Re-Union Square edition
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The new Union Square T stop will open on March 21. I asked our friends to reminisce about the old days of the square. It was named for the Union Army during the Civil War. My reliable friends shared what they remember about the pre-Green Line square.

“Midnight Variety was the only store that stood out for me then and now.”

“White Sport.” “Red House.” “Mama Gina’s Brighams.” “Thom McAnn.” “There was a monument in the middle of the square. We all hung out there. it was a great place. We were mentored by a guy named Elmer Bumpus. Or Bump to us. He was a great guy.” “George’s Shoe Store …loved that place!”

“White Sport and the Firehouse … my dad was there for years.” “Brighams Ice Cream.”

 “The Fire Station, Brown & Flaherty Funeral Home, St. Joseph’s, the original Police Station.” “Cardillo’s Drugstore and Dipratos (Dippys).”

“I remember that you could go all the way down Washington Street from McGrath Highway to after Beacon! I remember a police officer on a podium on the street! I remember Shea’s Cleaners across from St. Joe’s!”

“My memories are with my Mom’s Deli (Sunny’s Deli). We had so many good friends that would come in from her sub shop. Dave Pignone owned Sunnyhurst at the time. Then we had sooo many laughs with Johnny C the meat man! Pay attention! Great memories always in my Somerville days!”

“Buster Brown school shoe shop.”

“Hawkins Street Deli.” “Barney’s Diner.”

“I had a CETA summer job at SMAP in 77’. It was above Mama Gina’s.” “Went to Reliable Meat Market every Saturday with my dad. Frank always gave us a slice of cheese.”

“50’s and 60’s … Florida Fruit Market, Gorin’s, First National groceries, Grant’s, Sam’s Shoe Store, Marie’s Hair Salon, Union Square Baptist Church … loved those days.”

“Virginia’s, where we got our double English in the grill and a Vanilla Coke.

Police officer in the box, helping everyone across. Locals sitting on the monument with beverage in the bag.”

“Union Sq. Hotel, Elm Farm. DiPrato’s big 5 cent pickle (dill or sour).” “The Independent.”

“Kennedy’s Coffee & Eggs.”

“DiNitto’s Market.” “ St. Joseph’s Church.”

“Cardillo’s Drug was next to Shea’s Cleaners, DiPrato’s Cobblers was on Mama Gina’s block.” “The old Somerville boys and girls club that was in the old police station.”

“Have so many great memories. Moved years ago but my heart has always been back there. Now 3 years ago we moved into a new building for seniors named west union Square.” “There was a record store near Barney’s.” “Caterino’s Market. Angelo!” “Sam’s shoe store, Gorins, Smoke shop, Kennedy’s, Leonard’s jewelry, Shea cleaners, Cardillo Pharmacy.”

I don’t know if it was technically Union Square but who could forget the red hot bread sign at Roma Bakery. Yum!

Thanks to all my friends who took the time to share their comments and memories.

When I think of Union Square, I recall that house with all the old radiators in front. I also think of the used car parts places and junk yard sand the old fire station.

Can’t forget my run in with the old Union Square Police Station where five of my pals and I spent a few hours after a rowdy house party! If the T stop was there, we could have taken it right back to Ball Square when they let us out!