In the late 1920's, fifty-five men from Lee Were members of Pittsfield's Benefincenze Men's Lodge #564. In 1931 the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts informed the Lee men that they had enough members to form their own lodge. With this suggestion, Louis DiGrigoli, Giacomo Viani, and Pietro Scolforo founded the Guglielmo Marconi Lodge #1620.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PAST
From 1930 - 1939:
All the minutes were written in Italian. Most of the time spent at these meetings was with the discussion as to who was entitled to sick benefits.
When a member of the lodge passed away, a funeral parade was held, led by officers of the Lodge carrying the Italian and American Flags followed by the members. When the course of the procession was shortened, a very lively discussion ensured, causing a good deal of hot Italian blood to boil.
In 1939:
In September it was voted and approved to allow women to join the Lodge. Sister Mary S. Consolati became the first woman nominated and accepted as a member.
In 1942:
The first female officers were: Sister Mary Consolati, Treasurer and Sister Santa Sorrentino, Trustee. Brother Frank Consolati tried to thave the Italian language taught in the Lee Public Schools to no avail.
In 1945:
Members voted to purchase the former Boyd Estate on Main Street as a Lodge Home. In order for the Lodge to buy the property, some members bought shares to pay for the home. Sister Mary Consolati was named Chairman of the Lee Girls' Junior Division.
In 1946:
For the next several years, the G. Marconi Lodge either sponsored and/or organized all sports in the Town of Lee. The first State Sem-Pro Baseball Tournament was held in Lee and was sponsored by our Lodge.
In 1966:
The G. Marconi Scholarship Fund was established with the first scholarship being awarded in 1967 to Richard Barbini. The cash award for the scholarship was $200.
In 1972:
The password was eliminated from the Lodge meetings by vote of the Grand Council.
In 1974:
Brother Michael Baluk was the first Venerable elected that was not of Italian descent.
In 1977:
A beautiful float featuring live music, young Italian dancers and the "Little Ole Wine Maker" was entered in the Bi-centennial Parade.
In 1979:
Brother August Barbini retired as Orator after serving for 31 years. He felt that it was time for someone else to take over. The first G. Marconi lobster sale was a great success.
In 1980:
David Bartini, son of William Bartini, Jr. was named Outstand Athlete by the Grand Lodge.
In 1981:
Because of our many problems, the membership voted to sell our Lodge Home. From
1981 until 1996 we met at the Lourel Lounge in Lee. Sister Lena Bettega was elected Chairperson of the Berkshires County Selectmen's Association.
In 1982:
The G. Marconi Lodge First Man of the Year Awaard was presented to Brother Joseph Sorrentino.
In1983:
The membership voted to increase the amount of the Scholarship from $200 to $500. There was much discussion and unhappiness over National changing the title Venerable to President.
In 1984:
We held our First Annual Communion Breakfast to honor our deceased members.
In 1985:
Sister Janet Cardillo was the first woman in District I and the first member of our Lodge to be elected a State Trustee at the State Convention.
In 1986:
Brothers Steve Cozzaglio and Alex Naracci were appointed to the Grand Lodge Italian Culture Commission. Brother Richard Brittain was appointed to the Charitable & Eucational Blue Ribbon Commission to work on investments.
In 1987:
With the help of Brothers Alex Nardacci and Stev Cozzaglio our Lodge sponsored Italian lessons for 16 children and 40 adults. The first Valentine/Membership Drive Covered Dish Supper was held. Applications from 7 new members were received. The Lodge did away with sick and death benefits.
In 1988:
Sister Janet Cardillo was Chairwoman of the First Berkshire County Law and Justice Day held at the ITAM Lodge. The First annual Family Picnic was held under the direction of the Past Presidents.
In 1989:
Brother Steve Cozzaglio was appointed Chairman of the Scholarship Commission and Brother Alex Naracci was appointed a member of this Commission. They served in those capacities for 2 years. A testimonial was held to honor State Trustee Janet Cardillo. Sister Fanny Valenti retired as Financial Secretary after serving for 33 years.
In 1990:
The G. Marconi Lodge and the ITAM Lodge held a joint Las Vegas Night and raised $2,400 for Cooley's Anemia. The Scholarship was increased to $750.00 from $500.
In 1991:
Brother Steve Cozzaglio was appointed to the Magazine Commission. Sister Janet Cardillo was appointed to the Judiciary Commission. Brother Tom Cinella was named Outstanding Coach of the Year by the Grand Lodge. Sister Claire Brinker and Brother Steve Cozzaglio were named to the Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Committee for Berkshire County.
From 1995 - 2000
Brother Steve was elected as a State Trustee and served in that capacity until 1999. As a Trustee Brother Steve served as Chairman of Alzheimer's for 2 years and as Co-Chairman with Dorothy Berlandi of Braintree for two years as well as serving on the Grand Lodge Web Site Committee for three years. In 1999 Brother Steve was elected as a National Arbitrator at the National Convention. Brothers Alex Nardacci and Steve Cozzaglio continued to serve on the State Scholarship Commission. In October of 2000, G. Marconi Lodge participated for the first time in Lee Founders Day Weekend. In 2000, the Lodge ran trips to the Mohegan Sun Casino and to the Bright Night in Springfield. In 1998 the Family Picnic was reinstituted and has been held at ITAM since 1998.
