looking back - Gloucester taxis
In this issue, rather than traveling from corner to corner, we will attempt to seek out the in-between taxis of today and of yesterday.
Well let us begin our journey by hailing a ride from the newest company of these days. Gloucester Taxi. clean and well-maintained cabs. The meter is on; the windshield is clean and clear, so let us begin. The year is 1953. Instead of coming home from the state in a state officer's car, we arrive in a Gloucester Taxi. On crossing the railroad tracks we pass Kilby Gove’s Gulf Station, which was next to Reilly Pontiac & Cadillac. Our new home is going to be above the Stewart Family at 124 Washington St. The first taxi we come too belongs to Dora Dickerson. It is a 1947 Plymouth four door sedan. Dora waves to us as we continue our journey.
Across from the Harbor Cafe and in back of Dave Spittle's Coffee Shop is the Gloucester Depot. Backed into the walkway are at least eight checker or Chevy cabs. Their trunks and doors open, awaiting the passengers that are about to embark off the train. Sadly I can also recall the other end of the Depot, where the steel wheeled wagons would also await the brave soldiers bodies killed in action, each casket covered with the flag of their country that they died for. I can also recall Mayor Beatrice Corliss meeting the family members.
Upon continuing our journey and with the meter clicking we go to the West end of Main Street. There is our next taxi company, owned and operated by the Morando Family. These two were Chevy and Checker cabs. Joe always demanded clean cabs and honest drivers. He also maintained each vehicle to the best degree of standards.
Traveling around to Rogers Street and at its end was Thurston's Motors and Taxi, across from The Anchor Cafe. On the easterly part of Main Street there was Turk Souza's Taxi, whose office sat in the basement next to Horatio's. On top of Union Hill was Brown's Livery and Taxi. And at one time at the bottom of Mount Vernon St. was Central Taxi, and another was Hubby Mitchells Taxi. Our last one was Rosie's Taxi, owned and operated by Clarence Rose, which later became Madrugas Taxi and Livery and later Sunrise Transportation. I remember when it was Rosie's mostly because you had to climb a number of steps to get into the office. In later years Clarence became more interested in junking. Across from Rosie's Taxi was Captain Bills Seafood, which moved to the lower west end, a couple doors down from Fat Walla's and just about where the Blackburn Tavern was located,and now Giusseppi’s , and on that corner in a little shop was Randazza Brothers Shoe Shine Stand.
Well returning back to our taxi because the meter is clicking away we are at the end of our journey. However, I did forget to mention Yankee Taxi owned and operated by Matt Amaral. There are many more Taxi's of Cape Ann Past such as Horton's Taxi of Rockport or Pete's Taxi of Ipswich, most have one thing in common, or at least in the past, they were well maintained, clean, and the drivers were kind and receptive to their passengers. In closing I am not going to recommend on what Taxi to take, let your eye be the first judge, then let your mind be the second. Gloucester now has one new Taxi, and one not so new. One company I have not mentioned is Atlantic Taxi. Then it was owned by the Lane Family who tried to keep up with the traditions of a well grounded service , and they should be honored for doing so, just as, in true wisdom should follow that tradition. They are managed by hard working individuals. It is my belief that these taxis should be inspected at least quarterly and by the looks of some of our public transportation I begin to question on just who is responsible for seeing that the safety of each passenger is taken into full consideration.
That's it for now; our journey is at its end. The driver was both kind and receptive. Our cab was clean and its Gloucester color of Maroon certainly captures a vision of our taxis and their historic past. These writings are in honor of Clarence Rose, Hubby Michell, Ralph Brown, Joe Morando, Dora Nickerson , Olie Anderson , The Hildonons, The Thurstons and all past owners and drivers.
Well let us begin our journey by hailing a ride from the newest company of these days. Gloucester Taxi. clean and well-maintained cabs. The meter is on; the windshield is clean and clear, so let us begin. The year is 1953. Instead of coming home from the state in a state officer's car, we arrive in a Gloucester Taxi. On crossing the railroad tracks we pass Kilby Gove’s Gulf Station, which was next to Reilly Pontiac & Cadillac. Our new home is going to be above the Stewart Family at 124 Washington St. The first taxi we come too belongs to Dora Dickerson. It is a 1947 Plymouth four door sedan. Dora waves to us as we continue our journey.
Across from the Harbor Cafe and in back of Dave Spittle's Coffee Shop is the Gloucester Depot. Backed into the walkway are at least eight checker or Chevy cabs. Their trunks and doors open, awaiting the passengers that are about to embark off the train. Sadly I can also recall the other end of the Depot, where the steel wheeled wagons would also await the brave soldiers bodies killed in action, each casket covered with the flag of their country that they died for. I can also recall Mayor Beatrice Corliss meeting the family members.
Upon continuing our journey and with the meter clicking we go to the West end of Main Street. There is our next taxi company, owned and operated by the Morando Family. These two were Chevy and Checker cabs. Joe always demanded clean cabs and honest drivers. He also maintained each vehicle to the best degree of standards.
Traveling around to Rogers Street and at its end was Thurston's Motors and Taxi, across from The Anchor Cafe. On the easterly part of Main Street there was Turk Souza's Taxi, whose office sat in the basement next to Horatio's. On top of Union Hill was Brown's Livery and Taxi. And at one time at the bottom of Mount Vernon St. was Central Taxi, and another was Hubby Mitchells Taxi. Our last one was Rosie's Taxi, owned and operated by Clarence Rose, which later became Madrugas Taxi and Livery and later Sunrise Transportation. I remember when it was Rosie's mostly because you had to climb a number of steps to get into the office. In later years Clarence became more interested in junking. Across from Rosie's Taxi was Captain Bills Seafood, which moved to the lower west end, a couple doors down from Fat Walla's and just about where the Blackburn Tavern was located,and now Giusseppi’s , and on that corner in a little shop was Randazza Brothers Shoe Shine Stand.
