Sons of Italy Pulls Out of North End Columbus Day Parade Saying Revere is More Italian

54 Replies to “Sons of Italy Pulls Out of North End Columbus Day Parade Saying Revere is More Italian”

1. Go get em Lou Strazz!!

   1. I was a member of the Sons of Italy for years in Boston, I now reside in FL and I’m ashamed of the organization for doing this to the North End..this for years has been the Italian neighborhood and this is a slap in the face to your fellow Italians. SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who is on the Grand Lodge these days? Do they know what they are doing? Does Revere even have a Sons of Italy Lodge??

2. As true as it is,,it’s a kick in the pants to the real nort Enders still living n trying to preserve what lil slice of greatness this neighborhood is about. All out of towers reside there now ,not many familiar faces roaming the streets like 20yrs ago..it just isn’t our no.end anymore,,the great residents who r there hang on,,some who have awesome businesses there some grew up there,,the eateries r the last link to real north end,,slowly even that’s changing, the nort end! Land that I love,,,to many of us it will always be home!

3. I say keep them out for ever the north end is better without them it’s not about Italians it’s about money but no one wants to say it

4. All I can say is Revere should be ashamed of themselves. What makes them more Italian than the North Enders. The North Enders has always been called little Italy. Revere is s disgrace!

5. The Son’s of Italy should march and honor the holiday and the accomplishments of Italians.

   1. We will join you. Me, my wife Anna, my sister Barb and her hubby Al will be there! We live in Corso Italia in Toronto and are visiting Boston for the first time, and of course staying in the North End. Loved it when we found out that we will be there for the parade. Salute.

6. I am shocked at this news. Even if there is a greater percentage of Italians living in Revere, doesn’t the Sons of Italy take into account the historical importance and tradition of the North End as well as the significance of the City of Boston? Seems like there is a behind-the-scenes story here.

7. The No. End is not the No. End as we know it, like or not. There is a very small percentage of
   Italians left in this neighborhood. We have major problems down here and this is a minor
   thing to get upset about. I will say one thing for Revere, it is a lot cleaner than the No. End.
   The No. End is like one big dormitory and it is being trashed on a daily basis.

   The goal here is to get these misfits out of the neighborhood, providing all Absentee Landlords and
   Present Landlords fix their properties and we can get a better class of people. The City is providing
   more schools, which hopefully will encourage more families to move into the area.

   I love the No. End, but Italian Restaurants do NOT make it Little Italy, our Little Italy is long gone.

   The college kids turned this place into the City Dump.

   1. Give it a rest. The neighborhood isn’t THAT bad. Yes, there are some problems (parties, trash), but they are problems every neighborhood in every city deal with at times. You lament the fact that neighborhood isn’t all Italians anymore….you do realize Italians lived in the North End in part because it was the cheapest area to live right? They couldn’t afford the Back Bay, they couldn’t afford Beacon Hill, and certainly couldn’t afford to live in the suburbs. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years now (and yes, I’m Italian) and love the fact that there’s more diversity here. I love the fact that I live in the heart of a major city. Would I love it even more if my street didn’t at times look like an abandoned alley? Yes, but that’s life in a major city. You work hard to make it better, call the city (or use the citizen connect app) and get those people fined. Would I love the neighborhood even more if it was quiet every night after 10pm? Absolutely not! The energy and excitement of living in the heart of the city, in a vibrant, active neighborhood is what attracted me to the North End. If you want a quiet residential neighborhood, there are plenty of them out there. (Obviously I’m not referring to parties that last until 2-3am).

      1. It is pretty bad…if you were around the streets on Labor Day weekend and the weekend before, the neighborhood was an absolute disaster.

         City living doesn’t have to come with what we saw the last two weekends…sorry.

         1. And it’s now cleaned up. Labor day weekend= moving weekend. What did it look like around the Fenway? Allston-Brighton? The west village in NYC (where NYU is)?

            1. I don’t know, I don’t live there. I know my neighborhood was a disgrace.

               1. We just got through the worst part of the year for trash (St. Anthony’s and move in day). It’s usually a lot better during the winter, unless there are huge snow banks.

