Pictured left to right: Rick Clark, Artie Mason, Russell “Rusty” Smith, Bob McGowan and Donald Norton.

By Donald Norton

Last week, a long awaited reunion of a small group of Villens that hung out at the “Three Bells” pizza & sub shop across from the Bucket of Blood Bar took place.

The long time friends met and enjoyed each other’s memories of growing up in Somerville together in the 1960’s.

There were lots of laughs and memories. One member has not been seen by some of his old friends since 1968, when he was being shipped off the Vietnam.

It is funny how you grow up and those that you knew as friends grow up grow apart, but the friendship never dies.

It was like it was yesterday when everyone saw each other. The guys have been around Somerville for the better part of the past 50 years in one way or another, but have moved in different circles.

Memories were shared of the days when they would sit in the Three Bells, play handball down back behind the Bucket of Blood, move around the area on Washington Street drag racing in some of the best vintage cars the 50’s had to offer us in the 60’s.

We talked about those who have passed away over the years. Some went to war, others married and moved away, and then came back. New friends were made and life went on.

Little reunions like this can be had and memories are such that it made for a great night at Sally O’Brien’s on Somerville Avenue. A meeting with some others who grew up between Mt. Vernon and Myrtle is being planned for August.

What a great feeling it was to see old friends, spark great conversations and listen to our travels throughout the past 50 years or so.

Somerville was a far different city then. We never knew we were poor, we had lots of things to take up our time and we all enjoyed each other.

One thing that was mentioned out of all the kids in the 60’s that grew up across from the Bucket of Blood, no one ever had a bad thought or fought each other in the group. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company then and equally now, 50 years later.

Old friendships never die, they are just put on hold sometimes for a long time until reunions like this happen and then the memories flood in.

By the way, it was Facebook that reconnected us.