Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville has a lot of Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964. Most of my friends are boomers. The parents of these babies, including mine, bought their houses for very cheap money, by today’s standards.

For a number of reasons some sold in the ’80’s and ’90’s. A lot of houses stayed in the family. Some kept the house and made condos so they could stay in their homes. Usually when the last surviving parent passes away the children are faced with a decision, keep it or sell it.

These houses are now worth crazy money because so many want to move and live, and start businesses here. A New High School, Red Line here, Green Line coming.

Many of these born and bred Somerville folks, went back to look at their former homes to see the old place. It opened up a thread on social media and we heard from some of the people who went back to the old neighborhood for a look at their beloved former homes, in their own words.

“I actually avoid driving by my childhood home on Summer Street. It genuinely saddens me. Words could never describe how much I miss living there. I think of that place every single day. I’ll sit there for minutes on end each day dreaming about memories of the neighborhood, holidays and family. I have three true loves in my life. My wife, my daughter and my hometown. I just really struggle when it comes to passing through, so I avoid it.”

“It was an apartment building, but I’d be interested to see it. I’ve been by throughout the years, and my handprint and initials are still on the side of the building. Almost completely washed off, but still visible. Just a reminder of better times vs. what happened later.”

“Dad had passed away, all members of the family had moved on. Keeping it in the family was not an option, the repairs to the house was beyond any of our families’ budget could afford. The house was sold, but our memories of numerous family events were not for sale. The first buyer did nothing to improve the property. If anything, they added to a home completely in need of updating. Then we heard from friends in the neighborhood the house was being sold again. This time to a developer to build condos. As the project continued, those in the family who would drive by would say it looks so different. At an open house my husband, sister and me took a tour. It was not the house I grew up in, it was this ultra-modern, open concept, beautiful house. The kitchen was in the dining room, my old bedroom was the bathroom, the kitchen was a bedroom. So many changes that my emotions got the best of me and I started sobbing. So, so many memories would always me stamped in my heart.”

Another friend says, “We can never go home again! It was good while it lasted. Only in our minds.”

Part of what makes Somerville unique are the families that were lucky enough to hold onto the family home. Some of my friends I grew up with still live in their childhood home but the numbers are dwindling. One of my high school friends still visits her 95-year-old Italian mother every Sunday in the house she grew up in. Just think of all the family dinners, birthdays, and other fond memories are within those walls.

 Somerville is growing in leaps and bounds. Baby Boomers who still live here are seeing so many changes. Former residents visit their old neighborhoods and have bittersweet memories. Some of those

who are still here, and hung onto their homes for dear life, drive through the city and see these changes in progress.

So, cruise through the city sometime.

There are still lots of landmarks left untouched. Drive by the old neighborhood and check it out. So far, they haven’t tried to turn the Old Powder House into a condo yet. Older folks like me get very nostalgic when a familiar place disappears, like Johnny D’s, The City Club, Post 19 near The Y, and my old high school (I get very nostalgic seeing the SHS demolitions). I’ve heard that the Post and City Club will be back but other familiar places are gone for good. Here today, gone tomorrow. It’s the price of progress.

We are extra emotional these days, especially with the pandemic. As familiar landmarks are vanishing, we are at that age where friends and family members are also disappearing. It’s a tough time for sure. Thankfully, they can’t demolish memories.

My parents were part of The Greatest Generation and I remember when my father was my age. I thought he was old. He would often reminisce and tell me about people, places and things that weren’t around anymore.

Now I’ve become him. And so it goes. No condo, hotel, or other monstrous new structure can replace loved ones. It’s been a deplorable past year but things are finally looking up. Stay safe and strong fellow Boomers. You’ve come a long way Baby! We’ve got this.