From the Vittoria Lodge archives, photos from the 1983 annual dinner are now available on the Vittoria Lodge Photo Album page.
Here are a few:
Longtime Vittoria Lodge Member Joe Romitti Passes Away
The Vittoria Lodge extends its sympathy to the family of longtime member Joe Romitti. Joseph John “Joe” Romitti, 88, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, at the Madrid Home.
Joe was born on September 9, 1921 in Zook Spur, Iowa to Virginio and Assunta Milani Romitti. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1946. During this time, he was an interpreter for the Italian Prisoners of War who were sent to various camps throughout the Midwest. On February 7, 1953, Joe married Dora Theresa Pagliai in Madrid, Iowa, and to this union three children were born, John, Mary and Paul.
Joe was employed as a production scheduler with John Deere Co. for nearly 35 years until his retirement. He was a member of the Ankeny Knights of Columbus Council 5038; Vittoria Lodge, Boy Scouts of America, Madrid VFW Post 5060, Madrid Garden Club and the Madrid Historical Society.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Dora Romitti of Madrid, three children, John S. (Kathy) Romitti and Mary C. Romitti both of Madrid and Dr. Paul A. (Roberta) Romitti of Marion, Iowa; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Lily. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.
The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, where a parish scripture service will begin at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, in Madrid, of which he was a member. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, south of Madrid.
Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Malachy’s Catholic Church or the Madrid Public Library.
2009 Polenta Meal
A large group of Vittoria Lodge members and their families met on September 20 to share a polenta meal. Although the polenta production got off to a slow start, there were eventually too many cooks in the kitchen and plenty of polenta toppings and desserts to be served. In the end, everyone enjoyed great food, wonderful conversations, and left with a belly full of warm polenta.
For more photos from the polenta meal, visit the Vittoria Lodge Photo Album page.
As promised, Teresa Caracci is happy to share the recipe for the Lemon Almond Cake that quickly disappeared. See below or click here for an Adobe pdf version for printing.
Lemon Almond Cake
1 package lemon cake mix
1 cup almond paste
1 cup sugar
Mix cake mix according to directions. Mix almond paste and sugar together to a cornmeal consistency. In a greased 9 X 13-inch pan, pour half the cake mix and then half of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Add the rest of the cake mix, and then top with the rest of the almond paste/sugar mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Serve as is.
Teresa buys her almond paste in Pella, but she says that you can buy Solo brand almond paste at most of the groceries in Des Moines.
2009 Corn Feed Photos
The annual Vittoria Lodge Corn Feed was held on August 30, 2009. Although it was a rather cool day for August, the weather didn’t deter a large group from attending. The lodge furnished the hot dogs, brats, beverages, and plenty of Iowa sweet corn, while the attendees brought a variety of side dishes, desserts, and wine.
Thanks to Judy Grant for contributing photos of the event. Click here for the complete photo album.
2006-2008 Annual Dinner Photos
Photos from the 2006 – 2008 Annual Vittoria Lodge Dinner are now available on Picassa online. You may access them by clicking here or on the photos below.
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| 2006 Dinner |
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| 2007 Dinner |
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| 2008 Dinner |
1940 – 1943 American Citizen Newspaper Stories
The following news stories from 1938-1939 appeared in the American Citizen, a Des Moines Italian-American newspaper. Thank you to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa for sharing this resource. The Cultural Center has the entire collection (over 50 years) of the American Citizen on CD – all fully searchable.
If you have photos or additional information concerning these events that you would like to share, please leave a comment below.
March 22, 1940: Italian Lodge Plans Spring Carnival Here
March 29, 1940: Vittoria Lodge to Name Queen Sunday
April 5, 1940: Viking Band Draws Record Crowd Here for Vittoria Dance
June 7, 1940: Snoopin Around the Fort
June 14, 1940: Snoopin Around the Fort
June 21, 1940: LaVittoria Elect New Officers, Hold Dinner in Des Moines
August 23, 1940: LaVittoria Society Holds Dance Sunday
September 13, 1940: LaVittoria Society Announces Officers
October 18, 1940: Mystic, Madrid Men Attend October 12 Event
February 14, 1941: Vittoria Lodge Holds Carnival
August 29, 1941: La Vittoria Italiana Picnic Draws Crowd
September 12, 1941: Farrell Announces Joint Committee to Plan Oct 12 Event
March 27, 1942: Rix Lamberti Dead at 58
October 1, 1943: Columbus Day Program, Banquet Planned by Club
1938 – 1939 American Citizen Newspaper Stories
The following news stories from 1938-1939 appeared in the American Citizen, a Des Moines Italian-American newspaper. Thank you to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa for sharing this resource. The Cultural Center has the entire collection (over 50 years) of the American Citizen on CD – all fully searchable.
If you have photos or additional information concerning these events that you would like to share, please leave a comment below.
July 15, 1938: Vittoria Lodge holds annual picnic
August 26, 1938: Vittoria Lodge plans second picnic
September 2, 1938: Report on Vittoria Lodge picnic
September 9, 1938: La Vittoria Italiana Represented on Columbus Memorial Committee
September 9, 1938: Melio Tonini represents Vittoria Lodge on Columbus Memorial Committee
September 9, 1938: Societa Vittoria Italiana sponsors successful dance for Columbus Memorial
September 30, 1938: Another dance given by Vittoria Italiana Lodge
October 7, 1938: Memorial Dedication draws record crowd
October 7, 1938: Columbus Memorial Committee accepts final report
October 7, 1938: Bartolomei Brothers sing at Vittoria Lodge Dance
October 21, 1938: Latest contributions to Memorial Fund given
October 6, 1939: La Vittoria moves headquarters to Des Moines
December 8, 1939: Funeral services held for Angelo Carzoli, member of La Vittoria Italiana
December 8, 1939: La Vittoria Italiana holds successful dance in city
1954 American Citizen Newspaper Stories
The following news stories from 1954 appeared in the American Citizen, a Des Moines Italian-American newspaper. Thank you to the Italian American Cultural Center of Iowa for sharing this resource. The Cultural Center has the entire collection (over 50 years) of the American Citizen on CD – all fully searchable.
If you have photos or additional information concerning these events that you would like to share, please leave a comment below.
April 9, 1954: Last Rites for Roberto Caluzzi, Vittoria Lodge member
May 28, 1954: Funeral Rites for Biagio Fontanini, Vittoria Lodge member
June 18, 1954: Vittoria Lodge to Dedicate New Building
June 25, 1954: Vittoria Lodge Elects Officers, Has New Building
July 2, 1954: Vittoria Lodge to Hold Annual July 4 Dance
July 16, 1954: Many Friends Pay Tribute to Dominic Palandri, Vittoria Lodge Member
October 29, 1954: St. Joseph’s Sponsor Viking Dance at Vittoria Lodge
November 19, 1954: Vittoria Lodge to Hold Dance November 24
November 26, 1954: Mary Stefani to Head Societa Vittoria Auxiliary