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 20, NO. 3 September~ James Campano, Editor/Publisher 0 Email: [email protected] 0 (617) 628-2479 West En" Reunion planned The "West End Reunion" will be held Sunday October 24, 2004 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m. at the Saugus Hilltop Steak House lo cated on Rt. 1 in Saugus. All proceeds from this reunion will be held to benefit The West End Museum Tickets are $50 each and include a D.J. and dancing, .a full meal that will include: appetizer, salad, pasta, roast beef and turkey breast served family style, vegetable, potato, beverage and dessert. Send checks to Paul Joltki, 46 Adams St., Malden, Ma. 02148; phone 781-322-4230. All checks must be made out to ''The West End Tom MacDonald (right) talks with Jim Campana on the "West Ender Museum" and must be paid by October 3, no tickets will be s~ld at Video Newsletter" recently about the plight of St. Catherine of Siena the door.
)r~~;~~irit inspires us to fight 00 Annual West ,Ender Mass to be held DearWestEnders: attendMasseveryday.TheWestEnd at St. Joseph s Church Sept. 26th Paul Joltki was manning the West Please accept our donation on be- leg~cy ofperseverance has inspired End Museum• during the recent halfofSt Catherine of Siena Parish. us at St. Catherine's. We won't take . The annual West Ender Mass _This is .an especially exciting Democratic National Convention. We at St. Catherine's know what this slap in the face lying down. The will be held this year on Sunday, year because we have learned it is like to be imposed upon, and spirit of the West End has shown us September 26, 2004 at 11:30 that St. Joseph's will definitely• The West End Museum the feeling ·of powerlessness that that you can fight City Hall, even a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic remain open and b~ able to serve needs a fundralser who comes with it. The Archdiocese of after the carnage has been done. Church in the West End. Father ·continued generatio~s of West has the ability to explore r...... ,...._-R'ostl')tf1S closing our-pari'sh:-.mni-: Thank you for your e~ple of · Gabe Troy· and all tl,le members Enders! all phases and avenues hilating a living, breathing Catholic dogged tenacity. of the St. Joseph community in- This year the event will be of fundralslng. H you community. Some of our parishio- Tom MacDotiald, vite all the. former West End pa- chaired by Tom Simmons an~ know of anyone with · Jim Campano. A reception will ners were baptized here as far back Pastoral Administrator rishioners to come and visit with these skills please follow Mass in the Church Hall. ~ as 1914; they received all their sac- St. Catherine of Siena friends and share in the St. contact the museum. raments at St. Qltherine's and still Charlestown, MA Joseph's community worship. Continued on page 2 r, Remembering West End veterans even though City of Boston does not... . ,. , ...... - . (left) Jim Campana and Jim Noe, veterans ofthe Korean War, discuss the fate ofWest Etui memorials and tributes to West End veterans who died in World War II and the Ko rean War. All of these memorials have been destroyed. There now are NO memorials to our kin. It is Boston s shame. /
(right) Jim Campana puts up a sign in Somerville to remember his brother on Memorial Day because ~ the City ofBoston does not recognize his sacrifice. The city tore down all signs, memorials and tribute to }Vest Enderi who served in wars fought before 1960. Jim's brother and others died so the city could ignore them. If you haven't renewed your subscription to ~bt Btfit. Cfnbtt, now's the time- $10 Per Year ~~Cfnbtr P.O. BOX 440-413 SOMERVILLE, MA 02144 (617) 628-2479 PAGE2 SEPTEMBER 2004 West Ender MJ}ss Christmas on Willa_rd Street with at St. Joseph's Katherine-Vatalaro Continued from page 1 The-food has been generously by·Bob Vat8Iaro ting on Commercial st'I was startled shark, His lack of a tall body never donated by J. Pace & So_n on: It was a summer evening in the every time I saw sparks flyin:g from stood in his way. Today he is r~ Blossom Court. No reservation is West En,d but I was cold. I was riding the-horse's shoes when it touched a in Florida. At age 78 he plays golf required and all are welcome. _ between my brother Frank and my flat railroad track.' I was cold but the three times a week, and within the As in-the past, the Mass is be St.. Joseph's Church - · brother Tony sitting high up .on a _ ride was exciting. I was safe_and se- ·last nine months he had two holes- - ing offered-for all former West wago~ pulled by a single horse. cure sitting between my brothers. in-one on a regulation course. Enders.