Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Previously published on March 14, 2012.

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

If I had the one day to live over again, and I could do anything I wanted, I’d blend together all the best parts of my life in Somerville into 24 hours.

I would start the day with one of my favorite breakfasts that my Dad also liked. He would make “a whole mess” of scrambled eggs and cut up hot dogs. Oh yes, Dad is back for my special day, along with the rest of my family. For such a special day, maybe we would splurge and eat breakfast at the Waldorf in Davis Square.

As we were walking to Davis Square, we would say “hi” to our neighbors. “Hello Mr. Lamb, Mr. Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Pine, and Mrs. Foster.” DJ Sullivan’s dog “Shep” would run over for a quick pat on the head! I would watch a few episodes of The Three Stooges the way I used to just about every morning before school.

Speaking of school, part of my best day ever would be marching with the rest of the class of 1971 at our class day celebration with a fast-forward to graduation day at Dilboy Stadium. Of course for lunch I would grab an Italian sub at Bella Meos in Powder House Square or a meatball sub at Todis in Ball Square or maybe both! We would drive over to my grandma and grandpas’ house and pick some grapes while visiting. (everyone is alive again!) We would stop at the BP station and gas up Dad’s 1967 Dodge Dart. We would give a honk to the cop in the round traffic stand right in the middle of the square. Perhaps we would be stopped at the railroad crossing while a freight train rolled by.

One of the best memories was when Dad took us to Fort Devens and we got a VIP tour. I can’t help but think that Dad told them he was a big wig for the city of Somerville. Come to think of it, he was sort of the unofficial mayor of Davis Square for a while. How about a movie? I would have to pick A Hard Day’s Night at the Somerville Theatre. Maybe my special day could be on July 4th so we could get a free Hoodsie that the elected officials used to give out to all the kids.

It wouldn’t be the best day ever without a performance of Oliver by Project STAR, 1969. I was Artful Dodger in that awesome show. Let’s block off the street and have a Somerfest concert with Shadowfax! For old time’s sake, I would come in the house when the streetlights came on, but only to shower and get dressed for a night out in the ‘Ville. I’d hit Studley’s, The Blarney Stone, The Surrey Room, and check out The Embassy Lounge and Khoury’s (with a designated driver, of course). I would have to have my 1973 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham with the extra large back seat and footrests that could fit about 10 of us. Maybe we could reenact my 30th birthday when my pal Dave was the driver and my friends and I were decked out in crazy outfits and silly hats. We drove around Somerville all afternoon acting like goofs and having a blast. It would be so great to see some of the friends that I lost, back again for one last bash.

What was your best day ever? That’s a difficult one isn’t it? If you could go back and enjoy one particularly awesome day what would it be? Would it be the day your kids were born? Was it the day you bought your first car? Maybe it was your wedding day (or the day your divorce was finalized!) Was it when you were a teen bopping around the city in your bellbottoms and Member’s Only jacket?

Growing up in Somerville, I have witnessed many cool changes. Friends and family members have come and gone. I drive through the ‘Ville everyday and if I am not cursing a tailgater or some nut banging a U-turn in the middle of Highland Ave, I am taking in the scenery. I recall when things were different, and marvel at the progress we have made as a city. Is that Al standing on the corner? Nope! Al moved 30 years ago.

The best day ever ends up being today because today will be a memory that we recall many years from now. I love looking back, and wish I could go back, but I am happy to have my memories of the best place ever to grow up. Somerville rocks.

One of my friends told me about one of her best days ever. “When I was in 6th grade 1966 my Dad took me and my friend Rita M. to see the Beatles movie at the Brattle Theater in Harvard Square. It was the first time I ever heard an English man speak. I loved my dad so much for taking me. I’ll never forget that day.”

Here’s another. “One of my best days was Somerville’s 2004 Memorial Day parade. My dad was in his WWII uniform on the trolley. I remember being so proud of him.”