Printed in the Spfrit of the Mid-Town Journal and Dedicated to Preserving the Pride; Integrity, Tradition and Memories of our Beloved West End

VOLUME 15, NO.4

RUTH ROMAN- 1949

~~~~-~~II!MhR1atm1Jn pppearliig _in "c_bi:iinj1itm" alang-witli ~irk. Daugla.s. a1:ur~rth_ur ~~ .i!J 19'!9~ The movie was released by United Artists Corporation, was produced by Stanley Kramer and direct~d by Mark Robson. Marilyn Maxwell co-starred in the movie. ;,

. • ·· . Photo court~'sy: ·Shirl~y.Flaxman, Hyde Parle, MA

Actress·Ruth~Roman Dies at ·73, Andrea Doria Survivor West End native Ruth Roman,

who began her_ career-as a knife­thrower at ·Revere Beach and ended up in movies starring Gary Cooper and Errol Flynn, has died. She. was 73.

Ms. Roman, who survived the Andrea Doria wreck at sea, died September 9th in her sleep at her Laguna Beach, Calif., home, her son, Richard Hall said.

Hall was only 3 years old when · he and his mother were returning from Italy aboard the Andrea Doria on the night of July 25, I 956, when the luxury passenger liner collided with the Swedish ship Stockholm.

More than 50 people died in the tragedy and_ 760 survived after

the liner went down 60 miles southeast of Nantucket.

Ms. Roman once recalled the incident and said she was dancing in the Andrea Doria's ballroom when "We heard a big explosion, like a firecracker."

Another passenger on the ship said Ms. Roman took her high heels off and raced to her cabin where Hall was asleep.

The actress said she never feared she or her son would die.

But the two were separated when she was taken aboard the Ile de France and her son was put on the Stockholm. After several anxious hours, they were reunited in New York City.

Ruth Roman was her real name and she attended the Blackstone Scliool and Girls High in Boston.

Her father owned a carny show at Revere Beach and, at age 9,little Ruth became a knife-thrower and the show biz bug hit her.

In 1948, Alice Mcintire, assis­tant head worker at the old Eliza­beth Peabody Settlement House on Beacon Hill, recalled, "Knife throwing wasn't enough for Ruth. She was interested in dramatics and we encouraged her.

"Ruth always insisted her big ambition, her only ambition really, was to be in the movies," Mcintire said.

(continued on page. two)

DECEMBER, 1999

Happy Holidays

and

Millennium

to· all

Our Friends

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOUR LETTERS! .I I" -- - ~ ....

The West Ender_ Staff is encouraging all our readers· to contini.J( . . stmding us their We&t End thoughts and memories when sending in their subscription renewals. - ·

We have found this past year that many of our readers have just sent in the donation check and no letter attached. We hope you will revert to sending in a West End story or memory, with or without a. check.

- The West Ender Staff

SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEST ENDER $10.00 PER YEAR

THE WEST ENDER SUBSCRIPTION FORM 0 I would like to subscribe to The West Ender for the year 2000.

0 Enclosed is my donation of$ ___ _ Name __________________ ___

Addres,s __________________ _

Mail check to: The West Ender P.O. 'Box 413 Somerville, MA 02144

It's Ti01e to R-enew Your Subscription to rhe West Ender SlO.QO For All Issues Published in the Year 2000

<(!14e ~esf ~nber P. 0. BOX 413 SOMERVILLE, MA02144 (617) 628-2479

PAGE TWO

mqe ~esf Ifu~er P.O. BOX 413

SOMERVILLE, MA 02144

TEL. (617) 628-2479

Staff:

Editor ........................................... JAMES CAMPANO

Publisher ..................... ........ RICHARD J. MORELLO

Co-Founder ................................ RAYMOND J. PAPA

All letters, articles and photos submitted to this publication become the property of The West Ender.

Jim Campana is the ·only person authorized to accept memorabilia for The West Ender.

FATHER GERALD BUCKE MEMORIAL Saint Joseph's Church in the West End is seeking donations in

order to establish a memorial for Fr. Bucke commemorating his nearly thirty years as Pastor.

Donations should be mailed to St. Joseph's Church, 68 Cardinal O'Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114.

Amy Lowell House Sold To Nonprofit Developer

· Amy Lowell House, an 11-story apartment tower in Charles River Park, has been sold for $10.7 million- and its elderly residents say they can sleep more soundly as a result.

Community Builders Inc., a non-profit developer, is the new owner. It pledges that 80 percent of the 151 one-bedroom units at the 25 y<;ar-old building will continue to have "affordable" rents. In those units, tenants can't earn more than $26,240 - 60 percent of Boston's per capita median income.

The seller was Jerome Rappaport, who developed Charles River Park as part of the West End urban renewal project. In February, the Boston Redevelopment Authority sued to stop him from switching to market­level rent un~il 2002 - the BRA's interpretation of the original terms of the project. The suit was dropped as a sale was being worked out.

"We were all worried (wondering) if we'd be able to stay here or have to move," said Stephen Mazur, a six-year resident. "You reach a certain time in your life- you don't need this pressure," he said. "Some were having trouble sleeping."

The following West Enders have contributed $100.00 or more to our cause in 1999. We salute them! Now is the time to send your check in the amount of $100.00 if you are interested in becoming a member of the 1999 West Enders Century Club.

Elvira Flynn Joseph Russo Alan Gropman Buddy Sylvester Kevin McGrath Ralph Saya AI Cohen Bernard J. Conddli Robert Vatalaro Sam Marinella Mr. and Mrs. Leo Salmeri Harvey and Vivian Fleitrnan John Cucinotta Frank Privitera West End Bowling League

John Cucinotta Frank Privitera West End Bowling League Robert Campanella George Brenner Associates Alec Alexander Rosemary (Cucinotta) Costello Stephen and Dorothy Maio Vincent Raso Mike Messina The Boston Synagogue John O'Connor Victor Terranova Marc A. Lipsitz

. DECEMBER, 1999

THE MERCURY CLUB lOth ANNUAL REUNION

The Mercury Club held its JOthannual reunion at the Hilltop Steak House in Saugus 011 Saturday, October 2nd. 39 members and friends attended with their wives attending their own separate function. Members came from Florida. New Hampshire. Oregon, Vermont, California and Washington, as well as localities around Boston. The attendees were Joe Bettinelli, Sal Cassaro, Anthony Cipriano, Charles Cipriano, Leo Cipriano, Joe D 'Ambrosio, Dom DiMare, Lou DiSarcia. Sal Ciliberto, Frank Giuliano, Joe Leece, Joe Matara, Augie Michaels, Joe Noe, .Gene Panzone, Ted Parsons, Yano Petrella; Joe Pipitone, Sai Palumbo, Sal Purpura, Tony Pusateri, Charlie Puzzanghera, John Raso, Charlie Romeo, Frank Saccone. John Sanifi/ippo, Tony Salmeri, Vinny Saraceno, Jim Sarcia, Bill Scalisi, Tony Sicari, John Silvestro, Chuck Spinale, Joe J. Spinale, Nat Spinale, Yano Ternullo, Santo Tringale, John Ursino and Sam Ursina. A videotap~ was ava "lqjdgjjgm Joe Leece for all members and friends · who wished to have a copy. We all had a great dinner and a great time talking about the past and present. Our thanks and appreciation go out to Johnny Raso and his wife Helen for putting the time and effort in organizing the reunion. God willing, 1-ve all look forward to the next reunion. You cannot buy friends like ours that have endured all these· years since grade school. The Mercury Club, a social, athletic and mutual acquaintance activities club. had something to do with it. Enclosed is a small donation to keep The West Ender going.

RUTH ROMAN

(continued from page one)

Ms. Roman had the lead role in many plays performed at the Peabody House.

"She was a quick study in dramatics and took directions beautifully, even as a child," Mcintyre said.

Ms. Roman didn't care much for formal schooling and dropped out of Girls High in 1939 and enrolled in the Bishop Lee School of the Theater in the Hub.

Ms. Roman eventually moved to Tinseltown and appeared in someminor films before her big break in Stanley Kramer's 1949 "Champion," which featured the

- Oscar-nominated Kirk Douglas. Following the film, Warner

Bros. offered Ms. Roman a con­tract and she starred in nine films in less than two years opposite Cooper, Flynn, and l_ames Stewart. ·

Ms. Roman also appeared in "Beyond the Forest" with Bette Davis, "Three Secrets" with Patricia Neal and "Mara Maru" with Flynn.

Her other films included "The

- Photo courtesy: Joe Leece, Portland, OR

Far Country" with Stewart, "Bit­ter Victory" with Richard Burton and "Dallas~ · with Cooper.

