Printed-in the Spirit of the Mid-Town Journal and Dedicated to Being the . .! Collective Conscience of Urban Renewal and Eminent Domain in the City of Boston. ;
VOLUME 21, NO. 2 June 2005
James Campana, Editor/Publisher 0 Email: j.i:[email protected] 0 (617) 628-2479 J Camp Gannett Reunion ·Museum dedicated to "The Lost Neighborhood" by Jonathan Schwab Date: Saturday, Ju!le 18, 2005 Memories of joy and suffering have inspired four former West ; Time: 9:00-a.m. to 5:00 p.m. l Enders to put together a museum ! Place: Gamp Gannett to preserve what could be left of 174 Lakeview St., Sharon, MA the neighborhood's history-the Admission: Free forgotten land. Please Come Picnic The four men, along with other and Relive Your members of the historical associa Camping Days on tion they belong to, are working I Lake Massapoag with Councilor Michael P. Ross r' of District 8 to share what one f film, "The Lost Neighborhood," I describes as a fantastic place to ' live-before urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s, that is. The museum Is located at 150 .- Staniford St., part of the West End 't Place, a circular building that has ' 183 mixed income residential j units and five commercial units, (1-r) Arthur and Paul Joltki greet visitors to the,West End Mu- seum on Tuesdays and Fridays. including an architect's office and a physical therapy facility. from the old neighborhood and Dorchester' and Arthur Venditti of In its heyday, the West End news of support to preserve its Wilmingt9n. Together, and with was home to a mixture of immi- history. The newsletter, begun in about a dozen others, they make grants and Am~rican citizoos. Of- the mid-1980s, also welcomes let up The West End Historical As ten described in books as "a bus- ters, announcements of _reunions sociation and the Old West End Directions: Take Rt. 93 (S.E. Expressway) or Rt. 2 toRt. 128. Take 1-95 tling neighborhood,"·it is one of and other events and photographs Housing Corporation (OWEHC). j South (Providence)- Third exit from "128" is Exit 10 (Marked Coney j the oldest neighborhoods in Bos- stretching back to the early 20th Joltki points out how the group Street, Sharon/Walpole). Takt: a left to Sharon Center. Cross busy intersec tion and take immediate right after the intersection. Pass the high school. ton. In fact, as co-founder James -_ century. started and how it came upon es- When you come to the Lake Massapoag there is a rotary. Go half way Campano,the side of Beacon Hill The other founders are Paul tablishing the museum. · around the rotary and bear to the right. Keep on the lake side (follow the that goes uphill from Cambridge Joltki of Malden, Joe Peterkin of Continued on page 10 lake). Bear right after the Sharon Community Center gate. Take a right on Street was originally part of the Morse St. (small side street). Continue on Morse St. about one quarter mile West End. : ahd take a right onto Lakeview St. (about 100ft.). You will see the Camp The museum's four founders, ! Gannett sign on the right Gust before you reach the lake). Distance: 29 who have known each other since miles (S.E. X-Way) or 36 miles (Rt. 2). growing up in the West End, were - 5AVE THE DATE - able to keep in touch over the years, with periodic droughts in Sunday, September 25, 2005 I Mass 11:30 AM contact. I All four men are in their mid- I St. Joseph's Parish welcomes back former West Enders _i Celebrant Rev_ Gabriel Troy. Pastor - 60s and retired, though one As in the past, Mass intentions will be for living and deceased Campano (known as Jimmy to I West Enders_ Plans are underway for a reception to follow. Vin his friends) of Somerville-runs - . and Theresa Raso will chair the reception _More news to follow a newsletter, The West Ender. In it one can find different tales at a later date / 1 If you haven't renewed your subscription to m e We!it QI:nber, now's the time- $10 Per Year ~be West newspapers the donation form below and drop it in the mail. Letter ran in Boston Herald, March 29, 2005 SUPER PIDLANTHROPIST - $3,000 Malcom Zimmerman Theodore Kocyk When Boston demolished the Mary Lyons or more $50 West End, it destroyed all of the SUPPORTER- Josephine Maranto Frank Privitera S. James Alberino signs, plaques and tributes dedi Virginia Melito SILVER PIDLANTHROPIST - $2,000 Santo Aurelio cated to West End veterans. The JoanMihach or more Francis Cartolano Sgt. Louis Klaman sign ("A sign Gerry Moscaritolo Bruce Guarino Irene· Collyer - In memory ofher of the ·times," March 26) was the Christopher Nikolla PHILANTHROPIST- $1,000 deceased parent!i only one that survived. It survived Rose Parisi Sean Jackman-In honor ofhis Mother Salvatore CoQdelli because it was on Cambridge Adelle Bomstein Pechet and Father Jim And Claire Jackman Joe DiFazio Street, which was not destroyed Anthony Sarno BENEFACTOR- $500 Josephine Zizzo Dzygala- In loving with the rest of the West End. Now Cannella Scott . John DeMarco m_emory ofparent s Rose & Joe Zizzo they are trying to get rid of the Ms. Molly Ship Paul Joltki Mrs. Helen Feeney last vestiges of our neighborhood. Frank & Margaret Spinale Gloria Fernandez Our veterans died in World War I SPONSOR - $250 SandraS tein Elizabeth & Dick Fitzgerald World War II and in Korea. It is a Kevin McGrath Carl & Betty Tedder Edward Fitzgerald shame that their supreme sacrifice · Leonard Nimoy Lois & Richard Testa Herbert Gans should be ignored by Boston and Dorothea (Koresky) Pastore Peter K. Toli Laurence Goodman its new residents. Eleanor Venezia PATRON- $100 Theresa lmbomone Every Veterans Day and Me Lucy Venezia James (Jay) Almeida Joe & Barbara (White)Indelicato morial Day, the media says we Gloria Welch JoeAnnello Agnes lwanow should not forget our war dead Mary E. Wright Beth & Marshall Arkin Tom MacDonald then they ignore our situation Corinne Zeman - In memory ofher Louis & Laura Caccia Barbara Ruchames - Boston should remedy this situa mother Rosalie Warren AI & Anna Cohen - Patron in 2004 & 2005 Mary Ann Russo - In memory ofher tion but is too busy trying to forget Bernard Condelli _ parents Bernard & Francesca Bettinelli OTHER what it did to the old West End. John Cucinotta - Patron in 2004 & 2005 Vincent J. Russo Pearl Brodsky . -Jim Campano Tony DeMarco Mr. Vincent Saraceno Gertrude Botrnan Somerville Joe DeSantis Mark Skiffington Loraine Carvalho· Letter submitted to Bostori · Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Franchina Richard Settipane _Leo S. Cipriano Globe, but-has not been run Arthur Geller