Lorain City Council unanimously approved legislation Nov. 6 honoring the 95th anniversary of the Mexican Mutual Society of Lorain.
Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley also honored the Mexican Mutual Society with a proclamation from his office at the Council meeting.
The Mexican Mutual Society, 1820 E. 28th St. in South Lorain, is one of only four remaining ethnic clubs in the city, according to the resolution adopted at the meeting.
On Nov. 18, the Mexican Mutual Society will celebrate its 95th anniversary with an evening of festivities at Rosewood Place, 4493 Oberlin Ave. in Lorain.
The Mexican Mutual Society continues to thrive through their leadership, community involvement and dedication to preserving and embracing their heritage, the resolution stated.
The Mexican Mutual Society keeps its heritage alive hosting annual events such as the Cinco de Mayo Parade, Little Queen Pageant and Fiesta, Sept. 16 Independence Day Fiesta, the July Scholarship Steak Fry fundraiser and quarterly cultural programs hosted by Eileen Torres.
During the upcoming anniversary celebration, several Lorain residents who are 90 years old or older and are of Mexican descent will be recognized.
In addition to William Ortega, the following residents were named in the city’s resolution: Lupe Martinez, 102; Madeline Delgado Bomback, 93; Pete Avalos Sr., 93; Jose Sandoval, 93; Anita Garcia, 93; Maria Ramirez Munoz, 91; Isabel Ramirez, 91; Pauline Garcia, 90; Victor Ceja, 90; and Lillian Veliz, 90, according to the document.
The Mexican Mutual Society Resurrection group also will be recognized at the event as well as the following group members: Frank Amador, John Inchaurregi, Jimmy Inchaurregi, Ralph Herrera, Larry Amador, Jim Palmer, Mario Reyna, Pete Flores, Jorge Flores, David Flores, David Arredondo, Pete Soto and Gene Leibas.
In 1928, a group of Mexicans arrived together in Lorain with a plan to organize and establish a Mexican benefit society.
“Their goals were to assist their fellow countrymen and their families with issues of employment, housing, overcoming language barriers and providing medical assistance,” the resolution stated.
On Nov. 20, 1928, the Mexican Mutual Society was chartered by the state of Ohio as a benefit society, and 95 years later, the organization still is a vital resource for the Mexican community and the city of Lorain; like most organizations and clubs, there were good times and hard times, the resolution stated.
“I thank all the members of the Mexican Mutual Society, especially the members age 90 and above, for your dedication and services to the city of Lorain over the past 95 years,” Bradley said reading from the proclamation. “You all have what it takes to be called ‘Lorain Proud.'”
