Debris from the demo of the 13,500 SF property (and parking lot) on 206/209 Main Street, formerly known as Cameron’s restaurant, is being trucked away from sorted piles, scrap metal here, mixed materials there. Action Inc. and North Shore Community Development Coalition ‘s new apartment building will meld in a few street level commercial spaces. (Read about the latticework of buildings on this stretch of Main here and see photos then and now below. I think it will be both changeless and changing as the saying goes.) I’m confident the charm and great karma of Cameron’s meals and happy celebrations will carry forward for the residents and business owners coming to this corner of Main and Elm.
In the meantime I was delighted to find some (poor) snapshots with my mom inside Cameron’s. I’m sure there are more and better Cameron’s photographs out there!
photo caption March 17, 2019 view across Main Street, past Cameron’s to City Hallphoto caption January 22, 2019
Inside Cameron’s restaurant 2009, 2010
photo snapshot captions – fuzzy glimpses of Cameron’s restaurant interior on St. Patrick’s Day 2009 (kids playing fiddles now in their 20s!) & 2010. There must be photos out there!
Cameron’s carved eagle salvaged and soaring
The eagle was removed, repaired and painted in 2017 in preparation for a new and most fitting site– flying high for Cape Ann Veterans Services. Who carved Cameron’s iconic eagle sign?
GMG reader David Collins shares the answer about the artist who hand carved the eagle as reported in the Gloucester Daily Times 2017. Carl Goddard of Nahant carved the eagle in 1967.
View on the side
2012 mural painted by children w/ Cape Ann Art Haven (and painted again!)January 17, 2020 Cameron’s demo coming, corner of Elm and Main
Demo January 17 – 24, 2020
Artist studios across the street will have a front row for the construction progress.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
near Allen Street- view down Prospect Street _ Our Lady blue domes in background, 107 Prospect St. on right, Gloucester, Ma. when Prospect Street was one road, homes (still standing), and variety property fence designs (from History of Gloucester Vol. 3, published 1978, featuring photographs from James B. Benham collection and from Gaspar J. Lafata and Martin J. Horgan Jr. )top floor balcony enclosed
Below- arch windows and decorative door elements on the homes in the vintage photo can be found on homes throughout Gloucester, including two nearby:
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
April is National poetry month. Poem in Pocket Day 2020 falls on April 30th. Stay tuned for Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library annual poetry without paper contest for students.
Here’s the winning image for the 2020 poster – this year was an open call to student artists!
Order the 2020 poster with winning art by SAMANTHA AIKMAN, 10th grader from VT, for the Academy of American Poets’ 2020 National Poetry Month poster contest for students (photography “tree cookies”)
New York, NY (January 9, 2020)—The Academy of American Poets is pleased to announce that tenth graderSamantha Aikman from Mount Mansfield Union High School in Richmond, Vermont, has been named the winner of the 2020 National Poetry Month Poster Contest for Students. Aikman’s artwork was selected by former U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and award-winning cartoonist Alison Bechdel from among ten outstanding finalists and 180 student submissions. The Academy of American Poets will distribute 100,000 free copies of the 2020 National Poetry Month poster featuring Aikman’s artwork to libraries, schools, bookstores, and community centers nationwide. The poster will also be available for download.
As the winner of the contest, Aikman will receive $500, a $500 gift certificate to Blick Art Materials, and art supplies from Sakura Color of America. She will also be featured in the April 2020 issue of American Poets magazine.
The judges have additionally selected artwork by twelfth grader Kai Huie from The Bronx High School of Science in New York, New York, to receive Honorable Mention for the 2020 National Poetry Month Poster Contest for Students. As the runner-up Huie will receive $250.
KAI HUIE 2020 National Poetry Month poster contest for students – honorable mention
For the contest, the Academy of American Poets invited students in grades nine through twelve to submit artwork that incorporated line(s) from the poem “Remember” by current U. S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo and that reflected a celebration of the art of poetry.
Read the full release and more about the lines both Aikman and Huie selected here
Mayor Romeo Theken was instrumental in securing funding, including a MassWorks grant, for another generational neighborhood infrastructure overhaul in Gloucester, Massachusetts. This soup to nuts improvement project– water, sewer, drainage, pavement, & utilities–impacts several streets including: Cedar, Millet, Sargent, Shepherd, Trask, and Warner. Some original sewer pipes were a century old.
Gloucester DPW works in concert and alternates with various partners as the work is completed. While National Grid is up at bat currently with the utitlity upgrades, DPW is demobilized. The gas complany is replacing aged gas lines and mains, and improving services. It may have a wider scope than the city utility work.
photo caption: street work view down Millet Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts. City Hall and St. Ann’s in distance:
photo caption: Millet and Warner Street , Gloucester, MA (Jan. 14, 2020)
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
From Washington & Poplar streets, progress views (2018-2020) across to the Cape Ann Museum expansion. This spot includes the historic White Ellery House and Barn, Babson-Alling home, new archives & collections building, and public space and grounds. The museum’s anchor location is nearby on Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester.
