Revere Veteran’s Exhibit is Worth the Visit

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

It’s only available for a couple of weeks, but the exhibit in honor of Revere’s veterans gives a look at the men and women who served in World War I, World War 11, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

“About 10 years ago the Journal donated the old bound copies of the newspapers and the old photographs,” said Mary Jane Terenzi, president of the Revere Historical Society on Beach.

A huge collection of over 300 portraits from the archives of the Revere Journal are on display. These pictures, many taken by the War Department were sent to the newspaper to announce the service of sons, fathers, mothers and sisters – and a future school superintendent. Some of the photos are identified and some are not. There is even a picture of Harry Terenzi from the front page of the Journal and his five siblings who also served. Medals from various conflicts are also on display and some photos showing the jungles of New Guinea. Local women who served in the Coast Guard, the WACs and the Navy are also featured in the display.

Also on display is information about Major Carl Thomajan, who was shot down and declared missing in action on Dec. 24, 1944 over Germany. He joined the Army Air Corp on March 13, 1942. Also listed as missing in action in the European Theater on the same date, Dec. 24, 1994 were Revere residents Gorge Stone, Ed Masjewski and Ron Bergman.

There is also information on Patrick Farino, a columnist for the Journal. He was a recruiting sergeant and there is a photograph of him at a Korean orphanage with a child surrounding him.

Also in the exhibit is a collection of old uniforms from the family of Tom Sullivan, a school teacher. His uncle, John Sullivan, was a veteran, and became superintendent of schools after attending Worcester College, Boston College and Harvard. His Navy uniform and an Army uniform are on display. There is even a World War I “doughboy” uniform. There is also a collection from Peter McCauley, also known as “Mr. Revere.” There is even a World War II radio used by troops in the field, weighing 40 pounds and in good shape. Near it is a wooden propeller from a training airplane in World War II. The exhibit also includes a collection from the library and information on the Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. There is also a small collection of draft cards from men who were too old to serve but wanted to. Anyone age 45-64 was turned down if they tried to enlist.

There are 150 members in the society and about 30-50 active members.

The exhibit will be up until the end of May. The society is open only from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays or by appointment. The society can be found on Facebook. The telephone number is (781) 286-2226.