History | Buffalo | Latino Communities Mexicans continued to
arrive in Buffalo in small numbers throughout the early part of
the 20th century, and they formed the Junta Patriótica Mexicana
to socialize and share their ethnic heritage. In 1947, they
formally organized the Central Social Club Mexicano in
Lackawanna. The club sponsored social events and celebrated
Mexican national holidays. With the construction of its own
building, it became a busy center for the community. Women club
members also had their own group, the Club Latino Norteamericano
de Mujeres. During the World War II manpower shortage, Mexicans
continued to arrive in the area to fill jobs left vacant by men
leaving for the service. They worked as braceros to maintain the
railroad lines; filled jobs in the steel plant, factories and
mills; and also worked as migrant farm labor. Unfortunately,
when servicemen came back from the war, many Mexicans lost their
jobs. Those who had been brought to Buffalo as migrant labor
went back to Mexico, while ot