continue its 
mission for 100. The Marchegian Society is a community treasure.
  Today, as members gather to celebrate, I am honored to have this 
opportunity to stand and extend my sincere congratulations to the 
Marchegian Society on their 100th anniversary. I have no doubt that the 
Marchegian Society will continue to be a source of pride for our 
community and continue in their mission to preserve, protect, and 
celebrate the strong and special traditions of Le Marche.

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