Centro Español de Tampa

Founded in 1891, the Centro Espanol de Tampa was a social and fraternal club which provided financial and medical assistance to members in need. It is the oldest of Tampa's Latin clubs, and over the years has been a haven for Spanish and Cuban immigrants, most of whom worked in the cigar factories. Recreational and educational benefits of the club included a library, classes in English and Spanish, a band, and theatricals. The club pledged from the start to have no political, religious, or labor connections, and discussion of these subjects at the club was forbidden. As with the other Latin clubs, any healthy member of the white race could join, but most of the members were of Latin descent.

Apart from the companionship the club fostered, it also provided medical and financial support services. A member could receive the whole range of medical care and could stay at the club's hospital without charge as long as he wished. When requested, the club provided funerals for members. Other services were set up to help members who were sick or unemployed.

...