Many of the societies rented storefronts for use as a clubhouse. This must have been a major accomplishment — providing a physical space in which the business of the organization could be carried out. But equally important, a place for men to socialize and share ideas and comment on the state of affairs.

Not many immigrants were overtly political, but many had opinions regarding current events both here and in Italy, and upon gaining citizenship and the voting franchise, many were developing a keener interest in local issues. But the conversations were usually confined to such places that didn’t offer concern regarding the participants — the clubhouse was one such place.