Portuguese Association of Thunder Bay
| Founding Date: | June 13, 1978 |
| Address: | 5480 Mapleward Road Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E2 |
| Telephone: | 807-767-5443 |
PORTUGUESE HERITAGE IN WEST EDGE OF ONTARIO WELL REPRESENTED
Audio Version:
Six hours away from the nearest major urban center (Kenora to the North, Winnipeg to the West, and Sault Ste. Marie to the East), Thunder Bay is a cozy oasis wedged between Lake Superior and a dense forest. The Portuguese community has a visible landmark, in the city’s periphery, which serves its 300 families living here.
At 5480 Mapleward Road, the sign marking the Portuguese Club’s site follows a long strip of grass and dirt leading to the building. Further ahead, the football field leads us to imagine the numerous clashes that were fought here over the years in defense of Portugal’s colours. It’s a story like many others told around the country, but the Portuguese community of Thunder Bay has its unique history to tell.
The 1960s began to see a large influx of Portuguese to the area. They were lumber jacks, they worked the railway and in construction. There was an almost even split between those who hailed from the Azores islands and those who arrived from the mainland. From Madeira, there were only a few.
During the 60s and the 70s, the Portuguese gathered in each other’s homes but the need to create a centre where larger groups could get together quickly became a topic of discussion. José Frade, who became the first president, took the initial step, in 1978. People accepted the idea and the club was formed with headquarters on Spring Street, at the Polish Hall. The association began by promoting two events per year: Christmas and Easter. Board meetings were held in members’ homes.
The folklore dance group and the soccer team were formed at the same time.
The rancho rehearsed at the instructor’s home but was part of the club. It was named Rancho Folclórico do Clube Português de Thunder Bay. Costumes are from Minho and the dances represent various regions of Portugal. The adult group is composed by 7 pairs but there is also a children’s group to preserve the future of folklore in the association.
The soccer team always wore the national team colours. In its history, it has always been a top contender in the city but was never able to clinch the title. Most players are still Portuguese or Luso-Canadians.
There was once a Portuguese school here, but it no longer exists.
The greatest accomplishment of the association occurred in 1992 when it purchased its own property at the cost of $165,000. Money was donated by community members. Some donated, others offered interest-free loans. Between renovations and preparing the grounds surrounding the building, it was a community effort that made it all possible. It took the association just about a decade to pay it all off.
The hall has a capacity for 155 people but the significant involvement of the club’s members has created discussions around building an addition.
| With files from Luso-Ontario Magazine, 2008 |
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