Club Paesano is a non-profit Italian men’s club organized for the social and recreational benefits of its members and to thereby encourage and develop a spirit of comradeship, friendship and community service.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s the Gardner and
Rancher’s Association, consisting of Italian produce dealers and farmers
held an annual summer picnic. After this tradition ended, various individuals
got together to continue the picnics. A Club Paesano was formed in 1955
and Cedarville Park was rented as a picnic location. Subsequently a
Halloween Dance was scheduled in 1955, a Mardi Gras in 1956 and the
annual picnic continued.
First officers of Club Paesano were: Aldo Rossi, President, Fred Cassazza, Vice President, Frank Damonte, Secretary/Treasurer. Other founding members were Ray Nutini, Ray Bottaro, Augie Giusto, and Andrew Bottaro.
During the reign of Frank Forni as President in 1975, the owner of Cedarville Park had asked the bank to sell the now dilapidated buildings and property. Since Club Paesano had rented the location in the past, they were notified of the proposed sale. In 1975, members of the club decided to purchase the property and were incorporated as Club Paesano/Cedarville Park.
Membership in Club Paesano is limited to 100 members and meets on the first Wednesday of every month. Club Paesano conducts all their events with the help of volunteer members and their ladies. Most notable is the “Cucina Crew”. At the annual picnic, attendance is typically over 1,000 and includes one of Portland’s premier Bocce tournaments. Christmas time brings the annual party and visit by Santa Claus. New officers, new members and the “man of the year” are announced and presented to the membership.
