Southington in Hartford County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Gang Scarpa Shoda
[ 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. 41° 36.11′ N, 72° 52.927′ W. Marker is in Southington, Connecticut, in Hartford County. Marker is at the intersection of Center Street and Factory Square, on the right when traveling west on Center Street. Located on the Farmington Canal Rail-to-Trail Greenway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Southington CT 06489, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 up together in the West Center and Mill Street sections of town.
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.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 1,443 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 5, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.