Abbatiello, Richard, 2004 July 15

Richard Abbatiello recalls how urban renewal affected his life as a child growing up in New Haven. He was born on Chestnut Street in the East Street neighborhood, living above his father's machine shop, which his father started after leaving the A.C. Gilbert factory. Urban renewal forced the business to move to North Haven, and the family to move to Fair Haven Heights. Abbatiello discusses how the move affected him and the differences between the two neighborhoods, and reflects on his friend groups, working as a teenager in the family business, ethnic diversity, the roll of the Farnham Neighborhood House, and the merits of urban renewal. He also talks about his childhood admiration for Yale athletes like Johnny Lee and Albie Booth, and how that shaped his perception of the University.

Interviewer: London, Douglas

Length (min): 57