From the archives of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library:
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Since the early 1900s, the Italian community has made up a large percentage of the population of Sault Ste. Marie.
Upon arrival in their new community many Italian immigrants were surprised at the primitive conditions that they found.
Many of these new immigrants settled in the west end, in the area surrounding James Street, so that this area soon became known as ‘Little Italy’.
One of the greatest challenges facing these early Italian immigrants was the language barrier.
Two organizations were created, the Marconi Society and the Sons of Italy Lodge.
he goal of these organizations was to help Italian immigrants fit into the community and provide aid to any of its members.
The Marconi Society officially began on December 14, 1912 when 31 people comprised of steelworkers, paper workers, railroaders, labourers and merchants formed the organization under the name ‘Societa Italiana di Muturo Soccorso Guglielmo Marconi’.
The official name is quite lengthy and it soon became known as simply the Marconi Society.
The Marconi Society was named after Guglielmo Marconi who was an Italian inventor and electrical engineer known for his work in radio transmission and is credited as the inventor of radio.
The logo, “a warm and meaningful handshake”, symbolizes their bond of friendship and unity.
With the inclusion of both the Canadian and Italian flags, the pride in their heritage and their loyalty to their new (adopted) country was reflected.
This organization provided support for the unemployed, sick and families of deceased members as well as promoting the well-being of all labourers.
The first community project for the fledgling organization was to support the newly formed Italian band by supplying funds for uniforms, music and musical instruments.
Members paid dues of $1 a month, but the dues were soon raised to $2 per month in order to deal with the debt that they had incurred.
By the start of the First World War, the Marconi Society had dropped to 20 members but effective membership drives increased their numbers to 60 by 1916.
In 1918 the Marconi Society acquired their first home at 183 James Street which was the centre of the Italian community at the time.
Over the years membership grew, a parcel of land was acquired and in November of 1931 a new hall was built on the site of the current Marconi Hall at 450 Albert Street West.
On July 21, 1938, after three days of celebrations, a monument to Gugleilmo Marconi was unveiled, which presently resides in the lobby of the Marconi Hall.
The organization contributed to the Second World War effort.
In June 1940, they donated an ambulance to the Red Cross to be used in Coventry England.
The Marconi Society received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Red Cross for this significant contribution.
Members that served overseas had their membership fees waived and were supplied with care packages.
Over the years, the Marconi Hall has become well-known for their banquet facilities and great food.
However, throughout the years they have also supported the Sault Concert Band, as well as many sports teams including softball, hockey and soccer.
In addition, a drama group was organized and plays were presented in both English and Italian.
It continued to be the social hub for the Italian community even as they began moving out of ‘Little Italy” and relocating in other parts of the city.
With the formation of the Elettra Marconi Society in 1932, the ladies auxiliary provided some much needed financial assistance and they were able to “burn the mortgage” in 1950 on their 38th anniversary.
By the 1970s, the old Marconi Hall could no longer support the recreational services that the Marconi Society membership needed.
In the following years, a significant fundraising campaign was undertaken and the properties adjacent to the Marconi Hall were purchased, allowing for expansion.
On October 14, 1980 a ground breaking ceremony was held to start construction on the new 36,000 square foot complex.
The new Marconi Hall was designed by Reno Barban and opened on October 15, 1982.
In 2012 the Marconi Society celebrated its 100th anniversary.
They have continued to provide invaluable services not only to the Italian community but to the community as a whole.
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Each week, the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and its Archives provides SooToday readers with a glimpse of the city’s past.
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