Southington in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Gang Scarpa Shoda
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
1. Left Plaque
[ left plaque ]
In Honor and Memory of All Deceased Members
And Those Whose Time Has Yet To Come.
God Bless Each and Everyone.
Donated by Albert Frascatore
[ center plaque ]
The Original "Gang" Lived Within
These Boundaries During The Depression Era
Descendants of All Members
Are Included In The Gang
Est. 1980
"Gang Scarpa Shoda"
Southington, Conn.
Donated by Sylvester (Harp) Testa
Knowles Ave. – West St. – Mill St. – Old Railroad Tracks
[ right plaque ]
In Honor of Those Who Gave Their Lives
For Their Country in World War II. These
Men, At The Time, Would Have Been Eligible
To attend the get-together of the
Gang of Scarpa Shoda:
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1980.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley, in Greater Hartford, and in the Knowledge Corridor. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Hartford County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Constitution Oak (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southington Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southington Soldiers Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Southington World War II (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route (approx. one mile away); Forever Honored Forever Mourned (approx. 1.2 miles away); Near This Spot (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southington.
Regarding Gang Scarpa Shoda. In Italian, "scarpa shoda" means "shoes untied," and the group's name is a reflection on its oldest members' lifestyle during the Great Depression. Their families could not afford to purchase items like new shoes or shoelaces, but the men, who are of Italian, Polish, French and German descent, enjoyed each other's company in spite of the economy's then failing state. The group continues the tradition of Southington men who grew
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
2. Center Plaque
Additional commentary.
1. More about the Gang Scarpa Shoda plaque
I live nearby and was best friends with the nephew of Victor Mastrianni.
He researched his Uncle's war service. I believe he was in the Pacific, and was killed on one of the islands. I'll remember his sacrifice while walking on the Linear Trail.
— Submitted January 24, 2020, by Jim Burke of Southington, Connecticut.
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
3. Right Plaque
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
4. Gang Scarpa Shoda Bench
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
5. Gang Scarpa Shoda Bench
Photographed by Michael Herrick, July 21, 2010
6. Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Greenway
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 2,153 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 5, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
