History of The Williamstown Italian Social Club
1907
Opening in 1907, the Williamstown Italian Social Club (WISC) was originally home to The Empress Open-Air Pavilion which aired biograph pictures, some of the earliest forms of recorded film imagery.
1953
In 1953, a new brick facade was added and it became the New Empress Theatre, reopening with the Western gold rush film – “River of No Return” starring Marilyn Monroe.
1960
In 1960, The New Empress Theatre was closed and the venue was re purposed first as a roller-skating rink, then later a table tennis centre. Before the WISC came about, local Italian families would meet in surrounding parks for social gatherings and book halls for dinner dances.
As the community grew in size the idea for a permanent meeting place became an ongoing topic of conversation.
1978
In 1978, the opportunity to purchase the building from the council was snapped up. The community organised and 200 Italian families pooled their funds. The Williamstown Italian Social Club was born. From then on every Sunday was family day. The men and women would play bocce, cook enormous feasts while the children would play in the nearby park or go to the beach.
1990
In the 1990s the club was incorporated. This allowed the WISC to invite new members, who wanted to embrace and enjoy the local Italian culture, to join the club.
Continuing this long-held tradition of having a meeting place where community members and families alike can meet and share their lives.
TODAY
Williamstown Italian Social Club is a true reflection of the old country embracing and enhancing a new land.
It is important to the WISC, its committee & members to carry on this tradition and to have a meeting place which is a true Taste of Italy in our back yard….
We invite you to become a member of The Williamstown Italian Social Club.