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A Gem Comes Alive
By
Reno Litterio |
Quincy
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A small pear shaped piece of land,
bordering West, Copeland, and Common Streets in the
South/West Quincy area, comes alive each spring, due to the
efforts of the dedicated committee of the Granite Workers
Memorial Park, in preserving and maintaining its grounds. It
is still active and led by Stephen Cantelli, Alba Tocci,
Barbara Persampieri and Reno Litterio.
In retrospect it was Monday, October
10, 1994. Approximately one thousand people gathered in Shea
Park to witness the dedication of a granite statue that
honors the city’s granite workers. The 13 foot
monument depicts a young stonecutter wearing a cap and apron
holding a stone hammer and point used for sculpting stone.
The base of the statue was made from dark gray Quincy
granite at the A. Monti Granite Company on Center Street,
South Quincy. Linda Monti Montillio was responsible for the
design and Andre Iwanczyk of Long Island, New York,
sculptured the statue at his New Jersey workshop.
The Ward 4 Neighborhood Association and the then Ward 4 City
Councilor, Thomas Fabrizio, were at the core of the project
with many other volunteers and contributors participating in
the final dedication.
The granite industry, once a thriving business, brought many
talented immigrants from Europe to the shores of New
England, including the Irish, English, Scottish, Swedish,
and Germans, followed by the Finnish and Italians.
These skilled and highly motivated workers were part of a
backbone that made this country. From 1840 -1900, when
quarrying operations was at its height, 54 quarries and 150
stone sheds were in operation, making Quincy’s granite
famous nationwide and earning the city’s nickname “The
Granite City.”
Each spring, the still active volunteers clean and assess
the damage of the winter. Many shrubs, flowering
trees, roses, and a variety of colorful annuals are
replaced. When in full bloom, this diamond with all
its hues becomes a spot to cherish, contemplate, and
remember a time that once was. All funding comes from
private donations. You can help by contributing.
Make check payable to Granite Workers Memorial Fund and mail
to Stephen Cantelli, 65 West Street, Quincy, MA 02169.
Please join us this summer for our concert in the park. The
scheduled will be announced in the near future.
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About The Author
Reno J. Litterio
is the previous Editor and Publisher of The Constellation
Newsletter. Litterio was the co-founder of the Ward 4 Senior
Citizens Social Group in Quincy in 1992 and is now chairman
and Director of the group. You can reach Mr. Litterio at
renowarior@aol.com.
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