History

In 1882, Italian trackmen arrived to connect the Hoosac Tunnel line in Mechanicville with the D&H railroad in Rotterdam Junction. Often referred to as "birds of passage", they returned home annually with their savings to support their families in poverty-stricken Italy. Despite their temporary stays in America, these workers faithfully observed the customs and traditions of their homeland. It is uplifting to imagine that our city’s early immigrants might have foreseen their descendants—children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren—continuing to cultivate and expand their heritage well into the 21st century, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose that binds generations together.

During World War II, many Italians and Italian-Americans served with distinction in the Armed Forces, with some making the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The postwar era brought a sense of acceptance and tolerance, allowing the ‘feste’ to evolve beyond a simple ethnic observance. This is evident in the various ways the local community accommodated the annual August celebrations. Notably, local businesses began granting their Italian employees a holiday in recognition of the Feast's significance to the immigrant community.

By 1899, the expanding group of immigrants had formed a mutual aid society, inspired by similar organizations in Italy, and held their meetings in a carriage house on William St. behind St. Paul’s Church. A few months later, on July 27, 1900, the Village Minutes noted: “The Italians of the village asked for permission to raise the Italian flag, and it was granted to them.”