-A special bulletin with St. Joseph's Church F~wasdriving.Hewas 15; Tony Frankwastheeldest()fsixbroth:. - We arrived at the stable._Tony - the names of the deceased West 68 Cardinal O'Connell Way was 12, and I was 5. The year was ers. At age fifteen he_had already helped me to get off the wagon. Enders will be published and dis Boston, MA 0211-4 1938. I havea vivid memory of the acquired the long, lanky, bony look Frank drove it in. ! -peeked in and - tributed at the Mass. st.josephs@ verizon.net cool breeze in my face, and the goose he wotild carry for his relatively short saw horses in their stalls, lying in the If anyone would like -the name Fax: 617-523-8459 bumps on my arms. We were return- lifetime. He was away and in com- hay ... ; so~nd asleep.-They looked of a form~r West Ender included _ A small don.ittion of $10 per ing the rented horse and wagon to a bat for three years during WW 2. He enormous. The pungent odor of hay in the bulletin, please submit the person would be appreciated. - stable somewhere in the North End. -was a survivor, but we lost him per- was new to me. So were the cats who information to St. Joseph's by St. Joseph's is looking forward We had just used the ng to move manently in 1971 at age 48. Tony lived-there. - ; Wednesday, September 22, 2004. to welcoming many old friends -from 202 Chambers,St, to 9 Willard was the second ol<:test at age twelve. ''Why do cats live here,." I asked. This can be done by mail, e-mail on September 26 to the Annual St. (I didn't learn that detail until a His passion was spOrts. He was a "I don't know. Maybe they have or fax: West End~r Mass and Reception. year later). Frank had the horse trot- -gifted athlete, card phtyer, and pool ctJntinued on page 4 The West End Museum will open on a limited part time basis on Thesdays and Fridays West End -- Museum donations from 12 to 6 P.M. It will be open only for drop-in, research .and for scheduled lectures. If you ·are a West Ender and your name is not on the West End Museum's donation list-it should be. ~ill out the donation form below and drop it in the mail. -· . PIDLANTHROPHIST- $1,000 Judge Santo Ruina Vincent Saraceno Anthony Sarno Frank Privitera · William Sharrio Mark Skiffington Ms. Molly Ship BENEFACTOR - $500 Spina & Delia Families Dorothy and Leonard Sudenfield Sandra Stein John DeMarco William Tomczyk Bill & Carolyn Wood Carl & Betty Tedder Paul Joltki Robert Vatalaro Nadine Zdanovich Lois & Richard Testa Malcom Zimmerman SPONSOR - $250 FRIEND- $25 Peter K. Toll SUPPORTER - $50 Kevin McGrath . Beth and Marshall Arkin Eleanor Venezta ·· S. James Alberino· Leonard Nimoy Richard Bradford Lucy Venezia Santo Aurelio PATRON: $100 Nino Arria Richard Cassaro Gloria Welch Irene Collyer - In memory of her James (Jay) Almeida Salvatore (Terry) Castro Mary E: Wright deceased parents Joe Annello Cecelia Delessio Corinne Zeman - In memory of her Salvatore Condelli AI & Anna Cohen Carol Downs mother Rosalie Warren . ·- Joe DiFazio Bernard Coildelli Vincent Gandolfi OTHER · Gloria·Fernandez John Cucinotta · June M. Getchell John Corso I Elizabeth & Dick Fitzgerald l Tony DeMarco Florence Gillman Catherine Flammia Edward Fitzgerald · r - Joseph Franchina Agnes Iwanow George MacNeil Herbert Gans i Arthirr Geller Thomas Kocyk Cheryl Marcorelle l Lawrence Goodman r Conrad Geller Mary Lyons Anna Minichiello Alan Gropman I Johti L
IN MEl\IORY 4& LETTERS 4& I Playing bocci in· November Sam Zoll Enclosed find donation in memory of Sain Zoll. RuthZoll Joe Solano Hi Jim, My dues and also in memory of my brother Joe Solano of 37 Wall Street. Edward Solano Sicuso Family Jim Tringali is still working at 7 6 years old.... In loving memory of our par . . I always thought, after 39 years I am located at the corner of ents, sister 'and brothers. Carmela in the canteen truck catering busi- · North and Blackstone Street at · and Sebastiana (Jim) Sicuso; Hi West Ender! Ralph Block. Kneeling is Ellis · ness I would relax" and take it easy. Haymarket. Nevertoo busy not to This is a photo of the M.J. Field and Ralph Jacobson: M.elina, DOmenlc, Charlie, Joe and But for some 'reason oranother, I talk to any ex-West Ender. Gidovidge Club· of the West End For over 20 years some of us SamSicuso. found it difficuft to be idle. Sincerely, House Boys Club taken in 1960 at went to the Cape to George Scha We lived at 17 Hale Street until Falmouth. We' were wearitig win raga' s home every winter for a lost Jim Tringali 1960. 