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Progressive & Modern Era

Christopher Columbus Italian Society Hall

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Constructed by the Christopher Columbus Italian Society in 1927 to complement the San Francesco Di Paoa Catholic Church next door, this building was dedicated in January 1928. Designed by Richard Vander Stratten and built by Luigi L. Guido and Vincezo Falbo, the hall is a fine example of the classial form, with decorative brick work, pilasters, and stone detailing. It serves as the social and cultural center of San Antonio's Italian-American Communty.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Built in 1927 by the Christopher Columbus Italian Society to complement the San Francesco di Paola Catholic Church next door, this hall was dedicated in early 1928 as a gathering place for San Antonio's Italian community. Designed by Richard Vander Stratten and constructed by Luigi L. Guido and Vincenzo Falbo, it is a refined example of classical form, with decorative brickwork, pilasters, and stone detailing. It has long served as the social and cultural center of the city's Italian Americans.

Why it matters

The hall stands for the mutual-aid societies through which Italian and other immigrant communities preserved their heritage and found footing in American cities.

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Related people

  • · Richard Vander Stratten
  • · Luigi L. Guido
  • · Vincenzo Falbo

Themes & tags

ImmigrationLandmark

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