Our Formation
The story of the Oratinese Society began in the early 1920s, when many people migrated to America — and often settled in and around Cleveland, Ohio — from the village of Oratino, Italy, in the province of Campobasso. Seeking freedom and better economic opportunities, they took any work that was available, much of it backbreaking and dangerous.
A group of these immigrants met informally in May 1924, at the Alta House (pictured left) in Cleveland, with the idea of organizing a society to provide mutual assistance to its members if they became ill or disabled and, in the event of death, to assist their families.
Three months later, on August 3, 1924, with 46 members present, a constitution was unanimously approved and the name Societa Unione & Fratellanza Oratinese was adopted. The year after they were organized the Society was recognized by the mayor of Oratino. Along with a letter of commendation, he presented them with a painting of the emblem of Oratino.
Club Beginnings
On its first anniversary, the Society celebrated with a picnic. The response was so great that five buses were chartered to furnish transportation to the picnic grounds. This was so pleasing to them that it became an annual event.
The Great Depression proved to be trying times for everyone, including the Society. Although providing assistance to members was difficult, the Society never faltered when called upon by its members who were in need.
To celebrate its 16th anniversary, the Society held its first banquet at the Willowick Country Club on September 22, 1940. The dinner was prepared by members and their wives, whose culinary skills were developed in Oratino. So pleased were the members with this celebration, it too became an annual event.
With the advent of World War II, the Society saw many of its young men answer the call to the colors. The Society voted to continue their membership and benefits gratis while they served their country. The Society displayed its patriotism by investing a substantial amount of its treasure in U.S. War Bonds. The American Red Cross also benefited from the proceeds of a dance sponsored on April 18, 1942. Throughout the duration of the war, members on active duty were remembered at Christmas with gifts sent to them.
With the end of the war, many of the returning veterans resumed their memberships and eventually began to replace their fathers in positions of leadership in the Society. Membership during those years reached one of its highest points. After the war, a new wave of immigrants from Oratino arrived and added still more members to its roster. Some of these men served as officers through the end of the century.
Post-War Activites
In 1949, the Society celebrated its 25th anniversary with a festive picnic. Festivities included a concert band, games, fireworks and a raffle of a new car — a very scarce item at that time. The gala became one of the Society’s most memorable events.
A membership drive capped the 35th year and resulted in 27 new members.
To celebrate its 40th year, the Society inaugurated the custom of honoring an outstanding member as the Grand Master of the banquet — a tradition that is carried out even to this day.
The 50th anniversary was celebrated in a banquet at Villa de Borally on August 4, 1974. Festivities were opened by a Mass celebrated by the Rev. James Grandillo.
A memorial photo album was introduced at this banquet to honor all deceased members, a tradition followed to this day. In 1989, a booklet was published featuring photographs of all members present at the 65th annual banquet. An honor roll of all deceased members was included.
Oratino’s cultural and artistic heritage was revealed to many Clevelanders on September 2, 1996, at the Alta House in Cleveland. The Society was one of the collaborative sponsors of an exhibition of 17th century examples of paintings and sculptures created by Oratinese artists.
In 1997, the Society liberalized its membership rules and allowed women to become members.
In Recent Years
Now, as then, we look back and take pride in what our ancestors achieved, and we look forward to an even better life for our children.
Continuing the observance of Oratino’s cultural and artistic heritage, the Society was proud to sponsor and help fund the placement of an Ohio historical marker on Random Road in Little Italy. It pays tribute, in English and Italian, to the Italian immigrant stonemasons, most of them from Oratino, who carved some of Cleveland’s most iconic stone works. Most notable among them are the Guardians of Traffic, on the Hope Memorial Bridge, who gave their name to Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team.
In the year of the Society’s centennial, we thank God for all his blessings, and for keeping us strong.
We are proud to be Oratinese and continue this tradition in America.
Information written and edited by: by Dr. Silvio Petti, “with assistance from the nine member banquet committee” and Tom Feran.