48 Hale st. Frances Sicuso and ter clothes a~ we were outdoors weekend. We always had a great .Lived on Hale. St. playing bocci in November. time. Enclosed is my dues to The Josephine Polcari (left to. right) AI Goldman, Thank you. West Ender. Thanks, I used to live Look foward George Scharaga, Harry Condell, Sincerely, on Hale St. in the 50's Sani Rosenthal, Mike Spector and · Ellis Field Marie (Ternullo) Lee · to the paper Philip Riseman · ~ Lived on Pitts Street and Minot Ne!Vs ~photos _ of West Enders Street. En(:losed is my renewal for Remembering Philip Riseman: The _West Ender. . · Marclt24, 1915, passed away June ' 7 2004 ~ - .Look..forwardto.reading all the -~ . ,.. articles fiomt he people from the ,The Ri&errian.Family . WestEnd. ' Sal)to (Sam) Tringale 2004 'VVest Enders Memorial Circle The following West Enders have contributed $100 or more in memory The lady in front of the carriage is Charlie Georges wife. The other lady of their loved ones for 2004.. Now is the time to send in your dona-· (also in photo on right) is Irene, Anthonys wife.' · tion to be included in the 2004 West Enders Memorial Circle. To The West Ender; missing ones are. Charles (Chuck) _· Jack, Miriam & Frank Gropman -Alan Gropman No one will know who I am. . Minichiello is the son of Charlie. Joseph & Anita R~sso, Donald & Sylvia Grey, M6e · I am Anna Minichiello, the wife John is the son of the late· George Guarino & Joe Solano- Vincent J. Russo of the late Joe Minichiello. He Minichiello, Joseph Russo is the · passed away Sept. 1997. I would son of Joseph and Theresa Russo. Max & Dora Nimoy- Leonard Nimoy like to subscribe to the paper and . Pop Minichiello had the Mass. 'Joe & Angelina Noe & Frank Noe - Anna Noe also send a few dollars to the mu- Spa. on the comer of Cambridge seum. St. and I forgot if it's North Grove Karen MacAuley - William MacAuley · · Would you be so kind as to send or Fruit St. that ran up the back of Henry (.frenchie) Gervais - Sally Gervai_s me a copy of the March 2004 is- the Mass General. I am s~nding sue. I was looking at Mark Skif- you these snapshots of the front of Catherine LoGuidice & Mario Stancato - Charles LaRosa -fington's paper, and there were the Mass. Spa. _Edward Kawa - Lillian Kawa & Family three of Joe's nephews in' it. I may . Sincerely, Gaetano & Josephine Privitera - Frank Privitera b~ able to find who some of the Ann~ Minichiello . Morris & Betty Geller - Arthur Geller SUPPORT A Special thanks ·, Please send ·. · Barney & Ida Sgeff- Michael Sheff WEST ENDER... ~ Dear Jim, A special thinks for The West Vincenzo & Rosario Interrante; Salvatore & Olympia RE-ELECT Hope you a{e well. Please send Ender. be Hope it'll always aropnd me The West Ender. Didn't realize Bramante; Rose Interrante - Joe & Joseph Interrante to keep our memories alive. it ran out. Will send more money Anthony "Junior" Cornperchio, William "Bossy" Hoar, Rosemary Cucinotte Cost~llo later. Enclosed is my check.·Hope James "Gussie" Guskiewicz, Rogert Jackman & Jo§eph it helps keep the paper going. Sliiiv Lanza - Tony LoVoulo & Ralph Santosuo.~so Respectfully, Kathleen Pagliuca . 4th NAME ON THE BALLOT , formerly of 105 Brighton St. Philip Riseman - From The Riseman Family
I / -· PAGE6 ~bt -t~t enbtr SEPTEMBER 2004 r~ I [ .North Russell St. ·&West End House Reunion I I ~ ~ ~ r r [ Robert Rosenberg, Dora Glick and Nathan Glick
1st row: Dora Glick, Bubbie Kogos; 2nd row: Susan Kogos, · Maurice Kogos & Smil Kogos
(right) Leatrice Glick, Annette 1st row: Frances, Selma Kogos, Gloria Hurwitz, Renee · Kogos, Leatrice Glick; 2nd row: Stiegman, Winn &Annie Sonny Kaplan; 3rd row: Singer,. Shirley Frankie Cashman, Ester Kaplan . . ' · (left) Phillip Glick
\ (bottom, left) Frankie Gemmarto
(below) Benny Brenner & Leatrice Glick
(bottom, right) Helen Rosenberg
(above) Harold Dubeshter & Hy (Vema) Lewis
(right) Charlotte Weinberg SEPTEMBER 2004 Wbt 'Best enbtt PAGE 7 P_rivitera's host West Enders at Augu~ - bar-b-que A bar-b-que was held strictly for. West Enders and The show included (sound alikes) of Ehvis Presley, hosted by the Privitera Family at the Privitera family Frank Sinatra, Engelbert Humperdink, Connie Francis, home n SulJday, August 8, at which over 200 West Patsy Cline, ~lMartino, Neil Diamond and Frankie Enders attended. . Avalon. The event consisted of a variety of h~rs d'eryes Peter Privitera, with a small staff, bandied the bar- including clams, oysters, shrimp, followed by a seven- b-que which included sausages, hamburgers and hot course dinner which included lasagna, spaghetti and dogs o,n an all-day basis. meatballs, ham, turkey, roast beef, with all the fixings. It was a great day for West Enders and it gave_them Followed by corn on the cob, watermelon, and slush. the opportunity to enjoy all the amenities of the The crowning event of the evening was the -PriV,itera Family. Enjoying the show Diaf}e Toscanp, Mr. & Mrs. Shorty en_tertainment provided by director Richard DeLuca. Mjgnosa, Frankie Ross Toscano. -
Peter Privitera
The Hale St. table (seated, 1-r) Frank Privitera, Nancy Paterna, Margaret DiMare, Mr. &Mrs. . Sam Biondo, Mary & George Tringale, Ann Tringale' (standing) Richie &DomDiMare
.Frank Capone, Vinny "Inzie" Loguidice aruJ Peter Limone
