A few weeks back, it was reported that members of the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association were not thrilled about two photos of notorious South Boston mobsters, James “Whitey” Bulger and Stephen “The Rifleman” Flemmi, currently hanging on the walls of the newly renovated Savin Bar + Kitchen. Well, the New York Times has just written about the controversy.
Savin Bar + Kitchen owner, Kenneth Osherow, told the NYT via email that the owners were “blindsided” by the controversy.
“Frankly, we all know the type. The local busybodies, the self-appointed watchdogs, the yentas with a little too much time on their hands.” The photos have not been taken down.
As to the connection of Southie mobsters to the Dorchester restaurant, the photos being hung on the wall were suggested because Savin Bar + Kitchen is located next door to a bar once owned by Eddie Connors, a one-time boxer who was gunned down on Morrissey Boulevard in a phone booth in the 1970s, allegedly by the Bulger gang.
As for how the rest of the the neighborhood feels about this situation, according to the NYT, it’s divided right down the middle.
You can read all about it here.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
