By Jeff Friedman
Some are fascinated with a previously undiscovered chamber in Tutankhman’s tomb, which could contain the remains, and possibly the intact grave goods of queen Nefertiti, the wife of the “heretic” monotheistic pharaoh Akhenaten, Tutankhamun’s father. Others like to explore Mexico’s Chichen Itza, with its impressive architecture and fascinating nature. As for me, it’s all about the rich local history I find digging at yard sales and flea markets. And Livingston always delivers.
While doing the obligatory Livingston yard sale circuit one pleasant Saturday morning this summer, I visited the Sicardi sale on East Cedar Street. As a 35-year collector of antiques and collectibles, there it was. Bam. A vintage American Legion hat from town. One hundred percent all wool, genuine leather head band and silky lining, manufactured by National Emblem Sales, Indianapolis, Indiana and distributed by national American Legion headquarters. Let’s put this meaningful collectible in the category of “they don’t make ’em like that anymore.”
Naturally, I bought the hat and chatted with the amiable Robin Logie (Sicardi), Mr. Sicardi’s daughter, who now lives out-of-state with her family. She advised that it’s her dad’s American Legion hat, whose full name, Michael A. Sicardi, Sr., appears on the inside band. Knowing that the Tribune publishes myriad Livingston historical content, I photographed the hat and sent it along to my friends there. Michelle Bent, the Tribune’s editor, liked it and requested that I look into a possible story. As an occasional contributor, the Tribune’s “cub reporter,” I followed Michelle’s lead and started digging into Mr. Sicardi’s background and longtime history as a Livingston resident.
With assistance from his son, Michael A. Sicardi, Jr., whom I found living in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, I learned that Sicardi, Sr. is now residing at Inglemoor Rehabilitation and Care Center on South Livingston Avenue. He was gracious enough to allow my visit for a chat. What a pleasant experience to meet this fine gentleman, 91 years old and 58 years a Livingston resident.
Sicardi, Sr. was raised in Montclair. He served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1945 as a Fireman First Class on the USS Mayo. The USS Mayo (DD-422) was a Benson-class destroyer. She was named for Admiral Henry Thomas Mayo and commissioned in September, 1940.
It’s evident that he is proud of his service for the country, seeing battle in Salerno and Anzio before the ship hit a mine. It ...