In all, Ms. Roman appeared in more than 30 movies, most of them in the 1950s, and a number of television shows in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Naked City," "Knots Landing" and Murder She Wrote."

WEST ENDER E-MAIL You can now reach

The West Ender -by E-Maii. -

Contact us at j.campano @worldnet.att.net

or Fax at (617) 628-2479

CALLING MY OW FRIENDS Thank you for: sending ine The

West Ender. I would Jove to hear from any

of my old friends. , - Barry Schulman

P.O. Box 71956 Las Vegas, NV 89170

Tel: (702) 895-9048 Fax: (702) 736-6961

* * * VERY INFORMATIVE

Enclosed is a check for a subscription to The West Ender.

·_Still receiving the paper and as usual find it very interesting and informative.

Keep up the good work. - Pat & John Locatelli

. Hallandale, FL

1999 \\'EST E:\DER GOLD CLLB . .

The follow ins West Ert4ers have contributed $500.00 to our cause for 1999, aimed at keeping alive the spirit of the Wesi End. Would you be interested in joining this elite group?

LEONARD NIMOY FRANK PRIVITERA

RICK SOLANO

DECEMBER, 1999 PAGE THREE

Memories of the West E.nd Through My Eyes Pizzeria Regina in the No. End (now this is Dad's territory and another story). Amazing, we never got into too much trouble cause everybody knew everyone and you would get "killed" if you ever got caught/witnessed by a neigh­bor doing anything wrong.

Although I was not raised in the "West End" I feel a need to write. My mother "Mary Spinale Ragusa" was lucky to have been raised in an area where no one locked doors, and if you lived on the top floor you didn't "close" . the door which always led to. the kitchen. I have so many memo­ries I would like to share: Every Saturday my mother would take me, (she never let go of my hand), to the West End to visit wit~ my Aunt Fran (Ruma) on the 3rd fir., Aunt Lee (Schell) on the 2nd fir., and of course Nanna and Nannu Spinale on the I st fir. , and the "store" below them at 53 South Margin St., Aunt Anna (DiFranco on Poplar St., Uncle Joe "Manni­Manatza" on Staniford St. or Bowdoin Sq. and numerous cous­ins that had the privilege to have lived there. On these trips from West Medford (the country) to the West En'd, we would meet many relatives and family friends, (Mum always stopped to hug, tell stories and laugh) that to me was going to a "happy place". Mum would be dressed in her .finest dress and pumps and always wore a hat, regardless of the weather.

, _ Going on the subway (Mum 'didn;t drive then, she got her license at 60 yrs. old) was a real treat and the experience to visit the West End and our families is still etched in my mind. On these spe­cial days, we would walk to to the "market" to visit and bring lunch to Nannu and Uncle Frank "Pin­kie'~ and Uncle Dom, who were working to help Nannu peddle his produce from his pushcart; apples, string beans, (3 pounds for a quarter) candy, tomatoes, etc. He never charged the Priests and/or Nuns, they were always free. That, "the market" is a story in itself­I will save for those with more

. experience than I. When we would round the

corner of Mortons, I J Fox, Godfried's Bakery, the pawn shop on the corner of Staniford, Peter the Greek luncheonette corner of So. Margin, Joe & Nemo's, Carps, Sarni's Cleaners, (where cousin Pudgy worked) and Penacchio Funeral Home, say hello to Dutchie the policeman, I would begin to really get excited! I knew I was approaching my family's building as I could smell those great aromas.

In the "store" was a wood­burning stove, Nannu would burn everything: umbrellas, bushel bar­rels, 2 x 4's, papers, left over food, etc. (I have to laugh cause he was forever burning something. It's a wonder the house didn't burn down), but he would make the whole street inhale the beautiful aroma of "steak". Those steaks would put the Hilltop to shame.

Usually on Saturday, my aunts were scrubbing the stairs and then out to the sidewalk and onto the curb, (that was· one smell that is still, to this day, in my mind) . As I looked up that very tall building, I would always see either my Nanna or aunts or cousins, lean­ing on the window sill on a pil­low (they .would toss down a school bag attached to a rope as a pulley enclosed with a few dollars and a note to do a quick errand, like Cassaro's) and anticipate a great feast and feel the warmth and love as you entered their apartments. But the best was when they were cooking lunch. Aunts were busy in their kitchens · and Nanna was just about done

· with hers and had Nannu's lunch ready for us to walk to the mar­ket. Boy was that exciting cause I knew what was coming ana where· we were heading.

This walk opened my world to Minnie White's and that'meant penny candy, or a slush, (on Merrimack St.) or Cassaro's Bak-

Cambridge activist John ·O'Connor (right) was a recent guest on the West End Video Newsletter. Host Jim Campana is shown at right. ·

ery where Mum knew everyone. I lost my first baby tooth eating a biscotti during our journey. It was time for me to have a "free bee" from Nannu and his friends and witness the bond between the workers, shoppers, policemen and so many cultures. My' non Italian friends had never heard of the market and had no idea what the heck I would tell them of these great happenings. That in and of itself, told me I was different, dif­ferent in a sense that made me "lucky" to have known the West End and its people.

When the B.R.A. took over and my grandparents had to "get out", was a ver-y sad day. Going from the West End was not only the end of an era, it was the end of the family unit being together. On many holidays and Sundays, all of us would gather at Nanna and Nannu's on So. Margin St. to cel­ebrate the holiday and Nanna's feast, and the adults played cards. My Mum fondly referred to as Aunt May (to this day, the sisters,

· six in total, refer to each other and themselves fondly, by saying "Aunt" in front of their name) and her sisters, Aunt Lee, Aunt Fran,_ Aunt Jo (Lemire), Aunt

Anna, Aunt Connie, Aunt Kate (Sarrafino ), Aunt Margaret (DiMare), and Aunt Rose (Pal­misano) would gather around the kitchen table and discuss recipes, which coffee tasted the best, which pot to buy, which bread knife cut the best, which day to go to Chinatown with us kids of ·course, or "the basement", take a walk "up town" to the Swan Boats, Uncle Dave's, which cot­tage to rent in White Horse Beach, Plymouth or Swift's Beach, Wareham (Mum and Dad owned the "Aunt May" on Barnes St. for many years.)

My Dad "Miano" Ragusa and the uncles (Uncle Joe, Uncle Dom, Uncle Pinkie, Uncle Jim, Uncle Roy, Uncle John, Uncle Pete, and older male cousins (Jackie, Joey, Lester, Roy Jr.) would "shoot craps" and we younger ones (Anthony, Marilyn, Carol Ann, and I) had permission to "disappear", going to the Lanky .(for 15 cents) for hours, or walk to the Boston Common, "only to wet our ankles" (yeah sure) in the Frog Pond, the Swan Boats, who could run up and 'down the steps of the State House · the fastest, sneaking into Boston Garden, the

Well, thank you for listening to me and awakening these beauti­ful memories. My mother Mary "Aunt May" passed away in June, 1999 and my Dad "Miano" passed away in April, 1999. (Please men­tion .them .in your prayers) My

· children, nieces, nephews, and my . sister Marguerite and brother Philip and I have a void in our lives and will endure our losses · with the help of a Divine strength, but it is these memories that made me smile. As I am writing this, I feel like I am, once again there .

- Roseann (Ragusa) Chardo Concord, MA

* * * STILL MUSTER TEARDROPS

Decades after its destruction by the "urban renewal pioneers" and I still muster teardrops for the old West End.

It was a special place with a special charm. Time goes on, but memories last forever. The West End will always be missed.

-J. Almeida (Bomber) E. Weymouth, MA

ALWAYS Soma.e"';b.:i.:n.g

DOI.NG 'Boston ~s lnfan1ous •DO"' Y A""F -.v••m

NORTHEASTERN University Press

360 Huntington Avenue. 416CP . Boston, Massachusetts 02115

·l! ij I

I ,·· I '

'·

PAGE FOUR

WEST END YOUTHS IN THE FIFTIES

West End teenagers gathered in front of 3 Spring St., the storefront location of the Junior Mob clubhouse fo; this ph~to in the 50's. Back row (I. to r.) Tommy Parker, Jimmy Parker, Joe Corsile and Artie Buonopane. Middle row: Buddy Marino and Bobby Elliott. Front row: Sonny Downey and Sonny LoPresti. - Photo courtesy: Joe LoPiccolo, Reading, MA

BUCKlE, ClASS OF '46 This letter is long overdue. I

have been mearung to write but . never do.

It would be an honor to wear a little pin on your clothing to show . that you are a West Ender. How about it? It can be handed down to children also. We just have to think of the design (small), material and price.

