Melissa Bailey Shows off South Philly Roots

By Maria Merlino

Republican Mayoral candidate Melissa Murray Bailey is proud of her South Philadelphia roots.

“My grandparents lived at 17^th and Fitzgerald streets, right off of Wolf Street,” she said. “Their parents came from Italy. Yes, I have an Irish name but I know all about the Italian culture, especially how to make gravy and meatballs! In fact, my husband just had a birthday and all he wanted was my gravy with macaroni and meatballs.”

NECA EXECUTIVE and 2nd Street native Ken Adams is pleased to know that Melissa Murray Bailey has roots in South Philadelphia. Photo by Maria Merlino

What is the secret to her recipe?

“Well, for the meatballs, don’t put too much breadcrumbs in the mixture and you must partially fry them so they don’t disintegrate when you put them in the gravy. I like to use Tuttorosso tomatoes for the gravy. Then you must have several solid hours of simmering. You can’t rush gravy!”

Her grandmother also did a lot of beading work and her grandfather would roller skate the completed items to the various customers in South Philly.

“I still have a big box of her beads and every so often, I take it out and wonder at her talent,” she said.

Murray Bailey is also a big fan of the Mummers and is broken-hearted that they left South Philadelphia.

“One of the things I would love to do is to get the parade back on Broad Street, in 19148. The traditions hold neighborhoods together. There were many businesses that suffered because of the loss. In fact, my family was just at the Mummer’s Museum last Thursday and our daughter had a great time learning the strut.”

She is also well aware of the hard-working women throughout the city and especially the women of South Philadelphia.

“Women do what they say they are going to do. We’ve had 98 mayors, all men in more than 300 years. I’m on many executive committees that essentially all men. I’m used to being in the tough environment, but I know I can build a consensus and stand up for what needs to happen,” she said.

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