Yesterday I had a very random thought. Archie, my grandpop, died when I was 8 and I had not much memory of my dad ever sharing any stories. Could be my memory facility in question. I decided to learn what I could. First I confirmed my personal suspicions with Rand. The I reached out to Aunt Elaine and then Paul Andriole. They were great. In fact, Paul ended thanking me for helping him come up with some very fun stories. I wish I had the tech know how to have done an oral history recording. So one thing leads to another, right? Elaine told me about the information she received from Lynn Sinclair. She¡¯s researched much Kenneth Square history and is involved with the historical society there. Who knew? Well I have to admit to learning a lot. I never knew Archie learned how to read and write English starting at age 15 at the library. Wow! I do remember Aunt Lonie working at BT library when I was a kid. Got shushed way too often. Archie¡¯s accomplishments?hit a strong chord with me. I spent 16 years volunteering as a trustee with our local library and two other library related boards of directors with no knowledge of granddads start.?
The conversation I¡¯d like to start with this is any and all of you is to read the following and see what strikes you. If you¡¯ve got additional memories, please share. I now know I owe him a great big thank you for so much.
Merry Christmas, happy holidays and cheers to a much better 2021!
Archie Ruggieri??? January 9, 1896 ¨C June 24, 1962
Kennett Square Businessman, Founder/Charter member of the Italian-American Club, and Founder/Charter Member of the Sons of Italy.
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Born in Sant¡¯Omero, Abruzzo, Italy. Arrived as an immigrant in Kennett Square in 1911 as the oldest child of his family. Learned English in the local library. He and his father Dominic supported the family as shoemakers and cobblers.
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1920 ¨C He and his father bought?110 West State St.?(now owned by Kennett Glass Co.).
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1922 ¨C Founded the Mushroom Transportation Company. Director until 1930s.
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1923 ¨C Built next to the?110 West St.?property and extended it to?114 West State St.?(plaque honoring him on The Mushroom Cap exterior).
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1923 -1924 ¨C Bought a Victorian house at?405 South Union Street?for his parents, his wife and six children, and various family members at different times.
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1925 ¨C Became a naturalized U.S. Citizen.
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Built three stone houses on the south side of Cypress Street between Center and Union Streets. Dates undetermined.
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1930? - Bought a bar/caf¨¦ at?117 West State Street?called La Cantina (now Chantilly Blue). His wife Angelina made lunches there including spaghetti and meatballs. Archie operated the bar throughout the WWII years.
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1947 ¨C Sold La Cantina and bought another bar at the corner of State Street and Mill Road. Clientele not so nice as the former. So many frequent fights would break out that a local policeman maintained security. The bar and land were bought by Peebles Department Store (or a grocery chain) and became the beginning of a new shopping area.
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Throughout this time he bought and sold several lots and properties, including three or four lots in the new housing complex near Cedarcroft, the former home of Bayard Taylor.
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1954 ¨C Bought Wayside Market between Kennett Square and Toughkenamon. With his wife and family, he operated the general store featuring fresh mushrooms and produce bought in Philadelphia or from local farmers and orchardists.
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1956 and 1958-1959 ¨C He and Erminio Bugliani made visits to Cuba to start a mushroom export business, but were unsuccessful because of the political situation there.
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The mushroom trade at Wayside Market was developed into a wholesale and brokerage enterprise by his son Dino Ruggieri. Wayside Market continued as a family business.
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1962 ¨C Died?on June 1?of poor health.?
The dog¡¯s dietary philosophy: ¡°If it falls on the ground, eat it. You can always throw it up later.¡±
? ? ? ? Dave Barry
Steve Ruggieri
414-630-2558