My brother received a letter before they took our home away, instructing us not to repair or make any renovations to our prop­erty. They later said all this prop­erty was in a run down condition. Homeowners were told not to improve their property!

Does anyone remember the maypole events in the "Polish Park?"

I was born on Auburn St.

across from the Aaxman family. The "Oddos" moved in later. My !)lOther bad 7 dau~ters - We were all born in the West End. I

. worked in the Peabody House at the front desk a ·few times. My sister Elizabeth (Lii:a) worked there every chance . she could, which •, was quite a bit. She was saving for her education as a nurse at Boston City Hospital. She worked· for 4 · years and never received compen­sation for it. I threw 'her hours away by mistake (written on a cal­endar) and they didn't have a record. · She deserves recognition for her time spent working while her friends were at dances, etc.

Hi! to Yvonne Pelletier, Sarah Hurvitz, Annie Stepanishan, Irene Turninetz, Lorraine Koyinsky,

· Irene · Shumansky, Bea Mantia, Elena Solano, Fran Moulla and

other '46 grads of Blackie. . I hope "the.PIN'' materializes.

. . . Would -lov~ . to hear from old friends. Enclosed is my subscrip-

' tion fee. · · -Helen (Stacishin) Hazard

49 Western Avenue North Easton, MA 02356 .

. * * * IN MEMORY OF •.•

I am sending a donation in . memory of Salvatore Abramo. I have enclosed an obituary if you are able to mention his passing in your newspaper. I am sure there are many old West End friends who have not heard.

· I think . your· newspaper is wonderful. I hope you are able to keep it going.

-Ann L Donovaro Lynn, MA

Law Offices of ·•

Thomas F. Colonna

• Auto Accidents

• Slips and falls

• Real EstateCiosings_

'.

• Work Injuries

• Wrongful Death

• Wills, Estates and Trusts

F R E E C 0 . N S U L TAT J 0 N S

30 High St., Suite 200 Medford, MA

(781) 395-2834

99 Walnut St., Suite A Saugus, MA

(781) 231-4900

DECEMBER, 1999

WEST END NICKNAMES By Joe LoPiccolo

One of the many interesting things the West End was noted for was its array of nicknames. I have tried to list as many as I can recollect. Please feel free to send in any additional nicknames you remember. '

J~ Lackey Zanelli, Hank the Bookie, Baldi, Pickie DiGaetano, Doc Skiversky, Chickie Showcat, Birdie Smith, Kitty Martin, Tiny Chapski, Smokey Tn!ska, AI the German, Fuzzie Fazzina, Sid Kostka, Kostka the Shaper, Pat the 'Rat Vendetti, Parky Blanco, Tarpy Seltzer, Ding Ding Whalen, Jabber Burke, Joe Zap, Scar Face Surette. Harriet the Horror, Noe DeAngelis, Elephant Man Surette, Symphony Sid, Peter -Looking Glass, Wimpy, The Deacon, Limpy Capodilupo,

· Blackie Settiplme, Shorty Brad, Scarecrow Auditore, Jumbo, Marty the Jap, Chop Chop Grasso, Joe Messy Messina, Baby Phil, Last Call Moscaritolo, Gizzy Freeman, Left/Peanuts Wienczkow.ski, Louie the Ruby, Brownie the Bookie, Spongie LoPresti, Hank the Blank Conick, Poonie and Meatball Vietro.

Beanie Carter, Woolfie, Ruffie, Snakey Sicuso, Jerry the Killer, Fat Kay Bova, Whacky Jackie, Bones, Kazy Kazaconis, Shalmy the Midget, Joe Smooty, Impy Imperato, Johnny Irish, Yogie Stagno, Dutchie the Cop, Pinky McGrath, Leo Shadow, Joe the Greaser, Lucky Boorstein, Las Vegas Cy .. Bunky Tommy Greb, . D.Z. (Zerendow), The Dummy, Yano .. Viola, Gyp the Blood Bataglino, Sugarfoot Sheldon Freeman, Jake Marinella, Bunzo Clifford, Ethel the Rat, Flab Hunter, Ben Bolt Othmer, D!!lby Smith, Honest Fat Mazur, The Sheriff, Benny Alphabet, Fagala Freeman, Johnnie Bats, Gaspipe Rosenthal, Ischabible, Chibby Berger, P.O. Poliskey, Raozo the Weasel, Snoopy Margolin; Hoseman Eckler, Bo Bo Beriandi, Lem London, Merco Mercano, Scottie Escott, Skish Scalata, Juice, Bitta Bee Manganaro, Ben Gun, Snowie Herman, Porker Goldstein, Mungo Kachuck, Dodie Diamond, Spike Henessey, Gi Gi Bennett, Bananas Shifres, Snakeyes McGonagle, Oakie Spinale, Hot Dog Riley and Matzaball Levine. ·

S~al Holland, Iron Head, Jake the Ragman, Doog.ie:-C-ohen: Duckie Downs, Moofa Giordano, Hardrock Romanow, Pat the Barrow, Mickey Gilligan, · Duffo Camp~gra, Bootsie, ·Mali~ky, 'oQ' Do, Beepo, Blinokey, Frankie Shoe, Dixie Sansone, Timmy the Creeper, Beansie, Shank, Baggi~ Baginsky, Buster Vivolo, Weasel Bartholemew, Quick Razor Hayes, The Professor, Joe the. Grab Man, Pieces, Muzzie, Pluto Micale, Twiggy Branchi, Fish Consolo, Doc Ranieri, Runty, Brother Deery, Stonewall Luongo, Lu Ball, Jerry the Roache, Mousie Rothwell, Frankie the Pump: Dirty Gi'rty, Tarbox, Pickie DiGaetano, Shrimpy, Joe Batts, Espie Esposito, Chilly F¥arra, Jo Fi Fi, Spider Murphy, Gaggy, Chef Chef, Marty Moon Face;Starsh, Peanuts, Cookie Sarro, Lefty, Squeaky, Muffie; Lampshade· Lampkin. Tip Toe Olsen, Ralph the Ox. Cuttie, Bunny Nunziato. Bfogay LoVuolo, Tarzan Madeo; Red Blood, Fat Schnippei'. Lovey LuVuolo~

• Sle~py Storace, Yo Yo Arja, Sparkie and Buddo Greenberg~ · Moose Marino, Zoro Celata, Bossie Hoar, Han)< Snay, JOe Belt~(

Ali Pasha, Zukie · Martin,_ Toomba, Duster Barariosky, Danny the Gimp, Fat Mazur, Harpo LoPresti, Johnny ·orctiard; Pip·the Bookie, Pineapple Stevenson, flank the Pollak, The Shadow. · Six .Sitts, · Spit Sidlosky; The Greek, Looking Glass Sawtelle, Beaver Vendetti, Baked Beans Garber, The Russian, Flathead, North Station Mary, Muscles Shirl, Acey Ducey Reagan, Jenny Ya • Ya; Paragoric Benny, Lovchimore Pappa, Ray Ray Papa, Pip Ferrante, Justd 'LoGuidice,

· WQOshie Noe, Scar Bramante, · Jimbo, Chuchie ' Marowski, ·Koochie Masceri, tony Geno, Btiilo }lead Brenner, Stretch Feinstein,' Hole in

. the He'ad Lampkin, Mush Mouth Levine, Monkey' Singer, Btigala. Barrus, Steppi · .Stepanishen, ·. Ropes ·Romeo, 'Lefty · Five-0, · Bony Capone, Smiley Tringali, Jabba, Rosato,· Joe Bomber' Almeida and Tootsie Valenti. · · .· - .

IN MEMORY OF .•. . . . I'm sending a small donatiQn. in memory of Roy Isadore Leavitt:· kQow.n · a~ "Izzy" w!lo pass~d aw,~y May 16, 1999 .from c~iae arrest. .

The Leavitt family lived on Chambers Street in the West Erid.

- Fidelia Leavitt (wife of 47 years)

. Albany, CA

CECEUA PETERKIN . Cecelia_ A. (Qoyle) Peterkin of ­

the We~t End died .ori ~Strptemt>er 15th. . '. .

"stie 'was 'ihe ~ife ~f ilie late James Peterkin an~ : cil<:>tner ~f Joseph Peterkin ofBo~ton.

Reach us via E-Mail at j.campano@woridnet.att.net

or Fax at (617) 6~~79

DECEMBER, 1999 PAGE FIVE

BORN ON HALE STREET Enclosed is a check for The

West Ender. I am 86 years old and enjoy the paper very much. I was born at 36 Hale Street. I was 8 years old when I moyed to Swampscott, but I remember it very, very well. Our house on Hale Street had a big tree in the front. Even though I moved, my mother would take us to Boston to see our relatives and friends. I remember many good times in Boston with my cousin Agnes Gulino­Giordano whom is in Florida now.

