She Remembers Getting Live Chickens From Castro Valley

How much simpler life was back when Anne (Magnani) Indelicato rode the "Red Train" to San Leandro High and worked in the Oakland poultry stand where her father sold live chickens that he bought in Castro Valley.

Indelicato, who now lives at Baywood Court in Castro Valley, was born 100 years ago this May.

Last weekend she celebrated a century of life surrounded by her daughters, Nancy Pascale and Carol Santos, and other members of her family and circle of friends.

"I've been fortunate," Indelicato told Patch, saying her only regret was that her husband, Carmelo Indelicato, died at ago 70, just a few months before they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary.

A lifeong Oakland resident, Indelicato attended San Leandro High back before Castlemont High opened to give Oaklanders a local school to attend.

To get to school she would ride the Southern Pacific's Red Line into San Leandro. (see this AC Transit article and search for "Red Line" to read more).

Her father traveled over the hills to Castro Valley, to buy the live chickens that he slaughtered in the barn of their home on 100th Avenue.

They sold the chickens at the old 10th Street Market.

It was at the market that Anne met her future husband, Carmelo.

His parents came from Sicily. Hers were from Tuscany. They were married during the Great Depression.

But she said they were lucky. He was always able to find work and they had plenty to eat.

Her family was similarly fortunate during World War II.

About 75 people attended her party last weekend at Dino's Restaurant, including her two daughters, three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. 

Indelicato attributes her long life to good habits.

"I didn't drink, just socially," she said. "I didn't do any smoking. I ate good food and didn't overeat."