Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I’ve written many stories about one of my favorite parts of the city, East Somerville. A guy I know casually asked why I never write about East Somerville. I’ve actually done many East Somerville related stories since starting this column in 2008. I have my own great memories and there are so many stories. It’s such a colorful and important part of the city, both now and then, that we needed another look at East Somerville the way it used to be. These are comments from the people who lived it, in their own words.

“The best school times in my life was at Northeastern Jr. High. Sauce subs at Leone’s. Lived around the corner from Khoury’s. Used to get comics at Rainbow Spa. I went to Patsy’s for bread. My mom worked at Apollo Cake.”

“I graduated from Somerville Trade in 1967 – Electrical Shop – served in the US Navy Seabees 1968-1972 as a Construction Electrician. First duty station was US Naval Support.” (Activity, Danang, Vietnam in 1969. thank you for your service.)

“Loved Joe Izzy’s store (formerly on Glen St.) pickles in a barrel, 5 cents, when I bought them in the ’50’s.”

“Joe Izzy had more than a shotgun by the counter (in plain view) he had about six guns hidden all over the store … he even had one in the walk-in. The store was an armory.” “Joe Izzy’s dog was named Lucky.”

“Joe was a good guy. Many people made it because of the ‘cuff’ he provided. Gruff guy but he certainly was a major force in the Glen Park community. Royal Crown Cola, and popsicles, playing ball, nothing better. Wish my kids could have experienced the comradery of simpler times with no money.”

Other former landmarks;

“The Tin Roof, Donovan’s, Cross Drugs, Daly’s Bucket of Blood.”

“I skated on Glen Park which was flooded by the DPW every year. Coasting on Franklin Street. Played stick ball at Prescott School yard and lived on Franklin Street for 65 years!”

“In the late 40’s and early 50’s the neighborhood kids, or as they used to call themselves, The Dukes, used to open the nearby hydrant to flood it. The fire department would be called and then just stand by until it finished flooding. I lived within steps of the park. It was great.”

“Khoury’s was the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights! Had so much fun there!”

“Sparrow, Stevie C, East Somerville legends.” (Sparrow was a well-liked guy who led the patrons in an exciting singalong of God Bless America at the end of each live band performance. My band, The Echos, had the pleasure of backing Sparrow up many times, usually after we did Separate Ways by Journey)

“My Dad and Brothers were Venice (Café, formerly in Davis Square) guys, but my Grandpa was a Khoury’s guy! Lived down the street when he was much older and mom would find him there when we tried to visit!”

My friend Anthony, who contributes stories to this paper added this: “Northeastern Junior High, (formerly on Marshall St.) some called it “the rock”… some called it “the Penitentiary.” Lots of exposed asbestos. Lots of melted bubble gum on the radiators and lots of building decay. We were nervous wrecks back in elementary school, knowing we were going to this school in the 7th grade. The stories we heard … teachers and students being tossed out 2nd floor windows. Desks being smashed, students starting fires in classes!” None, of course, happened when we got there.

You sat at picnic tables in the cafeteria and they were covered with years and years of graffiti written in pen … some carved into the wood. The drinking fountains were these filthy mini sinks and in some rooms there were windows that the glass was missing or the weights were broke so that the window wouldn’t stay in the up position. Actually, some windows were stuck in the up position.

What held that school together was a Vice Principal who dug his heals in to run the school  – Mr. Silk, and very dedicated teachers who worked under very challenging conditions. God Bless them.”

“The Broadway Movie Theatre at the end of Franklin Street was in operation from 1915 to 1982 – movies shown at the historic theatre covered a span from The Tramp with Charlie Chaplin to Raiders of the Lost Ark with Harrison Ford.”

“Great sledding down Austin hill into Mystic Ave.” (yikes!)

“Try sledding down Mason Street into Broadway!” (do not try this!)

“I worked at Tucks, worked there for years! Then worked at East Somerville Health Center… loved growing up there and bringing up my kid in East Somerville.”

“Little did my parents know that the $2.00 they gave me got a 6-pack and a bag of chips at Joe’s!”

Today East Somerville is a still growing, diverse community rich in culture. As I said, I have many personal memories of East Somerville and still visit a lot. Check out East Somerville Main Streets.

More stories related to East Somerville can be found in The Somerville Times archives.