Photograph courtesy of Sarah Ratta, who writes, “This photo was taken circa 1954-1955 when my father Frank Ratta (the dark haired gentleman) returned from military service in Korea and Germany. He is standing on the corner of Hall and South Streets with a fellow serviceman and childhood friend, who grew up on Jamaica Street. I grew up at #24 Hall St, which is the fifth building down on the left.”
Peter O’Brien writes, “Thanks for sharing the photo of your dad and (Red Foley?) at Hall and South Streets. About the time this was taken my mother lived at #54 Hall - and I was in the Army in Japan. We had lived at #76 McBride Street before that. I knew your dad for many years, even set up pins for him (an outstanding bowler and generous tipper) in the bowling alley at Boynton and South Streets. We met years later at Boston Blueprint and even later when he worked with my brother Dave at the State Highway Department in Park Square. We often met by chance on Boston’s downtown streets. When this was taken, the First National Market on the corner was, I believe, managed by Steve Slyne. Frank and I were in rival, but friendly, gangs (‘crowds’ would be a better word) and thus share many mutual friends.”
