ToquiNotes: Harrowing Tale, Safe Return, and a BHS Student-Led Philadelphia Avenue Lions Restoration
By Jeff Toquinto on July 19, 2025 from ToquiNotes
Last summer, when work began on redesigning the intersection of Worthington Drive and Philadelphia Avenue by Simpson Elementary School, there was a lot of concern about a part of the project from residents. And while there were some who voiced issues regarding the need for the project, that was not the concern listed to city officials.
It also was not the biggest concern listed in articles ran here on Connect-Bridgeport. The concern was on something incredibly old on the corner piece of property where an old retaining wall was being torn down and a new one was being put up.
“People, and a lot of people, noticed that the lions that were part of the entrance to the driveway were down,” said Bridgeport Public Works Director Kenneth “Tiny” Grimes. “I can’t tell you how many times we were asked what happened to the lines, whether they were gone for
good, or if they were going to be incorporated into the new retaining wall.”
good, or if they were going to be incorporated into the new retaining wall.”
The actual age of the lions is unknown. They have been there for decades. They were there with the roots going back to the Benedum family, the Hess Family, and current homeowners Nathan and Nicole Nardella.
For those who may not know, the Lions have long been something youngsters have pointed out when driving or walking past. And in recent years, the lions, particularly by the Nardella family, have been dressed up to celebrate the various holiday seasons. You might find sunglasses on them, a Santa hat, or any other festive or season-related gear.
And they are always a hit whenever they are decked out in the seasonal or holiday fashion trend.
There is good news for anyone that has not been past the site in recent months. They are back.
The better news? They are in a more visible location, and they have been repaired and touched up to look fresh and new.
Grimes said that the new location was done at the request of the homeowner now has them perched more prominently along the roadway. They are set on opposite sides of the steps leading to the house.
For those that have seen them, it probably relieved the concern of them disappearing from the Bridgeport landscape. For those who have not seen them, you can rest easily now knowing they are not only back, but they never left.
“They were actually stored on site when the wall was taken down as part of the intersection project, but they had a little damage to them that we had to repair,” said Grimes. “There was standard deterioration from being in the weather for so many years, but when the contractor lifted them to move them off site, they cracked a bit.”
The city’s Public Works, said Grimes, was able to salvage the lions who appear none worse for the wear. He said they were drilled into, and pins were inserted to stabilize them.
“Here’s where it got a bit interesting,” said Grimes. “We brought an epoxy that goes on them to help stabilize the outside of them and the epoxy needed a 28-day cure time before the lions could be painted.”
Last week saw the 28-day-period already in the past. But prior to painting the lions with a color that Grimes said the homeowner picked that closely resembled what was originally there, he called the homeowners to let them know that his staff would be back to work on the lions.
“I called and the homeowner thought we had already painted them,” said Grimes. “They liked the look as it was and wanted it left alone.”
Grimes said it was no issue whatsoever to oblige with the request. However, one more step needed to be taken.
“I told them we needed to put a clear coat on the lions to seal everything up,” said Grimes. “Our two summer interns, the best interns 
we’ve ever had, took care of that for us.”
we’ve ever had, took care of that for us.”
The first coat was put on more than a week ago on July 9. The second coat was put on July 10.
“Those lions should be good for decades to come,” said Grimes.
The interns doing it are in their second year. And they will be seniors this year at Bridgeport High School. Aidan Carlson and Jack Brunett, who were responsible for painting every fire hydrant in the city last year during their first go-round as interns, got the honor.
“These young men did the work on something a lot of people in the city enjoy, and I’m glad. They are such hard workers and were here the day after school let out,” said Grimes. “They do everything from weed eating, cleaning, painting, cutting grass, fixing stuff – you name it – and they do it. I think they know this was pretty special.”
The lions are safe and back home, perched over the city for the foreseeable future. And they have a pair of Indians and the city’s public works crew to thank for it.
Editor’s Note:B Top photo is prior to the removal of the original retaining wall showing one of the lions at the driveway entrance. The second photo shows, from left, Publc Works worker Esker Davis, and summer interns Jack Brunett and Aidan Carlson. Brunett and Carlso are also shown in the bottom photo putting the sealant on one of the lions.
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