Spag

I worked at Spag's for 3 good years and then 5 not so good years before it was finally bought by building 19 and became Spag's 19. There are many times during this book that I was brought to tears thinking about how the store used to be and how Spag loved his customers and employees. This is a personal look on how wonderful this man was and how wonderful the store was.

When I first discovered Spag's, I thought it was a BBQ & grill restaurant, then I realized it was a department store. My sister gave me this book for Christmas because I liked to joke about Spag's. The book gives facts about the store and tells people that before the large department store chains, there was Spag's, and tells about the store's existence. And now that the store is out of business, that's all the more reasons for this book to be in print!

For those of us who grew up visiting Spag's - listening the the loudspeakers blare "Vinnie Mastro on green" and waiting for the arrival of new baseball gloves and 69 cent baseballs every spring - this book is a wonderful reminder of our youth. The author, Spag's sister, provides a wonderful portrait of her brother's early life and his entrepreneurial exploits at a young age. . . If you are looking for a business book about how to become a millionaire quickly, this book is NOT for you. If you want inspiration about how a person of modest means can become a multimillionaire by serving the common man and then can become the best nieghbor in town to those in need, then this book is for you. . . Spag left his mark on all who have met him. Everyone in Central Massachusetts has a special "Spag" story about his kindness, generosity and service to the community. This book puts many of those stories together to share them with a wider audience. It definitely is a good read. If Frank Capra had used a retail store as a backdrop in his classic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey's name would have been Spag, and this book would have been the basis of his script.

This is a superb well written book about a remarkable business man who became a legend in New England.He was a man of integrity who loved serving people above all else.Quite refreshing, considering the money before all else society we live in now.