Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

When I was a kid growing up in Somerville in the 60’s and ’70’s, we loved July 4th. We lit off firecrackers and sparklers, plus we got free Hoodsies. The aldermen would go to playgrounds throughout the city and hand out free Hoodsies ice cream cups to all the kids.

I don’t know when the tradition started or when it ended but it’s a part of our childhood that lots of Somerville people remember fondly. I asked my friends on The Pride of Somerville Facebook page to share their memories of free Hoodsies on July 4th.

“There would be a list of what time they would be given out at each park. Aldermen gave them to us, I think. Got mine at Hoyt–Sullivan Playground on Central St. We thought we won the lottery! It was the simple things back then.”

“My Dad gave them out at Craigie Park and other locations with other members of the Board of Aldermen – his name – Walter Whitney! He loved it as much as the kids!”

“Gene Brune brought them around for everyone.”

“We use to get them at Powder House Park and the run down to brown school to get a second one.”

“Hated the wood spoon, so I folded the top lid in half and use that to eat the ice cream.”

“Gus Barrasso, our Ward 4 Alderman and a terrific guy, would deliver the Hoodsies in a small refrigerated box truck to the Mystic Ave. Brick Jungle in the 60’s. Every year, without fail he’d be there early in the morning of the 4th! Great guy. RIP Gus.”

“Couldn’t wait to go down my street to Northeastern Jr. High playground and wait in line. So many kids back then. And the fireworks at Trum Field were awesome.”

Kids at Trum Field

“We got Hoodsies at the grand opening of the Somerville Ave. Firehouse at Lowell St. and also at Paul Revere’s ride.”

“My Dad loading up our station wagon full of kids, driving around to the different locations!”

“I remember Alderman Michael Simonelli giving Hoodsies to us kids at Foss Park. A great guy.”

“The Hoodsies were given out by the local alderman in Ward 1 – it was Louis Ryan or Jimmy McCarthy.”

“At Lincoln Park, the Hoodsies were delivered by Billy Joyce.”

“Back in the 60’s, Trum Field would have a track meet on the 4 of July and give out Hoodsies to all that attended, and that night had a really nice fireworks display – with pizza trucks, hot dogs and hamburger vehicles, and slush vehicles, along with ice cream vehicles, etc. It was a pretty good time.”

It’s the general consensus that the little wooden spoon was annoying. Many would fold the lid and use that for a spoon!

It wasn’t Fourth of July if you didn’t run from park to park for your free Hoodsie.

“One of the best Somerville childhood memories.”