Friends of Saxonville
Newsletter - Winter 2011
Please Come!!
Tuesday April 12
Friends of Saxonville Annual Meeting
Edwards Church Hall
39 Edwards Street
7:00 PM: Social - Refreshments
7:30 PM: Program
Nominations for our Board are open
• Two Open Positions, won’t you consider spending a little time helping promote
our wonderful historic neighborhood?
Fred Wallace will be our featured presenter
• Fred Wallace, our Framingham Town Historian, will deliver a slide presentation
on some interesting and intriguing aspects of our village history.
Update on Projects
• James Barsanti, Sr. Water & Wastewater Engineer, Framingham Engineering &
Transportation Division, will cover DPW projects in the Saxonville area.
• Tony Kwan, Regional Business Developer, will share revised plans for the new
development at the former State Lumber site.
• Board Members will provide updates on our projects.
In Appreciation
• Charlene Frary, Former Friends of Saxonville Board Member, Clerk &
Newsletter Editor, for her many years of service to the Saxonville Community.
• Brett Peruzzi, Former Friends of Saxonville Board Member, Vice President &
Webmaster, for his many years of service to the Saxonville Community.
Bring Friends - All Are Welcome
Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
Patruno’s Delicatessen
By Cynthia Buscone
Special thanks to Jim Patruno & Bill & Marge Mc Graw for photos & memories shared.
“What was “Put’s?” asked a young woman new to Saxonville one day a number of
Conveniently
located near the
Mill, the school, and
the bus stop, indeed
at the area’s
population center, a
hand source for
essentials, and open
seven days a week,
the store quickly
became a mainstay
of village life.
Old timers
recounted watching
as the family
painstakingly
excavated
underneath the
store, with buckets,
wheelbarrows, and
shovels to create a
cellar, which had a
trap door for access
to their shop above.
years ago. Well, geographically, “Put’s” was one of the anchor businesses at the
northeast corner of McGrath Square, but the business was the sum of more than its
location and function. Purchased in the late 1930s by the original Patrunos who
established the enterprise there, its formal name, emblazoned on its distinctive awning,
was “Patruno's Delicatessen.” Conveniently situated near the Mill, the school, and the
bus stop, indeed at the area’s population center, a handy source for essentials, and open
seven days a week, the
store quickly became a
mainstay of village life.
The property had once
belonged to the Mill,
serving as its paint
shop. At one time it
had also been home to
a tailor shop. The rear
portion with its
historically significant
arched entrance
contained living
quarters, while the
front offered space for
commerce. There
were also rooms above,
with plenty of area for
living and for expanding a business, which the senior Patruno did. Old timers recounted
watching as the family painstakingly excavated underneath the store, with buckets,
wheelbarrows, and shovels to create a cellar, which had a trap door for access to their
shop above. Steadily and industriously the family worked to create the needed storage
space. Bill McGraw recalled that in those early days he and his friend Fred were
sometimes invited to accompany one of the Patrunos, Francis, when he drove the beach
wagon to the North End in Boston for fresh fruits and vegetables. In the beginning the
produce was sold house to house in Saxonville.
When World War II came to an end and son Steve returned home, he joined the
business, which continued to grow. By then produce from Francis’ beach wagon went
straight to the shop’s well-stocked shelves. Italian cold cuts (oh, most exotic of
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
offerings in post-war Saxonville!) appeared at the deli counter beside the egg
salad and tuna salad. Milk from Twin Maple Farm off Meadow Street was
refrigerated in the garage and brought into the store on a two-wheeled dolly. A
Hires’ Root Beer Barrel, with a handle just like a beer tap, served up delicious
refreshment, to the delight of the neighborhood and the patrons of John
Pasacane’s barbershop across the way. There were lots of reasons to head to
“Put’s.”
In the late 1940s at Saxonville School, grades 1-9, most children were “walkers”
who journeyed to and from school each morning and afternoon, with a quick trip
home for lunch and a return to school an hour later. For them, the shop was a
delight and a temptation! Hand-scooped ice cream, Hoodsies with photos of
movie stars covered by tissue, and cherry vanilla Cokes all beckoned. Although
junior high school boys thought hanging around on the steps outside was a great
idea, the practice was not encouraged. No question, though, along with
Schaltenbrand’s Drug Store one block down the street, Put’s was the place to see
and be seen at the Square! On a warm spring or fall day, lucky was the kid in
school who was given a note and sent
to stroll in the fresh air to Put’s delicounter for a teacher’s lunch. The
mere notion of that activity would no
doubt be given short shrift today!