Dorothy and Leonard S11denfield Irene Collyer I am extremely glad the city is Conrad Geller Bill & Carolyn Wood John Corso going -to honor deceased veterans Alan Gropman Nadine Zdanovich Kathleen Daloisio from the oid West End. But I would Joe Leece Catherine Flammia ·like to correct afew points about the John Locatelli - In memory ofhis FRIEND- $25 Alfred Ferrara article (''Memorial WISh," April 30 brother Lee Beth and Marshall Arkin r , Lillian Kawa - In memory ofher husband 2005). It was stated in the article that William MacAuley Richard Bradford EdwardKawa Ninq Arria Richard Cassaro the City of Boston and the develop Joseph J. Matara George MacNeil Salvatore (Terry) Castro ers had no Idea who the veterans JimNoe • Cheryl Marcorelle · Cecelia Delessio from the West End were and that Dorothy Pastore Ann Minichiello Carol Downs Barrett came up with the names after JohnRaso ' Gail P. Minichello & seeing my letter in the paper. Both Vincent Raso Mr. Mrs. Gandolfi Eileen Morrill· June M. Getchell the city and Rappaport have known City Councilor Mike Ross Angelo Noe Florence Gillman about this issue for at least 15 years Judge Santo Ruma · James O'Keeffe Agnes Iwanow The city may have lost their list but l:. william sharrio Dino Papadakis , the developers had it and were sitting Spina & Delia Families Joe & Patrica Jackman DinoPapas on it as they were the ones who ~oti William Tomczyk Edwin Kaufman Myer Sherman fied the city. I have been advocating · ' Robert Vatalaro Cecelia A. Kelly r Lillian Spero for it in my newsletter for at least 15 Michelle Turner years. it only jogged the powers to ~ ' The West End Museum will open on a limited part time basis on William Hume Vance i be memories when it reached the Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 P.M. It will be open only John Vatalaro public forum. As far as I know the Eleanor Venezia r for drop-in, research and for scheduled lectures. Continued on page II 'I 'r , m:be West .... ' '.. '. . ·- . ' . '. . ' •. . ~- '· . l • t r t t t t s t 1. I. / ' o , j ' a a · e I 1) JUNE2005 PAGE7 - ._ ~ ,~ " LETTERS ~ The West End is hoiDe to ..... Edna's 90th at Winthrop Arms Hi Jim, dren were brought into the world - his brother & sisters - Ed-" In looking over my many old by the capable hands of Danny die & Molly Ship-Nat, Phil & , copies of The West Ender, I came Goldfarb. Next door the entire Buck Goldman; Jack and Fannie across one of the articles I sent to Kogas clan occupied part of Richman- Sam Zoll; the Adel- you. It would be nice to reprint it Klayman's building - included 1 son family; the Bakers. We tete as people keep asking me "how in the buildings was Sam Rosen- · scope our sights down Allen St. come we haven't heard from thai and Joe Sommers. and see the Mort Sherman fam- you." So find it enclosed. Across the street were the ily - Hymie H.irsch - Dave & Sincerely, Gematto and the Genevasses ad- Louie Nasta - the Bain fam- Hy Escott joining the Etica Weisman fam- ily - the Ralph Venezia family Enclosed is my late postage ily-not to forget Mike Spector - Sam Kastan and Dusty Cohen payment. You have something in and his wonderful brothers. - the Fonstein family - the common with The Bank of Can Walk with me up Cambridge Mke Pruskins - the ~avitskys ada; The Bank of England, The Street passing George Tubin's - Carl . and Sarah Newman, Bank of Japan and the Bank of ice cream parlor- the home of the Leo Haley family - Danny (back row, 1-r): Steve Joltki, Dave Kaufman, Carol Joltki, Frances· Australia to name a few~I tell Larry Gilligan Sr. & family - Hoar's tribe- George & Jimmy Silver, Jean Stanion, Olga Kasinowicz, Pail/ Joltki; (front row, 1-r) them show me someone I pay Max Market around the comer Lannigan - the George Learys Rainey Kaufman, Mary Tarutis, Heien'McLaughlin, Edna Kaziukonis, and .I'll pay you. So don't tell to Chambers St. to Paradies ice were there ~ George, Nate & Virginia Joltki them I paid you. cream parlor and later Rosie's Dave Gordon, the Lottie' Rosen- Many people recall the West where everybody met one time thai family - the Engels - and End as the home of Buddy Clark, or another - across the street who can forget Lou Kaufinan, Ruth Roman, Leonard Nimoy Dr. Mike _and Dr. lzzy Bloom- Joe Maltzman, Mike Berman, and Barry Newman. My recol stock and sister Molly and Mar- Jack Perkot, Piz-Mintz the Bel- lection is the lesser luminaries sha Leeper family.. skys, Ruby Kaplan family, Jim- but by no means minimal - the Nearby the enormous Skef- my Marse and Moe Isason. Rocco family (including Pat fington family ~ opposite was Continuing up Chambers St. Rocco of Megabucks fame), the the Lottie I:Iome family and Sal we see the Synagogue and near- Romano family, the ArthurVene Barbera - the same side the by the Yanes family and Lester zias, the Gregorios and the Fotis, Willard Settlement House-still · and Mary Freedman and their Bernstein family and the Lamias, more, the same building housing massive family. Not to forget the related to the Hurwitz Bakery, the Steinman family, the Rise- Teddy Dubrow family and Tarpy all on Parkman St. The aroma of man family and Fr. Peter Kane, Seltzer. the bakery was a sharp contrast his son Herbie and daughter June We almost passed Poplar St. to that which emanated from -Abe Robbins and the old West where George Weisman & Pessie Waldman's. stable on the comer End House. and her family ---,- the Sussman of North Russell and Parkman We peek down Eaton St. and family - Charlie & Dave Her- Street and opposite the stable on see Raymond and Dorothy Bar- nstein - Abe Katz and brother Olga Kasinowicz a,nd Edna,former owners ofBarney Sheff's 1952-59 North Russell St. was the Murray hera, Sid and Lizzy Miller, Gene - George · Kane ---c Christos Steigman family and diagonally Gianelli of two football fame - Silver's Bakery- Jagoda's across-was Klayman's Delicates sons. The Gallante family, Har- store. - Jack & Milky Pema- saen. The blending of the latter old Asnes, Lefty Fivozinsky - koff - still on .Chambers St. two was the marriage of Murray lzzy Hoffman and Irving Gartin- - Emma Lookner with her ten Steigman and Walter Klayman's kle -AI & Esther GreenJamily brothers and sisters. granddaughter, Irene. -As we go past the Romanows We shall return to Parkman A short distance down the and Urrows - we pause at the Street where Sam and Bessie street were Snowy, Pete and top of McLean St. to remem- Escott are herding their group of Ruth Herman. Not to be sub her the John Black family lived