Author: Fredrik Bodin

Fred Bodin is a photographer who owns a gallery on Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. The gallery features Fred's land and seascapes, as well as historic images printed from the old negatives.

Trenel Cove, circa 1915

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
You've seen Trenel Cove on Wolf Hill many times, commuting onto or off of Cape Ann island. The A. Piatt Andrew Bridge (Route 128) connects us with the mainland. It spans the Annisquam River from Rust Island on the left to just beyond the house with the turret on the right (Wolf Hill). Trenel Cove is in the foreground, and was where a small ferry operated. It's now a Gloucester Public Landing (see #11): http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/426
You’ve seen Trenel Cove on Wolf Hill many times, commuting onto or off of Cape Ann island. The A. Piatt Andrew Bridge (Route 128) connects us with the mainland. It spans the Annisquam River from Rust Island on the left to just beyond the house with the turret on the right (Wolf Hill). Trenel Cove is in the foreground, and was where a small ferry operated. It’s now a Gloucester Public Landing (see #11): http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/426

Babson Reservoir, 1930

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Here is early construction of the Babson Reservoir 1930). It's still the main source of water for the City of Gloucester, along with Goose Cove (1963). The Babson family gave the reservoir to the City in return for keeping it a natural park.
Here is early construction of the Babson Reservoir (1930). It’s still the main source of water for the City of Gloucester, along with Goose Cove (1963). The Babson family gave the reservoir to the City in return for keeping it a natural park.

Santa’s Here!

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Santa and dozens of other floats paraded down Main Street today, braving the gray and threatening weather. The heavy rain fortunately held off. The long parade ended up at the City of Gloucester's Christmas tree at Kent Circle, near the Fisherman at the Wheel statue. This year's tree is lit with LED lights, which I think is the way to go. Economical to run, and resistant to vibration and breakage.
Santa and dozens of other floats paraded down Main Street today, braving the gray and threatening weather. The heavy rain fortunately held off. The long parade ended up at the City of Gloucester’s Christmas tree at Kent Circle, near the Fisherman at the Wheel statue. This year’s tree is lit with LED lights, which I think is the way to go. Economical to run, and resistant to vibration and breakage.

Xmas Pianos, circa 1900

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The holidays are coming on quickly, and today Peggy Russell from the POP Gallery spruced up my front windows to be more seasonally festive. This sign painter's shop, Browne & Mitchell, was getting it's custom signs ready for delivery. I think they were located in Beverly or Salem.
The holidays are coming on quickly, and today Peggy Russell from the POP Gallery spruced up my front windows to be more seasonally festive. This sign painter’s shop, Browne & Mitchell, was getting it’s custom signs ready for delivery. I think they were located in Beverly or Salem.

Where and What? July 16th, 1926

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
There are two important elements in this photo, in addition to the location. Please tell us. Not a hard one. My answer tomorrow.
There are two important elements in this photo, in addition to the location. Please tell us. Not a hard one. My answer tomorrow.

Turkey Day, Plum Cove

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
We were invited to Judy and Ray's Thanksgiving dinner near Plum Cove. Eight birds entered the back yard and Tom and I went outside to take photos, but the turkeys headed for the woods. That may be because Tom was wearing a cook's apron, which scared the daylights out of them. Later, when I saw them travel around the other side of the house, a took a few shots thru the windows. I call this one: "The Turkey we didn't eat." The meal was delicious, and the guest of honor was a neighbor 100 years old.
We were invited to Judy and Ray’s Thanksgiving dinner near Plum Cove. Eight birds entered the back yard and Tom and I went outside to take photos, but the turkeys headed for the woods. That may be because Tom was wearing a cook’s apron, which scared the daylights out of them. Later, when I saw them travel around the other side of the house, a took a few shots thru the windows. I call this one: “The Turkey we didn’t eat.” The meal was delicious, and the guest of honor was a neighbor 100 years old.

Torpedo Boat USS Foote, circa 1900

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
This is dedicated to former thirty year Gloucester City Councilor Gus Foote. I've been meaning to do this for a while. The Foote was a US Navy Torpedo boat, launched in 1896. It was the first of three naval warships named Foote, all named in honor of Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, a successful Civil War captain and fleet commander. The 160 foot long Foote fought in the Spanish-American War and World War I. So Gus, and all my other friends, Happy Thanksgiving.
This is dedicated to former thirty year Gloucester City Councilor Gus Foote. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while. The Foote was a US Navy Torpedo boat, launched in 1896. It was the first of three naval warships named Foote, all named in honor of Rear Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, a successful Civil War captain and fleet commander. The 160 foot long Foote fought in the Spanish-American War and World War I. So Gus, and all my friends, Happy Thanksgiving.

J. H. Rowe & Co. Anyone know?

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
My friend Gail McDonald would like to know more about this wooden box she acquired. It's a beautiful box. This is what I know: Joseph H. Rowe founded his oiled clothing company in 1884 in Gloucester. He improved apparel technology to be waterproof, especially useful for fishermen. His "Mother Ann" brand manufactured coats, pants, Sou'westers (hats), boots, horse covers, and wagon covers. We have a Rowe's Wharf, where Cruiseport is now. Any additional information will be appreciated.
My friend Gail McDonald would like to know more about this wooden box she acquired. It’s a beautiful box. This is what I know: Joseph H. Rowe founded his oiled clothing company in 1884 in Gloucester. He improved apparel technology to be waterproof, especially useful for fishermen. His “Mother Ann” brand manufactured coats, pants, Sou’westers (hats), boots, horse covers, and wagon covers. We have a Rowe’s Wharf, where Cruiseport is now. Any additional information will be appreciated.

