Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As we get ready for a slew of construction and detours, it’s a well-known fact that a lot of us “old timers” lament over “the way it used to be” here in our beloved city. In the name of progress, we say goodbye to the old and whether we like it or not, try to get used to the new changes.

New buildings are being built, often replacing familiar longtime businesses that we loved. Been there, talked about that. We’ve discussed it ad nauseam. But what if we could magically erase some of the new monstrosities and bring back a few of our favorite stores and shops? Which ones would we choose if we could only pick a handful? Well, I put that very question out there and received over 500 comments in less than 24 hours. Say hello to Somerville revisited. If we rebuild, they will come. Maybe in our dreams.

The block including the Railside BBQ on Holland St., which was replaced by the Harvard Vanguard building, also now housing Au Bon Pain.

Somerville folks spoke and here are the top stores they’d bring back if possible: Cara Donna Bakery, Patsy’s Bakery, and Brigham’s. The Venice Cafe, The Paddock Restaurant, Kennedy’s Butter and Egg, Ming Toy, and BoBo’s Chinese Restaurants. Di Tucci’s Sub Shop, La Contessa Italian Bakery and the original Primos. Knock down a condo someplace and rebuild Dapper Dan’s and The Embassy Lounge! Hey, if they bring back Ten Hills Variety they’ll still have 9 hills left!

Rebuild and reopen Somerville Lumber and have a reunion. Half of Somerville worked there and the rest worked at First National Foods. Be sure to wear an article of clothing from Bradlees, because a lot of us still have stuff from there. I’ll take Bradlees over Target any day.

At one time there were so many bars and lounges in the city, they were within stumbling distance of each other. A lot of those old gin-mills bred mayhem, so let’s only bring back a select few.

As I was putting this story together I had an idea. What we need is a glossary of all the old businesses, just for fun. The newcomers could use it to learn about Somerville’s past business history.

At one point there were more corner and variety stores in Somerville than there are condos now. But back to our list of top stores of the past you said you would bring back: Marks, Sparks, Albertines on Somerville Ave., the old Thurston Spa, Sunny’s Deli, Harold’s Luncheonette, The Railside and The Bargain Center. We want Woolworths and the Teele Square 5 and 10 to return. Don’t forget the photo booth! They brought back the McRib, so let’s revive May’s, Clarendon Hill Penny Candy, Disc Diggers, Ray’s Fruit, Tony’s Foodland, G and A Fabrics, Russell’s Donuts, and Lois’ Candy Shop. Let’s not forget Kay and Chips, and The Hostess Factory.

Finally, reopening in this whimsical dream sequence would be …. drumroll please … one of the most memorable and colorful legendary stores of old Somerville, Joe Izzy’s at Glen Park. Joe had his own unique security system in his store. He kept his shotgun in plain sight, within reach, on the counter. Old school, and sure fire. Joe also did his part to keep intoxicated drivers off the roads because we didn’t have to drive to New Hampshire on Sunday’s for beer.

For you newcomers to Somerville, you can start your own list of places you’d like to see come back, perhaps starting with the popular recently shuttered Blue Cloud Gallery and Deli-Licious along with The Davis Square Falafel Shop.

In the meantime, let’s look forward to the revitalization of Union Square, and the arrival of the long awaited Green Line Extension. I can’t wait to take a ride and roll through the neighborhoods and remember the places that are gone.

Thankfully, progress can’t erase our past. Hopefully, our kids and grandkids will enjoy the new revitalized Somerville the way we loved our old city. Let’s all try to keep our cool during the upcoming long stretch of grueling detours.

Let’s hope that the new Somerville doesn’t end up like Hill Valley in Back to the Future II.