Labor Mutual Aid Society of Lentai
At the end of the 19th century, in Lentiai, one of the last Mutual Aid Societies was founded in 1898 to address the economic and social misery of the community. The massive emigration to Brazil and other countries drastically reduced the local population, causing an agricultural and artisanal crisis. In this context, some community members, including Antonio Solagna, promoted the SOMS to improve living conditions.
The SOMS aimed to promote mutual aid, education, and the improvement of moral and material conditions.
The association opened evening courses to complete elementary education and promoted agricultural modernization.
It created dairy farms, consumer cooperatives, and an agricultural bank, revitalizing the local economy.
In 1910, a stable headquarters was built, but during World War I, it was occupied for military purposes, and the post-war misery led many to emigrate again. In 1926, under the fascist regime, the SOMS was dissolved and transformed into a tool of the regime, while still maintaining some cultural activities, such as cinema.
After World War II, the society was re-established in 1945, but the difficult post-war economic situation complicated its reconstruction.
The hall is now used for conferences, presentations, and exhibitions.
AddressWebsite: https://www.somslentiai.org/
