Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The photo is from around 1960. The streets are the same but there’s been a lot going on at that corner.

Many Somerville families got their ground beef, steaks and chops at Andy’s Meat Market. Our sources are a bit confused as there are two Andy’s mentioned by former customers.

One friend says, “I believe my brother in law’s dad, Andy T, owned the meat market.” Another former resident tells us, “I helped my Uncle Joe R do electrical work on that meat market in the 1950’s. At that time, it was owned by a sweet man I knew as Mr. Gianino.”

Some remember hanging around the laundromat to stay warm in the winter. A musician friend shared a memory: “I lived on the corner house behind the laundromat at 7 Farragut Ave. Jimmy S and his family owned the house and lived downstairs. I started our first rock group with Lou M and Carlos P while attending Western Jr High. Those were the days.”

Other residents and former neighbors share: “Grew up down the street and spent a lot of time on Farragut. I think I remember it being a hair salon. There was also a barber shop where Andy’s was.”

I have friends that currently live on Farragut Ave. Two of my dearest friends, Michael T and Brian B lived there too.

The last business to be where the laundromat was included a dry cleaner.

For years neighbors also recall a beauty salon at the former sire of Andy’s. Today it’s a real estate office.

A former neighbor says, “I guess it was just a matter of time before the site was razed and rebuilt as apartments or condos.” And one final comment from another neighbor: “Now there are stupid condos. Looks so crowded.”

Thank you, Cyndi D, for the photograph of kids hanging around in the laundromat in the ’80’s.