Author: Pat D

FOB David Collins read yesterday’s Gloucester Fire Department 1874 post and offers the following (very interesting) update:

Hi, Pat!   I saw your article on the Gloucester fire department and the “Cape Ann” steamer. Loved it, as usual.   I looked up Edwin Lewis Lane [1840-1916] and it appears you ID’d him correctly. His photo is shown at another point in the book.    

So far, I can only get him to be your 22nd cousin 2 times removed but his wife, Mary, S. James [1843-???] is your 15th cousin 4 times removed. He is a 4th cousin to my family.   I’ll work on it when I can over the next few days and see if I can find more on him and on some of the other fire-fighters in the group picture.   Stay safe! David

PS If you are correct and J. P. Nichols is James P Nichols [1842-1920] originally of Harwich MA, then his wife, Mercy S. Cole, is your 5th cousin 4 times removed. His father was from Scotland. And if F. E. Davis, is Frank E. Davis [1851-1936], his wife was Alice Elnora Colby [1859-1920], and she is your 5th cousin 3 times removed. I will be checking to see if this Frank Davis is THE Frank E. Davis of the Gloucester fish company, which I think he is.

Thanks David! This is an awesome addition to the story.

We had an opportunity to show some newly minted college graduates around town recently. This young couple has recently moved to Lynn to start a new life as “real adults”. Kiersten will be interning aboard the Hurricane II for Cape Ann Whale Watch this summer, so we wanted to give them an idea of what she was getting into. We only had a few hours so we just hit some of the highlights.

Our day included a ride to Eastern Point Lighthouse, a walk around Stage Fort Park, Good Harbor Beach and lunch at the Mile Marker. Although we missed a photo opp on the boulevard, we still have that for the next time they visit. It’s fun to go to familiar places with new visitors.

Where do you like to take new visitors?

As is often the case, while researching something else entirely, I came across this gem of a photo from the collection of Fred Bodin. It is very intriguing especially because it is labeled with names and identifying corresponding numbers so you can tell who is who. It’s of a steamer style fire vehicle named (at the time) Cape Ann Steamer 1. It’s name later changed to W.H.T. Jameson to honor its driver (pictured in this photo).

Much of the information about this post came from a book available on the internet at this link called The Gloucester Fire Department: Its History and Work from 1793-1893. I am including a few screenshots from this book as well. The “Cape Ann” cost $3300 and arrived April 1864. It was renamed after the unexpected death of its driver W.H.T. Jameson in 1878. This picture is likely on School Street.

I have a few theories about some of the names listed which have not been proven so here are my thoughts. E.L. Lane is probably Edwin L. Lane, the engineer; W.H.T. Jameson is likely William H.T. Jameson born in Nova Scotia about 1828; J.P.Nichols may be James P. Nichols; C.W. Prindall is likely Charles Prindall who later became a city councilor. Input on these and others is welcome in the comments or by email. It’s a spectacular piece of Gloucester history.

We took a ride with John Abisamra to view a Great Blue Heron Rookery near Georgetown this week. There are no fewer than a dozen active nests there in a perfect setting to view the parents and the growing chicks going about their normal routines. I have never been to a rookery so this was quite a treat to watch so much Great Blue Heron activity. I appreciate John helping us with this, though I did NOT appreciate the snake making an appearance.

For additional pictures and story details, I encourage you to check out Pat D’s Photos and Adventures on Facebook.

We were behind Riversbend in Essex looking for egrets and this other big bird approached. It appeared to be landing but then reversed course and left. It’s as close as I’ve ever been to a helicopter in action.

Many of you have been following the story of the eagle pair in Magnolia. Although they are not there all the time, frequently we find them working a former hawk nest nearby so we are always on the lookout. These adventures have allowed me to meet a number of very nice people, especially a couple of photographers from the area. One example is John Abisamra whose work you have likely seen locally (and here on the blog). He happened to stop by recently in search of the nest. The nest was empty as we approached, but we were soon rewarded with the returning pair at work in the nest! We delighted in watching them preen, fuss and restack sticks. It’s getting difficult to get good shots through the trees as the leaves continue to grow but it’s amazing to consider we have these beauties nearby long enough to study at all!

I am grateful to the photographers especially who have taken an interest in the eagles. I am by no means a professional but I am always seeking to improve. The work of others is inspiring and instructive, so thank you so much! I think you know who you are……. In addition, shout out to my birder friend Brenda, who is celebrating her birthday today. These are for you.

It was a gorgeous day from Good Harbor Beach to the Paint Factory! There’s been a lovely soft light shining over Cape Ann recently. What a blessing.

