Darleen Kelley

Tile image

Current name: Darlene C Kelley

Age when this tile was made: 9

Where did you live when you made this tile?

Malvern Ave, Somerville, MA

What is your earliest Somerville memory?

Blizzard of 1978 ~ This storm was exciting, amazing and FUN! Everything was shut down. All the roads were closed so my mother had to pull me up Cameron Ave. on a sled to get to the store for essentials. At the beginning of the storm, the snow came down so heavy and quick! My grandmother worked at the Harvard Coop in Harvard Square. She had to walk all the way home to Malvern Ave. in the storm! She had to trudge through all the squares on foot ~ Harvard, Porter, Davis and almost to Teele. It took her hours! The blizzard lasted for days and included thunder, lightening and sleet. The snow banks were over 6 feet tall, like mountains formed in front of the Benoit's house. We would climb them, hoping we wouldn't cave them in and fall to the bottom. We built forts and went sledding in the street on Yorktown St. My cousin Shawn was born during the blizzard of 78'. Ambulances couldn't get to my aunt Mary at the time. A kind hearted neighbor with a plow aided in her getting to the hospital just in time.

How would you describe Somerville in the 1980s?

Somerville in the 1980's was wonderful. Somerville was a very diverse walking city, very culturally mixed.

How would you describe Somerville today?

Somerville today is only getting better. I'd love to move back.

How has Somerville changed?

Somerville has maintained it's integrity and has only gotten better with time. It is also pretty expensive. I'd love to move back.