South Norwood Tavernkeeper Maria A. Gil Fights Town Hall Citations While Recovering in Hospital-November 14, 1980

Dundulis Lunch Operator Defends Charitable Work for Disabled Lodgers Amid License Suspensions and Court Battles

NORWOOD – To Maria A. Gil, running a South Norwood tavern and rooming house while clashing repeatedly with municipal authorities feels like a constant war against town hall. Speaking from her bed at Norwood Hospital, where she has spent three weeks receiving treatment for phlebitis, the resilient tavernkeeper explained that her primary motivation has always been her “down-and-out guys”—disabled and retired individuals who rely on her for hot meals and shelter.

Alongside her husband, Walenty, and 15-year-old son, John—who live in the quarters above their establishment—Mrs. Gil has operated Dundulis Lunch at 1118 Washington Street for roughly a decade. Known for hosting free holiday spreads for individuals with nowhere else to go, Mrs. Gil expressed hope that she would recover in time to preside over their traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the tavern.

License Suspensions, Unlicensed Rooming House Charges, and Town Hall Response

Mrs. Gil’s charitable efforts have been overshadowed by a mounting series of legal and regulatory disputes with town officials:

• The Tavern License: Dundulis Lunch recently completed a five-day license suspension after being cited for allegedly serving drinks before the legal 8:00 a.m. opening. Although the Board of Selectmen initially imposed a 30-day suspension, the Gils successfully appealed to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), which reduced the penalty.
• The Austin Street Rooming House: The Gils own a nearby rooming house at 20 Austin Street housing five disabled or retired men, some of whom cannot afford rent. Following a previous case thrown out on a technicality in June, the town rebuilt its legal challenge. The Gils face a December 10 trial in Dedham District Court defending against three criminal charges: operating an unlicensed rooming house, violating state building codes for lacking emergency lighting and exit signs, and zoning code infractions.
• The Defense: Acknowledging that the Austin Street property is “one of the world’s worst looking houses,” Mrs. Gil explained that maintenance was delayed due to her husband’s illness earlier in the year and difficulties securing improvement loans. Feeling targeted as a relative newcomer, she lamented, “I’m getting to the point where I’m kind of tired fighting city hall… All I want to know is why they’re picking on me.” However, she praised Norwood Police Chief James F. Curran and his department for treating her fairly.
• Municipal Officials’ Standpoint: Selectmen Chairman William J. Plasko defended the board’s actions, noting that as the local licensing authority, the board is legally obligated to act on reported violations. “Just because someone is doing something nice, do you look the other way if they are breaking the rules?” Plasko asked. Building Inspector John E. Grover echoed the sentiment: “Her intentions are honorable and she deserves a lot of credit. But my business is public safety. That’s my only business.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger