Jersey Boys Blog

Howard Tucker, Jersey Boys Blog Special Correspondent, spoke recently with Jim Petrecca about his store, Yesterday’s Treasures in Union, NJ, specializing in Four Seasons and Jersey Boys memorabilia, in addition to other entertainment and sports collectibles.

HT: What’s been happening, Jim, since we last spoke? (Here’s Jim’s first interview with Howard describing how he grew up with, and became personally friendly with The Four Seasons.)

JP: Well, since we last sat down, Howard, I’ve been swamped with requests from Four Seasons and Jersey Boys fans nationwide, and have helped many fans complete their collections and begin new ones. It’s been wonderful to connect with so many people across the country who grew up with this great group and are now enjoying the cultural phenomenon of Jersey Boys. And almost everyone who calls or e-mails wants to hear my take on knowing these guys. Next up is a “Frequently Asked Questions” link, but that’s for another day! (laughs)

And because of my e-mail [email protected], so many people call me Joe instead of Jim. But I never correct them, since I know they mean ME!! (The e-mail derives from Edgar Allan Poe, by the way!) And to be involved in this resurgence is more than I would have ever dreamed.

HT: I see you have some new advertising and a direct phone number.

JP: Sure do. My direct line is 908-416-5519. I am working with a Web designer right now to increase my exposure. But the Blog has been a Godsend in introducing me to people. Thank you Howard and thanks to Susie and Dale.

HT: You’re very welcome, Jim. Don’t you think I enjoy listening to all the Tomooch (Tommy DeVito) and Ma Choch (Nick Massi) stories too. Next, we need catchy nicknames for Bob and Frankie. What else is new, man (as if I don’t know)?

JP: Tomooch (“Tommy”) called me yesterday and has awarded me the official NY/NJ distributorship of his new CD “A Man for All Seasons.” I have a display set up in my store in Union, NJ, which is only yards from the bowling alley where the Four Seasons got their name. And I always have a Seasons CD playing, and it’s very often “A Man for All Seasons.”

HT: I love that CD, especially “Come Si Bella” and “Tennessee Waltz.” Tommy has not lost any of his talent; if anything, he’s gotten better.

JP: So have Frankie and Bob, Howard. I can’t wait for Frankie’s new CD “Romancing the 60’s.”

HT: Jim, I’ve posted a number of times that if Frankie hits the Billboard charts with his new set, he’ll be the ONLY (yes, the ONLY) artist to hit the charts in six decades…not Elvis, not the Beatles, not Elton, not Whitney, not Diana, and not Neil Sedaka!!

JP: Should that happen, Howard, you’ll definitely find a full-window announcement in my window.

HT: I’m sure, Jim. In the meantime, how about we bowl a few rounds at the Four Seasons bowling alley? I want to see what happens after the fifth frame.

JP: We’ll do that as soon as time travel is perfected, Howard. It’s been a shopping center for years!

Jersey Boys Blog thanks Jim Petrecca and Howard Tucker for once again bringing us back in time to the 1960’s and 1970’s, and taking us forward to 2007 with Tommy DeVito’s “A Man for All Seasons.” Please drop Jim an e-mail ([email protected]).