On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte 

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Somerville opened a Boys’ Vocational High School in 1910, offering a two-year program in metalwork and woodwork, and a Girls’ Vocational High School in 1911, offering programs in millinery and dressmaking. In 1913, they enrolled 103 students, and in 1920 they had 112 students. In 1983 it was decided to merge Somerville Technical Trade High School with Somerville High School. This info was found on the Somerville City website.

The Somerville Trade High School building stands on Bonair, Otis, and Cross Streets. It is still used by the city as the Edgerly Education Center.

Some of the programs offered at Trade were, automobile repairing, technical, carpentry shop, drafting, electrical wiring, electronics, machine shop, metal fabrication, painting and decorating, and printing.

Trade also had sports teams such as track, baseball, and basketball.

My cousin Fred learned how to work with sheet metal at Somerville’s Trade High School. He graduated in 1971 and went right to work in the business. He is now retired after enjoying a rewarding career in the sheet metal field. He was taught by Thomas Levine and 40 years later Freddie is sitting pretty collecting a nice pension check from Local 17.

In 1971,the director or headmaster of Trade was Walter E. Struble. The vice principal was Dante A. Muzzoli, or “Muzzy,” as he was affectionately known. He was also senior advisor for the class of 1971 as well as the drivers’ education instructor. Some of his famous phrases were, “Boys, boys, boys!” and, “Sit down or I’ll give you a backhander.” He never gave anyone a backhander and everyone has great memories of this dedicated educator and friend with the gravely voice.

Growing up in Somerville in the 60’s and 70’s there was a well-known fact that was attached to Trade High students. You didn’t mess with them. Somehow, when we found out that a kid went to trade, they had an aura about them. They were tougher than most High School students. I can think of at least five former students that were pretty serious characters. Thankfully they were my friends.

When I was a substitute teacher in the early 1980’s I was assigned to take over the electrical shop at Trade High School. Next thing I knew, the kids were sticking lengths of pipe out the windows and shooting wire nuts at cars. They used the pipes as blowguns. Well, some guy got so mad he stormed right into the school, past the front desk and came right into the classroom where the shooters were. Shortly after the peeved man came into the room Mr. Muzzoli followed. Needless to say that was the last time they called me to substitute at Trade.

Somerville High School’s Center for Career and Technical Education offers many programs for students. There are 15 categories of vocational training available ranging from auto collision and repair, graphic communications, cosmetology, culinary arts, carpentry and child development. All of the programs are available to check out on the City of Somerville website. A lot of the departments do work for the city and the community. The Culinary Arts department operates a restaurant in the High School called the Highlander Café. The Graphic Communications Department prints just about every important program and poster needed by the city. The greatest thing about the vocational education program is the hands-on experience the students receive. The enthusiastic and dedicated instructors are key to the success of these programs. Watch for interviews of some of these talented instructors in upcoming columns.

If you are a graduate of Somerville’s old Trade High, you are part of a historic group of ‘Villens. If you have a chance to sit down and talk to someone about their Trade High School memories, I’m sure you will find it very interesting.

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Jimmy is available to host your event, play music, or just spice up any party or function. Call 617-623-0554 or jimmydel@rcn.com

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You can email Jimmy directly at jimmydel@rcn.com