By Michael Perna Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – The recent acquisition of an old matchbook cover, from a place called the “Monte Christo,” did not result in many “old timers” remembering much about the place. This was a restaurant/bar that stood at 12 Lake Avenue in Worcester, just across the street from the Lincoln Park amusement park. Judging from the “PL-“ (phone number), the business probably was in operation in the 1930s-40s. Two residents that are in their mid-80s do remember a few things about the place: one, who grew up in the neighborhood (and still lives there today) recalls that the bartender was always drunk – he also lived nearby and would often crash into the (reporting) family’s bushes. He somehow escaped ever being arrested for drunken driving, until one day he crashed into another vehicle and was killed. The other person relates that he believes the business was owned by Gennaro “Jerry” Anguilo, the infamous Boston Mafia kingpin. Today, the location where the Monte Christo stood, alongside other well-known places such as Corey’s Hot Dogs, the O Solo Mio, and G. I. Joe’s hot dogs, is home to a sneaker store.