Author: Pat D

Mary Ryan Brotherton 1866 – 1943

Mary was my Irish immigrant Timothy Ryan’s daughter–she was born in 1866 and died 1943.  Her story is a very typical one of my Gloucester Irish fishing families. She lived her whole life in Gloucester, Massachusetts. This Mary appears to have been named after a sister Mary who died when she was 2 a few years before this Mary was born.  It may also have been a tribute to her mother Mary Squires Ryan.  This picture was obviously from later in her life but I see a little resemblance here to her brother William, my direct Ryan ancestor.

I recently obtained some new information about Mary after one of those “dope-slap” moments that often occur in life.  The Massachusetts Catholic Order of Foresters was originally based in Boston after its founding in 1879 by Irish immigrants to provide life insurance for its members.  It soon spread to other cities, so Gloucester Irish were among its target demographic.  In the past, I have found a couple of our ancestor’s files in this collection (now being housed at the University of Massachusetts).  Their applications for membership have been scanned and made available.  They are several pages long and provide intimate details of their lives at the time of the application.  They are especially helpful because applications were often made in a range of life span that often lacks detail in normal research.  Often, the applicants are heads of young families with living siblings and parents.  These details are extraordinarily helpful in pinning down the lives of the applicant as well as the life of their families.

And I made the CLASSIC mistake of only seeking the males in these files.  Since the files were recently transferred to UMass, more have become available and it finally dawned on me that I should look for some of the females (cue the dope-slap).  And Mary was my first discovery!

This is one page of the file showing the status of Mary’s parents and siblings as of 1913 when this application was made.  This helps establish her life circumstance in a period that is sometimes hard to research: “mid” life.  These policies paid $1000 upon the death of the member.  Mary’s Foresters file contains 16 pages all together and they are extraordinarily valuable and interesting.  You can bet I’ll be looking for others.

I guess if we won’t be sitting down for meals in local restaurants for a while, I am happy Minglewood was one of our last stops. Pu Pu Platter and garlic Parmesan wings. Stay well.

Twin Lights Manor is being torn down and the other Aquarius at the Back Shore buildings are coming along. One appears to be in the finishing stages, the other seems to be mid-construction and the last is just coming down.  It’s pretty interesting to see the 3 right in line in these various stages.

Just took a stroll through Stop and Shop to see what’s left. Your kids are going to love it! Seriously it seemed there are enough staples left if you still need to shop. You just may not get your preferred brand or size. Plenty of checkouts open.

Let’s just take a moment and breathe deeply. A little zen might help.

I am trying to be like this guy: relaxed, outside, socially distanced, and not touching my face. Took this picture on a Cape Ann Whale Watch. can’t wait for their opening next month.

It was a beautiful later winter day when I stopped by the Mt. Jacob Cemetery off 133 recently. I had never been there and, since it is not visible by from the roadway, it dropped off my list of cemeteries to walk through. It abuts the Tompson Street Reservation and is easily accessible from 133 though the road in is a bit bumpy. It is small and very well kept and extraordinarily peaceful.  The rustle of leaves and the caw of crows which seemed appropriate during my walk was comforting and calming. One lone duck was calling out as if to welcome me.

The Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County Massachusetts notes it has been in operation since 1913, making it one of the newest cemeteries in Gloucester. Indeed, the stones are clearly more modern than in many other cemeteries in the city but they tell the same stories of ancestry and family that fascinate us.  Very interesting!

You may have heard that Felicia and her team have decided to cancel planned novena events scheduled to be held at the American Legion Hall. This was a painful and difficult decision especially in light of the gargantuan efforts by dozens of people to prepare the altar in a new location.

However, tonight a final rosary will be offered and live streamed on Facebook for anyone to attend virtually. Please join us at 7 pm for the live streamed final rosary. In the meanwhile, here are some photos I hope demonstrate the incredible efforts made to honor this tradition. The attention to detail is humbling.

I stopped by the Topside Grill because I couldn’t stop thinking about how good Joey reported the Buffalo Chicken sandwich was. But I wasn’t overly hungry so I ordered the appetizer Buffalo style wings (there are other choices like Thai and Jamaican Jerk as well). YUMMY. And, bonus since I was unaware, many appetizers are only $5 during happy hours 3-6 pm Monday through Friday. I had a side of coleslaw and a house margarita for under $20. Going back soon to try the other wing flavors.

If it’s almost-but-not-quite a “king tide”, is it then a prince tide? If not, why not?…Asking for a friend.

Stops included many that are recognizable: Man at the Wheel statue, Good Harbor Beach, Rockport Motif, Halibut Point State Park,  Ipswich Bay and Plum Cove Beach. There are many others, of course, but I was just focusing on the scenic ones most easily accessible by visitors. It’s a great ride to take even on a slightly hazy, foggy day in late winter.

Second Glace opened its bookstore, Off the Wall, within its own walls on Pond Street a few days ago so I stopped by to take a look. I found a warm, inviting space FULL of books, music and movies available at very reasonable prices. Adult books sell for 75 cents, childrens books 50 cents; CDs and DVDs are $1 (though DVD seasons are a little higher).

I saw many current titles available and the staff (thanks Laurel and Susan) is friendly. The sales support the Open Door; it’s definitely a win-win. Stop in and shop a bit.

This post is a continuation of yesterday’s regarding the Cape Ann Museum. Now in its third and final month, the special exhibit A Father and Son’s Journey in Paint showcasing the work of Tom and T.M. Nichols is spectacular! It’s worth a special trip to the Museum. A Gallery Talk is scheduled for Saturday March 14 at 9:30 am about the works of these two artists. Contact the museum for reservations at CapeAnnMuseum.org/events

When you have company, Cape Ann Museum is a “must see”. My daughter and I wandered through the exhibits at a leisurely pace enjoying the variety of exhibits and artwork. If you haven’t been in a while, I suggest stopping in, even if you aren’t entertaining company.

I admit, the sandwich board on the sidewalk promising a Reuben Sandwich drew me in. It was spur of the moment, but I’m so glad that sign called out to me! Blood orange mimosa, warm popover and a Reuben. Perfect.

The Mill opened recently in Essex at 121 Eastern Ave and it is completely charming. I spoke with owner Josh who has been very pleased with the response so far. This cozy cafe serves baked goods, soups sandwiches and other goodies 7 Am – 5 PM every day except Monday. Megan served me the best scone I have had in a very long time: blueberry with lemon glaze. So good! It’s right next to Schooner’s Market. Give it a try.

Sugar Magnolia’s on Main Street is open and waiting for you!

Working to move Gloucester forward.

I saw a splash of yellow blooms in the Betty Smith Garden and had to hope out and share it with you all. It seemed to me that Triton was trumpeting the announcement of Spring on the horizon.

I happened to be looking at the Gloucester Daily Times from Aug 7 1959 when President Eisenhower was in office and Gloucester was being led by its first female mayor, Beatrice Corliss. Some of these faces, vessels and family names might ring a bell with our readers. Check out the tire prices! I hope the memories bring a smile to some faces today.