SOCIETY DI MUTUO SOCCORSO E BENEFICENZA - 1923

My cousin Frances Celino is in Florida as well. I read about the trip my cousin Jennie Liosa took to Arizoni I also saw the picture of my cousin Mary Passinissi in The West Ender. I enjoy all the articles. When I read it I remem­ber all the old times which were so great at Cassaro Bakery, Karp, the corner store for candy, the Lemonade Man on So. Margin Street and Mondello the Meat Man.

We miss all the old friends . My daughter has been the music director at No. Reading High School for 32 years. She has had all tlie Silvestro boys· in her classroom. Also some of the DiMare boys.

I love anq 1enj~.Y Thf! W.est ; (. Ender. I talked with Mariha " .. Morello last week. We see them occas-ionally. . ,

Tliii'I9iJph~io 'ofthe Societa di Mutuo Soccorso '[ Ben(/ficenzi{ Figli 'di Italia e Dintomi .wa; submitted by Pai Fi~re[/(j of Medford. He is wondering whether any of our readers kn~w anything abo_ut the Society or can identify anyone in the photo.

.. , . My mother used to go see Mrs. PAPER BRINGS HAPPINESS

Priviter~ every' week. They were very close to the. Morello's. ·

-Agatha Morano Swampscott .. MA

* * *

Sending you my donation_ to a paper that .brings . happy m~mo-'

. ries. Joe and I are back in florida after spending five weeks in Massachusetts.

ALLEN STREET RESIDENT While there we had a bitter-My uncle Victor Terranova, sweet reunion with some dear

who lives in Newton, forwarded friends. Thanks to AI Lisitano m~ your paper. dated September who made it possible to see some 1999 and I read many familiar old West Enders at the Meadow name~ in Richard Nedd's story. Glen Mall.

I have enclosed my donation It was bitter as it saddened us to The West Ender. to see . the effects of aging thus

My name is Victor Richard reminding us of our own mortali-Terranova (Called Richie) who ty- but it was also sweet to spend liVM. at 19 Allen Street and left __ -two hours reminiscing with old the West End in 1959 when I West Enders . .It was a happy time joi~eq the Air Force and served and good to see that even with for eight years finally settling in all our physical handicaps all Denver, Colorado. were cheerful and looking good,

While living in Denver I was although older. fortunate from time to time to be Oh where has our youth gone? able to travel to different parts of We usually visit Massachusetts the world and have returned to the every July and August but if God States in March after riving in the spares us we will be going North Sultanate of Oman for 18 months. next year in June, due to our I have one daughter Tanya and I granddaughters graduating. will be- a grandfather in February We do so wish we could attend 2000. · your June reunion. Do hope

I· hope that in .the near future someone will let us know when you would organize another West the time comes. There aren't too End function. Please place me on many old West Enders around and your mailing list. hopefully those of us still left will

I would like to wish all my continue to support this great old friends happy holidays. paper. If not it could die a sudden

11: .., R h death. God bless us all. · · - YICtor ~erranova ( ic. ie) Golden, CO -Frances (Spinale) Celino

Fort Pierce, FL

MA-YOR DEAN MAZZARELLA ADDS HIS SUPPORT Leominster, the . birthplace

of John Chapman, who later became the legendary Johnny Appleseed, is fighting to save its last apple orchard, Sholan Farms.

The owners of the · 178-acre property, Dr. Paul Possick and his wife, Marjorie, of Woodcliff Lake, N.J., have filed plans with the planning board for 161 house lots. All of the land is zoned

. residential. The first hearing will be held sometime in December, city planner Mary Albertson said.

Leominster ·Historical Commis­sion, and others in this central Massachusetts community.

' 'The city might end up buying Sholan Farms in conjunction with the Trustees [of Reservations]," Mazzarella said. "We want that land kept open for public access. Johnnie Appleseed, remember, was concerned about wildlife and the environment. And we've built the city's character around him."

* * * Situated on a hill off Pleasant BILLERICA ST. RESIDENT

Street on the city's south side, I lived on 46 Billerica Street the orchard is named for the chief with my parents, Charlie and Flo · of the Nashways tribe that ruled Sacoco and two brothers, Sal and the area in the 17th century. Charlie. It was one of those

Officials of the Trustees of wonderful streets in the West End Reservations, ' a nonprofit land · where everyone was either a conservation group, met reeently . cousin or a good friend. with Peter Dawson, a Worcester I graduated from the William lawyer who is representing the Blackstone School where one of Possicks. my classmates was Ruth Roman;

"We're hoping that we'll be and, when I saw her in the able to acquire this unique movies, I was thrilled. property," said Richard O'Brien I now live in a "retirement of Leominster, a regional director home for men" and I'm doing of the Beverly based organization. very well. I have four grown-up It owns 15. properties west of kids whom I see quite often. Their Boston, including Concord's Old names are: Charlie, Joey, Ao and Manse. Diane.

The trustees' efforts are sup- So,' to all my friends from the ported by Leominster Mayor "Old" West End, I send my love! Dean J. Mazzarella, son of Mr. -Joe Sacoco and Mrs. Joseph Mazzarella, Haverhill, MA formerly of the West End, the

DOWN MEMORY LANE Surprised when I read the

headlines in Sept. issue. i thought in poor taste. As an old West EIKkf. we had no dislikes or what­ever they wrote about race or color. That was a big £rQd of you know what! A bad accusation on behalf of the BRA director.

I am 82 years young and will never believe what went on at that bad time in my parent's life and all those hard working neighbors and friends. I would say it took them to an earlier grave, but I am sure His h~ is over all of us (for better or for worse). They got peanuts for the property they worked so hard for, broken hearts and the whole nine yards. - Enough or I will wor~ up to my third heart attack. Hi to Joe "Bomber" and my new cousins

· from Fort Pierce; florida_; Joe and Francis (Spinale) Celino.

Please print as I should have had this b;ld taste 39 years ago when this garbage hit the fan. Any comments write: Lee (Spin­ale) Schell, 115 Elizabeth Street, Holly Hill, Aorida 32117-.1714.

-l.Le (Spinale) Schell Holly Hill. FL

SUBscRIBE TO THE WEST ENDER $10.00 PER YEAR

PAGE SIX DECEMBER, 1999

'99 Old-Timers Week at West En ouse am

DECEMBER, 1999 PAGE SEVEN

Frank . Privitera Scho arship Awarded at the --" Sons of Italy Foundation's Awards Gala

The Sons of Italy Foundation's llth Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala was held earlier this year at the National Building Museum Auditorium in Washington, D.C: ·

The gala, attended by more than l ,000 people including Pre:;idenJ,, Clinton, wh~ _ga":'e the keynote_ address, featur.ed CNN's Lal-ry King as Master of Ceremonies.

· Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the _Frank D. Privitera Scholarship.: to Ms. Amy Lenarider of Closter, New Jersey, who will be attending Harvard ~ni,versity. ·

Tony Bennett was honored as Humanitarian of the Year . andFrank: Sinatra, Jr. provided the entertainment. ·

. '

11th Annual National Education & Leadershi Awards Gala

r ---

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PAGE EIGHT DECEMBER, 1999

The Joy of Growing Up It_alian THE BATHING 'SUIT Author Unknown

I was well into my adulthood before I realized that I was an American. By Bob Vatalaro Of course •. I had been born in America and had lived here all my life, The year was 1944. 1 would but somehow it had never occurred to me that just being a turn eleven on July 4th. There was citizen of the United States meant I was an American. Americans were a war on. They called it World people who ate peanut butter and jelly on mushy white bread that came War 11. America was winning. out in plastic packages. Me? I was Italian. We lived at 35 Poplar. St. (We

For me, as I am sure for most second generation Italian Americans had gone upscale from 9 Willard who grew up in the 40's and 50's, there was a definite distinction St.) We even had a Poplar tree between US and THEM. We were Italians! Everybody else, the Irish, 00 Poplar St., near the synagogue Polish, Jewish, they were the "MED-E-GONES". There was no animo- 00 Chambers Street. sity involved in the distinction, no prejudice, no hard feelings, just well, My father worked at the we were sure ours was the better way. For instance we had a bread man, Charlestown Navy Yard. (From a coal and ice man, a fruit and vegetable man, a watermelon man. and a pre-war W.P.A) 1 had five broth­fish man; we even had a man who sharpened our knives and scissors who ers. My oldest brother, Frank, was came right to our homes, or at least right outside our homes. They were in the Army in the South Pacific. the many peddlers who plied the Italian neighborhoods. We would "'ait The next oldest, Tony, was work­for their calls, their yell, their individual distinctive sounds. We knew ing in a navy yard in Vallejo, them all and they knew us. Americans went to the stores for most of their . California (a boom town caused foods. What a waste! ' by the war). My brother Mike was

Truly, I pitied their loss. They never knew the pleasure of waking up in his first car. A 1933 Plymouth, in the morning to find a hot, crisp loaf of [tal ian bread waiting behind the (but it had a . '36 engine!) There screen door. And, instead of being able. to climb up on the back of the was almost no gas available. He peddler's truck a couple of times a week just to hitch a ride, most of my ~nd his friends spent a great deal "MED-E-GONE" friends had to be satisfied with going to the A&P. of time just sitting in the car. I sat When it came to food, it always amazed me that my American friends or in it too. (Both Tony and Mike classmates only ate turkey on Thanksgiving or Christmas. Rather, they would be in an army uniform soon only ate turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes al)d cranberry sauce. Now, we after.) Italians also had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, Johnnie was · next. It was sum­but only after we had finished the antipasto, soup, lasagna, meatballs, mer. He had just finished his salad and whatever else MAMA thought might be appropriate for the freshman year of high school. 1 particular holiday. Turkey was usually accompanied by a roast of some marveled at how much he . knew. kind (just in case someone walked in who didn't like turkey) and was fol-

Ronnie was the only one younger than I. (He still is). He was having fun running down alleys, and listening to afternoon adventure radio. Wheaties presents, Jack Armstrong!" There were no sis­ters. My,mother prayed hard for a girl. There was no anwer; simply . no answer.

Through all this, my mother, Catherine Yatalaro, (nee Fioren­tino), took command. She ran things ..... until my father came home from work. (Even then, she was the first line of contact ... or defense). Ma was to~gh. Ma was generous. Ma loved her kids. She taught us popular songs sitting on a bench at the Charles River park. I think my mother's greatest plea­sure was singing with her kids. Hugging and kissing them was a close second. One other thing - · about my mother. Her parents were from my father's home town in Calabria, Italy. She spoke Italian, but usually only to my father. We grew up with a very limited knowledge of Italian.

At the Charles River we learned to sing. to swim. to row

lowed by an assortment of fruits, nuts, pastries, cakes, and of course my grandfather, his pipe ·in his mouth and his fine mustache trimmed, home made cookies. No holiday was complete without some home would sit.in the middle of it all grinning his mischievous smile, his dark baking· -:- none of.~. store l?<>H&ht s~ .for us. Jhis is _where you eyes twinlcling; 'Surveying his domain, proud of his family and ho\v"Well learned to eat a seven 'course meal between noon and 4 PM. how to his children-had done. One was a cop, one was a fireman, another had his handle hot chestnuts and put tangerine wedges in red wine. I truly believe trade and of course, there was always the rogue. And the girls, all had Italians live a r\)mance with food married well, had fine husbands and healthy.'children and everyone knew

Speaking of food- Sunday was truly the big holiday of the week! It respect. w~ th: day yoo'd w~e· up tq ~e smell of garlic _and onions frying .in He had achieved.his goal in coming to America and to New Jersey ohve ml.. As you lay 10 bed, you could hear the hiss as tomatoes were and now his children and their children were achieving the same goals droppe_d 10t? apan. Sunday ~e always ha~ gravy (the MED-p-GONES - that were available to them in this great country because they were called It sauce) and macarom (they called It PASTA). S~nday would-not Americans. When my grandfather died years ago at the age of 76, things be Sun9ay without going to Mass. Of ~~urse, you c~uldn't eat before began to change. Slowly at first, but the Uncles and Aunts began to cut Mass because you had to fast before recei,v10g commumon. But, t!te good down on their visits. Family . gatherings were fewer and something part ~as we knew when we got ho~e we d find hot meatball~ fry10~, and seemed to be missing, althougl} when we did get together, usually at my nothing tastes better than newly fried meatballs and bread dipped 10to a mother's house now, I always had the feeling that he was there some­pot of gravy. how. It was understandable of course, everyone now had families of their

There was ~other difference between US and THEM. We. had own and grandchildren of their own. Today they visit once or twice a gardens - not JUSt flower gardens, but huge . gardens where we grew year. Today we meet at weddings and wakes. ~omatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes. We ate th~m, cooked them and Lots of other things have changed too. The old house my grandfather Jarred them. Of course, ~e also grew peppers, .basil, lettuce and squash. bought is now covered with- aluminum siding, although my uncle still Everybody h~ a grapevi_ne and a fig tree and 10 the fal~ everyone made lives there and my grandfathers garden is gone. The last of the home­homemade wme, lots of It. Of course, those gardens thrived because we made wine has long since been drunk and nobody covers the fig tree in also had something else our American friends didn't seem to have. We the fall anymore. For a while, we would make the rounds on the holidays had a Grandfather!! It's not that they dido 't have grandfathers, it's just and visit family. Now, we occasionally visit the cemetery. A lot of them that they didn't live in the same house, or on the same block. They visit- are there- grandparents, uncles, aunts, even my own father. ed their grandfathers. We a!e with ours and God forbid we d!dn 't see him The holidays have changed too. The great quantity of food we once at least once a day. I c~ still remember my.,grandfath~r telbng me a~ut . consumed without any ill effects is no good for us anymore. Too much ~ow ~ carne to Amenca as a youg man, on a boat · How the family starch, too much cholesterol, too many calories and nobody bothers to hved ~ rented t~ne~ents an~ too~ boarders to help make ends meet, how bake anymore _ too busy. It's easier to buy it now and too much is no he decided he dido t want his c~ldren, five sons and tw? daughters, to good for you. We meet at my parents house now at least my family does grow up in that environment. All of this, of course, in his own version of but it's not the same. · ' ' Italian/English, which I soon learned to understand quite well. The differences between US and THEM aren't so easily defined any- .

So when he saved enough, and I could_ never figure out how, he more and 1 guess that's good. My grandparents were Italian Italians, my bought a house. That house served the farruly for the n~xt 40 years. I parents were Italian Americans, I'm an American Italian and my children remembered how ~e hated to leave and would ~ther Sit on the back ~ Anierican Americans. I'm an American and proud of it. ~reb and.watch his garden grow. and when. tH: did leave for ~me s~- Just as my grandfather would want me to be. We are all Americans cial occ~on, had to return as quickly as possible. After all, nobody s now - the Irish . Germans Poles and Jews. U.S. citizens all - but watching the house". I also remember the holidays when all the relatives Somehow I'm stiil a little bi~ Italian. Call it culture call it tradition call would gather at m~ grandfathe~'s house~ there'~ be tables ~ll off~ it-roots, I:m not really sure what it is. Alii do kno~ is that my chiictren and homemade wme and music. Women m the kitchen, men to the ltv- have been cheated out of a woriderful piece ofheritage. Tiiey never knew ing room and kids everywhere. I must have a half million cousins, first · my grandfather. _ and second and some who aren't even related, but what did it matter. And - Submitted by Marie Testa, Peabody, MA

boats, and in the other season, walk on the ice.

In early June 1944 Rome was liberated, and two days later, D Day happened. More than that, I was wildly anticipating stepping into the water of the Charles and perfecting the swimming stroke my brother Johnnie had taught me the year before. l was going to be gre~t!

A week before St. Joseph School let us out for the summer, I excitedly dug through some drawers and found my bathing suit. It didn't fit. I found a new meaning for the word "tights." No matter how much I tried, I couldn't get my 2 inch taller body into the trunks. I searched for hand me downs. There was nothing.

"Ma, it doesn 't fit. " "What doesn't tit?" "My bathing suit." "Bobby, you're growing .

see if Johnnie or Mike has one lying around,"

"I already looked." "Bobby, I'm sorry, but you' re

gonna have to switch with your , brothers. or wear some old pants. I can ··t buy you a new bathing suit. .. I don't have ~my money."

I had learned ·at, 'h·vecy, ~Ji)<."¥ age that the absenc.e of money negated the need or raiionale for. any further discussion. I · was allowed to poud>ut I had to take my facial expression out to · th~ street. I stared down Poplar St. toward the river. I wanted in.

Final exams came and went at St. Joseph. All of us were promot­ed. I was still unhappy, .and I showed it around the "flat." More thim once my mother told me in her North End fashion, (her birth place), to take my long face out­side. l would have to learn _that disappointments were part of life. (There were · no baby boomers then). I thought that whatever swimm-ing skill I had, would atro­phy. My friends had already start­ed using the river, while some of the older guys used the Warren Bridge. I spent a g~t deal of time sitting on the doorstep of Leo Brazil's building across from my . building-. I sensed that my mother would watch me from our apartment wi$w. Maybe if she saw my sad face it would trigger a miracle. ·

One day. after watching some of my friends swim in the Charles I returned to the doorstep. I had made up my mind that I was either going to work on an ice truck, sell papers, shine shoes, run errands, or do anything to earn SQme ~Y· My mother spotted me and called out.