(seated, 1-r) Dan Lordan, Peter Limone Peter. Athanas, (1-r) -Paul Piantadosi, Htpmy LoGrippo, Tony.DeMarco Mi~hael Lirrwne; (standing) Frankie Capone, 'Ray Wiley, (former Welterweight Champ) & Mike Fonzo Peter Limone ·
(l-r) Richie Tiingale; Jean Privitera, Silvo Marccarone, Frank Privitera, Peter Limone, Ann Tringale
(seated, .l-r) Dan Lorden, Peter Athanas, Michael Limone, (l-r) Frank Capone, Frank Privitera, Vinnie LoGuidice, Big Peter Limone, "Little" Peter Limone and Frank Diane Tos1oano, Mrs. Magnotta, Carmine (Shorty) Privitera Magnotta, Frankie ·"Ross" Toscano PAGES SEPTEMBER 2004 St. ROcco's Feast-in Malden Everyone enjoyed themselves at this annual event. The band (2 photos below) really livened things up when they came into the yard and played re.:
Paul Joltki
i ri I f r
·Kathy Campana, Elaine Rothwell, Kathy Finn, Athur Vendittiand Paul Joltki ·
Elaine and Frank Rothwell
I i 1-
· Paul Joltki, Steve Joltki, Joe Peterkin ·and Frank Olga Kasinowicz, Mary Venditti, Kathy Finn and Rothwell Virginia Joltki SEPTEMBER 2004 PAGE9 Christmas -on Willard Street with Katherine Vatalaro
Continued from page 4 "Did he die?" we.yelled. school and had roast chicken on looked exactly like several people I "I like K better." painted on the outside brick wall of ''Yeah, he died, and then my fa Christmas day. There were no gifts had seen coming out of local bars. "Oh." the store. The sun was shining on the ther and my uncle buried the giant in pretty wrapping paper but like He was drunk. My new companion (Some time later I learned that the comer by Berman's. This spot was in the tunnel that leads to the back many other children, we survived. said, "Granddad, are you OK?" vicarious pleasure my mother en to become a haven forme in the win .- yard." The next year at a mature age six The old man murmured and stag joyed at the Sunday movie (starring I ter. We crossed Leverett Stand went Somebody said, "You mean the I entered the second grade taught by gered. "C'mon granddad I'll help Kathryn Hepburn), at the Lancaster into Leone's. My mother removed tunnel we use to get in your back Ms. Egan. By the time the Christ you. Let's go home." Theater was having a happy imagi some coins she had wrapped in a _yard? There's· a giant under the mas season rolled around I had a I watched my friend put his native effect on her.) handkerchief. She bought bread and ground?" better understanding of Santa Claus, grandfather's arm around his neck I went to bed. For two nigh~ she cold cuts while I took in the scents. I "Yup. Be careful when you walk Christmas Trees, and the baby Jesus. and start staggering away from the wrote letters and whenever I, or any still smell them today. I saw a world through there. Sometimes giants However, receiving gifts was still in window. My new friend was now of my brothers asked why she was of wrapping paper, rolls of string wakeup." the domain of Andy Hardy movies, much older than his years. I didn't writing letters the most she would hanging from the ceiling, calcula From that day forward anytime I not in the cold, wooden stairs of 9 get the electric train and I doubt that say was she was trying to swprise tions by writing the cost of each item needed to walk through the tunnel I Willard St. Still, there were new ex my new friend did either. us. One time she responded with, and adding, manually. Moving to a was petrified. Sometimes I ran periences this holiday season. I was I went home desperately trying "say a big Christmas prayer." new street in the West End was tan across the ground praying the giant allowed to walk down to the hard to make some sense out of the expe The letter writing stopped. The tamount to moving to a new city. The wouldn't wake up. Frequently, dis ware store on Spring St. between rience. The kitchen table was cleaned weather turned colder. Christmas sounds, the scents, the pavement, the cretion took hold and I didn't cross Chambers and Poplar St. I forgot offandmymotherwaswritingsome- was 2 weeks away. We had some accents, contributed to a major en the ground at all. I told my mother about the cold air because I could thing. For some reason I became snow. I went back to the window of vironmental upheaval. It was a little about it but obviously she didn't gaze into a bright world of Christ very proud of my mother. She could the hardware store. The sky was dark tougher on my older brothers. They scare easily. mas gifts through the store window. REALLY write! I was fascinated. but the reflections from the lights in left friends behind on Chambers St. The summers seemed hotter on I remember brilliant golds and sil "Ma, wateha doin ?" _ the window on the snow turned a I had yet to make some. Willard St. and the winters seemed vers, greens and reds. Model trains 'Writing letters." small section of Spring St. into the We