Marianna Ferrara The Midwife of the West Side

Sorry I haven't posted since March, I've been a bit busy scrambling around like a octopus with one arm on a chicken with it's head cut off, climbing ladders and puttin' out fires left and right here, on the West Side. All due to the fact that my wife and I recently welcomed a new Saratoga Springs born resident named Mia Alice DeMers.

Born at Saratoga Hospital, she is a true blue West Sider! I would like to thank the staff of the maternity ward, namely Lisa, Cody, and Dr. Bock. With all this baby delivery madness going on, I see it fit that I post a tribute to this lady.

 During the early 1900's here on the West Side, Marianna Ferrara was the midwife of the West Side. She herself, was born in Italy, and moved to here in 1888 when she was 25. She was NYS licensed in 1915 for her trade. The Ferrara's have a legacy here on the West Side. The corner store of Ash and Beekman was owned by the Ferrara's for 30 + years, so was the little beauty shop behind it on Beeekman. Check it out, they moved to Florida, but you can still get the sausages made from the family recipes, here..... https://www.besthomemadesausage.com/

During WWI, times were hard for families on the West Side. Newborns were delivered, sometimes in trade for chickens, fruit and vegetables. Marianna would also provide the same from her and her husband's garden at 80 Ash St. for other expecting/newborn families in need. Here's my beautiful wife and 5 day old newborn standing outside 80 Ash street on the West Side.

 Marianna often was assisted to deliver babies, via Anthony "Spaghetti" Adinolfi's Model T Ford.
He also used this truck to deliver goods for Palmetto Fruit. It is currently owned by Wally Allerdice. On September 30th 1942, on her way to catch a baby, Marianna, perched in a rocking chair on the back bed of the truck, fell off and later died from the injuries sustained from the fall. 
 Recently, a play depicting her life was produced, written and seen through on the stage at the Homemade Theater in the Spa State Park. It's called Catching Babies, by Michelle Yergan Summerlan. I hope to catch it someday!
 In Congress Park, there is a bench you can sit on with your child (or not) and relax and enjoy the scenery. The bench was dedicated to the Midwife Of The West Side, Marianna Ferrara. 
http://www.saratogian.com/article/ST/20160823/NEWS/160829906 

The Sunday after Travers Day, I will be hosting a history tour of the West Side for the Saratoga Preservation Society, join me! 

SARATOGA SPRINGS SUMMER STROLL: The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation presents “Saratoga’s Historic West Side.” George DeMers will lead guests through the restored Historic West Side, also known as Little Dublin, Learn about Saratoga’s Irish and Italian immigrants who helped shape the history of this unique district. This tour sponsored by NBT Bank meets at 10:30 a.m. at South Franklin Street, Gideon Putnam Cemetery Entrance. $5 for SSPF members and $8 for non-members. Guests may buy a ticket for four tours and receive the fifth free. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 587-5030, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Coordinator, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.

 Large child friendly font for the whole family!