Author: Pat D

A lovely map of the Gloucester/Rockport area is a bonus find from the 1937-38 Gloucester City Directory. Here’s a small portion of it which generates a few observations:

The current Tavern on the Harbor was previously the site of a home for “Aged Women”!

Trask Oaks appears to have been a neighborhood in the vicinity of Trask Street. Were there prominent oak trees nearby perhaps?

It’s interesting to note that many of the wharves are named.

So many schoolhouses! I don’t think those kids walked “five miles uphill both ways in the snow and rain” , though it may have been uphill!

Do you notice the steam ferry route?

I hope you like looking at old maps as much as I do!

I am hoping someone with sharp eyes can verify which Gloucester beach is shown in this photo of my grandmother Catherine Pierce Ryan and her son Paul Jr. taken probably early 1930s. It might be Long Beach? I like seeing the bathing fashion of the day, which apparently included beaded necklaces and just-so hairstyles.

An interesting ad from the 1937-38 Gloucester City Directory showcases the “Coolerator” from Cape Pond Ice and I love the selling point that “only ice is trouble free”! Perhaps some of our followers remember these ancestors to the current high tech refrigerators? This one makes ice cubes too. Anyhow, the ad makes me feel cooler just looking at it so I thought I’d share it.

Cape Ann offers an amazing variety of dining options, varied in both atmosphere and cuisine. Among the most popular are these very casual restaurants where the atmosphere seems unrefined but the food astounds. With only love and absolutely no disparagement, I refer to them as “fine shack dining”…..Woodman’s aptly calls it eating “in the rough”. This represents only a selection of what’s available on Cape Ann.

Here’s our current oyster chart. It is limited to local (Gloucester) restaurants that offer regularly scheduled oyster specials at $1.50 or less. If you know of additional specials that should be added, please contact us through the blog or comment on Facebook. Bon Appetit! 

Safety Day on the Harbor this Saturday July 13.

We were delighted to discover Paul’s Closet on Center Street. It’s an eclectic collection of vintage, new and unique pieces. Located in the former Post Historic Studio at 6 Center Street, Paul calls is an artisan retail shop. You can see Paul’s reflection in the mirror below! It’s aptly named Closet as it is a bit small, but definitely worth a stop just to see what’s new.

Curiosities is the new name for the former location of Cape Ann Auction, which was Fred Bodin’s shop prior to that. The name is most appropriate to describe what the visitor will find inside. Stock rotates frequently and is always intriguing. It’s worth noting they are always looking to add to their inventory.

We stopped for an early lunch one day at a place we’d never been: CK Pearl on the river in Essex. It was quite delightful, even though it was nearly empty so early in the lunch hour.

Jim had the fish tacos and I had the fish sandwich. There’s covered and enclosed outdoor seating along with open outdoor tables in addition to traditional indoor dining. It was very comfortable, staff was friendly and helpful and we loved the food! We’ll be going back someday.

Truly a Bambi moment right here on Hesperus Avenue.

Mom on alert.

Run, Bambi, run!

The fishing must go on, even with Fiesta activities in full force. Some of the boats and crew we pray St. Peter will watch over coming home:

Happy 4th!

What a difference a month makes for young hawks! You may remember we have 3 young hawks in a nest near our house that we have been watching. This was taken just about a month ago:

And these were taken in the last few days. I believe them to be “our” youngsters growing up. They grow up fast, don’t they?

Happy Anniversary Pier 23! Sounds like a great dine-in deal Tuesday July 2 from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Last Fiesta post from me for a while! Many of these people put in untold hours and efforts to make Fiesta a successful and enjoyable event. I thank you. Faces of Fiesta Sunday morning:

I had the opportunity to browse around a bit at Sample This, located at the site of the former Pisces store on Main Street. You may have heard our discussion on podcast 341 published Sunday June 30. I met Joy, the proprietor and looked through her selection of sample items available from a variety of manufacturers. The space is bright and welcoming. I plan to return for some more serious browsing soon!

The Merger wins the Mens Finals in the Seine Boat Races under threatening skies.  Very exciting race and finish for the fans on the beach. Each team had enthusiastic fans rooting for victory. Congratulations guys!

Derek Hopkins for the win! Absolutely honored to have witnessed this!!! Congratulations.

Congratulations Derek Hopkins on an AWESOME victory Saturday!!! It was so much fun to watch. I think he’s my new hero!

It was a little dreary and threatening most of the time during the seine race and Greasy Pole contests, but we didn’t get too wet unless we wanted to! Another great crowd.