DECEMBER, 1999

"Yeah, Ma ... what?" "Bobby, come up, I n~d you

tq do an errand." "Aw Ma, ya mean right now." "Right now." · I slowly ambled toward our

doorway. ·Usually I ran up the stairs, trying to beat my brother Johnnie's pace. However, this time I could have been elected President of the Slow Walker's Club. I walked into the apartment.

"Where do I have to go?" "Downtown." "Downtown?" (I was shouting) "Where?" Wherever you can buy a

bathing suit for fifty cents. Try Neisners or Woolworth. They usually have them."

She extended her arm.. Her first was clenched. Her fingers opened, and revealed the· mosi beautiful fifty cent piece I had ever seen. I . stood there with my mouth open. I was afraid to say anything. It might be a dream. Finally."

"Is that for me?" "Nobody else."

. "All of it?" "All of it. Put it in your

pocket. You still have time to go down-

town." ·. "Wow! Wow! Thanks ' Ma!

Where dja-get it?" My happiness was"· surpassed

only by the smile on her face. "Don't ask so many questions; -

she said, "Where there's a. will there's a way. Now be sure to put · it in your pocke't, and don't. lose it," ..

She gave me :a big hug . and reminded me· that the stores were still open. I flew' down the Stairs. i half rim on air. I nad the greatest mother in the wbrld! lwas going swimming! Wow!'l was walking · downtown owning the greatest treasure I ever had. It was my tick­et to 'a great summer. The fifty cent coin was dutched tightly in my hand-driven deeply into mY pocket. I wasn't about to'lose it.

As I walked· to the top ·of Poplar ·Street I felt confident enough to release the ·coin .from my· ·sweaty hand' in my pocket.: · I didn't-take the·alley ·to Leyerett ' St. I might get robbed! I walked down to Green St., to Bo~doin · Square, -Scollay Square, and mag­ical ·Washington .- St The ·stores were there. (Imagine an · 11 year old taking that walk today.) I found Neisrlers. There were sales ladies enclosed by rectangles of clothing tables.

"Uh, do · you ·know ' iWhere bathing suits are?"

"For boys?" "Yuh:': "Over there." She pointed at

the far end of her rectactangle. They had a stack of bathing

suits. I anacked and found three

I though.t would. work .... but they money, you find the bathing suit." my hand a finger at· a time. The didn't. All three price tags said "Yea, sure!" tag said 49 cents. I was holding a fifty-nine cents. (No sales tax "Go early tomorrow morning, Royal Straight Flush! Wow! I did bad~ then). I kept looking. A pile you'll find something." it! of unacceptables was huilding on My supper was on the table. I hurried to the saleslady. one side of the wooder: rectangle. How did my mother always know "Did you find a ·pair?" she . It got higher and higher. Then I when I'd -be home? Eating was asked. went through every o. e of them a temporary distraction. Later, I "I sure did." ·again. I started recognizing _some went to bed with a high level of "Great, now let's be sure of the of them. Too small, .. :.too big ... too anxiety. Would the morning real- size." expensive. I ran to Woolworths. ly hold my promise? I had a diffi- My happiness · turned to

The displays were similar, but cult time sleeping. Finally, I must despair. I forgot to look at the Woolworths had a snack bar, and have fallen asleep, and awoke size. What if they didn't fit? Are the aroma of fresh brewed coffee to daylight. I leaped out of bed there any suits left to look at? set my stomach gurgling. I had a and practically jumped into the "Bh-good, it's a medium," she passing urge to buy a cup of cof~ kitchen. My father was there. He said. These should fit." · fee, fighting it off with visions hadn't left for · work yet. He was I almost jumped for joy. I was-of swimming underwater in the making coffee. · n't into kissing older women, but Charles. (I can remember being "Bobby, how coma you get she could have easily been my without hot coffee). This time I upa so early?" first. I handed her the 50 cent found the bathing suits by myself. · ''I'm going downtown." piece. She rang up the sale on an New store, new labels, renewed "Maybe you betta wait a Iittla antique register and put the suit in confidence. I started my search. while, becausa they no opena a bag. She handed it to me, I said Eureka! A blue one with a red and yet." "Thank you" and started to leave. white stripe! Wow! Forty-nine "Huh?" Before I could tum she said: cents! I ran to the sales lady and "ltsa sixa thirty." He was grin- "Hold it, you have change." handed it to her. ning. "Huh?"

"Is this for you?" I looked at the clock.. and "You have a penny change." "Uh huh'' quickly realized that I couldn' t "Oh. I forgot. Thank you." · I dpn't think it's gonna work." "Why?" "Its a small. You're a medium.

It's really' for small kids." I stared at the lady, then at the

suit. "Can it stretch?"

walk into a store for two and a "Where are you planning to half hours. use the bathing suit?"

"You wanta coffee; . or you "At the Charles, in the ·west wanta go ta bed?" End."

"I think I'll go back to bed." "Well, have fun. and be care-The next thing I heard was my ful."

mother saying," "Bobby, you bet- "I will." ,. · ~Not enough." .... ,'!' . • •. .... ter:.get up ·before.>all the bathing •. _ - I left half~ running, and half

"Thanks" suits are gone.'' It was nine thirty. flying. I couldn't believe ft: My · I went back to the stacks. I was walking downtown by . wishing had come true. I even I tried again. T-he stack -didn't • 10:15. The temperature had ' had a penny bonus. I walked, I change. I was hot. My face was drop'ped overnight. It was actual- ran, I dodged cars: My heart \vas damp with sweat. .I was failing. ly cool, but the 50 cent piece was · beating rapidly · and happily: It Then a voice .. . the saleslady. · enveloped in a sweaty palm in my was still cool but perspiration was

''If you don't find anything, _ pocket. ·I released it.only because fonning · on my forehead, I was · you might try tomorrow." I · had to use borh hands in close to home. This time I took

"Why?" ·Woolworth. The saleslady gave · the shortcut alley. ,Reaching my "Sometimes they add to the me a knowing smile. goal had increased my bravery. ·

stacks late at night." "I'm glad you came back. I ran up the stairs to our apart-"I;>o you . think they will They re-stacked the bathing suits ment. My mother looked at me

tonight?" last night. I think they l¥!d~d · with anticipation. 'They might." some." i dug into the stack "Did you find orre?" "I was really counting on find- with renewed enthusiasm. Wow! · "Ye'ah, and wait' II you see it."

ing one today," my voice show- There really were· new ones! Still, "Show it to me." ing real disappointment. the pile of discards waS growing. . I proudly pulled the suit from

·"You might .feel better in the !.started to wonder if ari accept- · the damp bag. It still looked morning.". · · able· 50 cent bathing suit existed. absolutely' beautiful. ·A 49 cent

''Yeah, maybe ... " I was getting hot again. I consid- ticket to a summer of adventure. I· walked out of the store. ered ending it all .by buying a · My mother looked it over careful-

Washington St. lost its magic. I · ·cold drink at Woolworth's lunch ly, and like rriost mothers the gave a passing thought to going · counter. No; my mother's poten- world over, she tried to instill in to a local ·store in the West · End, tial. inquisition killed· that · idea. , her child a sense of pride because but remembered my mother-. .Then it happened. I spotted it.. It she had-inade- a great decision, or telling me that N,e_isners and. was covered by a blue green satin accomplished a major feat. Woolworths were cheaper. It was. · pair of"tights." Just a piece of the "Oh, Bobby, _it's beautiful. a slow sweaty walk home. The dark blue fabric was showing~ You'll look great in this color. fifty cent piece which spenr time . I gmbbed them. Held them tip . LOOk, it's even the right size. between my pocket and my palm to the light. They were dark blue, How much did it cost?" didn't, have a dry spot on it. made of a kind ofstretchable jer- "49, ·cents, I have a penny

"Hey Ma ... " sey -material. I was getting excit- change for you.." "Let me see your new trunks." -ed. There were even two vertical "You keep it Bobby. I can't ·~1 didn't get any." stripes running down the sides. believe you got all this for 49 "Why? . Did you l()se · the . One red, lUld one white. A fantas- cents. That's great When are you

money?" tic bonus! My search for the price going swimming?" "No, see, here it is. They did- . · was like a poker player squeezing . · ''Cari I go right .now?"

