SHREWSBURY – Today, Shrewsbury is known for being a desirable place to live and work, with great schools, town services, and government. In addition, the mix of businesses, close proximity to great hospitals, and excellent housing only add to the town’s charisma.
But in the 1930s and 1940s, Shrewsbury was a much different place. The area around the “center” was mostly old-time residents. During the era known as Prohibition, a number of restaurants, nightclubs, and speakeasies were located in the area, especially near the White City Amusement Park.
One of the nightclubs was “The Happy Hour,” located on North Quinsigamond Avenue. The owner was reported to be Tony “Champ” Santello. “Champ” was known as an outgoing, accordion-playing host that hosted many famous people, including Ava Gardner and a young Frank Sinatra, at the “Happy Hour.” Large photos of past guests standing with a beaming, well-dressed “Champ” lined the place’s walls…