Monday, February 27, 2012

Italian American Sportsman Club, Kuser Road 1961, Hamilton



Italian American Sportsman Club, Kuser Road 1961 Hamilton

From a local Newspaper:

HAMILTON — Ninety years ago, a group of Italian-American men
gathered to talk about an idea for a club where individuals
would celebrate a mutual love of hunting. Ninety years later,
the Italian American Sportsmen’s Club will celebrate its rich
history with a festive affair Oct. 29 at the Stone Terrace on
Kuser Road in Hamilton. “It’s a great place,” said club vice
president Joe Povio, who joined the club 11 years ago. “Clubs
are in a tough place these days, but ours is like a family.”
The organization traces its roots to 1921, when a small group
of men formed the Società dei Cacciatori Italiana, with Luigi
Agrestini as its president. The group first met in Nardi’s
Hall and held social events in buildings like the Padderatz
Hall on Whittaker Avenue in Chambersburg. Povio, who grew up
in Trenton but now lives in Hamilton, has been a part of the
club since his family spent summers swimming at the pool club
when he was a child. Povio, who is also serving as a site
operator for this weekend’s Italian American Festival at
Mercer County Park, is an enthusiastic member of the club,
describing its members as a “bunch of great guys. We’re an
active club, with several events and activities.” The club,
which now has a membership of 300, made the move to Kuser
Road in 1929 after buying more than 60 acres of land on its
current site. The clubhouse, located behind the Stone
Terrace, was built in 1934, and a health club and pool
were later constructed on the premises.

4 comments:

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

I RECALL THE TIME FRANK AGABITI AND I VISITED THE CLUB'S QUARTERS IN FLORIDA TO TAKE PART IN THEIR HUNTING PARTIES. IT WAS A GREAT TRIP I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Mack said...

Hi Ralph:))

I find a Frank Agabiti on 152 Division Street in 1957 if that is the same one:))

RALPH LUCARELLA said...

HI MAC...FRANK AGABITI WAS THE OIGINAL OWNER OF CEDAR GARDENS ON ROUTE 33 IN THE 50'S. REGARDS

Lisa said...

My grandfather and his brother founded the IASC. My mother was an Agabiti. I'd love more information about the club if you have any. Of course, this is now 12 years after your post, so I don't know if you will see this.