Clarence

Clarence had a homemade pizza shop in the 20 odd hundred block of Meridian Street in the 50s.  He and his brother Meo had the busiest shops in town.

I don't remember if they were former Italian POWs.  There was a camp in Indianapolis.  The Italians would come into downtown, visit music stores and return to the camp.  When it came time to repatriate, some stayed and became citizens.

Indianapolis has been a melting pot for many naturalized citizens.  Among restaurants, there were Chinese, Italian and even a Holland Pastry Shop.  They were all folks who came here to be Americans.  And the list grew over the years.

I used to stand outside Clarence's.  He had a huge front display window. I watched him knead the dough and flatten it. Then he would twirl it to widen it and he tossed it in the air!  He always had a wide smile on his face and loved to entertain his customers.  His food making was truly an art.

Now of course there are smaller places currently, some homemade such as Fast Wok or Acapulco Joe's  where the food is native and shared in true American style.

There is a lack of getting to know people, yet my family always chats with the owners and workers and the mood is pleasant.

I'm not sad about time rolling on, just nostalgic.  Good memories I've shared with the family.
I'm encouraged the last couple of years that small business is increasing.  The personal touch is not completely lost.

And to be reminded of humanity right now as always, is important.  It is the basis for victory.