Portuguese-Canadian Social Club

History

The Portuguese-Canadian Social Club began in 1971 in a school gym by a group of immigrant families. At first, this group concentrated on organizing dances and events so that families could socialize, share the Portuguese culture, and keep their traditions alive.

In 1979 the club was incorporated as the "Portuguese-Canadian Social Club of Chatham" and shortly after decided to open a facility on Grand Ave East in Chatham. This facility was built by members donating the funds and labour. In 1998 the facility was inaugurated and is still used by the Portuguese and wider Chatham-Kent community today.

Members of the club come from all over Portugal, including the province of Minho in the north, to the Algarve in the south, and people from Acores e Madeira. Portuguese emigrants started to arrive in the Chatham-Kent area in the early 50's, mainly to farms as farm hands. As time passed, many moved into construction, factory work, and self-employment. Many of the second-generation members are working in professional careers, including doctors, lawyers and teachers.

Current Activities

The Club's facility is a full service hall typically used for weddings and corporate events. It is open to the public to rent when not being used by the Portuguese community for their traditional and cultural events such as Sao Martinho, Matanca do Porco, Noite de Folklore, and the Lady of Fatima Festival.

The Portuguese-Canadian Social Club also has a folklore dance group that performs at several events through the year, around Southwestern Ontario. The group welcomes anyone to join, with membership starting as young as five years old. The multi-generational dance group has gone as far as Oshawa to showcase and celebrate their heritage. This dance group celebrates and shares the different cultures of the provinces of Portugal.

The club also runs a Portuguese School on Saturday mornings that teaches children to speak and write the language.