8. Ahhh the old college kids are to blame again. I was waiting for that one to come up.

9. The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Sons of Italy supports all Columbus Day Parades. The membership spans not only all of Massachusetts it includes New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.

   Mr. Conti contacted my on Tuesday night and I was to respond today after I spoke with others in the organization. It’s too bad he did not offer his deadline to me to respond.

   After speaking with several members who coordinate the parade for Sons of Italy I was informed that information about the parade was never received by the office even after we reached out to Louis. It’s unfortunate that communications broke down. The city of Revere contacted the order for participation and the council voted to march in Revere for a variety of reasons.

   My understanding is the the Sons of Italy March Band will be in the Northend to participate in the parade.

   This is an organization of volunteers who give their time and resources to ensure the continuation of Italian culture, heritage, language and to support charitable endeavors.

   We would welcome a productive discussion on ways to work together in the Northend.

   1. Thank you for your response. I have updated the main article to link to your comments here.

10. hey NO. END LANDLORD (and other CONSTANT complainers)

    I bet you’re SUPER upset about collecting up to $3000+ in monthly rent from all the students and yuppies you hate so much! I know the kindly Italian grandparents who sold me their condo were ENRAGED when they cashed my check, and I’m sure everyone else who’s a property owner just HATES that their homes accrue tens of thousands of dollars in value EVERY YEAR!

    All you “old paisans” continue to complain about the neighborhood degradation and descent from the place they once knew, so to put it into terms you’ll understand; CHANGE THE RECORD!

    IT IS NOT THE ’50s, ’60s ot ’70s ANYMORE! Our beautiful, diverse, and vibrant city is CHANGING (along with everything else in the world); GET USED TO IT ALREADY!

    1. Thanks for sticking up for the young guns Ben!

       I am a “yuppie” in the neighborhood and although I spend a significant percentage of my take home pay on rent, I hold no disdain for those who can cash in on their assets.

       And since my age pairs me with the demographic who is allegedly solely responsible for “ruining” the neighborhood I’d like to go on record that they (we) are probably not responsible for The Sons of Italy pulling out of North End Columbus Day Parade

       1. Nor are you responsible for the trash, noise (fireworks and bands at 11 pm on a Sunday night), or chaos that accompany the summertime feasts.

    2. Same way I bet the laundry mat, grocery stores, pharmacy, etc are upset about all of the business the students and yuppies bring in. Every time I am in Waterfront laundry, local roots, Golden Goose etc it is being patroned by this demographic. I could go elsewhere for cheaper but I love supporting these businesses. I wonder what the North End businesses would look like without this group of people supporting them….

       1. Guess whAt parking mad
          The north end had grocery stores clothing stores butcher shops bakeries breakfast and lunch establishments restuarants LONG BEFORE THE COLLEGE sTUdENTs and yuppies moved in!!!!! N

          1. Yes Obviously… but with less than 20% of the neighborhood being Italian you need more than just Italians in this neighborhood to sustain. Point being no matter how much you hate it, this neighborhood needs professionals, families, tourists, and students to support these businesses in order to survive. Maybe I am wrong but the businesses I mentioned would probably not be too profitable if only 20% supported them. Either way, I am happy to frequent these establishments, I enjoy my conversations with the “long time” north enders. I am happy they have taken the time to know me, as I am happy to know them…and I feel very very sorry for you and the other constant complainers who can’t accept that all change is not necessarily bad, must be a discouraging way to live

    3. Ben,

       I am outraged and offended at your use of the term “Old Paisans” to decribe me and many of my friends and neighbors who are life long residents. Quite possibly, I am a bit overly sensitive of my Italian heritage but detect a bit of animosity from you. I am not sure where, what or who it is directed at, but if you used a similar term to describe other ethic groups, you would be considered a “racist or bigot. I am a proud Italian-American not an “Old Paisan” as you characterized us to be. I usually don’t complain but take pride in my heritage and where I was born and raised. Many of my life long neighbors and friends are justifiably upset at the transformation of the village like atmosphere we collectively once knew into what we see as a transient stop over for many. Please don’t misunderstand me, I know that there are some young professionals and students who have moved here who in fact take pride in the community they now live in. I am sure that you are also aware that there is a segment of this youthful population who could care less about the neighborhood and use it for the sole purpose of having a good time. Put it simply, they have no respect for anyone else and use the North End as a playground for themselves and their friends. Many of us know that change is inherently inevitable and oftentimes good, the question is, at what expense is it justified? Except for my military service during the Vietnam War which took me out of the North End, I am proud to say that I am a life long resident of the North End.