Well returning back to our taxi because the meter is clicking away we are at the end of our journey. However, I did forget to mention Yankee Taxi owned and operated by Matt Amaral. There are many more Taxi's of Cape Ann Past such as Horton's Taxi of Rockport or Pete's Taxi of Ipswich, most have one thing in common, or at least in the past, they were well maintained, clean, and the drivers were kind and receptive to their passengers. In closing I am not going to recommend on what Taxi to take, let your eye be the first judge, then let your mind be the second. Gloucester now has one new Taxi, and one not so new. One company I have not mentioned is Atlantic Taxi. Then it was owned by the Lane Family who tried to keep up with the traditions of a well grounded service , and they should be honored for doing so, just as, in true wisdom should follow that tradition. They are managed by hard working individuals. It is my belief that these taxis should be inspected at least quarterly and by the looks of some of our public transportation I begin to question on just who is responsible for seeing that the safety of each passenger is taken into full consideration.
That's it for now; our journey is at its end. The driver was both kind and receptive. Our cab was clean and its Gloucester color of Maroon certainly captures a vision of our taxis and their historic past. These writings are in honor of Clarence Rose, Hubby Michell, Ralph Brown, Joe Morando, Dora Nickerson , Olie Anderson , The Hildonons, The Thurstons and all past owners and drivers.
looking back - two great families
Once in a while through my poems, I journey back into times and places where I have been and will always have fond memories.I would like to share them with you. We look at our Gloucester today as a mini-metropolis, with its varied condos, and myriad of restaurants. Sadly, Gloucester is also becoming a tourist town. I mean not that tourism isn't good, but we tend to sideline those family town values held in years past.
I am reflecting on the lessons that were passed onto me when I was but a boy. The Kyrouz's were a fine example of these values. Many a family would have starved without them, from the fisherman who lived and worked most of their life on the sea, to wives and mothers at home with children beside them, waiting for their men to return, or the families with barely any income who were almost daily fed through the Kyrouz's generosity and trust. Those now past days our city was being served by this fine family, in part they were the very inner core of the City Clerk's office.
In my journey back I also recall the Linsky Brothers, who were all hard working from sunrise to near dark of night. The first I remember was brother Joe. I can see him riding around the junk yard with the old junk pick of the week, the Setiline tanks banging up and down as he hit each bump or hole in the yard. We next have brother Rem, who in my really early days of my youth was a mentor. I myself envisioned him to the likes of Abraham Lincoln. The next brother we have is Ben, and his expertise at finding metal and coins without a metal detector. Ben, you might say, was the yard manager; nothing slipped by him. The brother I worked with the most was Morris, or Mort as he was called for short. I loved it when I would go out collecting rags and paper with him. I also loved it when we would stop at places like George's on Washington St, or the Station Lunch and many many more. As kids we never made much working, but one sure did eat. This is what the Linsky brothers were better known for, as long as you ate what they bought. I also enjoyed the ride once a week to Chelsea, as they took stack upon stack of crushed cars. Thinking back on my travels with Mort, I remember how Mort like to save money. When we used to come back from collecting rags and papers around he Cape, Mort would have me on the top of the pile, holding it down as he shut the engine of and we would coast from great Hill to almost the Gloucester Line.
So there you have it for now, from the Kyrouz's to the Linsky's, two families that helped make Gloucester a great place to live. My Sargent St. holds many memories , mostly good but some sad . It was a street you could leave your doors unlocked. It is a street with its past population part of the very core that guides us from day to day. Until the next journey, see you then.
I am reflecting on the lessons that were passed onto me when I was but a boy. The Kyrouz's were a fine example of these values. Many a family would have starved without them, from the fisherman who lived and worked most of their life on the sea, to wives and mothers at home with children beside them, waiting for their men to return, or the families with barely any income who were almost daily fed through the Kyrouz's generosity and trust. Those now past days our city was being served by this fine family, in part they were the very inner core of the City Clerk's office.
In my journey back I also recall the Linsky Brothers, who were all hard working from sunrise to near dark of night. The first I remember was brother Joe. I can see him riding around the junk yard with the old junk pick of the week, the Setiline tanks banging up and down as he hit each bump or hole in the yard. We next have brother Rem, who in my really early days of my youth was a mentor. I myself envisioned him to the likes of Abraham Lincoln. The next brother we have is Ben, and his expertise at finding metal and coins without a metal detector. Ben, you might say, was the yard manager; nothing slipped by him. The brother I worked with the most was Morris, or Mort as he was called for short. I loved it when I would go out collecting rags and paper with him. I also loved it when we would stop at places like George's on Washington St, or the Station Lunch and many many more. As kids we never made much working, but one sure did eat. This is what the Linsky brothers were better known for, as long as you ate what they bought. I also enjoyed the ride once a week to Chelsea, as they took stack upon stack of crushed cars. Thinking back on my travels with Mort, I remember how Mort like to save money. When we used to come back from collecting rags and papers around he Cape, Mort would have me on the top of the pile, holding it down as he shut the engine of and we would coast from great Hill to almost the Gloucester Line.
So there you have it for now, from the Kyrouz's to the Linsky's, two families that helped make Gloucester a great place to live. My Sargent St. holds many memories , mostly good but some sad . It was a street you could leave your doors unlocked. It is a street with its past population part of the very core that guides us from day to day. Until the next journey, see you then.
looking back - gloucester city hall
I am going to attempt to take you on a City Hall tour. Let us begin our journey from the top.
Of course we have the City Hall Bell. While its date I am not sure of, but I do know it was a gift of Samuel Sawyer. I had the honor during my time as Custodian of City Hall to ring the bell. I requested permission from Mayor Bruce Tobey to be able to ring the bell at noon every day. I even figured out a way of stringing a rope all the way to the landing next to the Mayors office. I had the sad honor of ringing the bell thirty three times as Freddy Kyrouz's funeral procession left the Saint Ann's Church and reached City Hall on the Dale Avenue side.