A Hires’ Root Beer
Barrel, with a handle
just like a beer tap,
served up delicious
refreshment, to the
delight of the
neighborhood and the
patrons of John
Pasacane’s barbershop
across the way. There
were lots of reasons to
head to “Put’s.”
Because Patruno’s was a small “bread
and milk” store, it was also exempt
from the Massachusetts Blue Laws of
the time, which required larger
establishments to be closed on
Sunday. Thus, on a Sunday afternoon
it was a fine destination for an “ice
cream cone walk,” hand-in-hand with
an indulgent grandparent, as well!
It seemed as if the store was always
“at your service”! Terrific as this
resource was for the village, it was a
steady responsibility for the family
who ran it. Steve Patruno and his wife
Marianna were on hand regularly, and
Jimmy Bent and Peter Manoogian,
among others, also worked there. By
seventh grade, Jim Patruno was
helping out, sometimes at the counter,
Interior of Patruno’s Shop with Mariana Patruno 1970
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
where some quaint customs persisted – payment in cash only, and know your
arithmetic! Jim also stocked shelves with groceries and milk. There were trips for bread
and goodies at Continental Bakery, which had opened its plant on Speen Street
(remember that “bread baking” smell!?), and school children of another generation were
sometimes rewarded with a complimentary bag containing an oddly shaped cupcake or
“snow ball”! Over the years, the store continued to stock everything from newspaper to
sandpaper. Loiterers were still encouraged to “move along,” although they were now of
Jim’s generation, and the local girls, just maybe, would find an extra dollop on their ice
cream cones!
But of all the recollections of Patruno’s, two are most consistently referenced. One is
Patruno’s
the soda cooler, the other less tangible but of great value nonetheless. The commanding
Delicatessen closed rectangular soda cooler was an unusual one, which featured a circulating water bath for
its doors for the last keeping the tonic, as locals called soda in those days, chilled. It was clearly an imposing
time in 1974. But to fixture in the store and people remember the towel that was always at the ready to keep
this day, as Jim's
the cooler and its surrounding area dry, and being called upon to use it, too!
own sons ply their
landscaping trade,
Years later, chatting in his living room on a rainy day, it was that less tangible aspect of
people in the area
the family enterprise that Jim Patruno pondered. The times had changed. High school
hail the trucks
and later college were a part of his own future. Supermarkets and car trips to outlying
bearing the Patruno malls were the future for the consuming public. Patruno’s Delicatessen closed its doors
name. To them that for the last time in 1974. But to this day, as Jim's own sons ply their landscaping trade,
name signifies
people in the area still hail the trucks bearing the Patruno name. To them that name
dependability,
signifies dependability, quality, and fairness. To Jim and the whole family, that is the
quality, and
very best legacy of all and that was “Put’s”!
fairness.
A Saxonille Gathering: Elfreida Marsland, Marianna Patruno, Fred Garry, Steve Patruno.
See also “Memories of Saxonville” by Elfreida on Page 7-9.
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
The Oaks Neighborhood Association
By Amy Ferguson, President
The traditions of the Oaks Neighborhood Association (ONA) extend back decades. As
reported in an earlier Friends of Saxonville Newsletter (Winter 2009), there had been an active association
during the 1960s. During those
years, “ the group arranged for a
carnival to be set up in an open
field area off of Lakeview. There
were also block dances, family
picnics, and even occasional
musicals with local players in
starring roles. Eventually this
association disappeared.”
A successful effort to resurrect
the Association was led in the
mid-1990s by two Town Meeting
Members who lived in “The
Oaks” neighborhood, Carol
Casselmen and Linda Panzera.
Concerned about the deteriorated
condition of Reardon Park, they
felt that a renewed association
could restart some of the
enjoyable neighborhood events of
the past, as well as provide an
engine for gathering community support to improve the Park playground and general condition.
“They presented their ideas to Ed Barry of Delmar Avenue, who had been involved in earlier projects to
improve the local environment. Ed agreed to serve as the first President of the Oaks Neighborhood
Association. Under his leadership a membership drive was initiated and funds were raised for support of
various community events. This was the beginning of a very active organization that has grown
significantly over the years.” The first major target of the new ONA was transformation of the playground
area at the Park. For details on this successful project, see the Newsletter article referenced earlier.
