Italian-American Civic League records, 1934-1961

The following historical note was written in 1947 by Italian-American Civic League historians, Elsie Rock Murray and Marcel Richeda. This history appeared in the 1947 All-State Italian Day program.

The Salt Lake City Chapter of the National Italian-American League was organized on January 18, 1934, it came as a direct result of a correspondence carried on between Mrs. Joe Merabelle of Salt Lake City and Mr. Antonio R. Rizzuto of Omaha, Nebraska. On June 23, 1934, the Salt Lake group became affiliated with the National Organization which was known as the National Italian-American Civic League.

The Women's National Italian-American Civic League was organized initially as an auxiliary of the men's organization. In June, 1935, it became affiliated with the national group as a separate and distinct league.

In 1940 the name was changed from National Italian-American Civic League to the National Civic League. However in December, 1946, the National Civic League merged with the United National Italian Civic Organization (UNICO). The local chapter became a member of the organization on February 10, 1947 and is now known as the National Civic League, Salt Lake City, Chapter of the United National Italian Civic Organization.

For the first time in League history a real national challenge was met successfully when during the entire period of World War II the Women's League donated its time and efforts towards rehabilitation and recreational programs for veterans of all branches of the service. Huge materials drives were instigated and carried out to supply needed veterans with necessary materials with which to work toward rehabilitation themselves for a worthwhile, useful life against great physical and mental handicaps. Morale problems were met with parties and monthly donations of refreshments. Members of the League made hospitals bags, toilet kits, and various other necessities, which added to the comfort of soldiers, sailors and marines the world over. During the war years the regular Scholarship Award was converted and was known as the Nurses Scholarship Award. As the need for nurses subsided, the League reconverted this fund to a straight scholarship award.

Backing the national government in its attempt to maintain the "American way of living" the buying and selling of War Bonds and Stamps resulted in the League being presented with several citation awards, after its phenomenal success in the 4th bond drive, which in itself netted over $130,000.

The League in cooperation with the Community Chest, Red Cross, Salt Lake County War Chest, Infantile Paralysis Fund, Cancer Society Drive, American Relief for Italy, Milk Fund Drive and Relief for Italy Drive, the League has contributed its part to the success of these civic activities.

Aside from the more serious functions of the League, time is taken out for many entertaining programs. Beginning with the New Year's Dinner Dance, Birthday Party, Founder's Day, All-State Italian Day, and Christmas Party, several picnics and canyon parties are scheduled throughout the year.

For current information regarding the Italian-American Civic League, please refer to their website: italianamericancivicleague.com