Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Back in the ‘60’s It was a rotund all gentleman who used to push a great big knife sharpening cart throughout the streets of the city. He was a friend of my grandfather, is from the old country and my grandpa would let him keep the pushcart in his backyard.

I remember my father telling me if they found that pushcart it would be worth about $1 million because of the history. I think I remember he had a bell that he used to ring when he used to come up and down the streets.

I asked my readers for their memories about Mr. Danielle.

“Yes, I remember. My mother and grandmother had both knives and scissors sharpened by him.”

“And he would sing while pushing the cart around.”

My cousin recalls, “Danielle … Jimmy. late 50’s – early 60’s. kept his cart in grandpa’s yard.”

“Remember the guy that sharpened knives and scissors, the rag man, the fruit and vegetable truck that came to the neighborhood and finally the pony boy cart selling ice cream, popsicles and such.”

“There used to be a guy in a big green go cart like a low Jeep. I think he was disabled. That was early sixties.”

“I think his name was ‘Angelina’ or something close? In the warm months he sold slush cones with various flavors, and he also sold candy apples. I heard that he became quite wealthy and enough to send his two sons through college? ‘Angelina’ might be another, but not the knife sharpener? I too remember the guy with the push cart and knives. I was born in 1941 at 52 Church St. We had all kinds of people that sold various things through the neighborhoods. Everything from books to ice men and clothing sales people!” (different guy)

“I do and often wish that Service was still available!”

After posting this subject on Somerville’s social network, I learned a lot. I remember a guy in a little Jeep that used to come around ringing his bell to sharpen knives and scissors.

If Danielle’s old wooden knife sharpening pushcart was around today, he’d probably have to fight off bikes as he maneuvers along the bike lane. 

I wonder what ever happened to that old pushcart.

Siraco Sharpening is still in existence as a heritage Somerville business and the dad is a friend of mine.