Italy did not become a united country until 1871. Prior to this time the country was comprised of cities, villages, provinces, regions---all with their own laws, dialects, customs and currencies. During this time of unification, there was much turmoil, confusion, economic depression and poverty. By the end of the 19th century, more than 5.3 million Italians had emigrated from their homeland in search of a new country, United States of America, which would provide opportunities absent in their native land.
Around this same era, a priest by the name of Father Jachetti had been assigned to the Trenton, New Jersey area to establish a Roman Catholic parish. That parish still exists today on Chestnut Avenue when it was known as Immaculate Conception Church. It recently merged with St. Joachirn's Church and is now known as Our Lady of the Angels Parish.
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Our History
Father Jachetti was a native of Monteleone di Spoleto before arriving in the United States, therefore, it was only natural natives from Monteleone seeking a better life were drawn to the Trenton area where some contact or connection existed. Who knows, if Father Jachetti were assigned to Buffalo, Cleveland or Chicago, the natives of Monteleone would have headed there to settle. Trenton at that time was a major industrial city producing wire rope, pottery, rubber products, etc. which provided abundant job opportunities to immigrants.
In an era prior to Social Security; unemploy¬ment insurance; disability benefits; health care insurance; etc. there existed a need to help fellow paisanos who might meet such a fate, thus the idea was born of creating a benevolent society to address such needs. George Calisti, Angelo and Guilio Pierleonardi are given the credit for the concept and organization of such a challenge.
Natives of Monteleone residing in the Trenton area responded to the call and the need for a formation of the new society. On May 30, 1907 "Societa Mutuo Soccorso Monteleonese Maschile" (Society for the Mutual Aid to Males of Monteleone) was created.
During the last century the "Lodge" (as it was often referred) performed many benevolent, charitable, and humanitarian deeds. Despite present government programs addressing the needs of citizens when laced with -Financial hardships due to health, accidents, or death, the Society continues to exist as providing supplemental income to those affected. Even more important, the Society seeks to "keep alive" its heritage and culture by recruiting new members whose male ancestors have roots from Monteleone di Spoleto. Many members, past and present, have visited our ancestral home in Italy and on occasions have hosted present residents from the village visiting the Trenton area.
Our present enrollment consists of over 50 members. The majority of our members still reside in the Mercer County area; however, we do have a presence in California, Virginia, Nevada and Florida. Over the last 100 years, members' sons, grandsons, and great grandsons have been main streamed into the American lifestyle, but never forgetting their roots. Past and present mem¬bers have made their mark on society. Presently the Society is proudly represented by men in the professions of medicine, education, accounting, banking, engineering, administration, government service, and other professions including tradesmen and business owners.
The Society presently celebrates two annual events - a Christmas dinner and Memorial Day Celebration commemorating its anniversary. Regular meetings are held bi-monthly at the Hamilton Township Library.
