Farm Workers Yesterday,  Leaders Today
By: Stan Walker

From the turn of the century, people have been migrating in search of a better life, something which is otherwise not available to them in their homeland. As it turned out, America, with its promise of prosperity and abundance of opportunities, became the main destination for these adventurers. Unlike the Europeans who were the first to make the trek, West Indians did not start to arrive in the U.S. in large numbers until in the 1 940s. They came on contract to work in the orange groves, sugar cane and tobacco fields of the country. A small group ended up in Connecticut working in the tobacco fields. Finding themselves in a rather strange and frigid

 Environment, although they were treated well, it did not take long before the men began to yearn for some of the traditions of their homeland. As a result they began to meet on weekends to play dominoes, drink and engage in friendly conversation. At the same time

others who were avid sportsmen started a cricket team, recruiting members from all in the area and began playing games against teams from Massachusetts, Canada and London.

 During these friendly get-togethers, the idea to form a club evolved. At first the men opted for a benevolent society as is the custom back home, but when told that it could not be done here, not deterred, they continued the discussions and a group later met to finalize plans for the formation of a club. Because they did not have any particular schedules, meetings were held at any convenient place, but as the interest increased the men sought out and w&re able to secure the use of the $t.~ Benedict Church hail to hold meetings.

With legal help from Attorney Podorowsky, the club was eventually formed, thus launching the well- respected institution, which has today become a beacon of light for West Indians in the city of Hartford.

It took three months before the men could agree on name which would reflect the diversity of its members, but shortly after this was accomplished, they moved to premises located on Barbour Street. A the organization progressed, the need for more suitable accommodations became apparent. Hartford was at the time experiencing some serious upheavals, but under the leadership of then president, David Cooke, they were able to secure the structure on Main Street. The magnificent center today stands as a monument to the small group of men, who had the vision and the insight to launch the club, and the many dedicated members who toiled throughout the years to keep it going.

Although starting out as a male dominated organization, women also played a role in its development. Out of a desire by some of the members’ wives to get involved with the project, the ladies formed an auxiliary in 1954. The auxiliary consisted of women who were either West Indians or related by birth, blood or marriage. The women organized their own programs and assisted the men in whatever projects they were undertaking at the time

This "home away from home" center on Main Street, over the years has served as a gathering place for meetings, educational forums and social affairs, which are important to the unified life of the community. The center is a daily hub of activity as it is used by a number of other organizations for a variety of cultural, educational and social activities.

The club has blossomed into becoming a respected entity that provides leadership and an important service to the community, fostering social unity that keeps alive a proud cultural heritage. It was instrumental in establishing the West Indian Independence Celebration Committee, which each year draws people from various parts of the country and the Caribbean to enjoy a week of festivities. It was also responsible for the establishment of the West Indian Foundation, which is at the forefront of a number of educational, cultural and civic activities that are staged throughout the city each year. The Foundation was established in 1978 to promote and encourage the strong cultural, social and economic status of West Indians in the city. Anyone who wishes to take the time to study the history of the club, will realize that what is being experienced during the week of celebration is that the club is what it is today because of the team spirit and other special qualities that the members throughout the years have exhibited. The popular center is the result of hard work, sweat. worry and grim determination of the small group of farm workers who came here to toil in the tobacco fields and the dedication of the members who followed in their footsteps.