Birds?

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Janet and I have three parakeets, Merry, Pippin, and Jack. I had no familiarity with birds until I met Janet, but now I do. Caged birds need heat, food, and water to survive. I learned all this from her. Before I left for work today I checked on them, and I smelled something like burning. It was a space heater, so I replaced it with another one. Not only am I attached to these birds, but I've also learned to like the wild birds outside as well. I hear them every morning communicating with our birds. It's a sweet sound. We put seed outside for the Swallows and Bluejays. Unfortunately, the water in the bird bath was frozen today.
Janet and I have three parakeets, Merry, Pippin, and Jack. I had no familiarity with birds until I met Janet, but now I do. Caged birds need heat, food, and water to survive. I learned all this from her. Before I left for work today I checked on them, and I smelled something like burning. It was a space heater, so I replaced it with another one. Not only am I attached to these birds, but I’ve also learned to like the wild birds outside as well. I hear them every morning communicating with our birds. It’s a sweet sound. We put seed outside for the Swallows and Bluejays. Unfortunately, the water in the bird bath was frozen today.

Skating on Mill Pond, 1943

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
This morning I drained the water out of the the deck umbrella base. Tonight's temperatures will drop to 21º, Sunday will only warm up to 30º and drop to 19º at night. Monday's high should reach 32º, and be 28º overnight. I just went on a short errand in my car, and the thermometer read 34º. With the wind, it's pretty brutal out there. I mentioned this to the clerk in the store, and then remarked: "Wait 'till winter gets here." It's time to bring in your potted plants for the winter. I'll bring some of mine to the gallery.
This morning I drained the water out of the the deck umbrella base. Tonight’s temperatures will drop to 21º, Sunday will only warm up to 30º and drop to 19º at night. Monday’s high should reach 32º, and be 28º overnight. I just went on a short errand in my car, and the thermometer read 34º. With the wind, it’s pretty brutal out there. I mentioned this to the clerk in the store, and then remarked: “Wait ’till winter gets here.” It’s time to bring in your potted plants for the winter. I’ll bring some of mine to the gallery.

A Deliberate Act of Kindness

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Peggy Russell, owner of the POP Gallery across the street, delivered this homemade soup to me, knowing that I wasn't feeling so great. All natural, and full of delicious vegetables, as you can see. After heating, I ate it all. Thanks Peg, it's nice to know there are people like you loose on this planet.
Peggy Russell, owner of the POP Gallery across the street, delivered this homemade soup to me, knowing that I wasn’t feeling so great. All natural, and full of delicious vegetables, as you can see. After heating, I ate it all. Thanks Peg, it’s nice to know there are people like you loose on this planet.

Has anyone here seen my old friend John?

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Remembrance of our 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. On November 22nd, 1963, JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This is the 50th anniversary of that event, a day which I'll never forget. I was sitting in my 7th grade classroom when the public address system announced that the President had been killed by an assassin. We were sent home in shock immediately. It was a sunny but chilly day as I walked home with a group of my classmates. As we walked along the chain link fence surrounding the school grounds, someone was weeping uncontrollably. It was Peggy Noonan. I didn't know what to do, but tried to console her. Years later I realized she was Catholic, and it affected her, as a 13 year old, on many levels. So we all went to our respective homes, and then the TVs took over. There were no ads for three days, and continuous live coverage, including Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby amidst law enforcement. I saw that. TV, the media, and all of us will never be the same. If you have a story, share it here my friends. I took this photo at the dedication of the Kennedy School of Government Park on Memorial Drive in Cambridge. L-R in foreground as well as I can tell: Governor Michael Dukakis (partially obscured), Jackie Kennedy, Kitty Dukakis with Ted Kennedy behind her, State Treasurer Martha Coakley (?), Caroline Kennedy, brother John Kennedy, Boston Mayor Kevin White (partially obscured), William Bolger, President of the Massachusetts Senate (partially obscured), and above him is Joe Kennedy.
Remembrance of our 35th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. On November 22nd, 1963, JFK was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This is the 50th anniversary of that event, a day which I’ll never forget. I was sitting in my 7th grade classroom when the public address system announced that the President had been killed by an assassin. We were sent home, in shock, immediately. It was a sunny but chilly day as I walked home with a group of my classmates. As we walked along the chain link fence surrounding the school grounds, someone was weeping uncontrollably. It was Peggy Noonan. I didn’t know what to do, but tried to console her. Years later I realized she was Catholic, and it affected her, as a 13 year old, on many levels. So we all went to our respective homes, and then the TVs took over. There were no ads for three days, and continuous live coverage, including Lee Harvey Oswald being shot by Jack Ruby amidst law enforcement. I saw that as it happened. TV, the media, and all of us will never be the same. If you have a story to tell, share it here my friends. I took this photo at the dedication of the Kennedy School of Government’s JFK Park on Memorial Drive in Cambridge. L-R in foreground as well as I can tell: Governor Michael Dukakis (partially obscured), Jackie Kennedy, Kitty Dukakis with Ted Kennedy behind her, State Treasurer Martha Coakley (?), Caroline Kennedy, her brother John, Boston Mayor Kevin White (partially obscured), William Bolger, President of the Massachusetts Senate (partially obscured), and above him is Joe Kennedy. Yes, the good, they die young. Abraham, Martin, John, and Bobby.

Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Kennedy at the United Nations. She was the US Representative to the UN from 1946 - 1953.
Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and President Kennedy at the United Nations. She was the US Representative to the UN from 1946 – 1953. She passed away almost a year before JFK.