Tales From the Village Square

What is a Village without a Square? Ours was called for years simply The Corner and

later Braga Square.  The next few blogs posts will be on this topic.

The Corner as it was long called knitted together upper and lower School Streets,

Winter, Floral Street and Longmeadow Road. It was anchored by the Broadway Bakery,

Thomas' Store and just a little off, Jigger's Variety. Anyone with knowledge of the

chronology of these shops please jump it.  When I was a child in the 40's, this is what I knew.

We already know of the cows coming home through the Corner to

their barn on Winter St.   

Let's go all the way back to the 1930's for a full history. We are fortunate enough

to have some wonderful stories to share.

In the U.S. here is what was happening.

In the 1930's the Empire State Building opened in N.Y. City. 

 FDRwas sworn in as President in 1933 and proceeded to establish the New Deal.

FDR and Al Smith in 1932

In the 1930's the Empire State Building opened in N.Y. City. 

 FDRwas sworn in as President in 1933 and proceeded to establish the New Deal.

Things began to get more promising and there was hope that The Great Depression would end.

You Tube: Theme song when FDR was elected: Happy Days are Here Again.

*******

In 1933, my Aunt Mary Souza of 184 School Street married John Bernadino. 

My Uncle Joe Souza, her oldest brother 

and her friend Mary Costa (of Taunton Flower Studio) were best man and

maid of honor. She is a lovely bride and was a person quick to smile and laugh

We miss her, as well as my wonderful Uncles John and Joe.

One of the reasons I did a Souza genealogy was that I wanted the young generation

to get a flavor of the gift it was to grow up surrounded by the love of these

Aunts and Uncles in an extended family.

Left to right: John Bernadino, the new Mrs. Mary Souza Bernadino.

Joseph Souza and Mary Costa.  The marriage took place at

St. Anthony's Church on School St. in Taunton. A Village event.

*******

In 1933, the 21st Amendment ended Prohibition.

Not far from The Corner on School St. was The Block (we went in for simplicity).

The Block housed 10 families: 5 apartments downstairs, 5 upstairs.

Did you know that during Prohibition there was a Speakeasy downstairs in

one of the apartments at The Block? Yep, says Peggy Walker who lived in

those days in The Block.

As a small child she used to charm customers 

by singing" Oh, You Nasty Man"

to them and was rewarded with pennies.

 They loved hearing her and of course, her Daddy was nearby.

 An early Village entrepreneur.

Remember children wandered easily around The Block, as did my late

brother, Leo Campaniriowho at age 2 or so was often sent by his Mom

 from the Block to get bread from Semas Grocery next door.

Speaking of Speakeasies of that time...

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded not many years later..

But, I digress....

 *****

Another wonderful story concerns Sassy Lopes' (our barber) father.

Mr. Lopes Senior was an active member of the Portuguese Baptist Church in the 30's 

as well as of The Salvation Army. He was used to rousing music and fiery sermons. 

He decided to share his talents.

Each Sunday morning he would roll his organ all the way from Whitsborough St. to 

The Corner and start preaching accompanied by his music.  People would come out of their

homes bringing their own chairs to listen. Most of them had

already been to Mass at St. Anthony's!  Still Mr. Lopes attracted them.

After his inspiring sermon, he would then wheel his organ  

all the way back home.

Immediately after, the true tenants of The Corner would take back

The Corner and play craps.  In the next posts we shall talk more

about these young men and their place in the History of

our own Village Square.

Young men playing craps. Not the Corner.

from Floridamemories,com

********8

Thanks to Arlene Gouveia who shared stories from her father, 

to Kathy Campanirio for stories from her late husband, Leo,

Peggy Walker for sharing her stories, and to Beverly Bernandino 

for the wonderful photo of her parent's wedding.