Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Being born in Somerville in 1953 and growing up here in the 60’s and 70’s, there were certain stories and tales that bordered on reality. Was there really a kid that hung around playgrounds stealing kids’ balls and then biting the air valve? Fact or fiction? Let’s go back…

This chew n’ screw episode did not end well. Ming Toy Chinese restaurant, Davis Square. Two men, ate their PuPu platter and then decided that they would book it out the door without paying. They got in their car and as they were speeding away, one of the owners came out. He crouched down and shot a few rounds at the thieves as they drove towards Porter Square. Fact of fiction?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve heard that there is a tunnel that leads from Powder House Park to Prospect Hill that was used during the Revolutionary War. There’s even what appears to be a cemented entrance amid the rocks of Powder House Park. Fact or fiction?

This is about the West Branch Library on College Ave. that is being renovated for what seems to be forever. Legend has it that in the early ’70’s there was a teen center, which hosted live local bands, on the top floor of that library. Fact or fiction?

Supposedly, on a Sunday in the ’70’s, TV football commentators Merlin Olson and Dick Enberg popped into The Embassy Lounge formerly on Somerville Ave. It’s also said that they served customers drinks and even refilled the ice behind the bar. Fact or fiction?

One day in the late ’70’s, three – count them, three – loud rock bands did a four-hour concert at Powder House Park. Crowds of teenagers came from every corner of the city to enjoy a day of rock ‘n roll music. Was there actually a … Ville Stock? Fact or fiction?

Bartender plays helicopter pilot with drunk guy! In a bar in Somerville that featured live bands, a boisterous and inebriated patron crossed a bartender. The bartender lifted the drunk guy up over his head and spun him around a few times, like a helicopter. I wonder if he had a safe landing? Was there any damage to the Disco ball? Fact or fiction?

The College Ave. Methodist church plays musical bells a couple of times a day. Years ago, the church bells were on a record because the scratches could be heard very plainly. Legend has it that a former Boy Scout or DeMolay member who knew the church building from their meetings went up to where the music played. He replaced the church bell record with a Led Zeppelin album and when it was time for the bells to sound, an awesome Jimmy Page guitar solo resonated from the tower! Fact or fiction?

I’m sure there are lots of other legends and tales woven in with Somerville’s colorful history. If you have one please let me know! Jimmydel@rcn.com.