Albert, Simon, Ruby & Hy into merged in lack of recall were the there near Henry Covitz and the the house. big Victor family and the larger Brenholts - St. Joseph Church Time and space limit me from Alice Kaplan family. Between capped McLean and Allan: St. going ~n - at some ·later. date the dwelling of these families The names keep flashing in I will appraise you of ~he many was the Barr grocery and their my mind like Tommy Moner- names that will be added that large entourage of children. In man, his mother, sister and niece made this place what it was. the same location was the Jake Cookie __:_ Ada, Moe, Moxie & I have endevored to orches- Cutler family (he of no profit li ,Muriel Bernstein; the Berkmans, trate a symphony; as with all noleum fame)- Dave and Fan the Eavzans, the Benets, Flor- symphonies, there is joy and sad- Rainey Kaufman and Carol Joltki nie Altman, Louis & Gussie Co ence Weisman, Gladys & George ness - I'm s.ure that the recol- hen-Archie Rosenberg family, Robbins; the · Gropmans, Jo-Jo lection of these names will bring Thanks for watching out for us, the Zimmerman family ~ the Cohen family -Abe, lzzy, Saul joy to some and sadness to oth- Dear Jim; giye up my West Ender. But Finklesteins - the grocery store and Dave Watt; John, Harold and ers- But there are no acoustics \ Thanks for the reminder. I thanks any\vay for watching out ·next to Klayman's where Mr. & Lem London; Ruth Adler, theHy - the bricks are gone, but the agree with Sue Fazio about rais for us and bless you. Mrs. Goldfarb labored so that Diamond family; the Brenners, memories will take their place. ing the subscription to $20. Keep up the good work and sons Danny and Alfred became the Karchmers and Janet and Respectfully, Don't worry about us seniors. stay well. doctors and many West End chil- Clara Goldberg; Eddie Singer Hy Escott I'd rather give up bingo or Fox Jeni (Naso) Skiffington woods one night a year than to PAGES JUNE2005 Old West End memories - Part -7 Reprinted from Boston Herald, March 26, 2005 _ Continued jrom page 3 letters: one frOm my father stating any way with the likes of that other A sign of the times Yes, things were really looking that he was ill; one from a doctor priest. I thanked Father Quinn for the up. Now I could save for the future confinning that my father was ill; letter and left, and think about getting married. one from the Red Cross stating that The four letters worked: I got the But there was a fly in the oint a deferment would be proper (come deferment, · but only for about five ment: my Army service. You see, the to think of it, what did they have to weeks. New orders were cut; I was Korean War was still on. The only do with it?); and one from a priest to report io a base in San Francisco reason why I hadn't been drafted or reverend or rabbi stating that it on November 6. That meant I had to already was · because I was work would be proper (why should they leave Boston on November 5. That ing for a company that was doing be part of the decision-making pro also meant that I would only have a defense work; therefore, I had been cess?). 4-day honeymoon, But at least I'd be receiving monthly deferments. But At any rate, I got the first three married! And that's what happened. . Josie and I felt that I should get my letters and started working an the We got married as scheduled on service commitment out of the way fourth. I went to St. Joseph's Rec November 1, 1953, at St. Peter's in order to plan properly for the fu tory and sp(>ke to the priest on duty Church in Cambridge. Our wed ture. So I asked for the deferment to and told him my dilemma and that I ding reception was held in the Grand be lifted. It was-and I was drafted needed a letter from a priest in order Ballroom of the Hotel Continental, in short order. · to secure the deferment. For some Cambridge, with a sit-down dinner • A sign Army Louis was I entered the Army in February, reason, this priest was antagol)istic for 218 guests. After a 4-day New killed in action during World War II, had been lying·amid trash, above, 1953. After basic training, I was towards me. We literally argued for York honeymoon, I said good-bye at the corner of Cambridge and Blossom streets since late last summer. lucky enough to ,be 'assigned to Fort about 15 minutes. to everyone and boarded a plane at City workers put it back up in the West End neighborhood, below, where Devens as a courts-martial reporter. I knew this priest from before. I Logan Airport for California. Klaman was raised. Herald photo by Angela Rawlings Things were working out just the would goto confession every week,· After a night of processing, I by Marie Szaniszlo way I wanted them to. · and sometimes he would be the found myself on a shipbound for Ja After veterans expresssed outrage Since I was. assigned there ''per priest. His body odor was acute; it · pan. Seventeen days later we docked. that a sign honoring a World War II manently," why not get married was clear that he didn't bathe. He . I spent the next 14 months in Korea soldier had been dumped in a gas now? Good idea. So we started mak was short and chubby and during and Japan working as a courts-mar station lot surrounded by garbage, ing plans in July to get married on confession, would ask painted ques tial reporter. city workers yesterday put it baek Sunday, October 25, 1953. A couple tions relative to sexual matters that I I was discharged in February of up in the West End neighborhood of weeks later we were asked to de- · considered improper. After all, I had 1955, became a secretary for a few where the Army sergeant was raised. lay the w~ding one week, to No been going to confession weekly for months, and then secured a job as The .sign, dedicated to U.S. Army. vember 1, because Josie's uncle, a some 13 or 14 years. No other priest a reporter for the State Labor Re Sgt. Louis Klaman who was killed in violist for the Boston Symphony asked questions like . that. In short, lations Commission on Somerset action, was removed by a work crew -"' • • ;; ~.,., ., ~ Orchestra, would be on tour with my buddies and I all knew that he Street, which ran from Bowdoin to late last summer and left lying along the orchestra. We, of course, agreed. was "odd" and we all avoided him. Beacon streets. I worked there for a Cambridge and Blossom streets, Why not?, Well, what happened next · But now I was stuck. I had to ask · little over a year, and then I did the said Jim Sauro, who owns an Exxon is hard to believe. him for that letter. Suddenly the ten same job for the Social Security Ad station there. So Sauro moved it next In the early part of September I or of the conversation changed. The ministration located in the Walker to the fence on his property so that received orders to go overseas. I was priest said that I was a handsome fel- . Building, 120 Boylston Street, and it could be put back up when road to leave before the end ofSeptember . low and had beautiful white teeth. then I took the Superior Court test, work along Cambridge Street was I was frantic. We had planned a big And then he made a pass at me; the passed it, and started working for done, he said. wedding. The wedding date could pass consisted of an inappropriate Superior Court as an Official Court "I feel for our vets," Sauro said. NOT be moved up. What should I touching of my person. I was wear Reporter from 1957-to 1990. 