       In expressing your views, which you have every right to do, you diminish your views by using sarcastic remarks about Italian grandparents selling their property to you and the derogatory term of “Old Paisans” to describe me and my friends. If you took the time to get to know us, you would not call us “Old Paisans” but people who cared about their neighborhood. Think about that and hopefully, YOU WILL GET IT!!!!!!!!! Be a little bit more sensitive BEN!!!!

       1. Domenick,both you and I and your brothers grew up here together and I’m glad that you picked up the “old paisans” line and addressed it for what it is.

11. Ben, I don’t know what you are smoking, but I wish you would share it. I don’t collect $3,000 in
    rents & never did. I am a great landlord & I do not & will not put up with anyone’s B.S.
    I love the fact the neighborhood is vibrant, and I hate the fact that people don’t have any respect
    for the neighborhood. The No. End has become one of the filthiest neighborhoods in the City, and
    I have been to every part of the city. The No. End has turned into Animal House, parties that go on
    until 3 – 5 a,m. and the streets are disgusting. I am fully away it is not the 50’s – 70’s. A lot of
    the buildings have been cleaned up, and it isn’t my fault those buildings that have not been cleaned
    up are being rented to college kids at outrageous rents. The record is going to be changed, but one
    you will definitely understand.

    Bosguy, I have been all over N.Y.C. and it never looked like the No. End, ever.
    I have also been to many countries and haven’t seen the things I have seen down here.
    You can say whatever you want, but there will be changes and hopefully you & Ben won’t be
    living here to see it.

    1. Love the attitude!! Keep it up! Everyone that disagrees with you should be kicked out of the neighborhood, because you are the world traveler and have seen every other place. I mean honestly do you realize how lucky we are all to live in the North End. See what your not mentioning and/or seeing in your travels in Boston and NYC is the numerous shootings, stabbings and other serious crimes. Is the trash problem a nuisance? Absolutely, but it eventually gets picked up. If this neighborhood was as bad as you claim it you would be moving out. But the fact is we live in the safest neighborhood in the city. I would gladly take the trash nuisance or a few college parties over worrying about being shot or stabbed any day of the week. I am sorry but there isn’t part of the city that is without its fair share of problems. That is just the fact of city living. Maybe its time you realize how lucky we have it and stop the bitterness towards yuppies and college kids because its getting to the “landlord that cried wolf status.”

    2. To Sean Scanlon and Salem St. Kid; amen and again my friends. I’m also part of the “problem crowd” as a proud, successful, property-owning under-30 Bostonian. This is quickly becoming OUR city.

       To my fellow property owner and apparently completely benevolent and non-profiting No. End Landlord; I’m happy to track down some of “what I’m smoking” if you take me to one of the parties you mentioned that last until 5am. I’m sure we’d be a big hit. And furthermore, I’m sure I’ll be living here LONG after you’re gone, considering you’re likely several years older than me. You sure sound “wise” enough to be a curmudgeon.

       I love this neighborhood and specifically bought here after living in Boston for several years. I keep and water flowers outside my building. I clean up the sidewalk AFTER trash removal when things are left behind. I hold doors for little old ladies and give accurate directions when asked. I walk around and see smiling faces and wonderful foods and think about how fortunate I have been to get this far. And then I catch a dismissive leer from some geriatric paisan or a look of disgust from someone who has “been here for years,” and it rains on my parade.

       I also look forward to the “changes” you mention No. End Landlord; a change in attitude towards respect and tolerance from BOTH “life-long” residents and my fellow “Animal House” members. I also look forward to the continuing demographic changes, not only in our wonderful neighborhood, but across our great city. Every elder generation bemoans the loss of “their world,” and I’m more than happy to hear their grievances. After all, everyone quiets down someday, and while I wish nothing but health, wealth, and happiness to EVERYONE, I sure won’t mind the absence of curmudgeon complaints.

