Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I posted a picture of the railroad tower that used to be in Davis Square years ago on my Facebook page. My friend Gary D posted a color photo of the tower on The Pride of Somerville Facebook page.

Those photos sparked so many memories of Davis, the forgotten square. I say forgotten because it seems the city has put our beloved square on the back burner as other mega projects are prioritized. But rather than dragging politics and policies into it, let’s just hear our fellow Somerville neighbor’s memories about the photos of the railroad tower that used to be a landmark in old Davis Square.

My friend John P had a relative that actually worked in that tower: “My uncle John D went from the crossing shack across the street to thistower in Davis. After (he) left Davis Sq. tower, he finished his career at Cameron Ave.” The tower on Cameron Ave. was converted and today houses a law firm.

We see a billboard advertising Cain’s products. There was a Cain’s factory on Revere Beach Parkway in Medford, and a neighbor shares a bit of history with us: “I worked in the Cains chip factory for a year in high school. 3-11. Dirty, greasy job. Salt ate my sneakers. But free chips, pistachios & peanuts. Didn’t eat chips for years after that.” (now I’m dying for some potato chips!)

“We used to walk the tracks to get there to go to the movies on Saturdays.”

 “You can see The Railside Restaurant on Holland St. in the background.”

“Wow! Bring me back when living was the best time of life … wish I could be back then.”

“Looks like a prison tower.”

“The guys in the tower would yell at us kids for hanging onto the crossing gates.”

“I remember the Goodwill Store was there. Then the Store 24 (where 7-11 is now). The Quick Shop before that.”

Author: it looks like there was a Liquor store where JP Licks is now. From liquor to Licks. On the corner is a tailor business called Paul’s.

Old photos sure bring back memories. When I was a paperboy in the late ’60’s the square was a great place to hang around. There were places to eat like The Waldorf, where Mike’s is now, and a donut shop where we ate warm honey dip donuts. I remember how uncomfortable it was sitting on that metal thing that surrounded the tower.

Many of us have forgotten landmarks that have been long gone. Thankfully we have photos and generous folks who share them with us.

Many of my photos are my own and a lot my are from Facebook. Say what you will about social networks, but it’s a great source for keeping our memories alive. During the pandemic many of us found solace keeping in touch with old friends, and making new friends in social networks. Special thanks to Matt H, Gary D, Ron B, Brad H and John R for their historic and informative posts and photos.

The last comment on one these two photos was from someone who said, “I see my house.”

If you’d like to see more great old photos and historic commentary check out The Pride of Somerville Facebook page.