The map above shows the general area of Saxonville that comprises the Oaks Neighborhood. The ONA
has the primary mission of bringing neighborhood residents together. Over the years, the dedication of
ONA members to stay connected and keep the community informed has remained strong and steady.
The ONA sponsors several annual events, such as a Halloween Celebration, Easter Egg Hunt, and summer
BBQ. Its online presence consists of membership email announcements, a Facebook group page, and a
Yahoo! groups page. In the days ahead we hope to revitalize the steering committee so that the
organization will become even more dynamic and resourceful.
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
We also recognize that the Friends of Saxonville organization shares a similar mission to the ONA. As we
get better organized, we would like to find new ways to partner with the Friends and other organizations,
generating new opportunities for our members to be engaged in their community.
ONA members also have been proactive in protecting the local environment through community awareness,
advocacy, and events. Many are aware, for example, of ONA presence at recent Framingham Zoning Board
of Appeals (ZBA) meetings to address the proposal to install a concrete batch plant onto land adjacent to the
Cochituate Rail Trail. The plant has been slated to be located uncomfortably close also to Reardon Park,
Cochituate Brook, and other nearby conservation land, generating toxic dust, traffic congestion, and noise
that will negatively impact residents of the Oaks Neighborhood. As strong opponents of the concrete batch
plant, the ONA has ensured that there always is active representation at the ZBA meetings. Thanks to the
strong ONA voice, and the hard work of volunteers who conducted countless hours of research to provide
data challenging the claims of the plant applicant, the decision to move forward with the plan has been
taken off the ZBA table … at least for the time being!
Photos are from the October
2010 Halloween Celebration in
Reardon Park. Event activities
included games for the children,
a costume parade, and seasonal
treats like hot cider.
Friends of Saxonville members
interested in joining the ONA may
contact George Dixon at
[email protected].
or Amy Ferguson at
[email protected]
for more information.
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
Oaks Neighborhood Association BBQ - 2010
By Chip Kivlehan
On a beautiful sunny summer day, the last true Saturday before school started, the Oaks
Neighborhood Association held its 8th annual “End of Summer BBQ” at Reardon Park.
The festivities started with a bike parade beginning on Delmar Avenue and ending at Reardon Park.
This year as in years past the parade was led by The Framingham Fire Department. Some of the bikes
had balloons and streamers, but all of the children were decorated with smiles.
Arriving at Reardon, one was filled with the smells of the grill as chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers
were being cooked. Unmistakable was the sheer joy of the children as they ran and played. The
biggest attraction was and always is: the water slide, with its seemingly endless climb to the top, then
an unbelievably fast ride down into the waiting pool of water at the bottom. A hot dog and a water
slide, what more can a kid want?
The grill master and the host for the day’s events was the ONA’s former President Craig Finn. Craig
was the President for the past 2 years. I was informed shortly after the BBQ that Craig would be
stepping down as President as of October 1, 2010. Amy Ferguson has since taken on the leadership as
the new ONA President.
Other events that the ONA has held include an Easter Egg hunt where the Easter Bunny comes to
greet and take pictures with the kids.
Craig was instrumental in getting all attendees to help out in any way possible. The folks that came
brought either a dish or dessert, and some also volunteered to help with set-up, breakdown, and
helping Craig with the cooking.
Mr. Finn told me that this year there were approximately 40 families fewer than in previous years.
Usually there are over a hundred families participating in the cook outs but in Craig’s estimation,
because the date was later in the summer than usual, many families were getting in one last trip before
school started a few days later.
Conversations around the park ranged from catching up with old friends and seeing how the summer
was treating them to clothes shopping deals to kids comparing notes on teachers and schools. Each
person was engaged in friendly conversation on one topic or another.
Just as summer seemed to race by, so did the BBQ. The last cupcake was eaten, the flames on the grill
were extinguished, and the water slide deflated. This day was the perfect end to a wonderful summer.
Seeing the neighborhood come together like this makes living in our little nook of Framingham a
pleasure.
A great time was had by all!!
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
Memories of Saxonville
By Elfriede Marsland
Special Thanks to Irene Wade for providing her Mom’s delightful recollections
of Saxonville. A picture of Elfriede is on Page 3!
