The beginnings of the Italian-American Civic Association developed its deep roots in this city, appropriately, under a tree more than 80 years ago on West Prospect Street. Four men, three born in Italy and one a first-generation American with Italian parents, shared their enjoyment of conversation and a friendly game of pinochle after toiling at their jobs during the day, gathering under a leafy tree on the lawn of John Doldo Sr., who arrived in Watertown in the summer of 1913 at the age of 16.

Light bulbs were hung from the tree on warm summer evenings as the four, which included a foreman at New York Air Brake and an attorney, exchanged their diverse ideas and concerns for the future late into the evening. All the men had wives and children. They eventually decided that a viable Italian-American organization was needed; one that would foster a brotherhood of its members and advance a better life for them and their descendants.