n't have any trunks I could buy. his cards in draw poker. (Nobody· "Isn't it too cool?" Can you go with me tomorrow?"- did it better, or took longer .than "NoMa, it's getting hot. Look ·

"No, you can do it alone. You my brother Johnnie.) My hand I'm even sweating." have to look carefully. I found the covet-ed the tag. I slowly move "OK. but eat something first."

PAGE NINE

"Do I have t()?" "Yes, don't argue. Go ahead

and put your suit on while I make you something."

I dashed to the bedroom. I had the suit on in four tenths of a sec­ond. I can' t remember what I ate, but I broke the record for swal­lowing without chewing. I barely heard my mother when she warned me about cramps from eating too fast. My walk to the river was swift, but there was something different. I was swag­gering with pride. I was wearing a

· new bathing suit that belonged to me ... only me.

At the beach I searched for friends. There were none. There was no one to tell of my good for­tune. I · was a little disappointed, but not depressed. I disrobed, and lay my clothes in a pile on the sand like everyone in the West End dia. The bathing suit was still- ·beautiful. I approached the water's edge.

One toe went in the water. It was cold, but other people were in the water, so apparently the temperature was not a killer . Slowly, I went forward down the slope of the river bed. I was up to my thighs. I sat down, then rolled over. It was cold, but now I was getting used to it. I went deeper into the· river and dove underwa-

' ter. At that moment all my dreims came true. I was swimming, I Was hidden, I' could see little fish, I felt go(xF in my new bathing stilt. I came up for air. · · · Standing up-t noticed a little

·• boy near thcf water's edge; · -He said, "I don't have any.'' "Any what."· I asked. "Stripes on· my bathing suit.'~ "Wheh you get bigger you'll

. get · them," I responded, with a pedantic expression.

He rait to his mother sayfug, "Moinmie am I old enough for stripes?'' · ..

I turned back to the water arid walked in up to my. chest. I dove under, and swam to Ute shore. When I broke the surface I spot­ted my brother Johnnie and a · friend. I stood up showing my 49 cent million dollar bathing· suit in all its glory.

·· "Is that it?" Johnnie ·a5ked: · "I rapidly nodded yes 7 . or 8 times. · -

Johnnie turned to · his •friend and said, ''That's my brother . Bobbie~ He's got a new bathing suit." Then he waved and walked on; After w·alking about fifty

··yards· · he turned aro.uvd· and · 'waved ;tgain. Brothers do'that. ···

I stood there basking -in the realization that my dream had come true. Johnnie's question had validated my joy. It was going to be a great summer. I dove back into the water. "Make ~ay _for . Johnny Weismuller."

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PAGE TEN

MARY MELCHIONE Mary Louise (Mercadante)

Melchione of Quincy, a grocery clerk, died October 23rd at Quincy Rehabilitation and Nursing Cen­ter. She was 87.

Born in Pratala Serre, Aveleno, Italy, Mrs . Melchione moved

. to Boston's West End. She later moved to Quincy where she resided for 48 years.

Mrs. Melchione was a former member of the West End Mothers Club.

Wife of the late Charjes J., she is survived by a daughter, Rita O'.Brien of Wollaston; two sons, Charles M. of Malden and Richard J. of Worcester; three brothers , Ralph Mercadante of Quincy and Joseph Mercadante of Boston; two sisters, Caroline Esposito of Boston and Susan .Guarino of Revere; 12 grand­children; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

. * * * LOUIS MEOLA

Lou~s B. Meola of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Danbury, NH and the West End, died on October 6th at the age of 79.

He was the beloved husband of · Marie (Murray-Petrigno).

Mr. Meola leaves two sons, Mark and Louis, a daughter and son-in-law Nicki and Donald Polcaro, grandsons, Steven Polcaro and Donald and Debra Polcaro and a great-grandson, Alex Polcaro.

He was a son-in-law to Mr. and Mrs. Michael Petrigno and broth­er-in-law to Susan and Cliff O'Connor and Adele and Ralph Saunders.

Mr. Meola was an ' uncle to Amanda and Chris and to many nieces and nephews.

DOMINIC GENTILE Dominic A. Gentile of

Reading died on September 14th · at the Winchester Hospital. He

was 63. Borp on June 28, 1936 in the

West End, Mr. Gentile lived in Reading for 36 years. He was the owner of Gentile Painting and enjoyed gardening. He loved the

. time spent with his family and was known for his kind nature, sense of humor and a desire to help others.

· He was the husband of Rose (Rabinovitz) Gentile; the father of Robert J of Dracut, Susan J. Mochi of Mansfield, Nancy J. of Tewksbury and Richard J of Hudson, New Hampshire; the brother of Raymond of Walpole, Donato of Roslindale, Constance Foster of Brandon, Florida, Carl · of St. Petersburg, Florida, Carrnelia Metfooney of Seekonk, and Paul of Randolph; and the grandfather of Jason, Brianne, Christopher, Taylor, Benjamin, Krisandra and Dominique.

* * * DOMENIC BRAMANTE

Domenic J. Bramante, for­merly of the West End, died on September I Oth.

He was the husband of Shirley (French) Bramante and father of

atfiGia-and-her- husband Stephen Sullivan of East Taunton.

Mr. Bramante was the brother of Frank and his wife Providence Bramante of Saugus, Joseph

. and his wife Lucy Bramante of Burlington and · Mary and her husband George Morris of Saugus.

He was the stepfather of Julie Sacchetti of Marstons Mills, Gerard Cabeau of Mills and Chris­topher Cabeau of Burlington.

1999 \YEST E:'\DERS l\IEi\IORIAL CIRCLE

The following West Enders have contributed $100.00 or more in memory of their loved ones in 1999. Now is the time to send in your donation to be included in the 1999 West Enders Memorial Circle.

1n memory of

Francesco and Anna Noe and children Joe, Carmello, Vincent and Frank from Josie Patania

Joseph and Anita Russo, Donald and Sylvia Grey, Joe Solano and Moe Guarino from .Vincent J. Russo

·Gaetano and Josephine Privitera . _ Vincent and Ida Bellissino from the .Bellissino family • My grandparents Joseph and Josephine.Annello from Joseph

Annello Pauline Lishano from her husband AI Lisitano Tony Genovese from Michael Rao Rose Cucinotta from Tony (Juju) Cucinotta · M.y parents Fay and Murray Alter fro'm Steve Alter My mother Rita Zenga from Tony Zenga . Grace . and Vinceniio Garrasi, Carolina and Antonio, Joseph, .

Alfred, Albert, Attilio and Concetta Manzelli from Mario : and Maria Manzelli

Olympia and Salvatore Bramante from Mary (Bramante) Marchesani. ·

DECEMBER, 1999

BOB CATALANO'S "ROYAL AMERICAN SINGLES"

Bob_ Catalano's ' ~Royal American Singles" hosted a Singles Dance recently at the American ~gwn Hall, 357 Great_&!., Bedford, MA and broke all-time attendance records with nearly 300 smgle adults, p:esent. Pictured, _are some of the sin$/e folks dancing to a professional DJ and Top 40 Dance Mu~1c. Proper dress. IS requested. There are hors ll'oeuvres, door prizes, lots Qf parking, and the hall1s smoke-free. $6.00 before 8:30p.m. $7.00 after. For more information call (617) 324-4900.

-Bob Catalano, Roslindale, MA, William Blackstone School, Class of '45

EUGENE GIANELLY Eugene Gianelly of Stoughton,

formerly of the West End, was entered into rest on February I st.

He was the beloved husband of Virginia (Bomstein) Gianelly and . devoted father of Dr. Ralph Gia­ne,lly and Dr. Anthony Gianelly and stepfather · of Joanne (and Jerry) Burt and Barry Winer.

. Mr. Gianelly wa<> the brother of Romeo Gianelly, Eli~abeth Milas and Florence Stack. ·

He was the dear grandfather of Lisa, Todd, Patricia, Robert, Catherine, Jerry Jr. and Justine.'

* * *

KENNETH BOVA Kenneth M. Bova of Chelsea

and Revere, a writer, died on November 3rd in New Orleans. He was 51 years old.

Born in the·. West End, Mr. Bova was raised in Chelsea and Revere. He attended St. Rose Elementary School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Revere.

He is survived by his mother Katherine M. of Brockton and two brothers, Gerard of Halifax and Leo C. of Quincy.

"' * *

JOSEPH NORTH Joseph R. North of Boston,

formerly of the West End, died on September 23rd.

He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Skory) North and lov­ing father of Mary Theresa North of Woburn, Leslie Ann North of Somerville and Joseph R. North, Jr. of Springfield.

