Mimi's Pastry Shop/Adele Ciaramella Weber

Mimi's Pastry Shop/Adele Ciaramella Weber
From The Mercer County Italian Festival Site

Mimi's Pastry Shop located on Butler Street across from Saint
Joachim's Church in Trenton (Chambersburg).

My childhood was blessed with happy memories. Our family lived
above my grandparent's bakery on Butler Street. The bakery was
known as Mimi's Pastry Shop located directly across from Saint
Joachim's Church.My grandfather was known to all as Don Angelo
Ciaramella. He, along with my dad Michael, and Uncle Dominic
would do all the baking and also made the famous Italian Ice
that many people would come to buy. On Sunday morning after
all the masses, people would walk down the church steps and
go directly into the store to get these wonderful treats.
After my grandfather passed my mom and dad would run the
store under the name of Nancy's Sweet Shop. After school,
most of the kids would come in and get Italian Ice.
Life was safe and full of love. I remember the Feast of
Lights which was the best time ever. We would buy goods
from the many merchants that lined the street. The lupini
beans, hard nugget candy and, of course, the pea shooters.
There was always time for family and friends. Each Thursday
and Sunday were spent at grandpop and grandmom's eating our
pasta. I wish I could give the gift of living in the Burg
to my children and grandchildren so that they could
understand what it was like to live in a neighborhood of
immeasurable love and friendship. I am truly blessed to
have lived "Back in the day" when life, family and friends
were gifts to be treasured and respected.