lived on Willard St. for three bitterly cold. I was always cold in and BB guns were laid out to their ''To who?" land of Oz. I was cold. I was fasci- to four years, (before moving to Pop the winter and my hands were always best impulse buying advantage. The 'The Record, the newspaper." nated. lar St.). Recounting that period chapped. Happiness was standing by window lights were in stark contrast I was fascinated by the speed of When I arrived home I saw a car would take a novel. I wish I could the kitchen stove which also served to the early northern latitude dark her writing. Somehow, I understood in front of our building with the lights produce one. I would tell about the as the sole source ofheat. We weren't ness. that she was writing with a purpose. on and the·engine running. A man sounds of trains at night emanating alone in this respect. Many families One evening as I approached my There was a mission here. got ~mt of the car. He had a card from North Station, or climbing the . in the West End had the same "cen gazing station I noticed another kid "Ma, but why are you writing?" board box in his ~ds . He looked walls of the Registry of Motor Ve tral heating" facility. Time passed was already there. He was taller than "Shh Bobby, I'll tell you later. Go at me and said, "Hey kid, do you hicles building, (we called it ~The and in the fall of 1938 my mother I and obviously older. As I reached wash your hands and face." . know where the Vatalaros live?" New Building"), or the old Intema-. . took me to St. Joseph. School. I was th; -window he turned.and-said :'Hi, - '~Now?" - It took me a second..or.J:wo-to.re--- tional ice trucks with their chain now a full fledged first grade student my grandfather is gonna buy me that ''Yes honey, now." alize that he was talking to me. drives loading up at the Lowell St. along with Frank Fisichella, Santo BB gun and an electric train. I'm I knew the sound. Anymore ques "Upstairs," I said. iee house, or learning to walk to Saint Aurelio, George Leary, Stanley meeting him here." tions would have drawn some irrita "How many flights?" he asked. Joseph School by myself, where Zwirble, Joe Paci, John McGrath, 'Wow, you're lucky," I said. tion. I washed my hands and face. I "After you go up these stairs, it's Frank Fisichella and I continued the etc., etc. It was the last time my "My grandfather told me that if I watched her reading her letter and two flights up. It's my house." friendship we started in Kindergar~ mother had to accompany me to helped him wake up in the morning then adding another sentence. She "OK kid, lead the way." ten at the Mayhew School. school~ From that point on I followed he'd buy me anything I wanted for folded the paper and started writing I raced up the stairs. Two home Add to this Eddie Nunziatto's my brothers Johnny, Mike and Tony. Christmas." again. on a fresh piece less cats scattered by me without a remarkable ability to capture our There was ·no way to get lost. "Gee," I said, waking up isn't real "Ma!" sound. I opened the door to the imagination with adventurous stories The first grade of St. Joseph hard. "You're really lucky." "Bobby get ready for bed. I have kitchen. My mother and father were totally created from his imagination (taught by Sister Agnes Marie), was "Sometimes my grandfather is to finish these letters." sitting at the table. Ronnie was play and grasp of imagery. Often, his sto my first real exposure to Christmas. hard to wake up." "How many are you doing?'' · ing with a cardboard box. ries were told to four or five of us Up to that point it was a brightly lit "Oh." She started laughing. ''Tonight I'll "Ma, there's a guy behlnd me." surrounding one lit candle on a win store window we could only stare "Are you gonna get the red train? do three, and maybe tomorrow I'll My father stood up immediately. ter day in his cellar. through. That's the one I'd want." do three more, and maybe the next My mother's eyes were twice their One day Eddie asked if we When I asked my mother about "Uh huh, and maybe I can ask my day I'll do ~ more." normal size. wanted to hear about how his father Christmas she said, "Jesus was born grandfather if he could buy one for "But why?'' I asked. "He's carrying a box." had killed a giant. on Christmas. Sometimes people you." "Never mind," she said. Before my parents could respond "A giant!!" we yelled. give gifts." "Really??" My feet came five I stalled going to bed long enough the man was at the door. "How big was the giant?" I asked. "Do we give gifts?" feet off the ground. "Would he re to notice that she signed a letter "Hi, I'm from the Boston Daily "Bigger than the sigit (billboard) "No honey, we can't." ally do that?" Katherine Vatalaro. Record newspaper. Is this the in the brokey, (empty lot)." "Why?" "Sure!" "Ma?'' Vatalaro house?" There were several gasps. 