Traveling back to the tower and below the bell we have the four faces of the City Hall clock, which in these days is run by a small electric motor sitting on a large cast iron stand. One day I decided to see what was underneath this black stand, gifted again by Samuel Sawyer. I used three gallons of ammonia, along with degreaser and cold water. To my amazement this once black four-legged stand became a beautiful green painted stand with gold etchings. These etchings represented the four seasons of the year, one on each leg. It was also my distinct pleasure to climb up the tower several times.
One year when my granddaughter Ashley was small, she noticed that the Christmas lights were out in the round windows at the top. To make her happy we both ventured to climb to the top to fix the lights - mind you, the wind was blowing a gale and the tower was swaying - but this did not deter us from our mission.
Moving down the stairs we come into the inner or upper sanctum of the Fred Kyrouz Auditorium. I remember each time I had to change a bulb it took one hundred turns of the crank for the globe to touch the hall floor. It would take about one hour to clean and change and put back each fixture.
Speaking of fixtures, there was one time when a man came in to fix the clock above the rear of the Chamber. He told me not to worry, that it was run by a small motor just like the one in the Tower. We proceeded to climb to ladders, one on each side of the clock. Much to our surprise we found after unbolting the face, that it was made of solid marble, which accidentally dropped in our hands, just by our fingertips . Since this face weighed so much it was not long we were both in pain trying to hold it up from falling. The man and I began to holler for help, and eventually our hollering turned into screaming, but soon the DPW crew saved us. What a relief.
So now to end this I must bring up one point of my history in City Hall. A couple years back there was a picture of a Marble Directory in the Times which was found, however it was found only after I saw this black slab in back of the City Hall Boiler. Upon cleaning it with ammonia, degreaser and scolding hot water, the reality of this directory was in full view, upon which I was able to slide this slab from the back of the furnace, to the entrance of the boiler room door, thus the picture in the paper.
That's it for now, but I still have more to come.
(For more information on the City Hall murals and their restoration, please follow this link to the Gloucester Daily Times.)
Looking back - downtown main street
At this time we see the corner of Main & Pleasant as a total emptying of store fronts. This corner in years past was one of the busiest in Gloucester. In my time it was Sterlings Drugstore. It was managed by Jerry & Gordon Wiener. To this day I can remember Mrs. Johnson cutting me a big piece of squash pie, with a heaping spoonful of Sealtest chocolate ice cream. I can recall how in my youth the counter was so large. The people who worked at the Drugstore were very kind to the children of the area.
In walking around the corner upward on Pleasant St. there was Gloucester Camera and Photo, which later became a part of my Masonic Journey in the pages of time. Where the Artist Galleries are now located was the Western Union, managed by Mr. & Mrs. Howard Costa. I can also envision where Browns Mall is. The William G.Brown Department Store. Who could ever imagine that there would be so many condominiums within that building.
I remember the most, the little restaurant in the department store. Contrary to popular belief it was located beneath the spot where the Savory Skillet is located now. I can even now hear in my mind the sounds of the sales papers being routed through the air tubes that were located all over the store. In going out of the building on the Pleasant Street side I can also remember Santa's Village, located between the Salvation Army and Browns Department Store.
In particular in recalling the Salvation Army, when we were small we would go there to be given shoes to wear, and clothing to keep us warm . I can also remember each Christmas party at the Elks on Pleasant Street when we were treated to a Christmas Party with all the fixings, including Winter and Rain coats and hats gifted from Mighty Mac.
Woolworth's was located on the corner of Pleasant & Mains Street heading down toward where Dunkin Donuts is. Where the Police Station now is located there used to be Gorin's, which later became Almys Department store. The Police Station was located on Duncan St., next to the Fishermen's Institute, which by the way I and my family had the honor of cleaning before they tore it down. You see the agreement was we were only to clean up to the second floor as they were going to tear out the third, however as we finished the second floor some of the fishermen proceeded to lug their things from the third floor down to the second. So it was decided the building had to go.
Well that's it for now , I will try to shake the brain for more interesting imprints of my youth and teenage years.
In walking around the corner upward on Pleasant St. there was Gloucester Camera and Photo, which later became a part of my Masonic Journey in the pages of time. Where the Artist Galleries are now located was the Western Union, managed by Mr. & Mrs. Howard Costa. I can also envision where Browns Mall is. The William G.Brown Department Store. Who could ever imagine that there would be so many condominiums within that building.
I remember the most, the little restaurant in the department store. Contrary to popular belief it was located beneath the spot where the Savory Skillet is located now. I can even now hear in my mind the sounds of the sales papers being routed through the air tubes that were located all over the store. In going out of the building on the Pleasant Street side I can also remember Santa's Village, located between the Salvation Army and Browns Department Store.
In particular in recalling the Salvation Army, when we were small we would go there to be given shoes to wear, and clothing to keep us warm . I can also remember each Christmas party at the Elks on Pleasant Street when we were treated to a Christmas Party with all the fixings, including Winter and Rain coats and hats gifted from Mighty Mac.
Woolworth's was located on the corner of Pleasant & Mains Street heading down toward where Dunkin Donuts is. Where the Police Station now is located there used to be Gorin's, which later became Almys Department store. The Police Station was located on Duncan St., next to the Fishermen's Institute, which by the way I and my family had the honor of cleaning before they tore it down. You see the agreement was we were only to clean up to the second floor as they were going to tear out the third, however as we finished the second floor some of the fishermen proceeded to lug their things from the third floor down to the second. So it was decided the building had to go.
Well that's it for now , I will try to shake the brain for more interesting imprints of my youth and teenage years.
looking back - railroad avenue
Well here we are again tracing back on the imprints of my pages of time. With all the work going on and around the Gloucester Depot I have to add my thoughts.
