Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This story was part of one that I did a few years ago.

As you all may know by now, I love reminiscing about Somerville in the old days, especially with my Facebook friends.

Not the 1900’s, but the 1960’s through the 1980’s. The dates may not all be correct but that’s what comes with the aging process – a process I love as long as it continues for as long as humanly and coherently possible.

Today I am going to spend a fictitious day traveling through the Somerville of my youth. Again, chronologically I may be off, but in my mind, there are no dates, just memories. I can’t help but once again go back for a visit to my favorite long gone spots. Are you with me?

My day starts off with a hankering for a submarine sandwich. Where should I go? My two favorites are Bella Meos, in Powder House Square and Todi’s (pronounced Toddies) in Ball Square.

At Todi’s you get to listen to the fast paced, quick witted wise cracks of Todi himself. That is like dinner and a show! Or maybe I should pop in Harold’s Luncheonette at the corner of Rogers and Broadway. There’s a show going on there also. The Anna show! I always get a warning when I go in there because I travel with a pack of St. Clements hooligans. But Butch keeps us in line. They have a wicked cool jukebox and a killer BLT.

Then maybe I’ll head up to Teele Square to Duke’s 5 & 10, and then Steen’s Bakery for some great bread. Almost forgot to pick up that prescription for dad at Furbush and Shute Drugstore.

In the winter we have to hit Harold’s for hot chocolate after freezing our butts off skating on the frozen over Trum Field. After all, Dunkin’ Donuts isn’t in Magoun Square yet.

Davis Square has tons of restaurants that cater to just about every taste, style, and preference. Back in the day my favorite was The Venice Cafe, I’m pretty sure it’s where Orleans is now (unless Orleans is gone and another restaurant snuck in without me knowing) I have mentioned The Venice many times in this column. Maybe it’s because I never want its memory to fade away.

Shall we will stop by Joe’s Spa on Bow Street or Izzy’s on the corner of School Street? You never know who you will bump into in there. I wonder if he is any relation to Joe Izzy down on Glen Street?

I want to check out the newest 45 records at Bernie’s in Porter Square. I also need a few of those little plastic things to put in the holes. I’m pretty sure Bernie’s brother runs the record shop in Davis Square. Are there any new guitars in Butler’s Music Store? I’m saving up for a new one!

I hate waiting in lines, except at Steve’s Ice Cream in Davis. That was before frozen yogurt and fat free this and that. If we gained weight we waddled down to Bradlees. I feel like one of those pickles in the big barrel at DiNittto’s Market on the corner of Somerville Avenue and Merriam Street.

I am heading back home which means I will be walking through Davis Square. I have a choice of places to eat supper at. There’s Frascatis, Speedy Pizza, Ming Toy, The Waldorf, or The Pine Tree Diner.

I have said it before and I will say it again. I still picture the old stores exactly where they used to be. I still think of myself as a 15-year-old, full of energy and adventure.

My nuttiest stunt was performed in Davis Square on a stingray bike. I drove my bike in the front door of Woolworth’s. I then sped through the aisles, dodging customers and clerks. I bounced down the small stairs near the pet section, and exited out the rear door on Herbert Street. My friends thought I was quite the man. I’ll never forget the look on Mary’s face. You remember her, don’t you? She had jet black hair and bright red lipstick and worked there for as long as it was open. I later worked at “Woolies” in the stockroom and behind the luncheonette counter.

Somerville keeps changing and getting better. For me, I enjoy the updates, but still dwell in the past, with a smile and a chuckle.