'They cost a lot of money." I was standing there with my "What Bobby?" There was a two second pause. My brother Johnny asked, "How "Oh." mouth open visualizing an electric "How come you use aKin your We never had strangers at the door. did he kill the giant?'' But in the first grade we learned train running across the linoleum on name? I thought you used a C." Continued on page 10 'Well," Eddie began, "Uh, my about the birth of Jesus and how the the kitchen floor. I wanted to run father had a sword he brought over three Wise Men started the gift giv home and tell my mother but I was from Italy. One day he heard loud ing custom. We also had some deco afraid to leave. 20\04 VVEST ENDE.R footsteps and there in the back yard rations in the classroom. Everything I heard a sound to my left. Ap was a giant who said he was gonna was warm and cheery though the air proaching us was a short slender man kill kids. My father ran into the store always had the hint of burning coal. bent over, dressed in an old gray \GOLD CLUB got his sword and ran toward the gi I even heard a couple of the guys tweed overcoat which was heavily The following "West Enders have contributed $500 to our cause in 2003, ·-- ant. We had an old bedspring in the talking about how they hoped they stained. He was wearing a long aimed at keeping alive the spirit ofthe "West End. backyard and my father jumped on would get a gift at Christmas. Well, shoreman's cap. His hair was gray it and leaped up and stuck the sword Christmas came and went. We re with skin to match. His face was in in the giant's heart." ceived Christmas candy from the need of a shave. He staggered. He Frank Privitera PAGE 10 i!Cbt Mtst ~nbtr SEPTEMBER 2004 Jim Campano talks with many on Christmas on Willard Street West Ender Video Newsletter Continued from page 5 ''Yeah." will be so happy. Merry Christmas." My mother's face and eyes changed He handed me the package and The man hesitated With his mouth to one of happy recognition. She said, "Merry Christmas." open, Finally he managed to mutter, said, "Is that a package for the kids It was not real heavy but carry "Merry Christmas," and left. for Christmas?" ing it up two flights of stairs was a The next night another delivery She turned to my father, "Frank, struggle for a second grader. . car arrived. This time the man asked this is what I was telling you about. "Ma, look what I have!" ifa Catherine Fiorentino lived there. The Record Newspaper is giving My m~ther's face broke into a My mother, whose maiden name just free Christmas stuff to poor kids. I tremendous grin. "Oh Bobby, is that happened to be Catherine had to write a letter and ask them to a newspaper package?" Fiorentino, must have been the sen help." I wasn't sure so I said, "It looks tinel at the window because she was My mother walked over to the just like the first one." in the hallway before I could say a man and said, "Yes, I'm Mrs. Frank This time Johnny, Mike, and word. Vatalaro. This is the Vatalaro house. Ronnie were there. Mike said "Let's "Yes/' she said, "I'm Mary We sure appreciate the gift. My kids see what's in it." Vatalaro, Catherine Fiorentino is my will be so happy." The man handed Johnny said, "maybe this one has younger sister." her the box. My mother said, "Is it something different." ''Well, I have _this package from just one box? I told them we had six Ronnie simply giggled and the Boston Record." kids." laughed in anticipation. ''Oh wow," said my mother, "Is "That's all I have this trip. Maybe This time my mother opened the that package for the Fiorentino I'll have another one tomorrow. box. The first items to appear were kids?'' Have a Merry Christmas." The man the ever present hard Christmas can "Uh, I guess so," said the man a left. dies, then another wind-up toy, a shirt little slowly. My mother started singing Jingle and a jacket. Mike immediately tried My mother didn't miss a beat. Bells. Ronnie wanted to open the the jacket on and proclaimed that it "It's a good thing my sister left her box. I was dying to see the contents. was a perfect fit and was now his two boys with me. She's in the hos It was the firSt time I ever saw a real property due to some divine inter pital. She almost died. She took a I vention. Johnny and I reached for the r Christmas gift. 