Apri 2019 / Nov 2019
Jan 2019 / Jan 2020
Nov 2018 / Jan 2020
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
I didn’t notice yesterday but today, January 12, 2020, the ground smells like April. I found a sunny spot protected from the wind and stayed put reading outside, odd but nice. The former highest January temp on record was 62 degrees back in 1975.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Courtney Richardson, Director of Public Education and Programs for Cape Ann Museum, shares outreach about a new community conversation series at CAM. “We want to know what you think! Join us to share your feedback about our Library & Archives on January 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. There will be chowda!”
Let’s Talk About the Future! CAM Community Conversations Series Starts
The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present a new series of community conversations on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. As the Cape Ann Museum looks forward to 2023 and the 150thanniversary of the founding of the Museum, originally known as the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Association, staff is rethinking exhibitions and the work that is being done within the community. To help the Museum plan for the future, please come and participate in a series of conversations about the Museum’s collections, exhibitions, programming and more. Each monthly session throughout the winter will have a specific focus: January 18 – Library & Archives; February 22 – Exhibitions; March 14 – Public Programs. These staff moderated exchanges will give participants a chance to share feedback and ideas for the future. Refreshments will be served. January’s community conversation will be moderated by CAM’s new Librarian/Archivist Trenton Carls and will feature clam chowder from the Gloucester House. Free and open to the public. Reservations encouraged but walk-ins are also welcome. Reserve online at capeannmuseum.org or call (978)283-0455 x10.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
(Consideration – interior scene at the time of a special Lane exhibition in 2017)
The museum is switching up free days in January for days throughout the year including a fixed schedule of second Saturdays of every month.
Courtney Richardson shares news about the debut of a bounty of new Cape Ann Museum tours presented by dedicated docents on Saturdays in January 2020. Peruse the complete list below; a tremendous amount of knowledge and passion went into preparing distinct and engaging programs for museum visitors.
Winter Shorts Return in January!
Theme-based tours of the collection Saturdays throughout January
The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present a month-long series of specialty tours on Saturdays starting January 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Learn more about the Museum’s collections through Winter Shorts. Each tour has been creatively crafted by one of the Museum’s volunteer docents. Each themed tour focuses on different areas of the collection. Three or four tours are offered each Saturday —sign up for one or more—a great way for members and nonmembers alike to learn about the Museum and Cape Ann art & history. Each tour lasts approximately 20 minutes with time to transition in between. Come for one or all! On these Saturdays, Winter Shorts will replace the 11:00 a.m. highlights tours. Tours are free for CAM members or with Museum admission. Space is limited. Reservations required. For more information visit capeannmuseum.org or call 978-283-0455 x10.
List of tours by date.
January 11, 2020
“Everyday Art Objects” with CAM docent Pat Earle
There are many things in our world what are used on a regular basis but not remarked on for their appearance. Sometimes, when no longer used, these items become recognized and treasured for their beauty. View objects on display now which are admired as artwork and consider what everyday objects might be exhibited by this Museum 50 years from now.
“Cape Ann Morals, Commerce and Culture Viewed Through a 19th Century Piano” with CAM docent Paul Romary
The piano in the rear parlor of the Davis House was built in Boston in 1828 and accessioned by the Cape Ann Museum in 1942. In exploring between those dates, this piano offers a window into the transformation of the mores, commerce and culture of the nation charting Cape Ann from the Federal era of the early 19th century until the Great Depression.
“Angels, Saints and Serpents” with CAM docent Trudi Olivetti
Amid the realistic landscapes and life-like portraits in the Cape Ann Museum, one can find surprising representations of otherworldly beings. Some of these are allegorical and some are sworn to be seen by eyewitnesses. On this brief tour, we will visit some of these and learn their intriguing stories.
“Is that a Lane?” with CAM docent John Day
The Captain Elias Davis house has many treasures: furniture, portraits, pewter, imported serving ware, navigational instruments; a bird cage, a large ship model, a sailor’s valentine, a peep box, and a lady’s fireplace screen. Sometimes overlooked are the landscapes and seascapes on the walls of the several rooms, some of which are among the Museum’s oldest and most historically important paintings. And among these are several with direct or indirect links to the work of Fitz Henry Lane.
January 18, 2020
“The Material World” with CAM docent Gail Anderson
A British redcoat, an elegant silk dress, lavish upholstery and carpeting. Have you ever looked carefully at the use and depiction of fabric in the museum’s collections……and what that material might indicate about the owner or wearer? This Winter Short will explore artworks and artifacts to discover hidden meanings folded into fabric.
“Geology as Destiny” with CAM docent Ed Becker
The landscape of Cape Ann has been shaped by ancient geologic forces – from the collision of tectonic plates to the scraping of glacial ice. Using examples from the Museum’s collection, we’ll explore how this geologic history led to Cape Ann’s important quarry industry, and to landforms that have inspired artists for over two centuries.
