THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 25, 2022 Page 21 MALDEN: TODAY | FROM PAGE 20 massive muck and mire holes would form on the infi eld. Some of the best “mud bowls” were on that infi eld diamond. I remember Angelo Nardone sending DPW crews to the park after a hard rain. They would spend hours trying to get the infi eld in game shape. Many big Inter City League contests were played in the ’70’s on that fi eld: standing room only crowds, 1520 deep most nights. After the DPW left, Stevie Ring would stop by and spend time on the fi eld getting it just right, the way his ace pitcher Dave “Athlete of the Decade” Caiazzo liked it. The shade tree in right fi eld still looms large. I, Annette Magistro, Mike Scibelli, Jay Gramolini, Patty Colangeli, Ricky DiPietro, Frankie Levine, Beth Sampson, Rose Ann Tomasello, Paul Figelski, Jimmy & Jerry Damiano and Greg Lucey spent many a warm summer afternoon under that tree playing whist. The Bandstand is Devir Park folklore now, but at one time it was the center of the universe for many youngsters. Too many Bandstand memories to recall, not many fi t for print in a family newspaper (insert smiley face?), though one of my fondest memories was of showing up late at night at the park (early 1970s), plugging in an old black and white TV then lighting up an old hibachi for midnight barbecue – Johnny Carson, Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert or Jimmy Cagney movies preferred. Bruce Field consisted of crabgrass and weeds. It had no concession stand but was surrounded by the ugliest green wooden fence you ever did see. During the Saint Rocco Feast the infi eld was used for earth shattering fi reworks. Unheard of today. The trees that were planted as saplings on the Emerald Street side (in front of the Durso, McCarthy, Petrangelo, McFarland, and Guerin houses) sometime in the early 1970s have matured and have really enhanced the beauty of the park. The basketball court was located where the tennis courts are currently located. I had many battles on those courts with the sharp elbows of Dave Angelo. Two full courts and if memory serves me correctly two tennis courts – most of the time in full use. There was a wading pool just about where the basketball court meets the children’s playground today. A circular asphalt hole in the ground with a metal pipe jutting up the middle – water gushing out of said pole at about 150 mph, leaving bruises noticeable for weeks. Our park instructors (Tom Powers, Ed “Porky” Garrant, Perry Verge, Donna Angelo, Cliff Cioffi) would sweep up the broken glass on the asphalt, then (John) Monte would go down that musty old cellar under the Bandstand and turn the water on – a lifesaver on many hot summer days. ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ MALDEN PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING The Malden Planning Board will hold a public hearing in the Herbert L. Jackson Council Chamber, Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, APRIL 13, 2022, on the petition of Lawrence French, Trustee of the L. French Realty Trust (Permit Application # RES 041885-2022) under Title 12, Chapter 28, Section 010.D of the Code of the City of Malden, seeking a special permit to change use of preexisting nonconforming property in the Residence A zoning district, namely, to convert the existing dwelling from a single-family dwelling and rooming house to a two family dwelling, at the property known as and numbered, 98 Laurel Street, Malden, MA and also known by City Assessor’s Parcel ID #133 684 406. Petition and plans are available for public review in the Inspectional Services Department, Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor, Malden, MA and under Permit Application # RES 041885-2022 at https://permits.cityofmalden.org/EnerGov_PROD/SelfService#/home. By: Kenneth Antonucci, Clerk March 25 & April 1, 2022 For Rent Everett 3 Bdr. - 1st Floor Nice Hardwood Flooring We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! No Smoking, No Pets Close to Public Trans. Section 8 Accepted 857-888-1537 There seemed to be so many hot summer days back when we were youngsters. Air-conditioning was not nearly as ubiquitous as it is now. Few cars had it, fewer homes could aff ord it. Pools? That was for the rich kids in the hicks of Wilmington! My Devir Park days may be in the rearview mirror, but I am excited and extremely happy that my old ballpark is getting a much-needed revamping. Thank you, Ward 2 Councilor Paul “Hoss” Condon, Jenelle DeVits and the many city offi cials who are making this a reality. WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244
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