'shock' (suffered a stroke). She's I "Frank, let's see what they sent." candy. Ronnie got the toy, but I got gonna be OK. Wait'll I tell ber that I My father tore the box open. In to play with it later. My mother said I her letter was answered. Oh this is r side there was Christmas wrapping. the shirt would be good for Tony. She wonderful." added that nothing would fit Frank, I He pulled it away and uncovered The last sentence was spoken as~ I Christmas hard candy, two wind up the oldest. It was one of the most ex my mother reached for the package ~~ toys made of metal, cookies and a citing evenings ever spent -in that and qulckly took it from the man's pair of pants. apartment, but Mike didn't spend I Jim Campano catches up with Billy Co, an old West Ender and profes- . ~y's grasp. She s~ walking up th~ sor at the Univers{tj of Nebras~ ()_maha.. - I reached for one of the wind up much time with us because he left to stairs, then turned to the man and toys. It was a donkey pulling a cart. show ~ffhis ' new jacket to his friends · Said, "I think the newspaper is do I ...... _ ,_ Ronnie watched while I wound it and on Maclean St. ing a wonderful thing for all the fami I placed it on the floor. It ran rapidly The next couple of days were the I lies who can't afford presents. We're across the linoleum for a few feet and most confusing; exciting, and thrill goima keyp buying The Daily slowed to a stop. Ronnie shouted, "I ing, of my young life. At more than Recoi:q. Merry Christmas." I wanna do it." one point they were also the scari I The man ~umbled, "Merry Over the next thirty minutes est. It started while I was playing with christmas." . Ronnie and I just about wore out the a couple of kids on the steps leading . -I sl.mply s~ed. I couldn't figure wind-up toys playing with them on up to the first flight. A man walked out what was going on. It now ap the floor. My fingers; were sore from into the doorway and shouted, "Is peared that we had one sick aunt liv the metal wind-up key. My mother there a Helena Lopez in this build ing with us along with two children was happily examining the pants and ing?" of another aunt who was in the hos candy, and telling my father of her We simply stared. Almost at the pital .... with a 'shock,' whatever that success with a convincing letter to same moment I heard my mother was. One indisputable fact remained. the newspaper. My father was silent. shouting down the stairs, "Yes, that's We had receiyed several packages. Jim Campano chats with Tom Simmons. Although he watched our joy he said my sister. She's staying with us but We were now among the receivers. very little. In retrospect, I can un she's too sick to come downstairs." Christmas took on a new signifi Boxing Hall of derstand how he and so many fathers I stood there confused. I knew we cance. during that tough time might have had an Aunt Helen in East Boston By.the time I reached our apart felt a sense of inadequacy. The in and she was married to a Spanish ment door the man was long gone. i Fame induction hi-jinks ability to provide more than the es guy, but I didn't think she was living L My mother was in the kitchen with a I sentials weighed on them at every with us. giant smile on her face. 1- holiday. My mother raced down the stairs "Ma, can we open the box?" I r Just two days later another car talking all the way. "She has to stay I Past inductees Carmen asked. I pulled up to our building and I ran with us, and her two kids are with "Bobby, how about waiting so I Basilio and Tony DeMarco to it. A man opened the car door. my mother. The doctor says every you guys can have something to I one will get better but they shouldn't i pose for the camera. Tony Before he could say anything I open on Christmas day?" lives at West End Place. yelled, "Are you looking for talk to people. They're really poor. "When is Christmas day?" Vatalaro?" She'll really appreciate this pack "In four days." I "How did you know?" he asked. age." "Oh." ''Well: my mother is the Vatalaro My mother reached for the pack Before the four days passed two that writes letters." age and the man let her take it. "She more cars stopped at 9 Willard St. "Are you a Vatalaro?" said, "Thank you. My sister's kids Continued on page 11
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MERCURY CLUB--(bottom row, 1-r) Sal Cipriano, Sam Bramante, Jim Condelli, Vin Trigale, Guy Distefano, Sam Biondo: Joe Postizzi; John Di~;e, Joe a·Spinale; (middle row, 1-r) Jqhn_ _f:.o£~!! ~rz• ..f.. r:.e _Spq_tqla, Dom Fe_rra_ga_to, _Jo_~n Si!~!stro, 01_~ Ro""!nl!iJo~ '!_¥ll:ntia, _l!