В Хадсоне клуб итальянцев «Буонавия» с 1925 года стал символом единства и помог ветеранам получить помещение

HUDSON - In 1925, a group of men of Italian descent formed a club in Hudson. The name "Buonavia Club" was chosen to honor Mr. Vincenzo Buonavia, who arrived in the late 1860s and was the first Italian to settle in Hudson. Buonavia means "good road" or "good going." The first officers were Prino Bonazzoli, president; Orlando Cellucci, secretary; Anthony Borzumato, treasurer; and an executive committee featuring August Bonazzoli, Joseph Farina, and Peter Stevanazzi. The club was organized “for the promotion of good citizenship, literature, arts, sports, and social events.” It started out as a group of Italian-Americans and the club used Italian as its official language. A great number of members were not American citizens. Because of this, Americanization classes were held regularly. Every member was naturalized and became an American citizen. The first meetingplace was upstairs in the Jefts Block. A few years later, the club moved across the street to the old Chase Block. In 1930, construction began on new quarters on Lois Street, today's Palmieri Drive. On June 25, 1931, the building was dedicated with impressive ceremonies and a tremendous celebration. The Buonavia Club became an integral part of the community, participating in various civic celebrations and community projects. The Buonavia Club contributed large sums of money to local and national charities. Past presidents were Prino Bonazzoli, August Bonazzoli, Argeo Cellucci Sr., Romolo Albertini, Luigi Cesario, John Ferrechia, Peter Stevanazzi, and Argeo Cellucci Jr. Many fondly recall the famous Buonavia Club pizza, and playing a few rounds of bocce on the indoor court. The club disbanded in the early 1970s. At that time, the Hudson VFW, located at 5 South Street, purchased the Buonavia Club building and relocated there. This allowed the AmVets to purchase the former VFW building. Both the VFW and the AmVets continue to successfully operate in Hudson, and the VFW continues to serve pizza and other Italian food. The VFW bar is open to members and non-members alike.