MONESSEN, Pa. — Fire crews spent Monday morning investigating the cause of a fire at a historic Italian club in Monessen.
The club, which has been operating for more than 100 years, was the only Italian club left in Monessen.
“The fire chief said that if the door would have been open, it could have charged right through the bar and would have been more catastrophic than it was,” said Fred Naccarato, treasurer of the Italian Club.
The fire broke out just before 8 p.m. on Sunday after everyone left the club. A few members were lingering outside when they spotted a fireball coming from the kitchen. They then called 911.
“It’s a little devastating,” Naccarato said.
The 300-member club has been in the location since 1999, but the Italian Club as an entity has been around since the early 1900’s.
For members like Naccarato, the Italian Club has been a part of his family for generations.
“My dad was in it. Grandfather, brothers, cousins,” Naccarato said. “Back in the day, there were no TVs. They went to the club to watch TV, play cards and speak their language. That’s where they felt safe.”
The club has expanded a lot since those days. Naccarato said the dining room, offices and bathrooms aren’t damaged. He hopes to have his fellow members back in the club in a few months.
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