Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article was first published in the March 11, 2020 edition of The Somerville Times.

St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s not just the boiled dinners and everyone wearing something green, it’s more. It’s the classic historic songs, the parades, and the general happy atmosphere that the day brings.

It’s true that everyone’s Irish on St. Paddy’s Day. Even though I’m 100% Italian, I rank S.t Patrick’s Day right up there with Christmas and Halloween. Somerville folks have always celebrated the wearing of the green in style.

Lots of places around the city will be having festivities on and around St. Patrick’s Day. The list is long ranging from local breweries holding parties to family celebrations. How about a Millennium Age Party at Fenway Johnnies on Brookline Ave. in Boston? No thanks. A Weekend Disco Party at Florian Hall in Boston with a live band and … Deney Terrio? Boy, nothing says St. Patty’s Day like an aging disco icon and disco music.

Maybe you’re in the mood for a St. Patrick’s Day cruise on the Spirit of Boston? I’m sure lots of local Somerville establishments will be hosting events including The Burren in Davis Square.

There used to be a great place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day right around the corner, within stumbling distance of my house. It was The Blarney Stone Pub in the basement of the old Woodbridge Inn on College Ave., where Ciampa Manor is now. Here are some remembrances:

“I saw my first pitcher of green beer at The Woodbridge Inn. It was in the downstairs lounge known as The Blarney Stone Pub.” Here is how one Somerville guy remembers the Blarney Stone: “It was The Blarney Stone that helped me through my early college years. Just a great place, and, if memory serves me, never once did I see an outbreak of problems (fights, etc.). We all went, sang along and drank heartily. And those of us who were male patrons were grateful we never had to use the women’s room after hearing the tale of Seven Old Ladies.”

He is referring to the Irish sing-along that tells of the seven ladies who unfortunately got stuck in the lava’try. That was one of the many songs that Somerville legend Jim Plunkett used to have the packed crowds singing along with at the top of their lungs. He and his guitar got that place rocking. Another favorite was Charlie on the MTA. Did he ever return? No, he never returned and his fate is still unknown. He may ride forever ‘neath the streets of Boston, he’s the man who never returned.”

I know a guy who remembers when some of the well lubed patrons would actually dance on the tables. Someone recalled being at the Pub with Plunkett and singing Irish songs the night Richard Nixon resigned. I’ll have to do an entire a story on my friend Jim Plunkett someday. He is still performing around and he is as good as ever.

Some (retired) teachers from different schools around the city used to meet there on Friday afternoons after a long week. They were such good customers that they often got free appetizers. They also reminded us that The Blarney Stone had one of the best jukeboxes evah!

Another friend says, “I worked upstairs and drank downstairs and then walked home. Those were the days!” A friend adds, “Sitting up front where the band was on a Friday night was the place to be in the day. Jerry ran a great place and we often talk about those days.”

Many times patrons would get a true taste of Ireland if they tripped on that last step and may have kissed the Blarney Stone’s … sidewalk. Gosh and Begorrah!

The Woodbridge was destroyed by fires in 1979 and 1980. There’s a shocker! Suspicious fires I might add. I guess it was cheaper than just bulldozing the old place.

Hardcore St. Patrick’s Day party people insist on celebrating in Charlestown or Southie. I’ll be singing and playing piano at a few parties. Some of my favorite Irish ditties are Whiskey in the Jar, Clancy, and The Wild Rover ( “…for it’s no, nay, never!”) The following is a parody I wrote to the tune of Dear Old Donegal. An Irish/Italian tune.

“You know that I ain’t Irish, I’m as Italian as can be

I lived in the North End I used to work at Polcari’s

But some of my friends are Irish, like Fitzie and OB,

And on St Patrick’s Day my goombas and me we go down to Southie … hey there are now!

There’s Anthony, Vinnie, Salvatore, Joey, Carmen and Rocco, Frankie and Bo

Pasquale and Dominic, Lenny and Paulie

Vito and Gino and Big Angelo

Mario, Richie, Bo Bo and Itchy, Ricky and

Chickie and Nicky the Thumb

No Nose and and Big Nose Pig Foot and One Ear

Chubby and Guido and Tony the Tongue

I’ll wear a green carnation on my Tellos shirt

My girlfriend Mona wears a shamrock on her mini skirt.

I’ll sing a song of Ireland, I’ll drink some Guinness too, then I’ll eat some green linguini, corned beef and pasta fazool!“

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Please celebrate safely