History of the PAC Club

  1928- The Club was  founded  with the name of Portugal Sporting Club.
   Founders were Anibal Augusto Coruche, Joaquim “Guilherme” Augusto, Joao Barreto, 
   Manuel Araujo, Joaquim DaRocha, Joseph  Garin, etc. 29 members total.
   The very first address was in the 700th block E. 5th St. in Mr. Garin’s garage. The group got 
   together mostly to play cards and create a homebase for the portuguese soccer team. 
   Later in the year, the Club moved to 3rd St. across from a mini mall.
   
   1929- The Club then moved to the basement of the Garin Family. After this, the Club 
   moved next to the Bethlehem Steel garages across from the main office. The Club was 
   located at 704 E. Third St., Bethlehem, PA. Then the name was changed to Portugal Athletic
   Club with the help of Luis Gonsalves. At this time there were approximately 300 Portuguese
   immigrants in the Lehigh Valley.

  1935- The Club  submitted an application in 18 July, 1935 and then was incorporated, in 
   September 5, 1935 in the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County with name of 
   Portugal Athletic Club as a non-profit organization. At that time the club consisted of at 
   least three citizens of the commonwealth of PA and citizens of the United States. The Club 
   was approved by F. P.  McCluskey, Honorable Judge. Location and post office address was 
   704 East Third Street, Bethlehem, Northampton County, PA.
   Officers  were as follows:
   President  – Anibal Augusto 434 Pierce St.,   Bethlehem, PA.
   Vice-Pres.- Antonio Pereira 719 Fifth St., Bethlehem, PA.
   Secretary  -Manuel Araujo 22 Mechanic St.,   Bethlehem, PA.
   Treasurer  -Joaquim DaRocha 315 Pierce St.,   Bethlehem, PA. 
   Member  -Joseph Garin 723 E. Fifth St.,   Bethlehem, PA. 
   Member  -Jose Pereira DeCastro 719 E.    Fifth St., Bethlehem, PA.
   Member  -Jose Luis Pereira 719 E. Fifth    St., Bethlehem, PA.

  1940– A Theater group was formed with the help of Jose Bemposto and Mr. Bento.
   Performances were at 3rd and State Sts.  in Bethlehem. Later this group was re-formed
   in 1975  due mainly to the efforts of Jose Luis  Sabido. The Ladies Auxiliary Group was 
   formed by Grace Sousa and Purificacao Soares among others. This Group ceased to exist
   sometime in  1985. It has been reestablished in 2003 with the help of Ana Pangaio, 
   Maria Santos, Aida Bemposto, Isaura DeCeia, Maria Gaspar, Lina Fernandes, etc. 

  1943– The Portugal Athletic Club was moved to Pierce Street, Bethlehem,   PA. 
   While at Pierce St. the Club had the following sections: Soccer,  Rancho, etc.
   Past Presidents while at Pierce St. were: Joaquim Rocha, Abilio  Martinho, 
   Manuel Sousa, Amandio Soares. The last President before the club was moved was 
   Anibal Augusto Coruche.

  1967– The Club moved to the present address after extensive renovations. 
   It also changed the name one final time to Portuguese American Club.

   1972– The Soccer Club was reborn with the help of numerous members including 
   but not limited to: Amandio Soares, Jose Fernandes, Armindo Sousa, Fernando Nogueira,
   Vasco Raposo, Mario Fernandes, Jose Ferreira, etc.

 1974– The Folklore Group was re-formed by Jose Vicoso,  Jose Fernandes and 
   Armindo Sousa.

  1975– The Theater Group was re-formed by Jose Luis Sabido.

  1980– Major renovations were done at the Club led by Manuel Cerqueira.

  1990– A new kitchen was added to the Club.

  2003– The Ladies Auxiliary Group was re-formed in 2003 by  Ana Pangaio, Dulce Silva, 
   Maria Santos, Aida Bemposto, Isaura DeCeia, Maria Gaspar, Lina Fernandes. 
   Acquisition of 10 homes was completed and reconstruction of Social Hall and parking lot 
   was started under the  direction of Jose Carlos Pres., Mario Fernandes, Ana Pangaio, 
   Aurelio Amaral, Tony Simoes and Manuel Pangaio. Construction was accomplished by 
   Spirk Brothers with hall design by Beverly Craul. Both Mayor Cunnigham and Michael Palos
   from the city were instrumental in the renovation  of the Club.