The Journey & Legacy of Italian Immigrants in Springfield, Illinois

In the early 20th century, Springfield, Illinois became a new home for waves of Italian immigrants seeking better economic opportunities and a fresh start. Immigrating mainly from southern Italy (including the Abruzzo region) and Sicily, these immigrants brought with them a rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in family, faith, and hard work. They settled in close-knit neighborhoods, where they maintained their traditions while gradually integrating into American society.

In 1902, Sangamon County was Illinois’ largest coal producing county, employing 4,300 men in mining. Largely attracted by this industry, by 1930, there were 1,300 Italian born immigrants living in Sangamon County. Italians made up the largest ethnic group working in Sangamon County mines during the early 20th century.

The first fraternal organization of Italian immigrants in Springfield was the Concord Frates (translation, “like minded brothers”), which was formed on February 16, 1913 by Ciro Ribisi, Luigi Giardina, Salvatore Sgro, Liborio Flamminio, Paolo Falzone, Bucci Bernardo, Antonino Laino, and Giovanni Di Girolamo. The purpose of the “Societa”, written in formal Italian, was to “fraternally unite all Italians of very good morals”, to help one another, and “to educate members socially, morally, and intellectually”. Founded forty-five years later, the Roman Cultural Society carries these traditions forward.

Above: Sgro’s Market – 
Peter and Tony Sgro, Italian Neighborhood, Springfield, Illinois c. 1935

Left: Ethnic Festival Performers –
Italian performers at the Ethnic Festival on the Illinois State Fair grounds.

Brothers, Charlie and Peter Salvo, both past Roman Cultural Society presidents, collaborated to operate several successful Springfield businesses through the years, including Quality Furniture, the Platter, and the Downtowner.

Due in part to regional language (dialect) differences, Italian immigrants settled in neighborhoods largely based upon the region of Italy from which they came. Sicilians tended to live north and east of St. John’s Hospital in what may be referred to as Springfield’s “Italian Neighborhood”. Immigrants from the Abruzzo region settled in the northeast section of the city (between North Grand Avenue and Sangamon Avenue) and in the village of Riverton.As mining subsided in Sangamon County, the Italians sought other lines of work. Over time, Italian immigrants in Springfield made significant contributions to the local economy, particularly in industries like construction, agriculture, and small business. They also played a vital role in the city’s cultural fabric, establishing churches, social clubs, and festivals that celebrated their heritage.Despite facing challenges such as language barriers and discrimination, the Italian community in Springfield and Sangamon County persevered, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence the city’s social, cultural, and economic life today.

Today, the descendants of these Italian immigrants have assimilated in the fabric of the community. Yet, our Italian legacy lives on, in part through the traditions of the Roman Cultural Society.