First the new building does not look anything like the former Gloucester Depot. The original was set back further with the rear of the building abutting the paved walkway that is there now. The taxi cabs that you now see crowding out the cars that want to go into Shaw's parking lot ,which was once a railroad freight yard. Trains would almost be in the back yard of the people that lived on Maplewood Avenue. Taxi cabs back then parked backed in to abut the paved walkway of the depot. Passengers would park their cars up against the fenced in area behind the Depot Cafe as well as where the new Condo now stands.
Gloucester Auto bus would make their stop along the back of Babe Whalen's gas station.The Texaco Station is located there now. Where Shepp's Auto parts is once stood a Studabaker Dealership . I'm not sure but I believe Elliott Parsons and one of the Carr brothers ran it.
Of course we also had the infamous Station Lunch, greatest meals around at that time. Where all the tearing up is going on across the tracks was Nausse's Lumber Yard. The most memorable for me was working my Shoe Shine Stand at the Depot. I also remember my Dad as he would go to mug up at Station Lunch when he worked as a track man for the Boston & Maine Railroad.
Where Ryan's Car Wash stands once stood Welch's Jenny Station. Up the street was the Harbor Cafe, which is now the Rendezvous, and in my youth, next to that was The Clam Shell, which if I remember right was later Azevedo Radio & Television Repair. Yankee Taxi was around the corner of Washington Street & Railroad Ave, and Dora Dickson had her one cab , which was always parked on the corner of Mrs. Sloan's house on the corner of Commonwealth Ave.
Back then there were very little traffic jams. Taxi cabs were parked in easy to access areas without impeding the public or drivers. Goves Gas Station was on the corner of Exchange Street and Nelson's Candy was on the opposite.
So I guess that's about it for now . A little bit of my past imprints in the book of time. In closing it is my feeling that the city should adopt some of the parking requirements that these Taxi companies adhered to .
First the new building does not look anything like the former Gloucester Depot. The original was set back further with the rear of the building abutting the paved walkway that is there now. The taxi cabs that you now see crowding out the cars that want to go into Shaw's parking lot ,which was once a railroad freight yard. Trains would almost be in the back yard of the people that lived on Maplewood Avenue. Taxi cabs back then parked backed in to abut the paved walkway of the depot. Passengers would park their cars up against the fenced in area behind the Depot Cafe as well as where the new Condo now stands.
Gloucester Auto bus would make their stop along the back of Babe Whalen's gas station.The Texaco Station is located there now. Where Shepp's Auto parts is once stood a Studabaker Dealership . I'm not sure but I believe Elliott Parsons and one of the Carr brothers ran it.
Of course we also had the infamous Station Lunch, greatest meals around at that time. Where all the tearing up is going on across the tracks was Nausse's Lumber Yard. The most memorable for me was working my Shoe Shine Stand at the Depot. I also remember my Dad as he would go to mug up at Station Lunch when he worked as a track man for the Boston & Maine Railroad.
Where Ryan's Car Wash stands once stood Welch's Jenny Station. Up the street was the Harbor Cafe, which is now the Rendezvous, and in my youth, next to that was The Clam Shell, which if I remember right was later Azevedo Radio & Television Repair. Yankee Taxi was around the corner of Washington Street & Railroad Ave, and Dora Dickson had her one cab , which was always parked on the corner of Mrs. Sloan's house on the corner of Commonwealth Ave.
Back then there were very little traffic jams. Taxi cabs were parked in easy to access areas without impeding the public or drivers. Goves Gas Station was on the corner of Exchange Street and Nelson's Candy was on the opposite.
So I guess that's about it for now . A little bit of my past imprints in the book of time. In closing it is my feeling that the city should adopt some of the parking requirements that these Taxi companies adhered to .
looking back - freddie kyrouz
So today I'm thinking of a giant of a man. He dedicated most of his life serving our city. In my youth when I shined shoe for a couple of years. As I got older I knew I would not get into the bars as much. I then attempted to get a job shining shoes in one of the Shoe Shine Parlors. The first I tried in front of Nick's Pool Room. I got chased away by a guy with a pool stick. The net was Nats Shoe Repair and Shine Stand. I stayed almost a week. Then Freddy came out pulled me by the ear , and said anybody that can stand outside my shop and do better business than me , you're hired. In later years I worked in City Hall. In a sense he was again my boss. So here's to you Freddy...
I sometimes find things I have written and thought I had lost. Today was such a ...day. It was when the Honorable Fred Kyrouz passed that I had the humble honor of ringing the City Hall bell 33 times in tribute to the years that he served our city.I worked for him after getting people to get their shoes shined just steps away from Nat's Shoe Rapair & Shine Parlor. It was after a week that Freddie came out and grabbed me by the ear and put me to work. In later years I worked in City Hall as City Hall Custodian. Freddie taught me the ins and outs of our city. In rememberance of him I submit the following poem
A Tribute to Freddie Kyrouz
The sands of time have been swept away
By the sadness of the oceans tide.
The son of God was heard by Freddie that day
To come to his Father's Heaven to abide.
He had labored through his earthly time
To give sunshine and happiness to all he met.
Each page of his life can be clearly defined
This man did nothing on earth to regret.
Fred was a provider, far more than any father to compare;
He will go down in the book of Gloucester history
As a leader of knowledge, and a man of care.
So now we must continue without his lead
Yet remember he will in our hearts be daily renewed!
Freddie Kyrouz to all he met, has planted the seed
That gives us our Gloucester its heritage and beauty too.
Peter 'Huck Finn' Todd
I sometimes find things I have written and thought I had lost. Today was such a ...day. It was when the Honorable Fred Kyrouz passed that I had the humble honor of ringing the City Hall bell 33 times in tribute to the years that he served our city.I worked for him after getting people to get their shoes shined just steps away from Nat's Shoe Rapair & Shine Parlor. It was after a week that Freddie came out and grabbed me by the ear and put me to work. In later years I worked in City Hall as City Hall Custodian. Freddie taught me the ins and outs of our city. In rememberance of him I submit the following poem
A Tribute to Freddie Kyrouz
The sands of time have been swept away
By the sadness of the oceans tide.
