Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Growing up in Somerville in the 50’s and 70’s gave us endless memories. It was quite an ordeal for my mom to bring her three kids to downtown Boston on the subway. We had to get the bus to Lechmere and then take a train to Park Street, and later on, Downtown Crossing.

Remember the orange trolleys with the plushy padded seats? I recall the crowded seats, that distinct subway smell, and the loud squealing as we went around corners far below the city.

When we emerged from the subway it was all hands-on mom as she guided her threetoddlers off the train and into the store. These are some of my personal recollections, here are some from a few Somerville friends:

“I don’t know if there were fitting rooms but women were trying clothes on right there where they found them and didn’t care who was walking around.”

“I thought it was my second home, especially with a mom who had to clothe eight kids. I thought irregular was a name brand.”

“My mother worked in the Men’s Store for 25 years. When I was a kid, I was dressed out of Filene’s Basement. She watched the markdowns and usually got things for next to nothing.”

“I remember standing in line with my mom and brother as very little kids, waiting for the gates to open on sale day. She would tuck us into a cabinet in the store and shop!”

“I had a Burberry raincoat at the age of 12, designer clothes and shoes purchased lovingly by my mom until they closed. I miss Filene’s more than anything else in Boston!”

“I worked in the Basement (Men’s Shirts) in the early 70s. It was a fun place to work. In the early 80s I ended up working in the corporate offices on Innerbelt Road, for the VP who bought the ‘overstocks,’ including bridal gowns. My mother got her wedding gown there in 1950! We would see something we liked and watch it until the automatic markdowns brought the price down. Even my father did that! It was a great store. Still can’t believe it’s gone.”

“I remember when they used to have the discounted gowns. Crazy, everyone just trying them on in the aisles. Price was right. “

“Every year for back to school shopping, then lunch at Bob Lee’s Islander!”

“My sister worked there and got her wedding dress for like $6.95 and it was from The House of Bianchi ( not sure on the spelling) it was a very high end bridal boutique in Boston back in the day.”

We all have our own special memories of Filene’s Basement, whether it was the crowds of anxious bargain hunters or the subway ride. I was amazed at how many of my Somerville friends chimed in with their special memories of Filene’s Basement. For me, I can still smell the fragrance department, and I remember the looks on the faces of frenzied bargain hunting crowds.

I still don’t know how my mother got three kids dressed in winter clothes, to the bus stop, onto the train, into the bustling store, and back home in one piece. Those trips to Filene’s Basement with my mother, sister and brother have a special place in my heart.