By Donald Norton

Those of us who grew up in East Somerville back in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s certainly feel the pride we take in our various neighborhoods there. From Charlestown line to McGrath Highway, it was not merely just another section of Somerville, it was a close knit community and still is, which makes it unique to other sections of our city.

Coming up with the idea of a reunion, and the actual person to get it done, was Dan Rogovich, a guy originally from Franklin Street who hung around Glenn Park. Dan tells us that he got the idea from going to a lot of funerals over the past several years and thinking it would be better to see everyone under different circumstances, so he started out months ago making plans to get it done.

What a great evening it was for the over 150 present and former East SomerVillens this past Saturday, June 12, at the City Club. The idea turned into one of the most memorable evenings of old times growing up in the area.

Somerville pride brought many from away places such as Florida, Tennessee and California and some not so far away in the south shore and north shore and still plenty that continue to still live here in Somerville.

The event started of rather slowly, but the crowds kept coming, and by 8 o’clock it started to get real noisy and crowded. The talk was loud and emotions ran deep. Happy emotions of meeting for the first time in over 30 to 40 years in some cases, talking and getting everyone caught up to date with their lives.

Conversation ran about growing up in East Somerville and hanging out in places like Glen Park, Prescott-Hanson School, Little Flower, Florence Street Park, down back, The Three Bells, Steve’s, Tip-Top. And, of course, everyone in East Somerville knew about “Joe Izzy” and his special place as well as the Cross Street Drug Store that many of us used to go to on Sunday’s to get those not so high prices on those special bargains.

The tar pits off Washington Street and, yes, some talk even took place about the Bucket of Blood and Tin Roof, two of East Somerville’s notorious locations. Buying cloths at Tucks, going to the Broadway show for 25cents and the long walk to Northeastern Junior High and those crazy train rides home after school. Monsg. Hogan and his rants. Great memories, and it was great to connect with those from our past.

The reunion may have been inspired by Dan Rogovich, but he credits three East Somerville ladies to making sure it was going to happen: Rita DiRusso, Susan Carter-Craghead and Susan Mangherini. Dan said this could not have happened without their help all along the way. He credits them with putting it all together. Also, he credits those who made the donations to get the hall and food so that it was a no cost event for those attending.

There were lots of laughs, good times and good memories of a community that everyone from East Somerville loved. There was some talk that maybe this will happen again, and who knows? Keep and eye on Facebook. We hear that maybe a new page will be started and maybe some others will step in and help to coordinate a second reunion in the next year or so. The sign on the door was not missed by anyone coming and going: “We are East Somerville” — and to think about it, we always will be!

— Photos by Donald Norton