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Going down memory lane in the great
town of Arlington
By Eric H.
Once known as the nondescript
town between historic Lexington and eclectic Cambridge, Mass.,
Arlington consisted of big hills, pizza places, banks, hair salons
and no liquor stores.
Although the hills remain
and there are still no signs of liquor stores, Arlington has,
over the past six years, transformed into a suburban Boston darling.
Specialty shops and restaurants of virtually every ethnicity
have sprung up in a town saturated with intense looking professionals
driving Volvos. Arlington almost makes Lexington now look like
Mayberry RFD in comparison.
Many of the great working
class people of this town are now gone and in are people who
make big money -- able to spend over $350K on a basic Cape-style
house. Perhaps Arlington's location, six miles away from Boston
and with some spectacular views of the city, has become a real
estate marketing angle.
Before Starbuck's and a legion
of high caliber stores and restaurants hit Arlington, there was
a gentler feel to the town with more down-to-earth, relaxed places
to shop and eat. Most establishments had a unique, local flavor,
perfectly tailored for the middle class who lovingly embraced
their town. Many fond memories abound, including:
Helen's Bakery -The aromas
that came out of this old-fashioned bakery are forever remembered.
Nice, old ladies selling comfort food that made us happy -- before
we knew it was bad for you. We're still wondering who Helen was,
though. I think they were all Helen s -- that being a nice, friendly
name.
Charlie's Donuts - The best
donuts, period. We're still wondering who Charlie was, though.
Shattuck's Hardware - Still
a fine hardware store in its new location, Shattuck's original
downtown location was a trip back in time. Old wooden floors
sprinkled with sawdust, a big head counter, barely effective
fans, heavy smoking employees and the appealing smell of poisonous
chemicals within small confines make for some very fond memories.
The Front Porch - Short-lived
ice cream shop owned by a guy who look like he was straight out
of Haight Ashbury. The place smelled like a barn. We suspect
they were harboring cows in the back kitchen.
Grant's - The only place
in town to buy malted milk balls, corduroy pants and a lunchbox.
Sort of like a small Walmart, but with dirty, cracked floors.
Monument Market - Not a great
market by any means. Just a great memory. The frustration of
not finding what you wanted today has an undeniably peculiar
charm.
Zwicker's - Proof that a
small, indepedently-owned sporting goods shop could cover the
bases as well as the chain stores. I shall forever remember my
Boston Bruins cardigan sweater from when I was eight-years old
Chicken Delight - Today,
Chicken Delight would be a stupid gimmick, just like Kentucky
Fried Chicken. As a child, it was a cultural experience seeing
the cartoon chicken icon and the dopey hired help in identical
uniforms. It was a great introduction to savory, but deadly fried
chicken.
Angelo's - No one made better
traditional Italian food than Angelo's. No one can even come
close, to date. That wrap around dining room with dim lighting
and white stucco was a classic. Thirty years later, I can still
taste that fresh, cheesy pizza, never, unfortunately, to be duplicated.
Avenue Drug - We miss the
locally owned drug stores like Avenue Drug. Jack Oster was a
pro unlike the overworked, bleary-eyed, personality-void pharmacy
trainees that many times work for the chain drug stores.
Hoffman News - Tremendous
variety store supplying us with all the vital childhood needs:
Smarties, Necco wafers, baseball cards and Mad Magazines. Mrs.
Mooney was an exceedingly nice women who called us "honey"
all the time.
Gordon's Furniture - Holds
the world record for fewest people present in a large building.
Luigi's - Started out offering
the best subs in town -- great sesame seed rolls, quality food
and ample portions. The air conditioning in the summer goes down
as one of the most effective cooling systems ever known. When
Luigi's expanded, its quality slipped greatly. Its initial quality
deserves a place in the sub hall of fame.
Melrose Spa - Why aren't
there variety stores like this anymore? Terrific inventory, fun
staff, excellent deli and a personable touch. Today's variety
stores are so bland and generic. Melrose Spa shoud have franchised
and introduced the world to how effective a variety store could
be.
Related articles:
Arlington
Massachusetts' restaurant renaissance
Arlington
then and now
Do you have an Arlington
retail/restaurant memory? If so, please share them with us by
submitting to feedback@visitingnewengland.com
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