your personal stories about your Italian heritage or family

[Natalie]

No I never did go to dances there. Hung around the Black Orchid on Shrewsbury Street, with Will Rock and a bunch of others. As I got older 18 or so, I followed the band "The Wild Things" The guitar player was Hawiian his name was Poncho and we dated for a year or so. Te mostly played at the Sitzmark, now called Mount Wachusett. Did you ever hear of them?

Natalie

[tommyg]

Hi,,, was a Speedy "regular" from 1963 till it burned down. The Wild Things... remember them well. They used to travel around in an old limo. Anyone remember the dances they had at "The Moors" in Shrewsbury? There is a Speedy`s reunion held every year, and yes the owners Fred and Marion are still living and looking quite well. Anyone ever swim at Bell Pond?  That was almost a bottomless pit, in the middle it was close to 30 feet deep.

[Natalie]

HI TommyG:

Did you live in the area of Shrewsbury Street? When and where do they have the Speedy's reunion?
I lived on Camassa Terrace, it is where the White Truck garage use to be. Did you know Joe Martocci, Paul Errede, the Zona's?

Natalie

[tommyg]

Hi Natalie,
              Yes, grew up right off Shrewsbury St. The Speedy`s reunion is somewhat of a private affair, invitation only, like we were so high class back then, lol. Knew Joe Martocci, (sadly, he passed away a few years back), The Zonas, (Pete). East Park was our hang-out, before we graduated to cars. I live near by, so I usually pass by the street 2-3 times a week. Sure has changed, but in some ways it still the same. Have you recently been by there?

[Natalie]

I go to Scanos Bakery to get Italian cookies a few times a month. I also go to the Parkway to eat a few times a month. When they have the Italian Feast on Shrewsbury Street during the Summer I go.
I'll bet somewhere along the earlier years our paths have crossed on Shrewsbury Street. I hung around with Maria Zone Peters sister. We lived on the next street (Camassa Terrace) They lived on Muskego Street. Did you go the Adams Street School?

Natalie

[tommyg]

Yes, I did go to Adams st. school. lived almost right across the street from it. Then it was on to Gage St. school from there. I remember my folks wanted me to go to Sacred Heart, but I won that one, the only one I ever won against them. Camassa  ran right from Shrewsbury St. right into East Park if I remember right. There was a few three deckers, but other than that not many houses. I was in the Wonder Bar last week and looking across the street I remembered those frozen leomomnade cups from Steve`s Spa, ever have any of those?

[Keva]

Robin,

I just wandered on the site and have been enjoying catching up with the walk down memory lane in Worcester. Your message caught my attention because my father,( Rocco Savino) also played with Pete LaConto's ( Perry Conte's) band during those same years. He played accordion, piano and the organ . He also taught at the Perry Conte Studio on Front Street ( at least I think that is the name of the street.)

My fathers family lived at 55 East Central Street and then my Mom's also moved in after they married during WW2 in Ireland.

I remember your family name... did your father also play at Bronzo's?

[Frankie]

Hello To All,

Great Site with so many interesting stories. My name is Frank Savastano and I also grew up on Shresbury Street (Risso Court) went to Gage Street School/ North High and U- Mass. I like you, miss all the great traditions growing up in that area. The food was amazing and all the great little family owned business were special.
I played in a group called the New Breed and have been living and working in Floroda for a long time but still have all those great memories. Seems like I knew some you you from those days and truly enjoying reading the mail. Lets keep it going.


Frankie Savastano

[oldtimer]

Hi all , I presently live on Lyon St . it's across Shrewsbury St . from the old Jewetts Garage and the East Side Improvement Club . I've lived here since getting married in 1972 . If I can bring you up-to-date on whats happened here then let me know . There are very few Italians left here...mostly Brazilians... Worcester is trying to push Shrewsbury St as ' Resturant Row ' , much like Federal Hill in Providence or the North End in Boston...   Certain people and company's are investing a lot of money down here so we'll see how it works out .

[Diane]

Hello Oldtimer, I am very surprised to hear that the Italians are moving away from Shrewsbury St! Why is that happening? I  grew up there and am very saddened to hear that. Why did they leave?? thanks for your reply.......Diane Bellione Morgan

[oldtimer]

Hi Diane , As the ' heads of the family's ' died off the children would sell the houses and move to the suburbs . Just like our grandparents did when they came to Shrewbury St . the Brazilians would buy a 3 decker and rent out floors/rooms to fellow Brazilians new to the country . On Lyon St alone there are only 3 family's left from the time I moved here . Oh well , nothing stay's the same...

[Diane]

Sadlyl, you're right. That's really too bad, I am going to talk to my mom about this. I think she still shops at D'Errico's ( I assume that's still there??). thanks for the reply take care

[oldtimer]

I just moved my bakery from the 2nd floor of what USE to be D'erricos and is now a Brazilian restaurant ( see what I mean ? ) D'erricos mkt is now next door in what use to be Argentos mkt... Cant tell the players without a scorecard anymore...

[woostahgirlatheart]

Hi Robin
My dad Donald Misale "Chico" played out with your dad for many years, Along with Vic Mercandante.  I mentiond your post to my dad and he remembers him fondly......he's got some great stories about the different places (that don't exist anymore) that they played out in.  He said they were one of the best bands at the time out there....if my dad could turn the clock back he'd still be playing with the guys =)

Robin,

I just wandered on the site and have been enjoying catching up with the walk down memory lane in Worcester. Your message caught my attention because my father,( Rocco Savino) also played with Pete LaConto's ( Perry Conte's) band during those same years. He played accordion, piano and the organ . He also taught at the Perry Conte Studio on Front Street ( at least I think that is the name of the street.)

My fathers family lived at 55 East Central Street and then my Mom's also moved in after they married during WW2 in Ireland.

I remember your family name... did your father also play at Bronzo's?

[woostahgirlatheart]

Hi Robin

I am glad I found your post.   My dad Donald Misale "Chico"  also played with Perry Conte as well as Tony D'angelo and Vick Mercadante for years....he is sad that the era is gone.  I remember my dad going out to play in the band with the polyester suit and big velvet bow ties...not to mention ruffle shirts!!! god love the 70's!!!!   I live in SC now I don't miss the winters but I sure miss Dino's and Shrewsbury Street...I've got alot of family history there.  When my grandmother imigrated they were living on Larkin Street...I would have loved to see the old neighborhoods then, now they are falling apart =(  it's sad....but at least here in SC I get to introduce my southern friends to annisette cookies!!! you know how hard it is to find anise extract in the south!!!? I have to stock up when I find it....my friends here have no idea what a cookie tray is and why you would bring it to a wedding etc..it's funny.    I am so proud of my heritage and family and of being from Worcester =)

All the best!

Ciao!