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.

Swabbing the Deck, Rockport Harbor, circa 1950

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
US Coast Guard sailors swab the decks on their launch Straightsmouth. The launch was most likely the transport to Straightsmouth Island Light. The 37 foot lighthouse marks the course to Rockport Harbor with its green flashing light. The island is now owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
US Coast Guard sailors swab the decks on their launch Straightsmouth. The launch was most likely the transport to Straightsmouth Island Light. The 37 foot lighthouse marks the course to Rockport Harbor with its green flashing light. The island is now owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

No Fishing from Bridge, circa 1940

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The Railroad Bridge, which crosses the Annisquam River in Gloucester, was a crucial link to the mainland, carrying visitors, goods. The Eastern Railroad built the Gloucester line in 1847, and it was extended to Rockport in 1861. These fishermen seem to be onto the fish, but even today, it's not a safe place to fish from.
The Railroad Bridge, which crosses the Annisquam River in Gloucester, was a crucial link to the mainland, carrying visitors and goods. The Eastern Railroad built the Gloucester line in 1847, and it was extended to Rockport in 1861. These fishermen seem to be onto the fish, but even today, it’s not a safe place to fish from.

A Birthday Gift of Cheer

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
I received this beautiful gift at the rehab today from my Friends at Good Morning Gloucester. Thank you so much, and I extend this thanks to all the kind folks who have wished me well and offered their prayers. I'm working hard to regain the strength I had before my appendix went south, and I estimate I'll return home in the next couple of weeks. The Edible Arrangement is called the "Cheer Me Up" bouquet.
I received this beautiful gift at the rehab today from my Friends at Good Morning Gloucester. Thank you so much, and I extend this thanks to all the kind folks who have wished me well and offered their prayers. I’m working hard to regain the strength I had before my appendix went south, and I estimate I’ll return home in the next couple of weeks. The Edible Arrangement is called the “Cheer Me Up” bouquet.

Lunch at the Emerson Inn

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
A few weeks ago my sister (Painter Barb) and her husband Robert visited us in Rockport. We discovered that our neighbor, the Emerson Inn by the Sea, was open for lunch in the summer. The convenience was only equalled by the tasty food. We marked the occasion by eating a platter of Darmariscotta oysters, seafood luncheon entries, and a good sit on the open porch. http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/amenities.htm
A few weeks ago my sister (Painter Barb) and her husband Robert visited us in Rockport. We discovered that our neighbor, the Emerson Inn by the Sea, was open for lunch in the summer. The convenience was only equalled by the tasty food. We marked the occasion by eating a platter of Darmariscotta oysters, seafood luncheon entries, and a good sit on the open porch. http://www.emersoninnbythesea.com/amenities.htm
Part of the restaurant at the Emerson Inn is called the Veranda, a screened in dining area with adjoining open porch with rocking chairs. It all overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Part of the restaurant at the Emerson Inn is called the Veranda, a screened in dining area with adjoining open porch with rocking chairs. It all overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
The grounds of the Emerson have beautiful plantings, benches, and a pool.
The grounds of the Emerson have beautiful plantings, benches, and a pool.

Cancer: Check. Appendix? Bye Bye!

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
I haven't posted lately because I wasn't feeling well, and my cancer treatment changed from hormone therapy to chemotherapy. I was progressively weakening, losing much of the strength I had recovered in physical therapy. I visited the ER at Addison Gilbert Hospital, was tested, and informed by Dr. Berger that it wasn't only the cancer – it was my diseased appendix, that was affecting me. Three hours later, Dr. Kacoyanis of Beverly Hospital surgically removed the offending organ. I'm regaining strength quickly here in Beverly, and feel much better. Although I won't be able to open my gallery for the wonderful Block Party July 19th, I hope you'll celebrate on our Main Street for me, and I'll see you there soon! Fred
I haven’t posted lately because I wasn’t feeling well, and my cancer treatment changed from hormone therapy to chemotherapy. I was progressively weakening, losing much of the strength I had recovered in physical therapy. I visited the ER at Addison Gilbert Hospital, was tested, and informed by Dr. Berger that it wasn’t only the cancer – it was my diseased appendix, that was affecting me. Three hours later, Dr. Kacoyanis of Beverly Hospital surgically removed the offending organ. I’m regaining strength quickly here in Beverly, and feel much better.
Although I won’t be able to open my gallery for the wonderful Block Party July 19th, I hope you’ll celebrate on our Main Street for me, and I’ll see you there soon! Fred

Three Sisters, Three Boards, and Fred

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
I know it's summer when I see interesting people all day song in the gallery. Today I met (L-R) Susan Olson, Kathryn Bracken (both from Salem), Jade Olson of NYC, and retired pharmaceutical test dog Fred. The ladies and Fred paddled the waters off Good Harbor Beach. They described the surf as exhausting and causing rip currents. Although no police were spotted, the US Coast Guard was present on the water.
I know it’s summer when I see interesting people all day song in the gallery. Today I met sistersb(L-R) Susan Olson, Kathryn Bracken (both from Salem), Jade Olson of NYC, and retired pharmaceutical test dog Fred.
The ladies and Fred paddled the waters off Good Harbor Beach. They described the surf as exhausting and causing rip currents. Although no police were spotted, the US Coast Guard was present on the water.

