Flag

Object number99.4.1

Mediumsilk with embroidery in gold bullion

Credit LineGift of Ateleta Beneficial Society

DescriptionRectangular flag made from silk with gold fringe on three sides. One side is embroidered with a crest and text. The other side is emboidered with text and an image of rays, made of sequins, emanating from a starDimensions50.9999 x 68.9999 in. (129.5 x 175.3 cm)
InscriptionsSIDE 1: Embroidered padded crest/ Ateleta Beneficial Association, Pittsburgh, PA

SIDE 2: F. Sept. 11, 1924/ Inc. May 4, 1925 Pittsburgh, PA
Historical NotesThis flag, along with an American flag counterpart, was dedicated to the Ateleta Beneficial Association in a special ceremony held on February 21, 1927. The club was founded in early 1920s by immigrants who came to Pittsburgh from the town of Ateleta, Provincia di L'Aquila, in the region of Abruzzo, Italy. The flags remained at the Ateleta Beneficial Association's headquarters on Cedarville Street in Bloomfield and were put on display at organizational meetings through the 1990s. The club was sold in the early 2000s.Label TextFounded in 1924 by immigrants from the town of Ateleta, the A.B.A. became an important social center of the Italian American community in Bloomfield and helped preserve many aspects of the Italian culture including the sport of bocce. Members of the society often played bocce on the court pictured at right. In 1927, the society dedicated this ceremonial flag as a symbol of the fledgling organization.

Related institution Ateleta Beneficial Society (founded 1924)

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