200@200 : March - Peopling the Community
Date:
c. 1927
Title:
Sons of Italy Silk Banner
Description:
Sons of Italy Silk Banner
Following the unification of Italy in the mid nineteenth century, many Italians chose to relocate instead of facing the political unrest and increasing economic hardships in southern Italy. During the peak of Italian immigration, nearly four million people came to the United States. Though many settled in northeastern cities like New York, several families chose to settle in other places around the country.

The Sons of Italy, a fraternal order created to assist Italian immigrants in America, established a branch in Fort Wayne in 1927. The group was instrumental in helping new residents get settled in Fort Wayne. Unlike many other social groups, Sons of Italy opened membership to whole families instead of only adult men. In this way, the group could provide not only assistance to new immigrants, but also an opportunity to form a community as well. The banner belonged to Columbus Lodge No. 1446 Order of Sons of Italy in America. The group was active until the 1990s.
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Sons of Italy Columbus Lodge BannerSons of Italy Columbus Lodge Banner