In 1876, under the name of ‘Società di Mutuo Soccorso tra Salsamentari ed industrie affini’, the association was founded in continuity with the medieval Arte dei Salaroli, active until its suppression by the French at the end of the eighteenth century. The new Society could include salami and cheese merchants, small entrepreneurs, but also owners of large industrial salami factories. The merits to be attributed to the Salsamentari concerned consultancy for industrial activity, for export, to make the advertising message increasingly effective; but also solidarity towards members in difficulty, sick, elderly. The members paid a monthly fee and with this a daily allowance could be provided to the sick and a pension, financial support for school attendance and for healthy holidays for children. (continued)
Marco Poli
