The 1940s

75123395

Say ‘Cheese’

Kin and camaraderie have helped Lucio J. Mancuso & Son Cheese Shop to delight lovers of the milk by-product for 72 years.

Over his 41 years as owner of Lucio J. Mancuso & Son Cheese Shop, 1902 E. Passyunk Ave., Philip Mancuso has used his Italian heritage to guide his approach.

“Chi amo il suo labore lo fa bene,” he said. “He who loves his work does it well.”

Originating in 1940 with his father Lucio helming the transactions, the East Passyunk Crossing store has kept Philip occupied for most of his life.

“I began as a boy and used the cans as my version of an Erector Set,” he said.

His patriarch deemed the avenue a lucrative site and rented the store’s space for 20 years before purchasing it in ’60. The compact possession offers fresh mozzarella, ricotta and scamorza cheeses, along with a commitment to pleasing patrons.

“The rewarding aspects of serving the public are immeasurable,” Philip said. “You have to enjoy what you do, and sharing my love of quality products makes me very happy.”

-Joseph Myers

Central station

Building the lives of youngsters through appreciation of community enrichment, the Central Club for Boys nad Girls has bolstered Grays Ferry’s identity for 66 years.

A hidden gem lies in Grays Ferry, providing a relaxing gardening area for community members.

The late Mabel Wilson encouraged children living in the area to get involved with gardening in the green space on the 2500 block of Alter Street, also known as Mabel Wilson Walk, since 1946, when she founded the Central Club for Boys and Girls.

Its president, Stanley Wilson, Mabel’s son, has grown up with the club and still actively supports his mother’s goal of creating a safe environment for youth development.

Now, many alumni volunteer or send their grandchildren to participate in the activities, Stanley, who is looking forward to June 16 — its 67-year celebration, said.

“The street will be filled with all kinds of activities and food and clowns and bouncy balls, and we will have a very festive occasion,” he said.

-Lauren Hertzler

Cold-cut consistency

Anthony Nardone still works at the same store that employed him when he was a boy. However, his involvement at Cold Cut Hut, 2147 S. 16th St., has evolved. The summer job that once funded his childhood endeavors is now the Newbold business he owns, along with his wife, Judy, that has lasted for 65 years and counting.

It opened in 1947 as Caso’s, the surname of Nardone’s grandparents.

“I remember stopping in there all the time,” he said. “After school, even for lunchtime.”

In ’75, Nardone took over the store that remains in its original building today. Constructed in 1895, the edifice first served as a bakery, then a fruit store and, finally, the grocery store.

“We have the same products all the time — kind of the opposite of a dollar store that carries whatever’s available,” Nardone said. “We keep it consistent, and people get used to it.”

-Bobby Kittredge

Dough, a dear

Staff Photo by Greg Bezanis

Products ranging from 14 types of gourmet raviolis to meatballs and homemade sauces help the 64-year-old Superior Pasta Co. to live up to its billing.

Superior Pasta Co., 905 Christian St., carries a title one may say contains a touch of hubris, but the Bella Vista operation has backed up its adjectival choice with wholesomely tasty selections since 1948. Joe Lomanno Jr. became the site’s third owner in ’99 and has tapped increasing authenticity as his chief objective.

“We perpetuate an artisan approach,” he said. “We want the best possible products meeting our customers’ eyes and pleasing their stomachs.”

Fourteen types of ravioli headline his wares, but he proudly touts all his dishes as exercises in healthy, gratifying eating.

“I had shopped here for years,” Lomanno said of going from being a picker to enjoying time as a chooser. “I know its reputation and have worked to help everyone to find a satisfying meal.”

–Joseph Myers

An uplifting experience

Harriet’s Innerwear, 1725 E. Passyunk Ave., continues to be a popular place for clients young and old to purchase undergarments.

Debuting in 1949, Harriet’s Innerwear, 1725 E. Passyunk Ave., achieved early dominion due to a dearth of bra suppliers. The East Passyunk Crossing location has remained a thriving specialty undergarment store because of its sensitive handling of each patron’s needs.

“We give undivided personal attention to our customers, and they find that appealing,” owner Barbara Shapiro said.

The New Jerseyite took over for original owner Harriet Gilbert in ’95, adhering to her mission to help all women, especially fuller-figured ladies. Clients, ranging in age from 10 to 104, choose from among 136 sizes for any occasion, with breast cancer battlers able to seek consultation, too. An assortment of shapers assists frames also, with Shapiro seeing to it that her fellow females find form-fitting items.

“The field has grown so much,” she said. “It’s a challenge but it’s fun.”

-Joseph Myers

Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.

South Philly Milestones
The Pre-1900s
The 1900s
The 1910s
The 1920s
The 1930s
The 1950s and ’60s

75123395
75123385