Friends of the Italian Hall Records

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS-168

Staff Only

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Records, 1913-1983, of the Friends of the Italian Hall, a non-profit organization located in Calumet, Michigan. Although the group tried to save the building, seeking registration in the Register of National Historic Places, grants from various organizations, and public fundraising, the effort was ultimately unsuccessful and the building was razed in 1984. The group organized a monument and memorial park on the site, dedicated to the victims of the Italian Hall fire in 1913. Includes by-laws, minutes, correspondence, land records, financial records, photographs, newspaper clippings and preservation grant materials as well as an audiocassette and fundraising memorabilia.

Dates

1913-1983
Majority of material found within 1977 - 1983

Language of Material

English

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

The Italian Hall was built in 1908 as the headquarters for one of Calumet's Italian benevolent societies, Societa Mutua Beneficenza Italiana. The society, organized along ethnic lines, encouraged and financially aided immigrants and provided relief to victims of hardship. Following the 1913 Christmas Eve tragedy, the hall continued to be used for nearly five decades. The two-story red brick building was razed in 1984. Through the efforts of the Friends of the Italian Hall and Local 324 of the AFL-CIO, the site of the building became a memorial park, dedicated to the people who lost their lives in 1913.

Extent

0.35 Cubic Feet (1 manuscript box)

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is a historical record of the incorporation and operation of “The Friends of the Italian Hall,” a non-profit organization for the preservation of the Italian Hall building located in Calumet Michigan. Operating from 1977 to 1983, the organization sought donation of the Italian Hall from the building's owner to the City of Calumet, sought registration in the Register of National Historic Places, sought federal grants for restoration of the building, sought public donations, solicited assistance from local labor unions to boost fundraising efforts, and contracted with an architect for the design of a memorial. Although the building was razed in 1984, the group organized a monument and memorial park on the site, dedicated to the victims of the Italian Hall fire in 1913.

Acquisition

The material comprising the Friends of the Italian Hall Records was donated to the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections by Clarence J. Monette on September 15, 1983 and Robin L. Oye on January 9, 1989.