I came to this country as a war bride in 1948, having married into a
We were very grateful
for the pine trees that
grew along the fence
and helped keep some
of the baseballs from
regularly coming
through the kitchen and
den windows on the
house.
Turning right onto
Danforth St. we were
getting into the
“country.” There was a
large horse farm at the
corner of Danforth St.
and Old Connecticut
Path.
family that had lived in Saxonville on Water Street since 1847. My first home
was at 25 Cottage St. in the house my father-in-law built. We lived opposite a
familiar local meat market called Webster’s Meat Market and next door to a
small grocery store called Neal’s Grocery. The land was originally owned by
Miriam McCarthy (McCarthy’s Funeral Home – Framingham) and sold to
Herbert A. Marsland. Herbert, my Father-in-Law, then sold part of the land to
Paul Neal who built his store. Before the store was built, there were tip-carts
stored on the property by the town. There was a right of way across the street to
the sand pit behind #40 Cottage Street. This sand was spread on the streets
during the winter.
As the years went by, our family moved up the street to #54 in the big house by
Danforth Park. This home was owned by the MacLeod family. We were very
grateful for the pine trees that grew along the fence and helped keep some of the
baseballs from regularly coming through the kitchen and den windows on the
house. The Carey family knows what we are talking about. As the years went
by I moved back down the street to a little house at #31. This home was the
original Neal’s Grocery and Everett Wheet’s Electric shop, and then converted
to a house.
Walking up Cottage Street we would encounter the McCarthy family home and
the McGuire family. Mr. McGuire was one of the two mailmen who walked
and delivered the mail to all of Saxonville. His brother was Father McGuire
who was a priest at St. George’s Church on School St. Further up the street
lived the Brophy family. Mr. Brophy was a long time Selectman for the town of
Framingham. Two of his daughters were teachers in the Framingham Schools
until their retirement. The oldest sister was my husband’s math teacher, who
had a quick hand with the ruler. The next family was the Hayes family. Mr.
Hayes was the second mailman for the Saxonville area. We never did have to
worry about mail delivery. The Victorian house at the corner of Danforth St.
was built by a doctor, and lived in by many families.
Turning right onto Danforth St. we were getting into the “country.” There was a
large horse farm at the corner of Danforth St. and Old Connecticut Path.
Coming back towards Cottage St. there was a dairy farm, Twin Maple Farm,
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
which operated into the 1960’s. Between Meadow St. and Cottage St. there was
a large building that was a rooming house and then was converted into a nursing
home.
Back at Danforth Park. This area was originally used by the local Native
Americans as a meeting place. My husband and other boys recalled finding
arrowheads and other things on the property. The town used the land as a
landfill and then made the area into a park. There was a small stream running
down to the marsh land of the Sudbury River starting at the park. The water was
always sweet and clear. The park offered a ball field and the usual swings and
slide. During the summer months a park employee would provide “free”
babysitting for the local children by doing arts and craft projects with them.
How trusting we were in that kids all came and went from the park without fear.
There was a small
stream running down to
the marsh land of the
Sudbury River starting
at the park. The water
was always sweet and
clear.
Located behind the park and accessible only by the road through the park was
the Neal residence. It was listed as being on North St. but unless you wanted to
park and cross the foot bridge and walk up the best sliding hill in Saxonville, you
could not get to the home. The Neal family was nice and offered hot chocolate
and a warm place to dry off to all the neighborhood children.
Our home at #54 Cottage St. was built by an architect from Boston as a
“summer” place to beat the heat of the city. Later it was owned by a doctor who
had a private practice in the house. The house is shown on a map from 1882.
The next house on the street was owned by the Brophy family, who owned a
grocery store located in Saxonville Square. Many years later while doing some
cleaning to ready the house for sale, my daughters found old medicine bottles
and soda bottles in the basement with the Brophy name on them.
The next house was owned by the Rousseau Family. Their son Albie established
an oil and gas station at the intersection of School St. and Concord St., the only
one in town for many years. At the end of Cottage St. was a little house perched
on the street and owned by a descendant of the Hill family (my husband’s
family) from Water St.
Turning right from Cottage St. onto School St. we could walk towards St.
George’s Church. On the corner of North St. and School St., Father MacCauley
had a beautiful rose garden. That area gave way to the parish hall in later years.
