Month: April 2021

Also known as Prospect Street Cemetery, this is a very small and bleak looking cemetery sitting next the the AM VETS building. The few stones are old and clustered within a few feet of each other. A Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County, Massachusetts published by the Essex Society of Genealogists (1991) describes it as “Small, abandoned, barren-looking cemetery sloping downhill from street with stone wall & iron gate. Marker at gate illegible.” It also notes that a list of names was published in the Gloucester Daily Times June 18 1925.

Unfortunately I could never actually recommend a stroll through here. Many have apparently taken advantage of the wall to hide garbage and poop bags thrown into the enclosed area. It’s also not a very big area and it would be a very short walk if you decided to take it. But several Gloucester families have their dead buried here and it deserves recognition as one of our cherished resting places.

Good morning Joey

I was looking at some old pictures and came across this post card of Fisherman’s Wharf

In the summers of my 7^th grade till senior in high school I spent summers fishing on my dads boat the Debbie Rose

With Family

My uncle John Randazza Captain (AKA Johnny Boy )

My Father Sal Randazza Jr (Engineer)

My Grand father  Cook (AKA Tootise)

My Cousin Anthony Randazza

We were quite the crew

Young and Old

I can remember waking up at 1:30 Am every day except Fridays(New York Fish Market Closed On Weekends)

My Father and I would listen to the NOAA Forecast and he would tell me if I could go with him Weather permitting

Just between you and me my father always said yes hoping I would get sick and not want to go anymore

I spent many of days over the rail sick as a dog

He could see back then that there was no life in fishing in the future

Then we were off to Dunkin Donuts and there was the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf  Boat Crews waiting there till someone made a move

It was usually the crew of the Debbie Rose or Tom Testaverde on the Sea Fox That made the  move

My grandfather would already be on the boat waiting for us 

So off we go in a line to Ipswich Bay to fish

I would see some of the best sunrises that time in my life

We would steam for close to 2-3 Hrs

That’s when the net went over and was towed for 2 hrs

The net was then hauled back and the sorting and cleaning and packing of fish began

We would make 3 tows and head in to make trucks in afternoon that headed to New York fish market

My father always had a 5 gallon bucket of fresh fish to bring home for dinner and to give some to friends and family

These are the days I will never forget

I currently have a boat and fish with my wife rod and reel for ground fish in the same spots I fished with my dad

The good old days

Sal Randazza III

On a clear day….

A great day to be on the water recently!

Ron Gelineau submits:

Hi Joey throwback Thursday Gloucester Mass rescues Ohio River 1937 Flood
https://peoplesriverhistory.us/blog/the-mad-ohio-the-great-ohio-river-flood-of-1937/

A new acquaintance has shared some excellent photos taken of “our” eagles and hawks in Magnolia. I have been allowed to share them, a very gracious move from the photographer. Thank you! These are outstanding. I aspire to such perfection.

Magic carpet….

OSRP will influence plan for parks, recreation spaces & natural resources  

Do you live in Gloucester? Are you interested in helping to shape the future of open space and recreation in your community?  

The City of Gloucester is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to update its open space and recreation plan (OSRP) and we need your input!  

The open space and recreation plan will guide Gloucester’s decisions and investments to protect, maintain and improve open space, parks and recreational resources. Completing a plan will make Gloucester eligible for state funds to acquire and improve conservation and recreation land.  

The City and Open Space and Recreation Committee will host a virtual community meeting and open house on Monday, April 26 at 5 p.m. Register at mapc.ma/GloucesterOSRP.  

Attendees will learn about the OSRP planning process, hear an overview presentation on existing park and open space resources in Gloucester and give feedback on their vision for future park and recreation improvements. 

This open house will be the first of several opportunities for residents to get involved in the plan. Can’t make it? Following the meeting, a “Virtual Open House” with a meeting recording and chance to give feedback will be available on the city website. Residents will be able to participate in the Virtual Open House any time between April 26 and May 10 at https://gloucester-ma.gov/271/Open-Space-Recreation-Planning.  

Contact MAPC Regional Land Use Planner Courtney Lewis at clewis@mapc.org with questions. 

Hi Joey,
My name is Becca Gutstadt and I grew up in Rockport. Though I now live in San Diego, my parents (Nancy Goodman & Jim Gutstadt) are still on Cape Ann and are very active members of the community. 
I wanted to reach out because for the last few months I have been offering virtual healthy cooking classes for the children of Cape Ann and they have been very well received. I will be offering another kids cooking series starting in May and I wondered if you would be willing to post the flyer I have created for it on your website/blog to help me spread the word.
I have attached the flyer for you to take a look at and am happy to provide any other additional information that would be helpful. Let me know if you have any questions. Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Best,Becca Gutstadt