Author: Pat D

Recently we were out and about in Magnolia and watched a little story unfold in front of our eyes.  A flock of geese flew in over our heads.  For a minute, it looked like they were going to land at our feet.

But instead, some settled on land nearby, and some decided to see how the water was.

The swimmers got whirled around as though they were in a washing machine

And eventually made their way to shore.  All the while, the geese are calling to each other back and forth from water to shoreline as if they were playing the children’s game “Marco Polo”.

A single goose flew from the group on land to check on the swimmers.  We felt as though this goose was saying “I’m telling Mom!”

The group was reunited after most of the swimmers came ashore and they took off for destinations unknown.  Game over.

Great to see such color at this time of year. We love Common Crow!

Another great children’s event sponsored by the Gloucester Elks! Everyone seemed to have lots of fun.

Fame can be fleeting.

A very lonely site.

Drizzle and cloudiness can’t hide the majesty of the working docks.

Hillbilly Elegy A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance will be the topic of discussion tonight Tuesday Jan 23 at Books and Brews to be held at the Azorean 6-8 PM.  Maybe you’ve already read this and would like to join the discussion! It’s a very thought provoking book.

I haven’t read this one myself, but I always am intrigued when I see a new detective character introduced.  A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley will be discussed tonight at The World’s a Mystery Book Club gathering at the Pleasant Street Tea Company from 6:30 – 8 PM.

The 1947 Gloucester High Yearbook contained the following ad page.

I thought it would be interesting to see what is in the places of these businesses today  as well as pictures of these businesses from that time period. I went to the Gloucester Municipal Archives in City Hall for help.  Three volunteers worked hard to help me–thanks to Sandy Williams, Mary Williams and Sue Wright–but we did not succeed in finding pictures of Main Street from the 1940s.  We did find what you see below.  Most of these are very poor quality as they are cell phone pictures taken of photos that are probably 50 years old or so.  We did determine that the numbering systems hasn’t changed much over the years, so that was a big help.

This is 120-122 Main, former home of Dr. George Barron, optometrist. The Franklin is 118 Main Street today.

Google maps pretty clearly shows where this is today.

You can see North Shore Furniture on the corner here listed at 161-163 Main St. I think today this is DIVA.

Blanchards Jeweler shown here, listed in the 1971 City Directory at 125 Main.

The Hesperus Diner’s currently doing business as Supreme Roast Beef.

136 Main Street, previously Sandler’s Jewelers, is now the Curtain Shop.  I understand the original building burned down and was rebuilt.

According to the volunteers, M.B. Wright Stationer at 108 Main used to be “the old waiting station” for late bus pickup for Gloucester students. It’s listed as “Proctor Brothers Building”.

Charles H. Swift at 133 Main is a bit of a mystery as Larsens is listed at 131 Main and the Looking Good Salon is listed at 135. It seems apparent that establishment was nearby.

AF Silva Custom Tailor at 89 1/2 Main must previously have been near today’s Brass Monkey, formerly the site of Palazolas.

I hope this brings back some nice memories for you.

The food is great and so is the advice. Taco salad with beef and a Gordita

Lovely crisp afternoon at Goose Cove Reservoir. The blue shadows are deceptive ice cover.

Coming soon to previous Dunkin Donuts location in Magnolia. We look forward to visiting and we wish them well.

It’s been a few days since we’ve seen Snowy Owl pictures, so I’ll take my turn posting some I took yesterday on the Back Shore.  This owl was disturbed by crows who dive bombed and squawked like the crazies they are.  It flew back and forth a few times; there was a dog nearby that I believe may have scared Owl a bit.

There were only a few people around with cameras at the time.  The waves were pretty spectacular and I think drive-bys thought we were simply taking wave photos.  One of the other couples that did come by noted there are two owls in the vicinity.  As I compare recent Back Shore owl pictures, I would tend to agree these two are different owls.  Greater minds than mine will be able to be more certain that these two below are not the same owl.

It’s been a magical experience to see these–it speaks to the wonder and beauty of Cape Ann!

We visited Wolf Hollow this past Sunday to take in their wolf presentation and meet the occupants.  It so happened that Sunday was the first time their new gift shop/ticket office was open to the public.  Previously, it had been held in the home of the owners.  I’ve never seen what the gift shop in the house looked like, but I feel confident in stating that the new building is an improvement.

Wolf Hollow is open Sundays only through the winter months from 1-3 PM.  It was very busy when we were there.  Honestly I was a little surprised at how many people were there.  Even though the day was sunny, it was only 20 degrees and the hour long program is  held outdoors.  I suggest purchasing your tickets in advance if you are considering a visit as space is limited and interest is high.

We saw seven wolves, which have not been raised in the wild so they were easily visible while the trainers were in the enclosure with them.  The viewing area is not particularly expansive but I was able to see what I hoped to see and to get adequate pictures.  The presentation was thorough and kept our attention even though we were seriously shivering.  Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $6.00 seniors/children 3-17 yrs of age.  I think we’ll go again and take some of our favorite children 3-17 years of age.

**PLEASE NOTE: These pictures were taken well before Mr. Swan got himself frozen in the ice on Niles Pond. The following is in no way related to the current swan situation**

Mr. Swan was in Rockport Harbor recently with a few dozen of his closest friends.  I think he’s getting his ducks in order.

I was watching the ducks and came to realize they are not so different from people after all.  I know GMG has other contributors with greater knowledge of animals and nature, but I think I can offer some less scientific observations.  These ducks seemed to be holding a meeting in the harbor.

Who called this meeting?

Someone always arrives late…..

There’s the fidgety one……

And there’s always the lucky guy that gets to “duck out”……..

Till the next time……..

Things are looking good over here in Essex. Great to see Woodman’s opening back up!