'They give a lot for this country, and r do? I decided to play for time. ing a rosary_around my neck at the Whenever I worked in Boston they should be treated with respect, r Accordingly, I put in for a "com time. I swear that this is true: I took after being separated from the Army, not left ·in the street." r r passionate deferment" because of out the rosary and stuck the crucifix I would walk to the West End fre Tracey Ganiatsos of the Boston my father's continuing illness. He in his face. (Doesn 'tthis sound like a quently and visit my parents-until Transportation Department said it His parentS, Walter ~d Rose, was confined to his bed most of the Dracula movie, where the hero sticks they were forced to move. Some of had no record of the sign being re moved the family. to Boston, where time. Ifthat deferment were granted, a cross in the face of Dracula?) The the streets were deserted; indeed, . moved but sent workers yesterday they opened a delicatessen, known then I could stay at Fort Devens and priest stopped his foolishness. I told many of the buildings were already morning to replace it. for its corned-beef-on-rye sandwich get married on schedule. But for me him I had to leave now; he said the demolished. I will never forget The intersection is one of the nu es, on North Russell Street in the . to get that deferment, I needed four . letter could be picked uj> tomorrow. how "eerie" it was to see buildings merous squares the city has named West End, according to Stan Dedecz, . I returned to the rectory the half-demolished. My parents had to for soldiers killed in action. · a Cohasset veteran who grew up in · _ next day. Luckily, that priest was move because of "urban renewal." "I don't know if it's just igno the neighborhood and also served in not there. I was greeted at the door They ·didn't want to move; they rance-if the signs have just lost World War II. by the pastor, a nice fellow by the were forced to. They had to leave their meaning-or if nobody gives a OnJune 15, 1942,Klarnanjoined name of Father Quirin. He said he SAY IT AND their friends and family and move to damn, but for it to just be dumped the Army, ~d he was awarded the had a letter for me and gave it to me. there is a disgrace," 'said Robert Air Medal and the Purple Heart WAITE IT CORRECTLY an alien venue: tbe projects on Mav What happened next I still _regret to erick Street, East Boston. They were Skole, a World War II veterans who for his service in the 491st Bomber this day. I decided to tell him that like fish out of water. lives in the West End. Squadron. NOW the other priest had made a pass at Shortly thereafter, my sister Con Klarnan was born in Portland, A city veterans' graves registra me and something should be done nie and her husband purchased a Maine, to Lithuanian immigrants, tion certificate lists his date and place about him. Well, I thought Father 2-farnily house in Somerville and said David Lambert, a genealogist of death as April 6, 1943 in China. Quinn was going to have a heart at invited my parents to take the down at the New England Historic Geneo But both the U.S. Department of tack. He started shaking and looked stairs apartment. My parents ac logical Society. But detailsofhis life Veterans Affairs and the genealogi very upset. I was immediately sorry cepted .and they lived for 12 years in and death differ in records kept by cal society list his date of death as that I told him about the other priest. that apartment until they died, within the society and the city. One lists is April8, 1944, although he was origi Father Quinn was such a great priest; three weeks of each other, in 1972. date of birth as April 23, 1911, the nally listed as missing in action, ac it's too bad he had to be connected in . ~ == . other asApril6, 1910 . ~rding to the society. 2 ( JUNE2005 ~be We~t (fnber PAGE 9 Man ofthe -Year Award to Giovanni Noe ~a LETTERS The Augusta Boston Club Inc. ·was proud to present its first Man of Continue my subscription the Year Award to Giovanni Noe at the annual Christmas party, for his Hello West Ender!! about it. Everybody knew each an enduring hard worlc and dedication I was ·happy to h~ar from you. other, it was like one big family. to the club. My name is Agnes Gulino Gior The West End was a wonderful Giovanni Noe is a long-time dano and I lived at Norman St. My neighborhood and everyone-cared member of the Augusta Boston Club _ sons are Joe, Anthony, Buddy and about each other, so please keep . Inc. and has served as the club's vice Terry. up the good work of maintaining president for ihe past two years. He Enclosed is my subscription for it. My beloved cousin, Agatha Spi has alSo contributed greatly as an ac The West Ender. My c_ousin, Ag nale Marano was also a subscriber. tive member of the party committee, atha Spinale Marano of Swamp Now that she.is gone, please re in which he helped to oganize the · scott, Ma.Ss., used to have it sent to mind me when it is time again for club's al.mual social events for tna11f me as a gift. She passed away last my subscription. Thank you West years. Mr. Noe. is also a long~time Giovanni Noe accepts the Man of the Year Award from the Augusta December of 2004. ·Even thougn Ender and lots of luck. resident of Revere, a dedicated hils- Boston Club Inc. at its Christmas party. I live in Hollywood, Fla. for the · - Sincerely, ~ band, father and grandfather. ganizations. Most significantly, the and has become a second flUllily for past 47 years, I still claim the West Agnes Gulino Giordano · The Augusta Boston Club Inc. Augusta Boston Club op:asionally its members. End as my home and I love