Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del ponte

My parents bought our house in 1960 for about $15,000. We moved from Ball Square to Davis Square. 

We would go to St. Clement’s school where the nuns taught. Surely the stuff nightmares are made of.  We got our phone number back then, too, when we used the phone abbreviations MO, PR, and SO. If you recall this, you’re about as old as me.

There were no T stations and many main streets had overhead electric power wires. President Kennedy would bring an optimistic and youthful light to the country. 

In Somerville, we were paying 28 cents for a gallon of gas. Here are some reader comments:

“I grew up in Somerville 1957. Graduated high school in 75. Great years.”

“Yes when it was a family-oriented city, when neighbors new each other, kids played in the street, you could park anywhere and not get a ticket.”

“Born and raised. Still here after 74 years.”

“1958 to 1991”

“My Somerville roots run deep! Born there in 1957 and lived there until 1983. I’m so grateful for the experiences that made me who I am today! I kept my Somerville family home until 2017.  Best town ever!”

“East Somerville from 1947 till leaving for the Army in 1965.”

“Yes I was there. I was born and raised there in Somerville. Left in 1990 to Maryland. Visit often enough.”

“Yes I grew up in Somerville. I went to Prescott Elementary, Cummings Elementary, Southern Jr. High, and graduated from Somerville High in 1972.”

“Born 1942 lived on Waterhouse St., Electric Ave., and Bromfield Rd.”

“Went to IC grammar school and graduated Somerville High in 1961. Still have four girlfriends from those days!”

“Yup. 1953 till 1975. Parents lived there for their whole lives.”

Here’s the most memorable comment I received. “Born and raised. Still here after 80 years.”

I’m lucky and grateful that I was able to hold onto our house since 1960, with many ups and downs. Right now, I’m up, enjoying my neighborhood and my life-long Somerville friends.