By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – Rockford’s St. Ambrogio Society celebrated its 100th anniversary this month.

A public open house was held May 1 to celebrate the milestone. Club members and their families celebrated at a gala Saturday, May 5, at their clubhouse at 802 Montague St.

The club is the last remaining Italian social club in south Rockford. It was founded May 1, 1918, as a club exclusive to immigrants from Ferentino, Italy, Rockford’s Sister City. The first club meetings were held in homes near St. Anthony of Padua Parish at 1010 Ferguson Street.

The St. Ambrogio Society purchased Americanization Hall, building that originally adjoined the church at 1010 Ferguson Street. The structure was then placed on wooden rollers and pulled by horses to its present location.

Today, the club is open to all people and cultures. It offers a Friday fish fry and pasta nights that are open to the public and a host of activities like bocce leagues and an active ladies auxiliary. R.