http://fefie.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] fefie.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2009-03-27 10:07 am

Anyone have any old photos (pre-1970) of Davis Square?


Does anyone have any photos of Davis Square pre-1970? The Somerville Musuem is looking to borrow such photos (not for an exhibit, but for a fast approaching project they have been asked to help research.) They need the photos within the next week.

The Somerville Museum is located at One Westwood Rd, at the corner of Westwood Rd and Central St.
Tel 617-666-9810   Museum Hours: Thurs 2-7, Fri -5, Sat 12-5

Re: Try Flickr

[personal profile] ron_newman 2009-03-28 01:23 am (UTC)(link)
Do you or Mel or Richard or anyone else know what happened to the roof sign? I mean this one, not the one you have in the lobby. Everyone I know at DSTF would love to see it again.

I remember the Venice (though I never went in), but I think Frascati's is before my time. The Woodbridge certainly is.

Re: Try Flickr

[identity profile] svilletheatre.livejournal.com 2009-03-28 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
No, the only persons who might possibly know about that would have been Arthur or Bob Viano, and unfortunately Bob died in 1995 and Arthur died in 2002 if I recall correctly. And even they might not know, as evidence suggests it was taken down before the Viano's bought the theater from Joseph Hobbs in 1926. It would have been a pretty huge sign, but by the looks of it it was probably of simple construction - metal frame and tin/wood letters. It seemed to last at least a decade, 1914-mid 20's. It was definitely gone by 1927.

Re: Try Flickr

[personal profile] ron_newman 2009-03-28 01:47 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks. If it was that old, it wasn't neon. I wonder then if it was even lit at night?

Re: Try Flickr

[identity profile] svilletheatre.livejournal.com 2009-03-28 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
Yes, it was a bulb sign, like the one in the lobby. If you look at a blow-up of the classic 1914 photo of the building, it is possible to see the bulbs. Yes, I have scrutinized the photos! And yes, I am emotionally attached to my workplace. It makes vacationing difficult for any loved ones who are with me.