North St. had many old homes. At the end of the street was an estate complete
with large horse barns and the house previously referred to as the Neal place,
located up on the hill.
St. George’s Church was long established in Saxonville. It was located on a hill
with large granite steps up to a beautiful old building with many stained glass
windows that could be seen from School St. Under the Church was a deep
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On the corner of North
St. and School St.,
Father MacCauley had
a beautiful rose garden.
That area gave way to
the parish hall in later
years.
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Friends of Saxonville Newsletter
Winter 2011
cellar that held arrowheads and pottery, according to my husband. Behind
the church were a small stream and a beautiful grotto that was carved out
of the side of the hill. Every Spring the First Communion class would
have a procession down the steps of the Church and over the stream to the
grotto. With tradition falling away to progress, the grotto and the beautiful
old Church gave way to a new modern building, which can be seen today.
Across the street from the Church was the building that had been the first
school house in Saxonville. It is now a parking lot for the Church.
Continuing down School St., on the left hand side was Bell’s Dairy. Cows
grazed at the bottom of the hill. In later years the land was developed and
the “Round-Up” supermarket was located on the property at the corner of
Hamilton St. and School St. This was the only “supermarket” in
Saxonville. In later years the Sudbury River would flood the area and we
could take a boat and paddle around the store.
At the corner of School St. and Concord St. there were four large houses
that were owned by the Roxbury Carpet Company. These buildings were
razed and gave way to become the Saxonville Lumber Company owned by
the Askin family.
Goodbye Winter ...
Hello Spring!
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... on the left-hand side
was Bell’s Dairy. Cows
grazed at the bottom of
the hill. In later years
the land was developed
and the “Round-Up”
supermarket was
located on the
property ... This was the
only “supermarket” in
Saxonville.
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Winter 2011
Bulletin Board
Cochituate Rail Trail
You probably have noticed that construction has already begun on the Cochitiate Rail Trail right of way. This
winter, P. Gioioso and Sons, the sewer contractor, has been busy installing the sewer main that will underlay
the walking trail. Paving of the actual trail is expected in the summer of 2012. In the meantime, MassDOT is
finishing the design of the Rail Trail including all the signage, traffic control, and amenities. They are
projected to have a public hearing to discuss these items in June.
Danforth Street Bridge
MassDOT also has a project underway to replace the Danforth Street Bridge, the newer bridge that carries the
roadway. Work on this project is expected to start shortly and should be completed by the end of the summer.
In preparation for this work, the USGS recently relocated their river measuring station back to the Old
Danforth Street Bridge. We are also hoping that we can get some gardening done in the flower beds this year,
but don’t know how much disruption there will be at this site.
Carol Getchell Nature Trail - Spring Clean Up
Volunteers are welcome to join in the Spring clean up of the Carol Getchell Nature Trail along the Sudbury
River in Saxonville. Clean up day is Saturday April 30, weather permitting (no rain or flooding). We need
volunteers who can pick up trash, prune bushes, help rebuild boardwalks. Pruning tools, woodworking tools,
and shovels will be much appreciated. To volunteer, contact Dave Longden at [email protected] or
by phone at 508-877-7034.
Announcement
ELEGANCE IN APRIL:
An Evening of Artistic and Cultural Wonders
When:
Saturday, April 30 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Where:
St. George Parish Hall, 74 School Street, Framingham
Admission: $25
Break out your fancy attire and be swept into the world of local artists as you meander garden
paths of paintings, photography, fiber arts, stained glass, book and poetry readings by artists and
authors. Surrounded by soft music, samples of wine, cheese, and various culinary treats will accent
your journey. Like what you see? Make a purchase; take the elegance home.
Admission tickets available for purchase from March 20 through April 20 at various locations. No
tickets sold at the door. For inquiries, reservations, and/or tickets call:
508 877-0880
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Friends of Saxonville
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Friends of Saxonville Membership Form
Detach and Return to Friends of Saxonville, PO BOX 3236, Framingham, MA 01705-3236
The mission of the Friends of Saxonville is to educate the public about the special identity
of Saxonville, an historical neighborhood of Framingham, Massachusetts, and to preserve,
enhance, and protect its cultural, environmental, and historical qualities.
Name:
Street:
Town:
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Contribution:
Minimum annual dues are $20. Our Fiscal Year Begins May 1.
Interests:
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Newsletter
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