to hear Hollywood, FL is an Italian-American organization . hosts visiting artists and intellectuals This year's Christmas party was a that was formed in 1936 in the old from Augusta and strives to be an ac success,_thanks to the hard worlc and ·It's the the same West End of Boston by men who tive source of cultural exchange be- commitment of the party,committee. Dear Mr: Campano, everyone took care of each other. had immigrated to the U.S. from . tWeen the U.S. and Italy. Throughout All members extend their congratu I'm Cecelia Condelli Dalessio, We were 10 children. We missed Augusta, Sicily. · almost 70 _years of history, marked lations to Giovanni Noe and hope 37 Hale St., West End. I went to the West End very much. No mat Today, the club continues to pro by both adversity and joy, the Au that he will be the first of many to be . the Washington School. We moved ter where we go, it's not the same. mote Italian culture and traditions gusta· Boston Club has succeeded named Man of the Year for the Au when they took our home for the Cecelia CondelliDalessio and maintain ties with cultural or- ·in keeping the l~an tradition alive gusta Boston Club. Government Center. My mother P.S. I wrote a check for $20. I think was devastated, she died at 95 you need·a raise. It's not too much years of age so uilhappy because for all that info. When I get the pa MeiDo.rial.wish Continued from page 3 of Rappaport, unearthed the letters oorhood Service· would also weigh we had to move. per I drop everything and read ev- proposal to buid a new memorial, between the city and Charles River in, said Tom Materazzo, former Hale St. was like "Little Italy" erything in it. · Cirafice said he would believe it -Parle in the developer's files, as well commissioner of the Department of Enjoyed growing .up.in West End when he saw it. "I don't actually as a list of the street comers a city Veterans' Services, who has .been think they're going to do anything," worlcer compiled for the developers. worlcing on the project. Good Luck Gentlemen; . he said. In March, when Barrett saw a letter "We'd like to put it on the fast Chambers St. for years. I enjoyed I am sending dues and. a little Menino is not the first to propose to . the editor ib the BostOn Hear track, but whenever you do anything growing up in the West End as a donation foi: keeping the paper a memorial to replace the West End aid from former West End resident of this nature, you've got to make little girl. going. · heroes' comers. At the.height of de James Campano proposing a memo sure the i's are dotted and the t's are Keep up the good work. My father, Jack Wasserman !flOlition in the early 1960s, disgrun rial to all West End veterans, some crossed," Materazzo said. Ms. Estelle (Wasserman) Corin had the family shoe store on . tled relatives and veterans' groups thing Campano says he has been · Meanwhile, he said, the city of appealed to the city to replace· the lobbying for years, Barrett decided _ trying to check the accuracy of Bar Information about Leverett Street squares. City officials turned to the to share his findings with Menino's rett's iistofheroes' squares. A couple · office. · Dear Jim; business; develo~ ofCharles River Parle, the may have bOOn moved to other parts ' Enclosed is my subscription and Guy and Jim Tringale catering latgeapartmentcomplext:blltreplaced The mayor "itrimediately said, of the city, he said. A fe~ may be in a donation. I enjoy your paper very business, along with their father. · much ofthe old n~ighborhood. 'This is something we heed to fiK their origmal spots. Complicating much, it brings back so many good Freni 's Fruit business; In a letter to Mayor John Collins, and get on right way'," said Michael ·the task is the lack of documenta memories of the greatest people and Bottari's Flooring business; the company's vice president pro- Kineavy, Menino's chief of policy tion: The Department l>f Veterans' greatest p1aces, anyone could have Zanti, Joo and Frank crab bilsi- posed building a ''beautiful reflecting and planning. Services has no recora. of where ever lived. ness, Mr. Zanti sold crabs from a_ pool" to honor the war dead along The mayor's office plans to ap the veterans served, how they were Leverett St. was never men pushcart for 1 & 2 cents; the lan~ca)xxi footpath between the point a committee of city staff and killed, or who their families were, tioned, so I'm writing a little ofwhat Strazzulla Bros. tomato busi- apartment buildings. '"There is no some former West End dwellers to Materazzo said. I could remember and the people, ness; question that it is fitting and proper choose a site and' a design for the ''Here we are now, 40 years later, that can be remembered from Lev Colonna, ice and oil business. tliat such a monument as the 'Pool of memorial. The Boston Art Comrnis- and it's very difficult to get hold of erett St. I don't mean to slight any- . DeFranco, Peter Hydrarnatic . Heroes' be erected in lasting trib)lte sion and the, Department of Neigh- · next of kin,' ~ he said . one. They were the greatest. Many Sales and Service· to these men," Collins replied a few served in WWII, some highly edu Tim's Tavern ~wned by Happy days later. · cated and there were l:nany business Bettano. , But it didn't worlc out, Jerome 2005 \>Vest E.nders people to name a few. There were so many more, sorry L. Rappaport Sr., a developer at the I can't remember them all. time, said in an interview this week Centliry Club -- Names and Businesses: Frank J. Arrla, retired regional · Sundays we would play hand- that the fountain wast built, but it had The following West Enders have contributed $100 or more to our cause in~ supervisor of the Bureau of Special ball on Cotting St., and at one time problems; wind tended to blow water 2005. We salute them! Now is the time to send y~ur check in the amount of Investigations, Comrn. of Mass. the cops picked all ofus up and took outof the pool, drenching passersby. $100 ifyou are interested in b~coming a member. USCG; us to Station 3 on Joy St. and called After several attempts to correct it, Beth & Marshall Arkin · Stephan Maio Santo Aurelio , Kevin McGrath Carmello (Charlie) Arria, served Father Powers. the developers gave up and replaced . Those were the happy days. God the pool with. plants and shrubs. Morris Breslmif ·. Leonard Nimoy 30 years in the Army and highly AI &Anna Cohen Nino Parisi Bless all you lucky people that are Meanwhile, Rappaport said, the city . decorated, Navy, and retired