“Don’t Put Your Stupid Hat On”

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
While getting ready for a medical appointment yesterday morning, I watched the weather forecast. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said "Don't put your stupid hat on," warning the public about the shoreline hazards coming up the coast with Tropical Storm Arthur. In the waiting room at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, the TV was tuned in to The Steve Harvey Show, and entertainment and talk show I wouldn't ordinarily watch. Steve's special guest was a woman from Michigan named Vicki, whose son was drowned in a a rip current on Lake Michigan. Ever since that day, she’s made it her mission to educate other kids about water safety. I've made a point of warning my Facebook and Good Morning Gloucester friends to beware of waves on our rocky shores and breakwaters. Two friends were washed into the harbor, and two acquaintances drowned off the rocks. Rip currents can be just as dangerous. Even on warm sunny days, with the storm hundreds of miles away, these currents put beach goers at risk when they enter the water. My best advice: "Don't go in the water."
While getting ready for a medical appointment yesterday morning, I watched the weather forecast. North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory said “Don’t put your stupid hat on,” warning the public about the shoreline hazards coming up the coast with Tropical Storm Arthur. In the waiting room at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, the TV was tuned in to The Steve Harvey Show, and entertainment and talk show I wouldn’t ordinarily watch. Steve’s special guest was a woman from Michigan named Vicki, whose son was drowned in a a rip current on Lake Michigan. Ever since that day, she’s made it her mission to educate other kids about water safety.
I’ve made a point of warning my Facebook and Good Morning Gloucester friends to beware of waves on our rocky shores and breakwaters. Two friends were washed into the harbor, and two acquaintances drowned off the rocks. Rip currents can be just as dangerous. Even on warm sunny days, with the storm hundreds of miles away, these currents put beach goers at risk when they enter the water. My best advice: “Don’t go in the water.”

W. G. Brown and Company, circa 1920

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
W. G. Brown department store was located at 186 and 188 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. It was touted as the largest dry goods store this side of Lynn. The W. G. Brown building today is called Brown's Mall and stands across the street from the Gloucester District Court and Police Station. Dry goods stores carry textiles and household items other that those in hardware and grocery stores.
W. G. Brown department store was located at 186 and 188 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. It was touted as the largest dry goods store this side of Lynn. The W. G. Brown building today is called Brown’s Mall and stands across the street from the Gloucester District Court and Police Station. Dry goods stores carry textiles and household items other that those in hardware and grocery stores.

The Yellow Bowl, Rockport, 1925

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The Yellow Bowl was a tea house on Bearskin Neck. Waddell's shipyard on Bradley Wharf is in the background on the left. The building is still there.
The Yellow Bowl was a tea house on Bearskin Neck. Waddell’s shipyard on Bradley Wharf is in the background on the left. The building is still there.

Hotel Delphine, East Gloucester, 1925

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The Delphine was located on Eastern Point Road, on top of Patch Hill, and past the Harbor View Hotel (which is now Windward Point).
The Hotel Delphine was located on Eastern Point Road, on top of Patch Hill, and past the Harbor View Hotel (which is now Windward Point).

Africa 01966 USA Revisited

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Last fall, Janet and I found a small private park populated by amazing African animal sculptures. I loved that place. Over months of hospitalization recovering from cancer related disabilities, I often thought of seeing "my" special animals again. Today I did, and on foot – I walked 1/2 mile up Phillips Avenue and home again using my rollator (a hybrid walker with four wheels http://whatisarollator.com/) under the watchful eyes of Janet. Not much of a hike for most people, but a milestone for me. I rested for a moment while removing my camera from the bag under the rollator seat and to shoot this photo. Events similar to this happen often, and the satisfaction they impart encourage one to continue down the path to better health.
Last fall, Janet and I found a small private park populated by amazing African animal sculptures. I loved that place. Over months of hospitalization recovering from cancer related disabilities, I often thought of seeing “my” special animals again. Today I did, and on foot – I walked 1/2 mile up Phillips Avenue and home again using my rollator (a hybrid walker with four wheels http://whatisarollator.com/) under the watchful eyes of Janet. Not much of a hike for most people, but a milestone for me. I rested for a moment while removing my camera from the bag under the rollator seat and to shoot this photo. Events similar to this happen often, and the satisfaction they impart encourages one to continue down the path to better health.