The son of God was heard by Freddie that day
To come to his Father's Heaven to abide.
He had labored through his earthly time
To give sunshine and happiness to all he met.
Each page of his life can be clearly defined
This man did nothing on earth to regret.
Fred was a provider, far more than any father to compare;
He will go down in the book of Gloucester history
As a leader of knowledge, and a man of care.
So now we must continue without his lead
Yet remember he will in our hearts be daily renewed!
Freddie Kyrouz to all he met, has planted the seed
That gives us our Gloucester its heritage and beauty too.
Peter 'Huck Finn' Todd
looking back - the hesperus diner
I took this picture of a picture in Supreme Roast Beef. As a kid I used to go in there and shine shoes. This was a regular hang out for the politicians of the day. I remember shining John J. Burke's shoes and many of the policemen. My favorite customers were Jake Jacobson and Elmer Devere , I was tempted to charge them extra because their shoes took so much extra polish, plus the labor. My grandfather Knucky also used to go in there. So here's just a quick lookback... (I hope I don't get into trouble for taking a picture of a picture.)
The photo is taken from the exhibit "Diners, Still Cookin' in the 21st Century" at the Culinary Arts Museum at the Johnson & Wales University. According to the Johnson and Wales University Providence Campus newsletter of October 8, 2009, "The museum is preparing for the installation of a unique video theater as part of the 4,000 square-foot diner exhibit. It will be housed in the bullet-shaped end of the Hesperus Diner, a 1940 Streamliner originally located in Gloucester, MA." Prior to being purchased by the university museum, the Hesperus Diner was located in an empty field in Danbury, CT.
The photo is taken from the exhibit "Diners, Still Cookin' in the 21st Century" at the Culinary Arts Museum at the Johnson & Wales University. According to the Johnson and Wales University Providence Campus newsletter of October 8, 2009, "The museum is preparing for the installation of a unique video theater as part of the 4,000 square-foot diner exhibit. It will be housed in the bullet-shaped end of the Hesperus Diner, a 1940 Streamliner originally located in Gloucester, MA." Prior to being purchased by the university museum, the Hesperus Diner was located in an empty field in Danbury, CT.
how i came to be a mason
My thoughts for today mirror along the Masonic Open House coming up this weekend at all Lodges of my knowledge in the state of Massachusetts and by now beyond. I will not try to duplicate this announcement but put it to the reader in my simple way as to how I feel about Freemasonry.
First of all I broke the mold in Cape Ann Lodges and possible beyond. I am born in Gloucester, and I live Gloucester, not in the heritage way. I cannot swim, I will not go in a boat, and I am street educated.
So. Now you're thinking, what made me want to join the craft? It is simple; as a young boy on returning from my journey of ten years as a state ward I wanted to escape this new return, of which I had no understanding. My cousin Harry Vannah, father of Vincent Vannah of Russo’s Candy, presented me with an Esquire Shoe Shine Box. It was then I met my future brothers. I shined shoes in City Hall, first was always Her Honor Mayor Beatrice Corliss, no she was not a Mason, but her family members were. Former Mayor Friend was also. I would rush to City Hall before meetings of great importance to make sure their shoes would look good. Pierce N Hodgkin’s would have me shine his shoes while he practiced his Tuba. As I got older I shined shoes at Nat’s Shoe Shine & Repair. The Shoes of many Policemen and Political dignitaries.
Sorry. I’ve got to fast forward this is 2013. The world is spinning fast...
In 1981 I was dropping our daughter of to this strange place on Eastern Ave. She always was wearing white gowns at special occasions and there were these strange me wearing what I thought were penguin outfits. It was then I met Dean Currier, who was Gloucester’s Post Master. I asked him about the crazy get-ups and that started my Masonic journey.
It was within six months I became a Master Mason. There was no question or doubt about my sincerity, but the let a 7th grade drop out like me in. I soon got more involved, oops got to fast forward on my C.D Recorder. It has now been 31 years since becoming a Master Mason. It has since been that I have been Master of four lodges, two twice Charles C. Dame and Ashler Lodge once.
So here’s the good part. I even got the Massachusetts second highest medal: The Joseph Warren. I and my wife were also Past Worthy Matron & Patron of Martha Washington Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.
So let me total this up for you - Rumor and Speculation: Freemasonry is out to overtake the world. Answer: Question how does an uneducated Mason like myself and many others going to do that. Rumor and Speculation: Freemasonry preaches their own religious thoughts. Answer: A lodge is mostly a 60 by 40 ft room. On the alter, the same as Elk’s. Moose or most Fraternal Organizations is the symbol of our lodge. YES, its open, but we open with prayer and close with prayer. The prayer is not from the Bible, It’s from the Chaplain who usually makes it up.
My personal closing statement. Yes, I may be a Past Master, but I have no other Master in my life than that of God.
So if you’re interested in exploring then I invite you drop by and see for yourself.
First of all I broke the mold in Cape Ann Lodges and possible beyond. I am born in Gloucester, and I live Gloucester, not in the heritage way. I cannot swim, I will not go in a boat, and I am street educated.
So. Now you're thinking, what made me want to join the craft? It is simple; as a young boy on returning from my journey of ten years as a state ward I wanted to escape this new return, of which I had no understanding. My cousin Harry Vannah, father of Vincent Vannah of Russo’s Candy, presented me with an Esquire Shoe Shine Box. It was then I met my future brothers. I shined shoes in City Hall, first was always Her Honor Mayor Beatrice Corliss, no she was not a Mason, but her family members were. Former Mayor Friend was also. I would rush to City Hall before meetings of great importance to make sure their shoes would look good. Pierce N Hodgkin’s would have me shine his shoes while he practiced his Tuba. As I got older I shined shoes at Nat’s Shoe Shine & Repair. The Shoes of many Policemen and Political dignitaries.