postal ·John Cucinotta · Frank Privitera still around from all of the West did not send the plaques it had worker; prom~ Victor DeMarco Vmcent Raso Tom and Sam Arria, retired po End. ised. The project was abandoned. Alan Gropman Steve Szewczyk . lice officers Respectfully submitted, Frank Barrett, an amateur pis- Daniel LucaS' · Richard Terranova Our parents were in the fruit Frank J. Arria .torian who is writitig a biography William MacAuley Robert Vatalaro PAGE 10 'm:be We~t ~nber JUNE2005 West End Ml!seum keeps · me~ories alive Continued from page 1 place the West End was before the whom he chooses not to name, ·~Jimmy Campano got us in city tore down many buildings who lost his home within a few terested;: says Joltki, pointing to and forced out residents during hours because of the city's plan The West Ender as the publication_ the urban renewal period of the for advancement. · West Enders needed to give a pro late 1950s and early 1960s. "His mother and father work~d mote for the museum, or some "This is a unique street," says days, and he worked nights," says thing like it. "At one time, he had Peterkin of Staniford Street, Joltki. "He capte home, went to two thousand families that he was which is now home to apartment bed. The sheriff came in with a sending it out to." complexes, restaurants, an eye sledgehammer, broke the door Campano, who has lived in doctor's office and several other ·down, dragged him out of bed, Somerville since being forced businesses. "The place today and said,_'You have to get out of out of the West End in 1960, says would have been a gold mine:" here.' They put the furniture_out what started as an idea for a news Pet~rkin, who is. engaged to be in the street. When his parents letter has blossomed into the for married·to a woman he has known came home, the house was gone. mation of what he hopes will be for-more than 20 years, says he they tore it down."' a valuable venue for history buffs plans to move back to the West Venditti remembers his own and others wishing to further their . End in the near future, mainly horror story from the same time knowledge of the old neighbor so he can be near Mass. General period. hood. Hospital, where he'll be receiv "I was 20 years old, and [city "Originally, The West Ender ing chemotherapy treatment for officials] came up with a moving was the only thing there was," cancer. van," says Venditti, who was liv he says, emphasizing that it only Peterkin's voice has a hint of ing with his mother, father and took a few heads thinking on the enthusiasm as he flashes back to two siblings at the time. "They same level to start the OWEHC. the early 1950s, when he was liv stole everything. After it was Campano, a former construction ing in the West End. taken down, we had nowhere to worker, says the group has worked "At the end [of the street] go." hard for the museum because West · there was a big two-story build As Peterkin talks nearby to a Enders need something visual in ing where they sold Levis, dunga 1ocal man who has just stopped addition to the newsletter-some rees," he remembers. in before his afternoon run, Joltki thing more than just a record of But the days grew darker for explains that the main obstacle to "what was happening in the Lost Peterkin, Joltki and their neigh overcome in completing the mu Neighborhood." bors when the city of Boston seum is the funding. Joltki, a for Peterkin, who turned 67 on St. decided it was time to ryplace mer General Electric employee Patrick's Day, explains that one of the old with the new in the late says it costs $1200 ·each month 1920 political poster the goals of the historical associa 1950s. With terror in his voice, to -rent the space for the museum. from a student and a faculty mem fellow Bridge and its two towers. tion is to show what a prosperous Joltki tells the story of a friend, The allotted area consists of a her from Sirmiions College, locat The bridge starts several blocks · large room with pictures, writ- ed in Boston near Fenway Park. down fro·m the West End Place ten explanations and news clips Campano says Jeannette Bas and goes over the Charles River ~o lining the walls, a much smaller tian, an associate professor and connect Boston with Cambridge room with more West End arti- the director of Simmons' archives (for Bostonian~, the trip from facts and several offices for the program, checks in periodically Gharles/MGH to Kendall Square four men. with the museum; or has her stu- on the Mass. Bay Transportation "This buildipg was origin~lly dent come by. Authority's Red Line train). supposed to be 60 percent West The men agree that they don't Venditti, retired from the Stop End property, but they put all the have a problem with the conimu and Shop Bakery that used to be. preference into the market value," nity using the space in the West in the West End, says he paints says Campano, adding that, in ac- End Museum to hold meetings or regularly and has been more than tuality, 75 percent of the property . other small gatherings, as long as happy to contribute some artwork that went to the West End was in its users leave a donation to help to the museum. market value. fund the museum. One or two of the men, sitting "We picketed the mayor's of- "Hopefully, we can luck out down in a relaxed position but fice, everybody," adds Joltki, on · with some benefactor who wants ready to tell stories and answer the Old West Enders' appeal to to pay us for a couple of months," questions at any moment, greet get more property. "We were only jokes J()ltki. visitors as they wa~ into the mu picketing for our rights." Right now the men usually only seum. . . Many of the photographs in come to the museum on Tuesdays the ·museum come from the Bos- and Fridays, two or three at a time, tonian Society, an organization says Campano, ·adding · that the Old News which has its base at Boston's for- time to start using it . reguJarly is mer State House, on-State Street. "when we can get enough money Is GoodNews In the collectfon are smile of the to.put it together." Dear Editor & Co-founder, photos from the society's award- Campano, Joltki, Venditti and En~losed is my donation to. winning exhibit in 1992. The Peterkin agree that walking into The West Ender, the best home OWEHC has over 5000. photo- the museum, though still veiy newspaper, best memories ·and graphs in its collection to choose much a work in progress, gives · keeping us young in heart. Old from · for display, though not all one a decent portrait