       Best Regards,
       Ben

       1. Amen Ben! Well written and accurate.

       2. Ben, did you buy property in the North End because of its location or because of the character of the neighborhood? Your last post indicates that it was a little bit of both. The reason “you” are seen to be part of the problem is the following:

          You are obviously free to live your life however you want, even if it is as someone so effete and verbose and arrogant over being a property owning 30 year old, the latter being not that rare; the point made by those who begrudge the gentrification of the North End is simply that it will lose it’s character. As the new “demographic” that comes in, “yuppies”, can be found anywhere in the city, and are different than those who fmade the neighborhood what it is. It’s really not that hard to understand.

          I trust that, despite your disingenuousness, you can see the logical outcome of this gentrification being that the neighborhood will lose the character given to it by the “life-long” residents with a special shared history and culture thus their grievances, i.e that the neighborhood will end up like every other neighborhood populated by vanilla “yuppies”.

          As someone who does not live in the neighborhood, but who constantly frequents it, it is a bit sad to see all the “proud” yuppies that can be seen anywhere else turning the neighborhood vanilla. It’s the law of the capitalist jungle, though.

          Enjoy the next 20 or so years until some “yuppie” comes in and buys you out.

          Regards,
          Danilo

          1. So let’s see — you are “someone who does not live in the neighborhood, but who constantly frequents it.” That makes things quite clear. You are most likely one of the families that sold out and moved to Medford, and now that yuppies have made the neighborhood nice and valuable, you wish you had not sold out.

       3. Ben,

          You need some sensitivity training! Why is it you continue to use sarcastic and insensitive remarks? You must think it is “in” to use derogatory remarks as “little old Ladies” and “geriatric paisans” Why do you continue to use the “paisan” term, it almost sounds like you don’t like Italian-Americans!!

          I will say it again, your insensitivity diminishes what you have to say!!

          1. I happen to have two lovely grandmothers who I affectionately call “little old ladies” and I mean ZERO disrespect towards my elders; let’s not look for reasons to get angry.

             Nor do I use the term “paisan” in a derogatory fashion, but rather strictly as an observation of the most frequently dismissive group. I apologize for any offense I may have caused and I will be sure to refer to my Italian-American neighbors accordingly.

             I do not see it as fashionable or “in” to write with the degree of insensitivity you describe, nor do I appreciate the insensitivity and closed-mindedness of SOME of my Italian-American neighbors.

             Lastly, I “brag” about my status as a property-owner in order to show that I too have a stake in the overall well-being of our neighborhood. I am not a “trasient” (I assume Lilfan meant TRANSIENT) and I plan on loving my life in the North End for years to come.

             I once again apologize for any offense on my part, however I won’t hold my breath for any statements of regrets from the curmudgeons. Once again, best wishes of Health, Wealth, and Happiness to ALL my neighbors.

             Best Regards,
             Ben

             1. Ben, thank you for correcting my mistype!!! It’s so wonderful to see that you are so perceptive as to get my drift!’

12. high five to salem st. kid!

13. Ben I don’t have to take you anywhere I am sure you know them all.

    Hooray for you, Salem St. Guy, Salem St. Kid & Bosguy.

    You guys don’t get it & you are definitely not worth talking to. The future will tell it, which we will

    all witness, including me, unfortunately Ben, I will be around for a longtime, you & your buddies

    might have to put a contract on me.

14. I grew up and live in Revere and if they’re saying theres more Italians in Revere then the North End is really in trouble. I agree that the yuppies have ruined the North End as well as Charlestown and South Boston but I guess that’s the cycle. The problem with these yuppies and college dorks is that they expect the neighborhood to adjust to them instead of adjusting to it. The North End was a great place to get meats and cheeses and all the shops any Italian would need for a Sunday Dinner. Now the North End will turn into an extension of Beacon Hill but still have the trendy title of Little Italy.

15. Hey Ben!!! It’s us “paisanos” who made the north end a fabulous place to live, and as far as property owners who cash checks and are happy doing so, let me tell you we property owners work damn hard to keep our homes maintained and we deserve the respect from you Transiets who destroy the place!!!….

16. Lilfan, Many of the people who built this neighborhood may have been poor ,not educated & did not have wealthy parents and “trendy” was not part of their vocabulary but they all were taught morals and values.And if all they had in the world was a loaf of bread you were welcomed to 1/2 of it.

