El Círculo Cubano (Cuban Club) collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-2000-05

No requestable containers
Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes organizational documents such as committee meeting notes, financial records, professional correspondence, insurance records, and programs and announcements for special events. Also includes theatrical playscripts which range in date from the mid-19^th to early 20^th century.

Dates

Created: 1852-1989
Other: Majority of material found in 1902-1959
Other: Date acquired: 00/00/2000

Creator

Circulo Cubano de Tampa (Organization)

Conditions Governing Use

None. The contents of this collection may be subject to copyright. Visit the United States Copyright Office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/for more information.

Biographical or Historical Information

The Cuban Club was founded in 1899 as "El Club Nacional Cubano October 10," and in 1902 the name was changed to "El Círculo Cubano." Like many of the Ybor City mutual aid societies established at the turn-of-the-century, the Cuban Club provided its members with health care, recreational activities, library services, and English classes. At its peak, membership in the club, which primarily was made up of working-class Cuban immigrants, neared 8,000. Today, membership in El Círculo Cubano is based on one's dedication to preserving Florida's Cuban heritage and culture, not Cuban ancestry. Initially, the club’s headquarters was located on the corner of 14th Street and 9th Avenue in Ybor City. In 1907, the organization relocated to 14th Street and 10th Avenue (later renamed Palm Avenue). A fire destroyed the building in 1916.The headquarters was rebuilt and opened to the club in 1918. The Círculo Cubano de Tampa clubhouse, located at 2010 Avenida Republica de Cuba, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Extent

19.5 Linear Feet

27 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement Note

The collection is arranged into series according to subject. Meeting minutes are arranged in chronological order. Life insurance policies are arranged alphabetically. Plays are arranged alphabetically by Publisher and Titles.

Source of Acquisition

Circulo Cubano de Tampa

Method of Acquisition

Donation

Related Materials

Centro Asturiano de Tampa, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. Centro Espanol de Tampa, USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. Sociedad de la Union Marti-Maceo,USF Libraries - Tampa Special Collections, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.