C. T. Suddeth

When I was 5, my parents bought a little house on Reo Avenue, Lincoln Park, Michigan. On the corner of Dix and Reo, Mary built a little pizza place, Peppina’s, named after her mother. Peppina worked in the carryout and never learned English except for pizza words which I would have to say 2 or 3 times. Mary bought a house right behind her restaurant, and we lived 3 doors behind her.

Pizza was new back then—Dad wouldn’t touch it—Mom bought pizza with just cheese. Then she learned she could order it with hamburger—Mom called it cheeseburger pizza. Mary expanded into the most popular pizza place around. Maye 20 years ago, a fire destroyed the building. Mary and Peppina are long gone. I’m on a diet, but if I could have one of their pizzas, I would order one in a flash.