I was thinking about where I’d want my bench this morning. Say you died and some folks wanted to put a memorial bench someplace with your name on it for people to enjoy.
I guess it’s similar to spreading ashes. Some people keep their loved ones in an urn on a shelf in the house, some spread them out to sea, some spread them along a beach.
But in the tradition of our family we usually get buried in boxes and put into cemeteries. In some cases loved ones or family members may donate or erect a bench somewhere with the deceased’s name on it.
But I’m getting off track I’m not talking about the physical body placement once the spirit has left, I’m talking about if people were going to place a bench in memory of you somewhere.
So here was my thought process when thinking about it-
At first I thought about a bench at Cripple Cove overlooking our dock but immediately erased the thought of that because of the gazillions of hours spent down here, the last place I want to be stuck at is overlooking work. Then I thought about the beach somewhere overlooking Good Harbor. I love Good Harbor Beach but really I rarely get there because I work so much. Taking sunrise pictures of the Twin Lights from the footbridge is something I enjoy and thinking about someone else enjoying those sunrises while sitting on that bench would be nice. (Also briefly considered a bench at the Naples Beach Club).
But I consider myself a people person and I’m most happy when interacting with people I like. So it came down to Main Street. I love downtown. I love the action, the people, the restaurants. So ideally it would be on Main street in the block between Menage Gallery and Passports on that side of the street where they get that beautiful morning sun.
Where would you want your bench?
Good Morning Gloucester 
Well I think I would make my family splurge on multiple benches, I don’t know if I could pick one spot right now. Maybe underwater at Folly Cove, because that’s where I first found my love of Gloucester, and one at GHB to remember the winter walks with Coconut and the fun times with friends in the summer and I think I would have to have one in CT at Walkers Dock where I grew up boating, claming, fishing and beachin it with my family.
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Somewhere out on Brier Neck overlooking Thacher Island
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In the middle of the woods, in a shady spot, under a fantastic tree with vines all over it. Off the beaten path, definitely.
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Things to think about… First Magnolia Beach were the anxiety of the day can disolve, but like you I enjoy the activity… Maybe admiring the Man at the Wheel and have people think about the sea, the power, beauty and ways to keep in clean and beautiful… Very deep today
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Wow! a lot of heart warming and sentimental locations you have all chosen. Now it’s my turn.
I’ll prepay my own. I don’t want to owe anybody anything even when I’m a load of ashes.
I’d chose someplace quiet, breezy, on the water and where there are no people to sit their smelly Butts on my bench. Maybe Stage Fort Park in the Fall and Winter time. Then just store me and my bench for the summer.
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Right next to my uncle’s bench (Billy Crossen) overlooking Half Moon Beach @ Stage Fort.
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Mine would be somewhere overlooking Long Beach—–gazing out toward Thacher’s Island. I would hope that lots of dogs would come and sit on my bench (along with their owners) and think how much I love that area!
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At Stage Fort Park, under the large green tree to the left of the baseball field. Caleigh Lyn, Caleb “J” and I sit there after they run, and run some more around the Park. We enjoy the breeze, and the feeling of serenity as we look out at the boats on our beautiful ocean. We feel so exceptionally bonded. That is our place.
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It’s funny you would be thinking of benches in memory of loved ones. I have had two benches on order since May 2010 to be placed in front of the parking lot between LaTrattoria Pizza (62 Main Street) and Hawley Gallery (48 Main Street). Each will be placed in front of the bushes we planted last September.
The first one is in memory of my brother, Francis R. Fittro, who worked for Addison Gilbert Hospital for 16 years before he passed in September 1998. The second is courtesy of the Fonzo Family.
These benches were a special order, hence the long lead time, and will be delivered and installed mid August. I hope you enjoy them.
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Somewhere on Eastern Point, facing the outer harbor and the Fort! Near Niles beach would be perfect!
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farm creek, overlooking the mouth of the essex river. don’t need to install a bench though. a nice chunk of driftwood is fine and the best time is between labor day and memorial day. i love it out there.
best,
deb
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