“Cape Ann Really Rocks” with CAM docent Hazel Von Rosenvinge
Fishing wasn’t the only booming industry on Cape Ann. Granite quarries speckle the landscape. Rocks were shipped all over the world. Learn more about the people who worked in the quarries and the impact the industry had on this place.
“Let’s Have a Show of Hands” with CAM docent John Huss
Visit an array of exhibits and see how artists portrayal of HANDS helps deliver their message. HANDS are on display on canvas, in stone and on film. It’s a fast and fun tour!
January 25, 2020
“Judith, John and Universalism” with CAM docent Sarah Wetzel
Musings on Judith Sargent Murray born in Gloucester May 1,1751 -nearly to the day 200 years before me -and her husband the Rev. John Murray. Exploring her voice and influence during the time of the birth of our country and the establishment of the first Universalist Church here in Gloucester.
“Sailing Solo” with CAM docent Doug Stewart
What kind of person would willingly spend two months, maybe three, alone in a small boat being tossed around by waves while trying to sail 3,000 miles to Europe? Meet two of them, both Gloucester fishermen, in the Museum’s Maritime Gallery and see the actual boats they sailed. One of the men, Danish immigrant Alfred Johnson, was the first person in history to sail alone across the Atlantic. The other, Nova Scotian Howard Blackburn, was the first to do so without fingers!
“From Tragedy to Beauty: Thacher Island and the Fresnel Lens” with CAM docent Suellen Wedmore
This multi-media presentation on the Island of the Twin Lights, includes a brief history of the island and lens, shared photographs, a piece of a Fresnel Lens that you may hold in your hands, music, movement, and the reading of two poems relating to Maria Bray’s 1864 heroism. She is joined in this presentation by Cape Ann Museum members Barbara Brewer and Juliana McGovern, who participated in Suellen’s 2016 CAM presentation “Mind the Light.”
The Bruce J Anderson 2020 application deadline is all heart: February 14, 2020
That’s more than a month away, and the stellar team at The Boston Fund is hosting a Webinar next week to help with any questions. They make it easy to participate.
Bruce J Anderson- an inspiring sibling story
Every year, we share the Bruce J Anderson announcement for its upcoming grant cycle which has supported wonderful local projects. After posting the 2020 call, Larry Anderson wrote a message for GMG readers about the fund honoring his brother and the family’s love for Gloucester and Cape Ann. It’s often difficult for families to get together in one place as years go by, and here six siblings gather again and again for something so positive. (I have another post in mind about sibling tributes which I’ll share with Larry soon.) Thank you so much for sharing the story and sparking ideas!
“Thanks for recognizing the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation. Bruce was my brother. He loved Gloucester, where he spent most of the summers of his life and where he lived and worked at the time of his death many years ago. His six siblings — three sisters, my two brothers, and I — have been fortunate to be able to keep his generous spirit alive through the modest but steady efforts of the foundation created in his name. We have been gratified to be able to support the worthy organizations you name, as well as many others on Cape Ann. We are always glad to hear from new community-minded groups. So please take advantage of the January 15 webinar offered by the capable, helpful folks at The Boston Foundation, who administer the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation.” – Larry Anderson
Photos above show happy results from their support — installation views at Cape Ann Museum from the travel exbibit Once Upon a Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads
Next Week! About the webinar
A word from the Bruce J Anderson team at The Boston Fund
The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation, a supporting organization of the Boston Foundation, has launched its 2020 request for proposals.
and note the application deadline is Friday, February 14, 2020.
We will be hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, January 15th from 12:00-1:00 pm EST. Those interested in attending can join us to hear about the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation’s grantmaking priorities, and the process for applying for funding. Please note that this webinar is not mandatory and your attendance will not affect how your application is reviewed. If you would like to participate in the webinar, please accept the attached calendar invitation so we can know your plans for attendance.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Loren Van Allen at loren.vanallen@tbf.org or 617-338-1621.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
From Salt Island side walked the beach and circled round Thacher Road at the back of Good Harbor Beach, about 6:30-6:45am. Photos possible from the safe and great new walkway (thanks Gloucester DPW)
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
I noticed the open window because a bird hopped in. I didn’t stop to see what ensued but I was reminded about a GMG reader question: Who remembers Cher Ami and homing pigeons of Gloucester?
There’s a 2nd little pane missing on the Main Street side.
What’s in a name?
The 1810 brick building, Gloucester’s first, at the corner of 2 Main and 3 Washington Streets, now features Tonno Restaurant. The exterior has remained relatively unchanged since it was built in 1810 by Col. James Tappan. On the inside it’s been mixed use more often than not (various businesses, restaurants and lodgings). As a result it’s gone through a lot of rebranding: Puritan House, Tappan’s Hotel, Atlantic House, and Capt Bills are a few of the names associated with this historic structure. The Blackburn Tavern signs were added in 1978 for a restaurant.
Still Standing
The brick building at the other end of Main Street with Halibut Point Restaurant & Pub was Howard Blackburn’s actual tavern.
Fun fact: Col. Tappan taught young Daniel Webster.
Spread The GMG Love By Sharing With These Buttons:
Good Morning Gloucester 