Mr. North was the brother of Delores North of Quincy.

He was the late owner of Beacon Hill Barber and was a late Vie.tnam Veteran. U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard.

* * * ANNA BIFULCO

Anna E. Bifulco of Revere, formerly of the West End, died on. November II th.

She was the beloved sister of Beatrice Ryan and her late husband Thomas.

Mrs. Bifulco was the devoted Godmother of Leonard, Robert and Paul Doucette and Joanne Shaughnessy and all of their children.

She was the loving friend of the late Helen and Albert Doucette and dear sister of the late

. Harry and John LaSpina, Rose Mastacusa, Connie Bertuccini and Lucy Tavano. . .

ELLEN ANASTOS Ellen K. . Anastos, 57, of

Warwick, RI, a language teacher. lauded by her peers and named Teach~r of the Year in 1997 in the Warwick School Department, died November-3rd at Women & Infants. Hospital. She was the wife of Milton V.Ana$tos, Jr.

"She probably taught half the teachers in the district how to become better teachers," Rouleau said. "She was the consummate

· professional. At all times, her job came first."

Born in the West End, a daugh-· ter of Dora (Christo) Kaskaviqi of Palm Bay, FL. ·and the late James KaskaviqL she received her bachelor's degree at' Bostor1cState . ,College in 1964 and her master's degree· in educatio.n from Rhode Island College in 1974.

From 1964 to 1971 -she !Jiught in the Somerville and Quincy School Departments before she moved to the Warwick sehool system. where she spent 27 years. Illness forced her to retire in 1997.

She spent a decade at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School, six years at Groton Junior High School and eight years at Tollgate High School. ·

* * *

DECEMBER, 1999 PAGE ELEVEN

Former West Enders Business Directory TRusT IT To THE SPECIALIST.

We offer safe individualized care of Oriental rugs, an alternative to harsh commercial cleaning. • Scotch guard • Mothproofing • Pet Stains and

Odor Removal • Pickup and Delivery • Cash & Carry Discount

• Member of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration

liiJGRILID ()lUI ~I \1 Rl lt. ( ARI

CLEANING • RESTORATION • APPRAISALS

1-800-649-7707

TEL. (617) 666-0300

PRIVITERA, PRIVITERA & PRIVITERA ATTORNEYS AT LAW

FRANCIS D. PRIVITERA JEANNINE PRIVITERA FRANCIS D. PRIVITERA, JR. PHILIP J. PRIVITERA

APPRECIATE HARD WORK I appreciate what you are

doing. Lots of hard work but well done. I'm from Leverett St. and was born in 1916. You guys at The West Ender are a different generation.

The Great Depression and World War II with General Patton's 3rd Army and survived the war was how I passed the time away.

-Alexander Pless Gloucester, MA

BARRISTER'S HALL 59 UNION SQUARE

SOMERVILLE, MASS. 0214-3 ·

WEST END FOREVER Although we are out of the

West End, the West End will never be out of us. However distant we are from cherished friends and friendly neighbors. However life has changed us since the infamous days of the wrecking ball. How­ever distant we may be from our formerly well knit community, we are linked to the West End forever ... - J. Almeida

(Bomber) Weymouth, MA

As I Look Out My Window By Frank Reynolds

As I look out my window with a view of the town It saddens me much and brings on a frown The buildings are tall, and some think ·they are great They are named for the polls that worked for the state.

There's the McCormack for one on the side of the Hill There's the J.F.K. that might give one a thrill Then there's the Hall that was built with some gall But they forgot Jim Curley, the best of them all.

I remember the streets that were narrow and thin The neighborly people you met with a grin There were Irish and Polish, Greeks and the rest Italians and Jews were your friends at their best. There was Mahoney and Foley and the Cuddy's too. Jablon'sky and Russo to just name a few. They all went to services like their folks in the past And it wasn't surprising to see Cohen at Mass.

The streets are all gone, and the people are too, But their memories linger within a few. Their creed it was great, they all stood up straight, But for the old West Ender it's now too late.

Elizabeth Peabody House

STILL GOING STRONG AFTER

100 YEARS!

ELIZABETH PEABODY HOUSE

277 Broadway Somerville, MA 02145

(617) 623-5510

77 Broadway · Somerville, MA 02145

(617) 625-0100 (617) 625-0166

John Russo

JOSEfH RUSSO Funeral Home, Inc.

Since 1926

• 2 Spaci<?us Chapels

• Centrally Located

• Air Conditioned

• Ample Parking

• Pre-Arrangement Counseling

• 24 Hour Service

814 American Legion Hwy.

Roslindale, MA 02131

(617) 325-7300

DAVID A. LEONJj~ ATTORNEY AT LAW

<7e1 > 64e-234s LJ<}O~E & LJ<}O~E FAX (781) 64e·2S44 637 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE RES. 643-9700 ARLINGTON, MA 02174

Marilyn J. (Longo) Barrett, G.R.I Residence: 245-9021 RELO Coordi11ator

Christopher J •. Barrett Realtors 73 Albion Street Wakefield, MA 01880

781-245-50 ll

(617) 266-8216

FOUR T'S FUEL STOP, INC.

24 CYPHER STREET . SOUTH BOSTON, MA02127

7 AM - 6 PM MONDAY- FRIDAY

PAUL THEODOS

rmtusJ~ FAX: (781) 391-2912

390 MAIN STREET IVIEDFORD, MA02155 OFFICE(781) 396-8000 RES. (781) 272-4548

ROY J. SCARPATO PRESIDENT

Sales • Residential • Comme~ial • Rentals • Management • Appraisals

. RICHARD SOLANO, CHAIRMAN

THE FOUNDATION FOR ~CONTINUO lNG ~EDUCATION

64 Pleasant Street, p_o_ Box 458 Wenham, MA 01984 978-468-6528 .

~·

f',... ,.:

,_..-,

1---1

PAGE TWELVE DECEMBER, 1999

Former West Enders Business DireCtory •••••••••••••••••••••••• • • ICE SKATING CLASSES • • • • • • • • •

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Have a professional represent you and your claim against the Insurance Company

Richard Settipane PUBLIC INSURANCE -ADJUSTER

FIRE- BURGLARY- FLOOD

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One Longfellow Place - Suite 2322 Boston, Massachusetts 02114

24 Hour Service (617) 523-3456

Boston's Largest Manufacturer ROMANuw

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Serving Boston And New England

We Stock All Printers Sizes Many Other Sizes In Stock

Catalogue On Request

346 UNIVERSITY AVENUE WESTWOOD, MA 02090

(781) 320-9200

(781) 396-9200

DELLO RUSSO R:JNERAL SERVICE, INC.

306 Main Street • Medford, Massachusetts 02155

, . CHAALESSCIMECA •

!Bo1J.lon Cfomato Co., [Inc.-Packers •. Dls~rlbutors ~ Commis~ion Merchants

117 NEW ENGLAND PRODUCE CENTER CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS 02150

(617) 884-5901

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"Dedicated to Servicen .

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Malcolm Zimmerman Director of Marketing

East Brook Executive Park 20 Eastbrook Road • Suite 103

Dedham, MA 02026 (781) 320-0770 FAX (781) 320-0410

Your

$30.00 donation

for an ad

on this page

will allow us

to continue

to keep alive

the Spirit of

The West End!

HOME OF THE WEST END

VIDEO NEWSLETTER

SOMERVILLE COMMUNITY

ACCESS TELEVISION

90 Union Square Somerville, MA 02143 (617) 628-8826 (Voice/TTY)

~

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Z'Mu'Hk4. (~&~t:~.:~~.; - ·' LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT

225 TREMONT STREET; BOSTON, MA02116 (Across from the Wang Center)

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-

~--------------------------------------, '· . ~ .. .. . '

·-··

The Boston Synagogue Formerly the North Russell Street Shu/

Proudly remembers its West End roots in _supporting The West Ender

The Boston Synagogue @ Charles River Park

55 Martha Road, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 523-0453

* Full Time Day Program for Adults * Theater Arts Certificate Program * TV Commercials & Fencing * Stage & Camera Acting & Speech ic Self- Improvement for "Non-Actors" •

DAYS AND EVENINGS "Become • .,.n of the wor.1c1 of Film, n-tre a TV ComA*C181•"

CaR for a Free Brochure

ACTOR'S WORKSHOP 40 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

Tel. (617) 423-7313 F111nk Slor'Ke, Director