Sorry. I’ve got to fast forward this is 2013. The world is spinning fast...
In 1981 I was dropping our daughter of to this strange place on Eastern Ave. She always was wearing white gowns at special occasions and there were these strange me wearing what I thought were penguin outfits. It was then I met Dean Currier, who was Gloucester’s Post Master. I asked him about the crazy get-ups and that started my Masonic journey.
It was within six months I became a Master Mason. There was no question or doubt about my sincerity, but the let a 7th grade drop out like me in. I soon got more involved, oops got to fast forward on my C.D Recorder. It has now been 31 years since becoming a Master Mason. It has since been that I have been Master of four lodges, two twice Charles C. Dame and Ashler Lodge once.
So here’s the good part. I even got the Massachusetts second highest medal: The Joseph Warren. I and my wife were also Past Worthy Matron & Patron of Martha Washington Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.
So let me total this up for you - Rumor and Speculation: Freemasonry is out to overtake the world. Answer: Question how does an uneducated Mason like myself and many others going to do that. Rumor and Speculation: Freemasonry preaches their own religious thoughts. Answer: A lodge is mostly a 60 by 40 ft room. On the alter, the same as Elk’s. Moose or most Fraternal Organizations is the symbol of our lodge. YES, its open, but we open with prayer and close with prayer. The prayer is not from the Bible, It’s from the Chaplain who usually makes it up.
My personal closing statement. Yes, I may be a Past Master, but I have no other Master in my life than that of God.
So if you’re interested in exploring then I invite you drop by and see for yourself.
Miscellaneous Memories #1
I was thinking how strange this is.. I remember shining Charles Olson's shoes in Rajoe's. I also reflect upon Vincent Ferinni and how he encouraged me to keep on writing. My special times were two: The first was finding Vincent's famous ring of nickles that he lost in City Hall. Then the most memorable - having the honor of reading my poem on stage at City Hall in celebration of the re-opening of the City Hall and then being on stage with Vincent and John Ronan. Here I was a former shoe shine boy, a former seventh-grade-only student, and a former City Hall Custodian reading along side these famous poets!
my "street dads"
So Fathers' Day is now but a memory, yet we should have them in our thoughts everyday. I can recall I had many what I called Street dads. I found out when I first stepped out at 124 Washington St. My first street dad was Jerry of the Depot Café. The second was Roger Edwards of the Gloucester Train Depot. He sent to Boston for my Shoe Shine Stand. Pierce N. Hodgkins was another; I used to shine his shoes everyday while he played the tuba. I recall when I went to Main St. I had James Abbott of Henderson & Johnson Paint. It is through his wisdom and generosity that students have the James Abbott Scholarship. It has been my feelings that the city should have some a memorial statue for him. I would love to see the Crane shipped to Ipswich where it belongs and replaced by a James Abbott. I had three other street dads - Gloucester Police Chief. John J. Coyle, John O'Connell, and Sgt. Jake Jacobson. I also had two self adopted street dads - Ralph Pratt, and Beefo's of Beefo's lunch. I could always get a meal from there. The most memorable was Ralph Pratt. He could tap dance up a storm. These are my street memories, of which there are many.
Ralph pratt
My father was a long time friend of Ralph Pratt , and I got to know when I started to shine shoes downtown. My first meeting with Ralph was to say the least very scary. I was shining shoes one day in the Hydaway, while I really did not know him personally . I had heard many stories of him and my father as they grew up together. It was even said that Ralph and my dad were having a contest on how many kids they would have. It ended out my Dad had 14 and Ralph had 11, so my Dad won.
Getting back to my story , while I was shining a mans shoes at the bar, he called Ralph over to where he was sitting. The customer looked down at me and pointed , see this kid shining my shoes,he is my son. Suddenly Ralph reached over , grabbed the man by the shirt and punched him. The next thing I knew all hatie's broke loose. The Police and Firemen were suddenly crowding in to the bar. The man was taken out of the Hydaway. I later learned that he was my real mothers last husband , but of no relation to me. I was very scared after the incident and ran out crying. I saw t he Firemen going up the hill where the Fitz Henry Lane House is now. I watched them as they set fire to a car of which I learned belong to the man they took out.
The chief of Police , John J. Coyle , took me aside and told me not to fear, the man would never bother me again. He told me that they had to burn the car, as he was a suspected Tuberculosis carrier. He was put on a train with a one way ticket out of town. It was after that day the Police and Fire sort of adopted me. Ralph Pratt also took me under his wings. I sort of became a addition to his family, more so as I grew older.
Ralph was somewhat of a character. I remember how he used to tap dance around the Hydaway with both hands carrying bottles of beer and glasses, and he would not miss a beat . He would set a bowl of beer for my dog Pudgy to drink, along with a slice of Stewart's pizza. My dog Pudgy was a female, and she had at least as far as I can remember 8 litters of pups in her life time. Ralph would spoil her rotten. Ralph also used to have a challenge going for his customers. He had a roll out awning which had a sort of platform in the middle. The customers would pitch quarters, dimes, nickels, and penny's. If you got in the customer would get a free drink. I will tell you one thing their were more coins on the awning, than the bottle. He used to let me help clean off the awning. I do not believe anybody knew where the money went. I know it went for good causes, but he did not want any thanks for it.
In later years I also worked for Ralph's brother Barley. It was with him I had my first experience of driving a standard shift truck. The Pratt family at that time was much involved with the development of Long Beach property. It was there I learned the true value of working . I used to help mix cement and carry blocks or bricks as they were needed on the job. I would take breaks and get in the Dump truck they had , and attempt to drive around Long Beach. I loved working with Barley, Dana , and especially Blinky Walsh.
At that same time Ralph owned the Marina that was down on the end of Parker St where Pigeon Cove Fish is now located. It was kind of boring , but in the summer it was great. The building would be empty and my buddy Bobby Gross and I would take Ralph's 54 Buick and drive from floor to floor with the top down. It was a ball.