_hil SP_~nale, Joe Fort1.!:.1U!:• Vin Bramante; (top roli 1-r) Joe ~assanisi~ ~ichf!rd_!ri_~ale, A~oie Michaels, Dom Dimare, Charlie Spinallf, George .Ferragato, Sam Cipriano · ..Christmas on Willard Street with Katherine Vatalaro Continued from page 10 · Frankie. . lights brighten. Everyone cheered. made Christmas cookies. -, Willard St. than I used to. 9 Wtll~d They had tilfee · packag·es. One ~ "How much did it cost1" asked The second string turned on to an-. Christmas day turned very cold St. was not a pretty place. We had IDarlced Vatalaro, another Fiorentino, my mother. . other rousing hooray. but we experienced the luxury and our share of uninvited six legged and one for Frank Christoforo, (A My father said," Dissa guy still Now it was time for the big mo . waimth of opening three boxes that and larger four legged creatures. play on my father's middle name). wannaeightyfivacentsonadanighta ment. That night I found out that were still left as a result of my - More than once Johnny and I on Without going into detail, my mother before Christmas. I toll him he wassa my parents owned a string of lights mother's .imaginative letter writ~ instructions from my father had them believing that we had a crazy. When I walka away he yella that had a bulb in the shape of a ing. On the way to Christmas Mass brought home an alley cat froni 'combination hospital, hotel, and con- 0 K I takea seventy centsa. I say Santa Claus. It was originally Johnny and I slipped and slid Grant's alley whose mission it was tagious disease ward contained in thirty centsa: Anyway, I givva him painted red but the paint had long around the ice on the ground while to be a temporary guest and keep our 5 room flat. fifty fiva Frankie finda da lights inna disappeared over the years, be we walked up Leverett St. We the flat clear of unwanted varmits. I didn't know it then but for the da closet." coming a jolly clear glass bulb. It talked about what a great Christ- 35 Poplar St. was·"better digs," but. first time I was actually anticipating Frankie appeared in a flash with had served them faithfully for sev mas it was. Johnny mentioned that we dido 't get there for another two· what luckier kids anticipated; a a shoe box. He opened it and re eral years but they knew it was a it was the first time he hac;l ever re- years. Christmas morning gift·opening. It moved ~ld tinsel, some tree orna matter of time before their favor~ ceived a gift. He also said, "Pop Mom, Pop, Frankie, and the felt good. However, there was one ments, and thr~ strings of old fash ite faithful bulb would bum out. might give us money for a show Santa Claus bulb are gone now. I more surprise to add to the warm ioned series circuit Christmas My father plugged in the last string (movie) cause it's Christmas. ." My miss them all. My mother might feelings. It happened on Christmas lights... the fulstrating kind where of lights. Nothing haj:>pen~d :.. H happiness was expressed by a have used a littl~ too much imagi Eve. I was in the kitchen reading a one bad one would knock out a was dead. He said, "Looks like happy yell whic_h produced a large nation in her letter writing, but she book about a milkman's horse when whole string. dis sa onea too old." condensation cloud in the cold air. thought of no one's happiness but I heard a commotion on the stairs. At this point Johnny, Tony, and Frankie said, "Pop, make sure We arrived at church and right af- her kids. I don't remember her My mother tugged at her old cardi- Mike appeared and became just as they're all tight." ter being tol4 by the nuns where to writing anymore fiction in the fol gan sweater and opened the door. · excited as I was. My father had them My father turned each bulb in sit, I heard a heavy clicking of.. lowing years. However, my My father and my brother Frankie set up the tree in the ''front room" the string. All of us yearned to see women's heels walking down the .mother's letter writing didn't stop appeared with a magnificent Christ- which was actually my parent's bed the Santa Claus light brighten. As center aisle. !twas my mother, to- ~ totally, because·at one fune or an mas tree that looked to be 100 feet room. (y{e had no.living' room, nor he turned the last bulb he let out tally oblivious to the loud clicking, · other her six sons were away in the tall. did I know what one looked ·like). an "Oh boy!" heading straight. for the candles. military and she lovingly commu "Is this for us?" I asked. My father immediately started The string worked. Santa Claus She lit one and aeposited a coin in nicated with large penmanship. "It sure is Bobby," said Frankie. stringing the lights. My mother hung was smiling from his clear glass the offeljng slot. The sound of the Somehow her short tenured formal "OhFrank,it'~ahoney,"saidmy the few ornaments, and the rest of container. We were all yelling glee falling coin echoed throughout the· schooling left her with a business mother to my father. us spread the tinsel. Ronnie stopped fully. Ronnie gig-gled. I couldn't quiet chw:ch. I watched with en~r~ approach to her writing. She would "You should seen the way Pop playing with his wind up toy long have been happier. We celebrated moos pride. _ sign her letters, "Your loving bargained with the tree guy," said enough to watch the first string of by drinking coffee and eating home These days I think more about mother, Mrs. Frank Vatalaro."
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