Jim says:
Yesterday Mary and I met up with some old friends of mine and wandered through neighborhoods where I lived from ages 10-18. During those years, Revere (named for Paul Revere) had a major beach (the first public beach in the United States), a major dog track and a major horse track.
Here’s a Google Earth view of this area…
The beach is still there, though vastly different from when I was a youngster. Back then it was a wonderful assortments of rides, amusements and arcades. Today it’s all condominiums. The Wonderland Park dog track ran its last race in September, 2009 after voters banned dog racing in the state. The Suffolk Downs horse track is still operational and celebrated its 75th anniversary a couple of weeks ago. The Liberty Elementary Grade School, Garfield Junior High School and the old Revere High School I attended were demolished years ago. Jobs I remember having back in those days were a paper route, walking horses before school in the morning at Suffolk Downs and in the receiving department of Raymond’s Department Store in Boston. All prior to my joining the Navy in 1958.
These three photos are from the below Wikipedia Revere Beach informational link…
Here’s a link to a four-minute video about the history of Revere Beach…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2eIxv30SYI&feature=player_embedded
As long as we’re going down memory lane, here are two photos, 1951 and 1961…
As far as yesterday is concerned, Bill and Loretta Gallagher met us at our motorhome in the VFW parking lot. We went in their vehicle to see some of the old neighborhoods…
Bill and Loretta Gallagher were married here at St. Anthony’s Church 48 years and one day ago.
I lived in Lee’s Trailer Park from age 10 to 13. It’s amazing but it still looks much like it did 55 years ago.
I lived at 70 Hichborn Street (lower right apartment) from age 14 to 18. It looked old even when I lived there 50+ years ago.
Revere Beach today.
Then to Dolly Giordano’s home where we watched Elvis Presley’s debut TV performance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1956. Loretta, Bill, myself, Arthur (Dolly’s partner of 37 years) & Dolly.
Then to the pizza place right next door to Dolly’s home. Mary said she had never tasted pizza this good in all of her life.
Here’s a Wikipedia informational link about Revere…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revere,_Massachusetts
Here’s a Wikipedia informational link about Revere Beach…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revere_Beach
We spent five very enjoyable hours re-living the good old days. A most enjoyable day indeed!
All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2009
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http://www.panamaorbust.com
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