In my closing reflection of Ralph, I offer this. I was learning to do roofing. My first lesson was working on Ralph's house on Myrtle Square. I and Ralph, along with his sons Mike and I believe Jimmy were on top of the roof . Ralph was showing me how to do the work. As I shuffled my legs and knees along , suddenly I found myself over the edge, but not to fear Ralph caught me as I fell . He said it was lucky he caught my arm , otherwise he would had to have pulled me up by the hair, but as he said with my hair I would not have been hurt. So there you have it a little look back on a man and Family that were heritage and foundation of businesses of today. I refer to Pratty's on Parker St Jimmy Pratt. I refer to Stylin on the Island . Christine Pratt Murphy, I refer to Brown's ,Mall Mary Jo Montiniqno, Joe Pratt, retired City Auditor, Mike Pratt. retired Deputy Fire Chief. and all the others who continue to carry on the Pratt Family heritage. This article I dedicate to the loving memory of Ralph & Josie Pratt. R.I.P
Getting back to my story , while I was shining a mans shoes at the bar, he called Ralph over to where he was sitting. The customer looked down at me and pointed , see this kid shining my shoes,he is my son. Suddenly Ralph reached over , grabbed the man by the shirt and punched him. The next thing I knew all hatie's broke loose. The Police and Firemen were suddenly crowding in to the bar. The man was taken out of the Hydaway. I later learned that he was my real mothers last husband , but of no relation to me. I was very scared after the incident and ran out crying. I saw t he Firemen going up the hill where the Fitz Henry Lane House is now. I watched them as they set fire to a car of which I learned belong to the man they took out.
The chief of Police , John J. Coyle , took me aside and told me not to fear, the man would never bother me again. He told me that they had to burn the car, as he was a suspected Tuberculosis carrier. He was put on a train with a one way ticket out of town. It was after that day the Police and Fire sort of adopted me. Ralph Pratt also took me under his wings. I sort of became a addition to his family, more so as I grew older.
Ralph was somewhat of a character. I remember how he used to tap dance around the Hydaway with both hands carrying bottles of beer and glasses, and he would not miss a beat . He would set a bowl of beer for my dog Pudgy to drink, along with a slice of Stewart's pizza. My dog Pudgy was a female, and she had at least as far as I can remember 8 litters of pups in her life time. Ralph would spoil her rotten. Ralph also used to have a challenge going for his customers. He had a roll out awning which had a sort of platform in the middle. The customers would pitch quarters, dimes, nickels, and penny's. If you got in the customer would get a free drink. I will tell you one thing their were more coins on the awning, than the bottle. He used to let me help clean off the awning. I do not believe anybody knew where the money went. I know it went for good causes, but he did not want any thanks for it.
In later years I also worked for Ralph's brother Barley. It was with him I had my first experience of driving a standard shift truck. The Pratt family at that time was much involved with the development of Long Beach property. It was there I learned the true value of working . I used to help mix cement and carry blocks or bricks as they were needed on the job. I would take breaks and get in the Dump truck they had , and attempt to drive around Long Beach. I loved working with Barley, Dana , and especially Blinky Walsh.
At that same time Ralph owned the Marina that was down on the end of Parker St where Pigeon Cove Fish is now located. It was kind of boring , but in the summer it was great. The building would be empty and my buddy Bobby Gross and I would take Ralph's 54 Buick and drive from floor to floor with the top down. It was a ball.
In my closing reflection of Ralph, I offer this. I was learning to do roofing. My first lesson was working on Ralph's house on Myrtle Square. I and Ralph, along with his sons Mike and I believe Jimmy were on top of the roof . Ralph was showing me how to do the work. As I shuffled my legs and knees along , suddenly I found myself over the edge, but not to fear Ralph caught me as I fell . He said it was lucky he caught my arm , otherwise he would had to have pulled me up by the hair, but as he said with my hair I would not have been hurt. So there you have it a little look back on a man and Family that were heritage and foundation of businesses of today. I refer to Pratty's on Parker St Jimmy Pratt. I refer to Stylin on the Island . Christine Pratt Murphy, I refer to Brown's ,Mall Mary Jo Montiniqno, Joe Pratt, retired City Auditor, Mike Pratt. retired Deputy Fire Chief. and all the others who continue to carry on the Pratt Family heritage. This article I dedicate to the loving memory of Ralph & Josie Pratt. R.I.P
gloucester's main street
My wife and I had a great time at the Block Party. Our Main St was packed with people both local and visitors. As I walked through I could not help to reflect in my mind a flash back of what used to be...
I start at the now CVS which was once W.T Grants, and upon the memory of Ed, the manager, who gave most of his retirement years helping to set up and teach elders the age of the internet. The Empire Clothing store and Willy Prince's widow. The North Shore Furniture, the owner always reaching out to help others.
Johnny McLean's barber shop, and lawyers Richard Hull and Charlie Ayers on the second floor. Kennedy's Egg & Butter; Larsen's Shoe - still standing, still open, offering affordable shoes even today. The Beef & Bun, Bob Parker and his wife and crew waiting on the hurried shoppers. Then we have Kresge's Five & Dime, Nicks Pool Room, the Tic Toc where my sister worked.
This is only part of what my memory recalls, but remember, folks, at that time I was very small. Mike Pitel as he cleaned stores from one side to the other. Mike Johnson and my uncle Ozzie cleaning Cape Ann Savings Bank. Wade's Waiting Station. Connor's Drug Store and least we let's not forget The Gloucester Daily Times on Center St. Season Master on the corner of Middle & Center, soon to become one of the sites of Calvary Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church on Middle and Pleasant; today the Pastor's son, Willy Alexander, offering his own wisdom and talent.
