Italian-American Society of Ravenna records, 1927-1968

Finding aid

Prepared by E. Timothy Smith, July 20, 1979; Prepared for the Web by Shauntaya Jones, July 1, 1999
1 document case, .33 cubic foot, 11th floor

Acquisitions Information: On May 8, 1978, the Italian-American Society transferred this collection to the American History Research Center at the Kent State University Archives.

Historical Note: The Italian-American Society was created in 1968 as the result of a merger of the Societa' Di Mutuo Soccorso Cristoforo Columbo (Christopher Columbus Mutual Aid Society) and the Portage Italian-American Citizens League. The Christopher Columbus Society was founded in 1927 to aid all its members in case of sickness or other types of emergencies. Membership was open to any Italian or person of Italian descent. Only the Italian language was spoken and written at their meetings. Therefore the minutes of the Christopher Columbus Society are in Italian. The minutes of the Portage Italian-American Citizens League, however, are in English.

Scope and Content: The materials of the Italian-American Society consist mainly of the constitution, membership list, financial records and minutes of the Christopher Columbus Society. All of the materials have been arranged into topical categories and then chronologically. The membership lists are arranged sequentially from 1927 to 1968. The financial records date from 1952 to 1964. The minutes of the Christopher Columbus Society, which are in Italian, cover the years 1950 - 1968 and are arranged in chronological order. Also included in the collection are the minutes of the Portage Italian-American Citizens League from 1953 to 1968.

The contents of this collection would be of interest and value to those involved with the activities of ethnic groups on the local level and to those interested in local history. In addition, the membership lists and other materials provide a valuable source for genealogists, especially since illnesses, deaths, offices held and some activities of individual members are noted.

BOX 1
Folder -- Contents

1. Constitution of the Christopher Columbus Mutual Aid Society (Societa’ Di Mutuo Soccorso Cristoforo Columbo): 1957
2. Membership lists of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1927-1938
3. Membership lists of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1939-1968
4. Financial Records of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1952-1954
5. Financial Records of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1956-1959
6. Financial Records of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1960-1964
7. Minutes of the Christopher Columbus Society: 1950-1968
8. Minutes of the Portage Italian-American Citizens League: 1953-1968
9. Application blanks for the Italian- American Society of Ravenna