HR1359 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1359 LRB095 21557 KXB 51406 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize milestone events in the history of organizations in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, It has come to our attention that the St. Ambrogio Mutual Benefit Society of Rockford is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year; this social organization began at a club at 802 Montague Street in Rockford on May 1, 1918; today, the St. Ambrogio Club is the last remaining Italian social club in south Rockford of many that existed there years ago; and

WHEREAS, Immigrants from Ferentino, Italy, an ancient hill town founded in 4 B.C. southeast of Rome, organized the St. Ambrogio Society for fellowship and assimilation assistance in a new land that was often unwelcoming to them; the "Americanization Hall", previously housed at St. Anthony of Padua Church, was moved to the front of the St. Ambrogio Society Club in the 1920s; the hall functioned as a school for the early Italian immigrants of Rockford to instruct them on the English language and American culture and customs; accordingly, the club and hall are important parts of Rockford's history and south Rockford landmarks; and

WHEREAS, The St. Ambrogio Club took its name in honor of the revered and martyred saint of Ferentino, Italy; so important is St. Ambrogio to Ferentino's history that he is codified in its municipal laws and two official annual city holiday feasts with elaborate processions and fanfare commemorate him; the St. Ambrogio Club of Rockford likewise honors him with its annual festivities in August; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of the long-standing and enduring ties that have existed between the people of Ferentino, Italy and Rockford, Illinois, the two cities officially joined together as Sister Cities on May 15, 2006; and

WHEREAS, The St. Ambrogio stands today as a vibrant social club, with weekly fish frys, lunches, special events, meetings, and hundreds of bocce players in summer leagues; with over 300 members ranging from age 16 to over 90 years old and an active ladies' auxiliary, this club is vital to the revitalization of south Rockford; the club welcomes all people and has been a good neighbor and stabilizing influence on the Montague Street neighborhood for 90 years; the club's banquet hall is rented by people from all over the greater Rockford area for their special functions and continues to draw people from throughout the State for its assorted events and festivities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the St. Ambrogio Society on the occasion of its 90th anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the St. Ambrogio Society as an expression of our esteem.