Italian Workmen's Club

Italian Workmen's Club The Italian Workmen's Club of Madison is believed to be one of (if not the) oldest active Italian Club in the U.S.A. Mr.

The name given to this society is: "Club Lavoratori Italiani Sicilia", and was incorporated in the year 1915, under the laws of 1891 of the State of Wisconsin.In January 1912, twelve men got together with Paratore to form the local society. They began holding their meetings in a wooden building at the rear of a store operated by Angelo Maisano, 821 Regent Street. Maisano kept the membership money

at his home. He served as an unofficial "depository" for many years before the money was placed in a checking account at a local bank. There were 43 Charter Members from the first year. The present clubhouse at 914 Regent Street was built in 1922. Icke, as ever the benefactor, loaned scoop shovels, tools and other equipment to the club members who worked weekends on construction of the building. With the exception of the steel framework er****on, the entire clubhouse was built by volunteer labor of the membership. Until 1948 the meetings of the society were conducted in Italian; thereafter, the English language was officially used since many of the younger members chose English in preference to their native tongue. A women's auxiliary was organized February 22, 1934. In the earlier years on Columbus Day it was a happy custom of the membership to stage a parade, with the club band leading, from Park & Regent Streets to the Capitol park and back. The band was made up of men who, typical of Italian people, loved music. Heading the band was Tony Piazza who had played in a circus band. Tony Piazza, Sam Piazza and Joe Stassi were the only men who could read music; the rest of the band played by ear. The music emanating from the players never betrayed the lack of formal training. It has been traditional that the Italian-Americans and their families join for a picnic on July 4th every year at Olin Park. During World War II the club was one of the foremost purchasers of U.S. War Bonds, demonstrating the member;s loyalty to America, and the progress they had made in attaining a place in society as "solid Citizens." Over 40 of the club's members served in the Armed Forces during World War II. Many members of Madison's Italian community are now successful businessmen and civic leaders in the city. Their fine homes are found in all sections of the city. But the Italian Workmen's Club remains a symbol of mutual help, inspired by necessity in a strange land in an earlier day. Many less fortunate Italians were helped over financial hurdles through this cooperative venture.

03/08/2026

The Italian Workmen’s Club at International Festival 🇮🇹

Grazie to everyone who stopped by our stand!

International Festival 2026 🇮🇹
03/08/2026

International Festival 2026 🇮🇹

Celebrate Italian culture with us at International Festival! 🇮🇹The Italian Workmen’s Club will be proudly serving tradit...
03/02/2026

Celebrate Italian culture with us at International Festival! 🇮🇹

The Italian Workmen’s Club will be proudly serving traditional favorites at the Overture Center in Madison.

Join us March 7th from 10AM–5PM and stop by our food stand!

🎟 Festa Italia tickets will also be available at a discounted rate!

Founded in 1912 by Italian (Sicilian) immigrants in Madison’s historic Greenbush neighborhood, the Italian Workmen’s Clu...
03/01/2026

Founded in 1912 by Italian (Sicilian) immigrants in Madison’s historic Greenbush neighborhood, the Italian Workmen’s Club began as a mutual aid society supporting fellow Italians in times of need. In 1922, members built the clubhouse that still stands today, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 15, 2025.

For over a century, our mission has remained the same: to preserve and promote Italian heritage, history, culture, language, and community in Madison and beyond.

To learn more about our history and mission, visit the link in our bio. 🇮🇹

🇮🇹 SAVE THE DATE 🇮🇹Festa Italia | May 30th-31stMcKee Farms Park - Fitchburg, WIJoin us for a weekend of Italian food, li...
02/19/2026

🇮🇹 SAVE THE DATE 🇮🇹

Festa Italia | May 30th-31st
McKee Farms Park - Fitchburg, WI

Join us for a weekend of Italian food, live entertainment, culture, and community!

More information coming soon!

Big news! The Italian Workmen's Club building will be officially designated as a National Historic Landmark next week. I...
07/09/2025

Big news! The Italian Workmen's Club building will be officially designated as a National Historic Landmark next week. It has been our gathering place for Italian-American culture and workers' rights advocacy for over 100 years. A commemorative event will be held Tuesday July 15 at 5 p.m., featuring the unveiling of a plaque and light refreshments.

The Italian Workmen's Club building in Madison will be receiving a national recognition next Tuesday.

05/28/2025

If you are looking for a taste of good Italian food, you should check out the Italian festival happening this weekend!

Address

914 Regent Street
Madison, WI
53715

Telephone

+16082581880

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Italian Workmen's Club posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category