of what the news is good news . .the photographers are known. "Lost Neighborhood" was like. Gertrude Peeker Botman The men and their association On the wall behind the desk is a St. Mary s Polish Church Standard are. getting help with the setup sketch drawn by Venditti of Long- JUNE 2005 ~be West ~nber PAGE 11 Old West End memo,ries - Part ~ 7 Aurelio appointed Santo J. Aurelio was recently Continued from page 8 had been promised. quite positive. Generally speaking, appointed to the Board of Direc But my parents always regretted Suit was filed; the case heard; although we were poor, as so many tors of the Harvard Alumni As and resented-that they had been a decision rendered; an appeal others were, I was fortunate enough sociation (HAA) for a three-year forced to move. made-the case just dragged on to have many fine experiences. I term. You know, it's one thing when and on. Finally, in early 1998 don't believe that the streets of the THe missionof the HAA is to one's property is taken by eminent the Supreme Court of the United West End were "mean .streets." Ba promote the welfare of Harvard domain for the building of a high States declined to hear the caSe. sically, life is what one makes it. University and to establish a ben way, a bridge, or a school. It's quite The lower ruling stood: Old West I've had a very goOd life, eficial relationship between Bar another when one's property is Enders were only entitled to 102 After living in Cambridge for vard University and its alumni. taken and a privat~ investor builds units. Even at the end, after some a few years, my wife, my four Dr. Aurelio will serve on vari luxury apartments and earns huge 40 years, old West Enders had lost sons ·and I moved to a fine house ous committees, especially the profits doing so. again. in Belmont. We lived there for' 33 Coinmittee on Continuing Edu- The rationale, ostensibly, was A small article on Page C8 ofthe years. When all my children were cation. He previoulsy served a that these were. slums. No, they Boston G!obe (December 3, 1998) educated and left home to seek their two-year term as President of the weren't slums, and I know because recites that "The three partners who fortunes, my wife and I decided that Harvard Extension Alumni Asso I lived in five of these buildings, began developing the city within a we didn't need a 6-bedroom house ciation. plus I visited perhaps 20 other city known as Charles River Park anymore, so we pmchased in 1994 buildings. My mother had told me 40 years ago have put the last big the house we had always wanted: a that she would have liked to return piece of the complex on the market brick ranch overlooking a lake. But -We remember the old days . to the West End in a low-rent apart- · for a staggering $241.5 million." while my story or memories may Thank you for your reminder ing the West End. He had so many ment, She said that she was told Previously the developers-Je be pleasant, I know that a lot of old _ to renew my subscription for ·the stories to tell. His best friend was that some of the apartments would rome Rappaport, Sr., Seon Pierre West Enders are still hurting. I wish wonderful West Ender. Ralph Saya. be within the range of rent that she Bonan and Theodore Shoolman that I could do something about It is a miracle that there are So here is my subscription and could afford. But that was another had sold one apartment building in i~ but I can't. It's too simplistic to still some of us that are here to re may the West End -flag forever lie. There would be no. apartments this park for over $72 million, plus . say, "Hey, get over it." That would member the "good old days" of a .wave. for people like her! they still retained- ownership of be callous. I jus~ pray that they can wonderful past. Betty S. Katz Demolition of the .West End other expensive parcels in Charles somehow accept, once and for all, My claim to fame is my maiden . P.S. The other night I listened to began .in· 1958. Once; after my River Park. In short, these three THAT THERE IS NOTHING _name was "Steigman". My sister the radio (W.B.Z.), a man was be parents' had left and most of the men; after causing untold grief to THAT CAN BE DONE, and go on. Sylvia, and brother Murry, have ing interviewed. He· has written buildings were.razed, I decided to thousands of West Enders, have from there. unfortunately passed on. a book about "Old Boston". The walk through the West End or what now sold most of their interest in At any rate, I hope that any read Also my husband Israel Katz, West End came up. He said 2600 once had-been the West End. All the ''new" West End for ALMOST er of these "memories" has gotten was a devotee of any ne:Ws regard- families were displaced! the streets were deserted. The only A THIRD. OF A BILLION DQL a kick out of these various stories word J can use to describe the feel LARS! That's a little bit more than about life in the West End, with My family moved i':l1943 ing I got was the word I used be the legendary 30 pieces of silver. its little streets and its interesting Dear West Ender, 1943. I enjoy reading The West fore: EERIE. At one point I walked And, again, as usual, the poor per people and its fascinating events. I Enclosed is a subscription. I Ender very much. to where the comer ofAshland and · son, the little person, the person sincerely thank you for allowing me was born and raised in the West Thank You, Chambers had been. I looked up who has no clout, no influence, no to share these memories with you. End. My family moved out in Edith Freedman Cohen and I saw on the third floor a light money, no prestige, no. standing, One final anecdote: A few years green wall, just one wall. That continues to suffer. lmagine-183 ago I decided to contact as many of Glad you Thank you was "my" wall. That had been old. West Enders are prevented, by my former classmates at St. Joseph Thank you for all your good my room. I just can'fdescribe the court order, from movmg itlto the Grammar School for Boys as pos didn't forget me work. strange feeling that came over me 183-unit apartment building that sible for a 50th reunion. We had I am so glad you didn't forget . Best Wishes, when I saw that wall. I had slept was recently built. Only 102 can. graduated inJune of 1946. Could me. I'm so glad to get the_papers. Frank & Margaret Spinale And the three men who created I find them after all this time? And in that room for 10 years. Now the I lived on Brighton and Poplar Charles River Park in the guise even if