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Italian-American Civic League records

 Collection
Identifier: ACCN 2751

Scope and Contents

The Italian-American Civic League records consist of programs from the All-State Italian Day held at Lagoon.

Dates

  • 1934-1961

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Historical Note

The following historical note was written in 1947 by Italian-American Civic League historians, Elsie Rock Murray and Marcel Richeda. This history appeared in the 1947 All-State Italian Day program.

The Salt Lake City Chapter of the National Italian-American League was organized on January 18, 1934, it came as a direct result of a correspondence carried on between Mrs. Joe Merabelle of Salt Lake City and Mr. Antonio R. Rizzuto of Omaha, Nebraska. On June 23, 1934, the Salt Lake group became affiliated with the National Organization which was known as the National Italian-American Civic League.

The Women's National Italian-American Civic League was organized initially as an auxiliary of the men's organization. In June, 1935, it became affiliated with the national group as a separate and distinct league.

In 1940 the name was changed from National Italian-American Civic League to the National Civic League. However in December, 1946, the National Civic League merged with the United National Italian Civic Organization (UNICO). The local chapter became a member of the organization on February 10, 1947 and is now known as the National Civic League, Salt Lake City, Chapter of the United National Italian Civic Organization.

For the first time in League history a real national challenge was met successfully when during the entire period of World War II the Women's League donated its time and efforts towards rehabilitation and recreational programs for veterans of all branches of the service. Huge materials drives were instigated and carried out to supply needed veterans with necessary materials with which to work toward rehabilitation themselves for a worthwhile, useful life against great physical and mental handicaps. Morale problems were met with parties and monthly donations of refreshments. Members of the League made hospitals bags, toilet kits, and various other necessities, which added to the comfort of soldiers, sailors and marines the world over. During the war years the regular Scholarship Award was converted and was known as the Nurses Scholarship Award. As the need for nurses subsided, the League reconverted this fund to a straight scholarship award.

Backing the national government in its attempt to maintain the "American way of living" the buying and selling of War Bonds and Stamps resulted in the League being presented with several citation awards, after its phenomenal success in the 4th bond drive, which in itself netted over $130,000.

The League in cooperation with the Community Chest, Red Cross, Salt Lake County War Chest, Infantile Paralysis Fund, Cancer Society Drive, American Relief for Italy, Milk Fund Drive and Relief for Italy Drive, the League has contributed its part to the success of these civic activities.

Aside from the more serious functions of the League, time is taken out for many entertaining programs. Beginning with the New Year's Dinner Dance, Birthday Party, Founder's Day, All-State Italian Day, and Christmas Party, several picnics and canyon parties are scheduled throughout the year.

For current information regarding the Italian-American Civic League, please refer to their website: italianamericancivicleague.com

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Italian-American Civic League records (1934-1961) consist of programs from the All-State Italian Day held at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, Utah.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Dominic Fratto and Maria Fratto in 2013.

Related Materials

Forms part of the Italian Americans in Utah Archive.

Processing Information

Processed by Betsey Welland in 2014.
Title
Inventory of the Italian-American Civic League records
Author
Finding aid created by Betsey Welland.
Date
2014 (last modified: 2020)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863