That's it for now for shaking the brain. So to end this I offer my words of my poetry of below Duncan & Main:
Duncan St. Past & Present
A narrow street with its curves and bends
Filled with fond memories of the past
Of when I was a shoe shine boy with money to spend
As my first teen years in time were cast
The Fisherman’s Institute now torn down
The Police Station right next door
Now at the inner heart of town
The Esler Building still standing with modern décor
This was the place my mother lived and worked
The building Center now surrounded by baron land
Unbuildable in the future by city codes and quirks
Gloucester Paints now replaced by a bank
Empire fish abandoned ,the place where my Dad worked
This was my street with its businesses and bars
A place where I learned to become a man
Now replaced by tourists and cars
I ask you dear Lord was this in your plan?
I start at the now CVS which was once W.T Grants, and upon the memory of Ed, the manager, who gave most of his retirement years helping to set up and teach elders the age of the internet. The Empire Clothing store and Willy Prince's widow. The North Shore Furniture, the owner always reaching out to help others.
Johnny McLean's barber shop, and lawyers Richard Hull and Charlie Ayers on the second floor. Kennedy's Egg & Butter; Larsen's Shoe - still standing, still open, offering affordable shoes even today. The Beef & Bun, Bob Parker and his wife and crew waiting on the hurried shoppers. Then we have Kresge's Five & Dime, Nicks Pool Room, the Tic Toc where my sister worked.
This is only part of what my memory recalls, but remember, folks, at that time I was very small. Mike Pitel as he cleaned stores from one side to the other. Mike Johnson and my uncle Ozzie cleaning Cape Ann Savings Bank. Wade's Waiting Station. Connor's Drug Store and least we let's not forget The Gloucester Daily Times on Center St. Season Master on the corner of Middle & Center, soon to become one of the sites of Calvary Baptist Church. The First Baptist Church on Middle and Pleasant; today the Pastor's son, Willy Alexander, offering his own wisdom and talent.
That's it for now for shaking the brain. So to end this I offer my words of my poetry of below Duncan & Main:
Duncan St. Past & Present
A narrow street with its curves and bends
Filled with fond memories of the past
Of when I was a shoe shine boy with money to spend
As my first teen years in time were cast
The Fisherman’s Institute now torn down
The Police Station right next door
Now at the inner heart of town
The Esler Building still standing with modern décor
This was the place my mother lived and worked
The building Center now surrounded by baron land
Unbuildable in the future by city codes and quirks
Gloucester Paints now replaced by a bank
Empire fish abandoned ,the place where my Dad worked
This was my street with its businesses and bars
A place where I learned to become a man
Now replaced by tourists and cars
I ask you dear Lord was this in your plan?
Looking Back on Cedar St & Willow
As I search my mind of memories of the past wonderful pictures come into view. I hope that beside making me happy it brings happiness to all of you.
I was born on 10 rear Cedar St, in my grandmother's home. She lived on the second floor. At turning to age of ten I returned to Gloucester, and yes. I found myself returning to Nana Todd's. She truly was a wonderful lady. I remember I spent more time at her house than our own. The years have flown by , but I’ll try to describe to what the neighborhood was like.
Where Unis Plumbing now is, there used to be a Gun Shop, I think it was called Ellis’ ; I'm not sure. It also became a grocery store and I believe a main supplier for a lot of the Fishing Fleet.
It was also a Barber Shop . At the end of Willow and the corner of Cleveland was Merchant’s Box Factory. It was there that I used to go and shine Ben Smiths shoes. He was so pleased with my work he had Percy Sloan & Matt Maddox build me my first shoe shine box made from wood. My very first one was tin and it was a gift from my cousin Harry Vannah, right out of the trunk of his trunk sales car.At that time Maplewood Park was in the process of being built. Our grandfather Clayton rust was one of the foremen on the site. He was able to supply not only his family with firewood , but ours as well. I can also recall walking up the tracks with my father and brother picking up old dried out ties for kindling . My dad and brother would have one on each shoulder , while I struggled dragging a half of one. On the other end of Cedar St we had Johnny Zions and Nelsens Bakery as well as Salahs Market . I could never forget Burnham’s field, which at that time I think was called The Oval,I could be wrong , but I do remember that they had rows of housing which at times you had to walk on wooden planks because of the swamp like conditions. So now lets see who can correct me or add to my dimming memories. I dedicate these thoughts to my grandmother may she R.I.P Mary Vannah Walsh Todd
I was born on 10 rear Cedar St, in my grandmother's home. She lived on the second floor. At turning to age of ten I returned to Gloucester, and yes. I found myself returning to Nana Todd's. She truly was a wonderful lady. I remember I spent more time at her house than our own. The years have flown by , but I’ll try to describe to what the neighborhood was like.
Where Unis Plumbing now is, there used to be a Gun Shop, I think it was called Ellis’ ; I'm not sure. It also became a grocery store and I believe a main supplier for a lot of the Fishing Fleet.
It was also a Barber Shop . At the end of Willow and the corner of Cleveland was Merchant’s Box Factory. It was there that I used to go and shine Ben Smiths shoes. He was so pleased with my work he had Percy Sloan & Matt Maddox build me my first shoe shine box made from wood. My very first one was tin and it was a gift from my cousin Harry Vannah, right out of the trunk of his trunk sales car.At that time Maplewood Park was in the process of being built. Our grandfather Clayton rust was one of the foremen on the site. He was able to supply not only his family with firewood , but ours as well. I can also recall walking up the tracks with my father and brother picking up old dried out ties for kindling . My dad and brother would have one on each shoulder , while I struggled dragging a half of one. On the other end of Cedar St we had Johnny Zions and Nelsens Bakery as well as Salahs Market . I could never forget Burnham’s field, which at that time I think was called The Oval,I could be wrong , but I do remember that they had rows of housing which at times you had to walk on wooden planks because of the swamp like conditions. So now lets see who can correct me or add to my dimming memories. I dedicate these thoughts to my grandmother may she R.I.P Mary Vannah Walsh Todd