    1. Yes I Agree wholeheartedly…. That was my point of the reply to Ben!!… We were taught morals, and maybe we were poor financially, but were super rich morally!!!!!

17. Maybe just maybe they pulled out because they don’t want to march in the dog crap or over all the garbage in the streets of the NE

18. KUDOS, LILFAN, DANILO, MICHAELD,MIKE

19. I stumbled upon this interesting conversation.

    I’ve been monitoring the gentrification of Boston for more than 20 years. In my opinion it’s been an unavoidable disaster, considering that it is part of a national and even global trend towards re-urbanization.

    I did a project on the North End community back in the early 90’s and, according to BRA and census statistics, the neighborhood was hovering about 20% Italian. That was over 20 years ago.

    To someone who moved here from Scarsdale or suburban Dayton, they will never understand the Old World character of Boston’s neighborhoods, the sense of community. They could never appreciate what was lost.

    “Ben” and some of the other defenders of gentrification are sort of typical of the new urban crowd in Boston: arrogant, short-sighted, self-absorbed and shrill. After they’ve sown their oats in the big city, you can be sure they’ll move out to Needham or Andover.

    The new model of urban living is based on income, status and mobility, not things like family and social cohesion. Most yuppies just end up hanging around with people like themselves. Growing up, my doctor, school principal and hockey coach lived in the same neighborhood (Roslindale). That was true middle-class integration.

    Sorry to disappoint the Dear-O’s (if you’re not from Boston you won’t know what that means), but the North End is lost. Here’s an article bemoaning the invasion of the yuppies, written in 1986!

    http://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/13/us/about-boston-an-old-part-of-an-old-city-is-invaded-by-style.html

    1. This is too funny. Validates what some have been saying for quite some time. This is a changing neighborhood people, get over it.

       And Jim? “Ben” and some of the other defenders of gentrification are sort of typical of the new urban crowd in Boston: arrogant, short-sighted, self-absorbed and shrill. After they’ve sown their oats in the big city, you can be sure they’ll move out to Needham or Andover.”

       Do you also include those from the North End who sold out to move to Lynnfield, Revere and Medford once their property values got high enough? Please.

    2. Jim,

       Thank you for your insightful and thoughtful comments!!!

20. Years ago their was a NE city councilor named Freddie Langone who in addition to being a colorful character was a relentless fighter in trying to end the stereotyping and prejudice of Italian Americans and Mr Langone saved many NE residents by introducing rent control in the NE.i see some remarks posted here on occasion that are subtle reminders while some remarks read loud and clear of the prejudice that still are alive & well today especially regarding the Italian feasts.This isn’t healthy for anyone & does not help with trying to solve the problems in the NE that everyone faces.

    1. Prejudice? Stop it, honestly, give that one a rest. Just because someone uses the term “Old Paisans” doesn’t give any evidence to prejudice. It’s no different than using the word yuppie.

       The self proclaimed ‘life long residents’ of the NE that comment on this site do more to create stereotypical than anyone elese. You cant one minute write that you wish it was like the old days when ‘Johhny Cupcakes would break someones head’ or ‘administer some old school justice’, then turn around and dish out the prejudice complaint.

       Cant have it both ways.

21. JC , you dispute the term prejudice & stereotyping but you use the terms “Johnny Cupcakes” and “break someones head”?

    1. Not my words Michaeld, they’re quotes (note the “”) from the very people you claim are being typecast. People that post on this site every day. Like I said, can’t have it both ways.

    2. Please, the stereotype is reinforced when No End land lord says we should “take a contract out” on him?? He makes himself and the rest of you who agree with him ridiculous, and ironically its the same people who say the neighborhood has turned so violent. I literally cant stop laughing at that post….

       1. People ,I am coming to the defense of Domenic Piso who is far too modest too mention his sacrifice & dedication, commitment & contributions, passion and love for this neighborhood. Someone who has helped the youth & residents for decadesTerms like “old paisons” “”little old ladies” “elder gereations” & “curmudgeons” have offended him as well as me.They reek of arrogance & disrespect.