I did, would they want to room was gone. How can I explain streets. My father-in-law owned United we stand, · of responsible urban renewal are have a reunion? Well, it took an its loss to myself or to anyone? the comer store. They called him walking away with .incredible enormous amount of research, Divided we fall After demolition, luxury high Vangy-(Vangy Athanas) . We sums of money! Is this justice? phone calling, letter writing, et ce Many thanks .for the continua rise apartments were constrUcted. loved the West End. . · YOU decide. . tera, but on Saturday, June 1, 1996, tion of The West Ender. Remem The West End had died; a new area ·Thank You, What does this mean to me? To it all came together. Eight "boys" ber what they say, "United we was created; they called it Charles Mary Athanas River Park. Four decades later, on me personally, little; but to a lot of and four spouses met in a restaurant stand- Divided we fall". the only small plot of land remain other old West Enders, it means a in Watertown for that reunion. We Nina (Zizzo) Schifone, ing that had not been built on, a lot. It was my choice to leave the had such a grand time reminiscing. 33Y2 Green _St. 183-unit apartment building was West End. When I returned from the And in 1997 we did the same thing, Now live in Dedham. built. Old West Enders were to be service in 1955 my legal residence. meeting at a Waltham . restaurant the sole occupants. Or were they? had been Cambridge for over a year for our 51st, with 11 ''boys ~ ' and West End Memorial must be built In all, 800 old West Enders had ex already. I wanted to move to the seven spouses attending. Our num Continued from page 2 establishments that were tom down. pressed a desire to return and take suburbs, that was my free choice. bers were growing! And in 1998, fountain of heroes was never built, My brother died in Italy, Oct. 21, we met at a restaurant in Saugus an apartment in the new build But many West Enders, including and former West Enders were never. 1944 and if he and all the rest of the for out 52nd reunion. Twelve ing called West End Place, which my parents, wanted to remain in the notified or even given a hint it was West End war dead who are not on was built in the area where the old inner city, that is, the West End. graduates were in attendance, plus to be.built. signs are ignored the memorial will eight ·spouses. Our numbers ·are Causeway, Lowell and Staniford There is little more that I can The memorial thaf is to be built or mean nothing. It will just be another streets intersected. But now .city say about .what happened to the still gr~wing! So, you see, the old displayed should list all former West travesty in the long history of.Uman officials said that old West Enders thousands of people who were · West End maybe dead for "most" Enders who made the supreme sacri Renewal in the West End would only get preference for 102 displaced, whose lives were ir- · intents and purposes, ·but for us, as fice, not just those on the street signs. Jim Campano, of those units, less than 56 percent, reparably disrupted, ~ know that my you cim see, THE WEST END IS . The dead veterans mimes -were also Publisher as opposed to the 100 percent that experiences in the West End were STILLALIVEAND KICKING! listed in veterans clubs and other . '"The-West Ender Newsletter'' PAGE 12 'Ol:be We~t ~nber JUNE2005 Former West Enders BusineSs Directory 744 Broadway, Revere, Mass. (781) 289·3448 rC>e-1we. FAX (781) 391-2912 Friday 8 PM COUPLES WELCOME 390 MAIN STRE,ET MEDFORD, MA02155 Saturday 8 PM • Low-E-Glass 3GREAT OFFICE (781) 396-800.0 • Stonn Windows Sunday "Oldies" RES. (781) 272-4548 LOCATIONS ON • Stonn Doors Dance 7 PM RTE. 128 ROY J. SCARPATO • Door Canopies PRESIDENT · • Vinyl Siding Hosted by: SINGLES DANCES OF NEW ENGLAND • Porch Enclosures 300+ Single Adults! "30+" Smdke-free Sales • Residential • Commercial • Rentals • Management • Appraisals ~~• Alum. Gutters Admission $s.oq Hors d'oeuvres - Casual Dress For Info: 617-325-4900 or r Weddings • Anniversaries • Social Events ... CS CRUISES & TOURS, INC. I "A Full Service Agency" ,.· Everyone Deserves A Vacation. ··- Video/Photo Are You Ready? Connie (Giuliano) Slauenwhite, CTC, ACC, OS Joseph Fortunato President 31 B Winn Street- Burlington, MA 01803 (781) 229-1900- fax (781) 229-1986 Box 379, MimFORD, MASSACHUSEITS 02155 "Dedicated to Service" E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Voicemail 617-625-4438 Website: www.cscruisesandtours.com National Insurance Concepts phone 617-742-0011 fax.617-742-0021 Support the advertisers Malcolm Zimmerman Director of Marketing found in The West Ender jPizzettai East Brook Executive Park 20 Eastbrook Road • Suite 103 Dedham, MA 02026 (781) 320-0770 FAX (781) 320-0410 280 Cambridge Street (near MGH), Boston, MA 02114 . 288 Cambridge Street Boston, MA02114 TEL: (617) 367-3310 FAX: (617) 367-2070 DAVID A. LEONE ATTORNEY AT LAW The following West Enders have donated above the subscription amount: Frcink.Arria John Hannon (718) 648-2345 Vincent Raso Mary Athanas Joseph Interrante, FAX (781 ) 648-2544 Joanne Rodman Maryln Barrett Glen Koocher REX. 643-9700 JoAnn Rosenthal Gertrude Botman George Leary Jr. Vincent Russo TEL. (617) 666-0300 Morris Breslouf Joseph Leece Ralph Santosuosso Barbara Ca~abino Tony Lo Voulo Rita Sharrio LEONE & LEONE Anna Cassis John Lyons Herbert Shifres 637 MASSACHUSETIS AVENUE Chippy Centofanti Levon Manolian ARLINGTON, MA02174 Edward Sicari PRIVITERA, PRIVITERA & PRIVITERA Roseann Chardo Josephine Maranto Antoinette Silvestro ATTORNEYS AT LAW Al & Anna Cohen Vincent Micale JoAnn Skiffington A vert1sers: Bernard Condelli Carmine Mignota Dominic Spinale FRANCIS D. PRIVITERA Suppor! the memories .•.. Estelle Corin Joan Mihaich Frank & Margaret r JEANNINE PRIVITERA BARRISTER'S HALL Cecelia Dalessio Gail Minichiello · Spinale 59 UNION SQUARE FRANCIS D. PRIVITERA, JR. Advertise in Josie Dzygala Christopher Nikolla John Stoekle I PHILIP J. PRIVITERA SOMERVILLE, MA 02143 'r The West Ender · Lucille Fallavollita Charles Noe Steve Szewczyk Frank Fasano Frances Paone r -~ Lois Testa The West End Museum will open on a limited part time Alfred Ferrara Nino Parisi r Send to: Salvatore Tringale .basis on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 P.M. It will be PO Box 440-413 Roberta Ferris Philip Pisano Richard Worob open only for drop-in, research and for scheduled lectures. Conrad Geller DavidPokat Amelia Wright Somerville, MA 02144 Bruce Guarino Angelo Rao