Growing up in Branford, it seemed like every neighborhood had its own market or corner store. In Indian Neck there was Cavallaro's Market on Indian Neck Avenue-or as the locals called it, Tina's. Located between Fairlawn Avenue and Garden Street, the little mom and pop shop was owned by George and Tina Cavallaro.

For the youngsters, it was known as the place to pick up Bazooka bubble gum for a penny or a delicious cold cut grinder. Soda, milk, and beer were always in stock, as well as bread and an assortment of canned goods. Hostess cupcakes and Twinkies always lined the shelves ready to be scooped up by the neighborhood kids.

Tina usually ran the store by day and George, who worked a full-time job, would take over in the evenings and on weekends. Being an Italian-style market, there were always loaves of fresh bread and other assorted goodies. Above the market was a small apartment rented by another local. One friend who grew up in Indian Neck related a story to me. It seems that one night while he and some friends were hanging out in the upstairs apartment, the tenant showed everyone a "trick" he had mastered. By removing a small heat vent in the floor, he was able to dangle a fishing hook on a string, lowering the line down to the store below, where he would often "catch" a loaf of bread or two, depending on what he could snag!

My friend also remembers Tina always treating everyone well. She would often overlook a cash shortage when customers were a few cents short. There were many small markets in townm and Indian Neck was fortunate to have had Cavallaro's Market to pick up a few quick items when there was no time to run to the supermarket. The market has been gone for many years now, and the owners are no longer with us, but long-time residents will always remember the Cavallaro family.

(Special thanks to longtime friend and Branford resident Tim Lindblad for helping me with this article.)

Mike Russo is a lifelong Branford resident and proud parent of two children.