Portuguese Canadian Club of Strathroy
| Founding Date: | 1977 |
| Address: | 375 York Street Strathroy, Ontario N7G 3J2 |
| Telephone: | 519-245-4361 |
| Website: | https://pccstrathroy.com/ |
Brief History
Audio Version:
The Portuguese community of Strathroy began to form during the late 1950s and became significant during the 60s with the arrival of new immigrants to the area. At that time, most families hailed from the mainland. It was before the end of this decade that the Portuguese Canadian Club of Strathroy was formed.
Not surprisingly, it all began with soccer when, in 1968, the Strathroy Portuguese was created. The team managed to survive over the last five decades, first on its own and then associated with the Portuguese Canadian Club.
In 1972, the community evolved with the festivities of the Holy Spirit, held in the town’s sports pavilion. More than 500 people came to eat the sopas. The event was a tremendous success.
In 1973, a committee was formed with people from various regions of Portugal. This committee promoted parties, dances, and religious celebrations. The group began looking for property but it took it close to 3 years to finally purchase a plot of land that could house a centre for the Portuguese who lived in town. At the same time, the first Portuguese café opened in Strathroy but it didn’t last more than one year.
It was in 1976 that the association purchased the much-desired plot of land, of 10-acres in size. On June 29th of the following year, the Portuguese Canadian Club of Strathroy officially opened its doors to the community. Later, the club purchased another 5-acres adjacent to the original property. The club remains at the original location.
The purchase was accomplished with fundraising from previous events, but community involvement was further required to close the deal. Banks, Portuguese immigrants and even other residents of the region helped with the final efforts to raise the necessary funds. The building was constructed by members and supporters. It was a total community effort.
This step became crucial for the cultural and social growth of the community that now had a meeting centre, a corner that could be called Portugal. Strathroy Portuguese Soccer club joined the association and soon other new groups were forming. The rancho and the philharmonic band are two perfect examples of this evolution. The band, created in 1980, dissolved in 1991 to never be resurrected. Folklore also arose in the 1980s but eventually succumbed to extinction at the end of the last century. This group sought to represent all regions of Portugal.
The construction of the hall led to the promotion of many other events, such as the festas populares, dinner and dances, and social and cultural gatherings. Among the memorable initiatives is the creation of a theatre group that performed comedies on the club’s stage. The initiative is still implemented once a year. The creation of a space for the elderly is another novel initiative. At one point, over 50 seniors would gather daily to play games, do arts and crafts, and socialize.
The relationship between the Portuguese community and the other residents of Strathroy is excellent. The club’s headquarters receives an annual fundraiser for the Easter Seals organization, whose funds are for the benefit of children who have suffered amputations or who are unable to move independently. The Children’s Empire, an organization that is also based at the club since 1988, also raises thousands of dollars annually for Strathroy’s neediest families.
These examples and cooperation with the Canadian community have helped the Portuguese Strathroy Club strive in a community that no longer receives many newcomers from Portugal.
| With files from Luso-Ontario Magazine, 2008 |
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