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Order Sons of Italy, Old Pueblo Lodge No.2349 of Tucson was granted
a charter on September 2, 1975, when Gabriel A. LaPaglia, Peter C. Russo,
John Vigilante and Michael Vingelli, were given full consent and authority by the
Supreme Lodge to constitute a Regular Subordinate Lodge in Tucson under the title
name of Old Pueblo Lodge No. 2349 of Tucson, Arizona. Meetings are held on the 4th
Thursday of the month at 7 PM at B�nai B�rith Covenant House, 4414 E 2nd St. Contact Charles
Da Leo, (520) 818-0054 for membership information. The Lodge plans various social events through
the year such as picnics, a Columbus Day dinner dance, a Christmas party, brunches, trips to the Casinos in Arizona and Nevada, and tours of Arizona attractions such as Kartchner Caverns.

Order Sons of Italy in America (O.S.I.A.) was grounded in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro in the Little Italy section of New York City. OSIA was established with the purpose of supporting the assimilation of Italian immigrants into American society. Early 20th century OSIA members were interested in enhancing their education, learning skills, finding jobs, preserving their heritage, fighting for their equality in the New World, and establishing a community of friendship. The principles of our Order are Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.

OSIA donates to national and international charities and philanthropies, including the March of Dimes, the American Red Cross, Cooley�s Anemia Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy, Boys Town of Italy, the Children�s Inn at NIH, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Alzheimer�s Research and hundreds of local organizations. Through OSIA philanthropic and social undertakings, we represent the interest of Italian Americans, young and old, as well as professionals in all fields of endeavor. In cooperation with the United States and the Italian governments, OSIA seeks to strengthen trade, business, political and educational opportunities.

The Italian American Club of Tucson, is located at 2537 North Stone Avenue, Phone 623-7154. General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. Activities every Tuesday from 6:30 PM include Billiards, Bocce, Cards and Table Games. There is a monthly newsletter. Spaghetti Dinners open to the public are held various Sundays (September � May) from Noon to 3 PM. Proceeds are used to provide college scholarships to students of Italian descent and to assist deserving youths, of any nationality, in participating in local Parks and Recreational activities. We have an Annual Anniversary Dinner Dance as well as other Holiday Dinner Dances and an Annual Picnic. For Hall Rental: leave a message for DiAnna Sennett. For membership information leave a message for Chris Macri. You need not be Italian to become a member. Visitors are welcome at four meetings before becoming a member.

The Italian-American Club was formed in 1936 and chartered in 1937. The prime mover in the organization of the 30 members was Judge Evo DeConcini. The Club became inactive during the WWW II period and was reactivated in 1947 by Orland Fiandaca and Fred Dragonette, Fiandaca and Dragonette founded the Old Pueblo Saving and Loan Association in 1947, which was patronized by many first and second generation Italians. Also, in 1947, Orland Fiandaca sponsored and hosted Arizona's first Italian American Hour which aired weekly for one hour on KVOA; and lasted for about three years. The exposure and feedback they got from these two events is what prompted them to reactivate the Club in order to establish the growing Italian population to get together. The first meetings were held at the "Allianza Club" which was located on Weat Congress. The first president was Fred Dragonette and the second was Orland Fiandaca. Mr. Fiandaca served for two years.

Because of the growing membership, it was decided to obtain larger meeting rooms and the building at 2537 North Stone was leased, with an option to buy, and was purchased in 1950. The original purpose of ethnic clubs was to help the new immigrants find employment, apply for American Citizenship and in general help them learn about their new environment. Eventually, the Club evolved into a fraternal, social, cultural and community oriented organization, as it is today. In 1975, the club was enlarged and renovated. A rededication was held in December of that year. Participating in the ceremony were Governor Raul Castro, Mayor Lewis Murphy, Judge Evo DeConcicni, County Supervisor San Lena and Dr. Farinelli, Consul General from Italy.

In 1979, the Club Charter was converted to a non-profit organizationunder IRS Section 501 (c) (3). Until 1984, only male members could hold the office of Vice President or President. The bylaws were amended at that time to allow women to hold those offices and also provided that one did not necessarily have to be of Italian descent to apply for membership. The Club is open to membrs each month and General meetings on the third Tuesday from 6:30 to 10:00 pm. Board meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month and General meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. Activities open to the public can be found by calling 520.623.7154 and leaving a message and return phone message.

Sources:
Arizona State Historical Society
David DeConcini; Evo Deconcini's book, "Hey, It's Past 80!"
Arizona State Historical Society
Salvatore Zagona, Sr., Jr.
DeGrazia's Gallery in the Sun

Contributions: The following donors have graciously given to the Tapestry of Tucson Project:
Italian-American Club
Order of the Sons of Italy, Old Pueblo Lodge #2349
Charles and Priscilla DaLeo
Danielle Thu

by: Doris Hobich

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