L'unione Italiana (Italian Club) - Ybor City Historic District - Tampa, Florida
N 27° 57.612 W 082° 26.362
17R E 358417 N 3093627
One of many historic clubs in the Ybor City district. Has a plaque station on NRHP, but not found on list.
Waymark Code: WM6ZWN
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 08/11/2009
Views: 10
L'unione Italiana (The Italian Club)
The nucleus of Tampas Italian colony arrived from New Orleans and Sicily in 1887. Founded I 1894, the primary purpose of L'Unione Italiana was to promote social and fraternal exchange among its members, and to provide medical benefits and burial expenses for its members. Health care benefits provided by Ybor Citys social clubs represent early examples of Americas health maintenance organizations and one of the oldest examples of cooperative medicine in the country. LUnione Italiana is considered the forerunner of more than 1,400 Italian mutual aid societies founded in the United States. In 1914 fire destroyed the first club hose built on the northwest corner of Seventh Avenue and Eighteenth Street. By 1918 the Society built the present three-story Neoclassical building across 7th Avenue from the original site at a cost of $80,000. The structure embraces the Italo-Greco tradition embodied in the ancient Greek temples found in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Its theatre, ballroom, library and cantina were always beehives of activity. It stands today as a source of pride and commitment to early Italian immigrants.
Sponsors: Historic Tampa/Hillsborough County Preservation Board and the Florida Department of State
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Italian Club Life In Tampa
Tampa's Italians have supported a flourishing club life almost from their first arrival in the 1880's. L'Unione Italiana, the first mutual aid society, was organized in 1894. Initially located directly across the street, the club stood there until fire destroyed it in 1914. The Italian community replaced it with the present structure in 1918.
Centers such as this, La Societa Italia, and the Sons of Italy Lodge, have provided numerous cultural, educational and medical services since their founding and thereby have enhanced the quality of Tampa's life.
Erected by the National Italian American Foundation
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Much like the other nearby clubs it is available for functions--there was one while we were visiting.It has two historic markers on the property, and several other plaques around the entryway.
Name of Historic District (as listed on the NRHP): Ybor City Historic District
Link to nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com page with the Historic District: [Web Link]
NRHP Historic District Waymark (Optional): [Web Link]
Address:
E 7th Ave, Tampa
How did you determine the building to be a contributing structure?: Plaque on building (Photo in gallery)
Optional link to narrative or database: Not listed
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