Gull Cove, Rockport, circa 1930

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
From the top of Granite Pier, we see a lot of going on at Gull Cove. Granite cobblestones, probably from nearby Flat Ledge Quarry, are ready to be loaded onto barges or schooners. Small gauge railroad cars sit on the other side of the cove, ready to haul granite from the quarry on the other side of the Keystone Bridge. Granite Street passes over the bridge, and past the Rockport Granite Company building, which is built with granite, of course!
From the top of Granite Pier, we see a lot of going on at Gull Cove. Granite cobblestones, probably from nearby Flat Ledge Quarry, are ready to be loaded onto barges or schooners. Small gauge railroad cars sit on the other side of the cove, ready to haul granite from the quarry on the other side of the Keystone Bridge. Granite Street passes over the bridge, and past the Rockport Granite Company building, which is built with granite, of course!

Trawler Felicia, Saint Peter’s Fiesta, circa 1950

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
F/V Felicia is in the foreground (left) tied up and decorated for Saint Peter's Fiesta, as are many other fishing vessels in the background. Sailors, dressed in their whites, sit on the pier next to Felicia.
F/V Felicia is in the foreground (left) tied up and decorated for Saint Peter’s Fiesta, as are many other fishing vessels in the background. Sailors, dressed in their whites, sit on the pier next to Felicia.

Our Lady of Good Voyage, 1924

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The church of the Portugese community was dedicated i 1893. Our Lady of Good Voyage church on Prospect Street was rebuilt after a fire in 1914. In this photo, the carillion bells are only a few years old.
The church of the Portugese community was dedicated in 1893. Our Lady of Good Voyage church on Prospect Street was rebuilt after a fire in 1914. In this photo, the carillion bells are only a few years old.

Crossing the Basin, Plum Island, circa 1890

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The boat is being rowed toward the Merrimac River. Summer beach cottages and perhaps a hotel (left) are in the backgound on Plum Island.
The boat is being rowed toward the Merrimac River. Summer beach cottages and perhaps a hotel (left) are in the backgound on Plum Island.

Old Town Hall, Gloucester, 1920

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
The City of Gloucester's first seat of government was at 8 Washington Street. After the city government moved into the new City Hall on Dale Avenue in the 1870's, the old Town Hall became the Forbes School, and is now home the the American Legion, Post 3.
The City of Gloucester’s first seat of government was at 8 Washington Street. After the city government moved into the new City Hall on Dale Avenue in the 1870’s, the old Town Hall became the Forbes School, and is now home the the American Legion, Post 3.

Dogtown Common, 1923

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Just beyond Dogtown Road is a pound (contained area for animals) and the remains of a cellar. It appears that the cow has escaped the pound.
Just beyond Dogtown Road is a pound (contained area for animals) and the remains of a cellar. It appears that the cows have escaped the pound.

Keep Calm and Carry On

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
It was the kind of morning to stay in bed, listen to the rain, and gaze out the window, my window. With the comforter pulled up under my chin, I thought about the past five months of hospitalization in three different facilities, and changes that occurred in each. In Addison Gilbert Hospital I was very ill and the stay was short. At Beverly Hospital I regained health, strength, and took my first "out--the-window" photo - heavy snow sticking to trees. Next was Den Mar Nursing and Rehabilitation, where I recovered strength and mobility. The window picture there was of a dark storm cloud fleeting across an otherwise blue sky. Today, at home in Rockport, the view was lush green leaves and rain dripping down the window pane.
It was the kind of morning to stay in bed, listen to the rain, and gaze out the window, my window. With the comforter pulled up under my chin, I thought about the past five months of hospitalization in three different facilities, and changes that occurred in each. In Addison Gilbert Hospital I was very ill and the stay was short. At Beverly Hospital I regained health, strength, and took my first “out–the-window” photo – heavy snow sticking to trees. Next was Den Mar Nursing and Rehabilitation, where I recovered muscle and mobility. The window picture there was of a dark storm cloud fleeting across an otherwise blue sky. Today, at home in Rockport, the view was lush green leaves and rain dripping down the window pane.
My motivation in taking these photos was to continue doing what I love to do, from a patient's bed. Each image can be interpreted as sad or hopeful. Yesterday I received a get well card from Gloucester's Ruth Pino, which waves a flag for us to follow: "Keep Calm and Carry On." Here in Pigeon Cove, I carry on.
My motivation in taking these photos was to continue doing what I love to do, from a patient’s bed. Each image can be interpreted as sad or hopeful. Yesterday I received a get well card from Gloucester’s Ruth Pino, which waves a flag for us to follow: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Here in Pigeon Cove, I carry on.

Grist Mill, Manchester, circa 1890

Posted on by Fredrik Bodin
Israel Forster’s Grist Mill sat over Bennetts Brook on pilings. Manchester Harbor is behind it, with the town in the distance. Later, the mill was converted to produce furniture turnings (shaped parts of furniture, such as table legs).
Israel Forster’s Grist Mill sat over Bennetts Brook on pilings. Manchester Harbor is behind it, with the town in the distance. Later, the mill was converted to produce furniture turnings (shaped parts of furniture, such as table legs).