- Last Updated on Sunday, 30 June 2013 23:00
By Alice Harris
Brian and Mary Beth Short have been working hard to finalize the remodeling of the
former Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge at 13 Wharf St. in Dunlevy, PA.
Brian and Mary Beth Short have been working hard to finalize the remodeling of the
former Giuseppe Garibaldi Lodge at 13 Wharf St. in Dunlevy, PA.
 Mariner's Hall owner, Brian Short, demonstrates the workings of this antique sharpening wheel.
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 A customer admires some of the old dinnerware
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The former Garibaldi Lodge has a long and interesting history in the Dunlevy area. Giuseppe Garibaldi (July 4, 1807 – June 2, 1882) was an Italian general and politician and is considered one of Italy's "fathers of the fatherland" and the Father of Modern Italy. He was a hero to his followers, many who just went along wearing red shirts in lieu of a uniform. Garibaldiʼs United States liaisons helped him greatly, providing needed financial and military support in difficult times.
Charles Battaglini was born in 1870 in Italy and immigrated to the United States in 1895. He returned to Italy to be married in 1898 and upon his arrival back to the U.S., settled in LaBelle, PA. Battaglini was a talented and highly esteemed musician. He was also one of the original founders of the United Mine Workers of America whose activities centered at the Dunlevy Red Bird mines.
 This Giuseppe Garibaldi Honor Roll lists members who served in the military.
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Battaglini was also the founder and organizer of the Giuseppe Garibaldi lodge of Dunlevy and the Priancipe Di Napoli lodge of Belle Vernon, and he was the organizer of many musical organizations and bands, as well. He passed away in 1942.
Marinerʼs Hall held a Flea Market the
weekend of April 19, 2013 to clean out the contents of the ground floor so the remodeling could be finalized. Scattered between typical flea market items were relics from the Garibaldi lodge glory days, including some of its original dinnerware. Also in the debris of the clean up, the Shorts uncovered an ancient portrait of Giuseppe Garibaldi and an Honor Roll of their members serving in the USA forces. Both have been restored and are on display at Mariner's Hall.
