Societa D.M.S. Saint Antonio Di Padova Founders
Antonio DiLuigi
1892 - 1956
Antonio DiLuigi, son of Domenico DiLuigi and Grazia Capolli was born in January 1892 in Campli, Province of Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy. When not in school, Antonia spent his early years working with his parents and siblings on the family farm and gristmill in Compli. On January 14, 1909, at the age of 16, he arrived at Ellis Island, New York along with his parents, his brother and two sisters. Traveling by train, they arrived in Downingtown and settled in with relatives in the ”Johnsontown” section of town. With the help of other Italian immigrants, his father found work at the Pennsylvania Railroad and Antonio went to work at the Davey Paper Company in town. Hard working and ambitious, he rose quickly through the ranks and was promoted to “Mill Superintendent”, overseeing operations at Davy’s mills, both here and in Jersey City, N.J. In 1929, at the age of 37, he suffered a horrific accident at the Jersey City plant. While helping to repair a machine, his sleeve caught in the rollers, mangling his lower right arm and forcing an amputation above the elbow. He returned to work in short time and continued as superintendent at Davey till his retirement.
Early in the 20th century, population swelled in America as immigrants from all over Europe settled together in small communities. With language barriers and prejudice rampant, they were totally dependent on one another for support. It was that way in Johnsontown. Intelligent and well respected throughout the community, Antonio was instrumental in helping many Italian families immigrate and settle in Downingtown. He provided lodging, secured employment opportunities and even lent financial support to many. One of the first and few to own a car, he provided transportation for many in times of need.
About this time, circa 1916, a small group of men began discussing a means of support that would benefit the families in the neighborhood in times of need. Hosting meetings in his home on Bradford Avenue, Antonio was instrumental in laying the foundation of this grass roots organization. As their numbers grew, they rented space for their meetings uptown in the building on the corner of Stuart Avenue and Lancaster Avenue (it still stands today). Soon after, in November of 1919, they applied for and were granted a Charter from the State of Pennsylvania for “The Societa D.M.S. Saint Antonio DiPadova”. Antonio was named their first “President” and held the title for about twelve years. In 1927, they purchased a half-double house at 231 Church Street, which became their first official clubhouse. In 1929, St. Anthony’s Lodge, as we know it today, was constructed on the lot at 259 Church Street. Antonio drew up the first plans for the building and oversaw its construction. In the late 20’s-- early 30’s, Antonio’s younger brother Guido “willy” DiLuigi, also a “founder”, hosted the very first “Frog Party” in the back yard of his home at 288 Church Street, (recent home of Michael Bartone). In 1947, Antonio’s daughter, Filomenia “Mena” Williams, helped organize and was named first “President” of “The Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Anthony’s”. Also following in his father’s footsteps, his youngest son “Buddy” went on to hold the office of president of the club for many years. Antonio DiLuigi died at the age of 63, in 1956.
Antonio DiLuigi
1892 - 1956
Antonio DiLuigi, son of Domenico DiLuigi and Grazia Capolli was born in January 1892 in Campli, Province of Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy. When not in school, Antonia spent his early years working with his parents and siblings on the family farm and gristmill in Compli. On January 14, 1909, at the age of 16, he arrived at Ellis Island, New York along with his parents, his brother and two sisters. Traveling by train, they arrived in Downingtown and settled in with relatives in the ”Johnsontown” section of town. With the help of other Italian immigrants, his father found work at the Pennsylvania Railroad and Antonio went to work at the Davey Paper Company in town. Hard working and ambitious, he rose quickly through the ranks and was promoted to “Mill Superintendent”, overseeing operations at Davy’s mills, both here and in Jersey City, N.J. In 1929, at the age of 37, he suffered a horrific accident at the Jersey City plant. While helping to repair a machine, his sleeve caught in the rollers, mangling his lower right arm and forcing an amputation above the elbow. He returned to work in short time and continued as superintendent at Davey till his retirement.
Early in the 20th century, population swelled in America as immigrants from all over Europe settled together in small communities. With language barriers and prejudice rampant, they were totally dependent on one another for support. It was that way in Johnsontown. Intelligent and well respected throughout the community, Antonio was instrumental in helping many Italian families immigrate and settle in Downingtown. He provided lodging, secured employment opportunities and even lent financial support to many. One of the first and few to own a car, he provided transportation for many in times of need.
About this time, circa 1916, a small group of men began discussing a means of support that would benefit the families in the neighborhood in times of need. Hosting meetings in his home on Bradford Avenue, Antonio was instrumental in laying the foundation of this grass roots organization. As their numbers grew, they rented space for their meetings uptown in the building on the corner of Stuart Avenue and Lancaster Avenue (it still stands today). Soon after, in November of 1919, they applied for and were granted a Charter from the State of Pennsylvania for “The Societa D.M.S. Saint Antonio DiPadova”. Antonio was named their first “President” and held the title for about twelve years. In 1927, they purchased a half-double house at 231 Church Street, which became their first official clubhouse. In 1929, St. Anthony’s Lodge, as we know it today, was constructed on the lot at 259 Church Street. Antonio drew up the first plans for the building and oversaw its construction. In the late 20’s-- early 30’s, Antonio’s younger brother Guido “willy” DiLuigi, also a “founder”, hosted the very first “Frog Party” in the back yard of his home at 288 Church Street, (recent home of Michael Bartone). In 1947, Antonio’s daughter, Filomenia “Mena” Williams, helped organize and was named first “President” of “The Ladies Auxiliary of Saint Anthony’s”. Also following in his father’s footsteps, his youngest son “Buddy” went on to hold the office of president of the club for many years. Antonio DiLuigi died at the age of 63, in 1956.
Copyright (C) 2010 St. Anthony's Lodge All Rights Reserved
