Features July-Dec 2002 |
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When we moved to Melrose in 1964, my boys, Raymond and Ernest were 6 and 4 years old, and my daughter Gloria was 3 months. The boys attended the Roosevelt School and I went to the Army Navy store to buy clothes for them. I purchased socks, underwear, pajamas, and anything a young boy needed. We, as a family went to the Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenwood. The Blessed Sacrament Church serviced Melrose, Wakefield and Greenwood, Massachusetts. Our curate was Rev. Thomas Oates. After 5 years he was then assigned to St. Augustine Church in South Boston, and a few years later he was assigned to the Personnel office for the Archdiocese of Boston. From there Father Oates went to Bolivia to work with the natives. St. Augustine Parish happened to be in a very depressed area. Father Oates called my husband and me to ask for help. His parishioners needed everything from food to clothing. We had established a close relationship with Father Oates so we were more than willing to help him. We immediately went to the Army Navy Store owned and operated by Percy Glaser. Percy went from his cellar to attic in order to supply us with everything to clothe the people in South Boston. I'm speaking about everything from boots to hats. We paid Percy whatever he asked and then called Father Oates to pick up the merchandise. He expressed his thanks on behalf of his parish. Percy was and is the epitome of goodness. He treated his customers with courtesy, and I think almost every young boy in Melrose had a job with Percy if they asked. Percy is now over 100 years old and I wish him another 100 years. October 3 2003
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