22. i do not understand why the younger generation who reside in the North End, yes! the educated demographics of society, are constantly trying to agitate the the older life long residents of this community.
    i can see that a few of them writing post due not make up the large volume of transient residents, that are so common now in this neighborhood.
    they seem passionate enough to fight for the new North End that they claim to be responsible for, but have no regard for the struggle that elder and life long residents have in digesting this rapid transformation of their once prideful neighborhood.
    you are the new ambassadors of your community, use your education and social skills to reach out to your peers to help them understand that anyone has the potential to accept change over time, but everyone does not have the capacity to accept the types of changes that have been forced fed to them in this community.
    the complaints sometimes seem trivial to most young people, yes! you are young now, but you are going to wake tomorrow and be sixty something, then you will understand why sleep deprivation makes people so nasty sometimes.
    telling elder residents who once were privy to the common law right of peaceful enjoyment of ones home and community, to move out if they can’t take the noise is almost criminal.
    be tolerant of your elders who complain, use your new found pride in the community to try and make things more tolerable for them.
    be understanding! be compassionate!
    would you want twenty or thirty somethings agitating your parents or grandparents on line everyday?
    think about It, it is almost like bullying the elderly.
    you have the right to respond, but do so thoughtfully.
    your young, get out in the community and help make things enjoyable and tolerable for all who live here.
    you did not get your masters degree to impress your peers on a community website.
    having tolerance, and accepting change, should not mean that the elderly should have to be subject to the sometimes frightening levels of unruly behavior in their community.
    so please just be mindful when reading the complaints on this website, ask how you may be able to help and remedy a concern or issue in your community, how you may be able to alleviate issues or fears that elder residents have, remember we could be your grandparents.
    respectfully,
    Richie.

23. I wasn’t interested in chiming in again, this debate is a dead horse. But after reading Richie’s heartfelt comment, I felt obliged.

    The problem with gentrification is not “change.” Neighborhoods are in constant flux–they always change. My great-grandfather, an Irishman, lived behind Copp’s Hill in the early part of the last century. My grandfather grew up in Roxbury, outside Dudley Square.

    To Ben, et al: no one is decrying “change.” The problem comes when a new class of people come into an established neighborhood and don’t share the same values. The values of the old North End were community, loyalty and a sense of shared struggle–very typical of blue-collar, white ethnic neighborhoods during the 20th century.

    Sure, there are always problems you can point to: bigotry, provincialism, etc.

    But I would take the old North End, warts and all, over what has happened in major cities (not just Boston!) over the past 30 years. The class loosely described as “yuppies” really are…in general…the self-interested, status-conscious, carpet-baggers that most people accuse them of.

    I could cite research by people like Joel Kotkin and Robert Putnam, real hardcore sociological studies of places like Williamsburg Brooklyn, The Mission District in San Francisco. Once thriving neighborhoods with little leagues, parent groups, Elks clubs…now all Yuppie carnivals.

    Ben et al. might be the exceptions, and I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. But I’ve worked with tons of guys who come to Boston after college, live in their isolated little social bubbles for 10 years in places like Southie, The North End, Allston, contribute absolutely nothing, then move out-of-state or to Metro West. It’s a pattern I’ve observed over and over again.

    It would be one thing if this new “class” of urbanites planted generational roots and formed new, tight-knit communities. But they don’t.

24. FACT: The North End is unlike any other neighborhood in the city. Has it changed ? Yes. Does it have problems that it never had before ? Yes. But it’s the only neighborhood with different levels of citizens. There are the North End born, The ones that grew up there, are still there or died there, which included their children. The ones who were born there, but moved out, but still call the place home. There are ones that were not born in the North End, but moved there and spent most of their lives there. And then there are those who never lived in the North End at all, but had relatives and were always there for one reason or another, which I fall under, including growing up with the feast. And the only neighborhood, who can gather all these people to defend the North End, as it did when they threaten to close Sacred Heart Italian Church. Italians came from other cities, other part of Boston, including all the Societies, some who took their beloved statutes out, which is restricted to their feast days. So the North End is more or less the headquarters for all us Italians. If that goes, a large chunk goes with it. So as much as it has changed, it’s worth fighting for. It worth respecting, because it’s an insult for all those before us. Everything changes, but work hard to monitor the change.

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