Being Italian in ‘the Sault’ : the Verdi Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, 1900-1950

Abstract

This thesis examines the Verdi Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, with particular attention on the treatment its members received due to the internment crisis of the Second World War. The Verdi Lodge played an important social role for the Italian community in the Sault, in addition to its purpose as a mutual aid society. This thesis focuses on the efforts made by the city’s Italian Canadians to be included in civic life, how they were perceived by the rest of the city, and their attempts to maintain a non-partisan sense of normalcy during the Second World War. Through an in-depth examination of the role of civic society in the Italian community, especially during the difficult times of the Second World War, this thesis adds to the historical narrative of Sault Ste. Marie, and of Italian Canadian experiences.