Types
About Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham
The members of our club come from all over Portugal. We have people from the province of Minho in the north to the Algarve in the south and people from Acores e Madeira. Portuguese emigrants started to arrive in the Chatham-Kent area in the early 50’s. They came mainly to farms as farm helpers. As time passed they moved on to construction, factory and self-employment. Now the second generation of Portuguese immigrants has moved on to professional careers such as doctors, lawyers and teachers. Others have started very successful business. They have integrated very well into the greater Canadian society.
Our club was started in 1971 in a school gym by a group of families. Initially this group concentrated in organizing dances and get togethers so that families could socialize and share the Portuguese culture.
In 1979 the club was incorporated as “Portuguese Canadian Social Club of Chatham”. We moved to our facilities on Grand Ave East in Chatham shortly after incorporating. In 1998 we inaugurated our newly built club which we currently use. This club was built totally by member funds and labor. There isn’t a single penny of government monies in our club. We have 4.5 acres along Grand Ave East and along the beautiful Thames river. Our property is assessed at approximately $1 million dollars. We pay our fair amount of taxes.
Our main income is derived from providing a full service hall for weddings and corporate events. Our hall is open to the public to rent when it is not being used by the Portuguese community for their events such as Sao Martinho, Matanca do Porco and the Lady of Fatima Festival.
Locations
Primary Office Location
(519) 436-0040