It looked like the remains of the filming of a heist film when we visited the Paint Factory recently. You never know what you will find. I love Gloucester.

We went to Jalapeños on Main Street for dinner recently. It’s always so nice to go to a place where you are greeted warmly and treated like family. It was a joyous feeling to sit at the bar (distanced) for dinner and drinks. We often run into friends ( hello Mark and Kara) and it’s just relaxed and fun. Thanks for another great dinner, Jalapeños. I had a burrito and Jim had flautas. Chips and salsa are back! We’ll be back soon.

The Governor announced today (May 17) that all remaining COVID restrictions, including masks, will life on May 29. This is about two months earlier than previously announced though it is important to note there are some situations that will still require masks such as public transportation, health facilities and other instances. The State of Emergency will end June 15. High vaccination rates in the state are a big factor in this decision. It looks like we are on our way to a much more normal summer! Updates available here. and here

On our way out to the Whale Watch from Cape Ann Whale Watch, we got an added attraction: a view of the Coast Guard exercises from the water. It was exciting to watch. Thank you Coast Guard for taking the training and keeping the waters safe for all of us.

Sharing information from Stone’s Facebook page regarding their reopening June 1. Welcome back!

Driving through Stage Fort Park yesterday, we noticed The Cupboard has reopened for the season! See you there soon.

We took our first whale watch of the season Friday, which was a gorgeous day with sunshine and calm waters. Cape Ann Whale Watch did it again, aboard the Hurricane II with fantastic sightings! With probably just over 100 people on board, keeping distanced was pretty easy. We were all required to keep our masks on at all times when not actively eating or drinking. The crew cleaned commonly touched areas 3-4 times throughout the sail. Jamie, the naturalist did another outstanding job informing us of what we were observing. Capt John Caravallas found us bunches and bunches (official term) of dolphins, seals and whales (humpback and minke). It was a great day and I highly recommend a trip, especially if you haven’t been in a while. Cape Ann Whale Watch on Main St. has tickets available online or by phone. Free parking! (Thanks Capt Jim D for the great parking assist) We saw a breach, feeding behaviors and general whale frolicking.

The Gloucester Elks is hosting a craft fair in their parking lot this Saturday May 15 from 10 AM – 3 PM and we hope to see you there! I will be debuting my collection of notecards, placemats, coasters and prints featuring the images you see here among others. Stop by the table and mention Good Morning Gloucester for a special discount on notecards!

We will also be filling in for our friend Donna Ardizzoni and her beautiful beach towels, notecards and other items will be featured at our table. She’s unable to attend but I am sure you will see her out and about again soon with her beautiful items. Stop by and say hello!

It’s just so gorgeous here…..even if gloomy, there’s beauty to be found. Magnolia is a favorite and maybe Donna will see these and smile!

As you may know, hummingbirds have returned to our area and I’ve been curious to see how they will accept some of my new additions to the “Hummingbird Arsenal”. I fell prey to some click bait and ordered a long (red, of course) plastic feeding tube which displayed several hummingbirds feeding simultaneously in the ad……I was especially curious how that one would go. While I haven’t drawn more than 2 at a time to any of the feeders yet (and don’t really expect to), we have had an encouraging response to the bar (I call it their saloon), the new mini feeders AND the water fountain in addition to the traditional feeder. They regularly check out the water fountain which is really fun to watch. They really are a joy. At least one of them is very curious, often coming to the window or the sliding door to check on us.

Oliver’s has been in our dining rotation since opening, though we don’t always get there as often as we might prefer (lots of great places have a spot in the rotation!). We had dinner last night and it was outstanding. Again. I feel as though it’s a little bit underrated but we nearly always run into someone we know there so perhaps not underrated among locals. Thanks Scott for great service and stellar lemon drops. The ribeye was perfectly done, the veggies cooked just right. Jim had one of the specials: a lamb burger. He loved it. It was a pleasant evening, as always. Thanks Oliver’s! Located on Main Street with outdoor and indoor seating. Shoutout to Giovanna!

The Gloucester Elks is hosting a craft fair in their parking lot this Saturday May 15 from 10 AM – 3 PM and we hope to see you there! I will be debuting my collection of notecards, placemats, coasters and prints featuring the images you see here among others. Stop by the table and mention Good Morning Gloucester for a special discount on notecards!

We will also be filling in for our friend Donna Ardizzoni and her beautiful beach towels, notecards and other items will be featured at our table. She’s unable to attend but I am sure you will see her out and about again soon with her beautiful items. Stop by and say hello!

Never a good sign when the semi truck driver gets out of the cab to walk across lanes to the cement truck driver. This afternoon on Rogers St. just FYI