Author: Pat D

According to the sign in the window, Surfside Pizza and Subs is scheduled to open April 14!

Watched these vessels leave our harbor recently including the Paxton Leigh and Isla & Alanea along with a Coast Guard vessel. Such a hopeful sign of spring and summer!

From the MassDOT Twitter account regarding Blynman Bridge traffic.

Only one week remaining before we can return to Lobsta Land on Causeway Street! We are looking forward to a visit early in the season. They are hosting a giveaway on Facebook if you are interested.

Two important recent updates from the City of Gloucester Facebook page. The bridge repair is currently causing traffic issues for vehicles in area of Blynman Bridge. FYI on beach stickers too.

I visited the newly organized Pastaio Via Corta on Main Street recently and continue to be amazed by the variety of goods offered. All great quality to bring the taste of Italy right into your home! Chef and Proprietor Danielle Glantz shared some recent photos of the inside for us to share. Follow them on Facebook or use their website for updates. The sugo and pasta were amazing.

I had some time to kill over the weekend, so I took a little walk around the Railways to see what was new. I noticed some of our Wicked Tuna friends spiffing and polishing up their vessels as well as the Schooner Adventure getting some work done. Always interesting though I am careful not to go down during normal work hours.

The 1950 federal census was released to the public last week after its mandatory 72 year old embargo. It is providing historians, genealogists and the general public an intriguing peek into post WWII life. Here are some samples from Gloucester with some familiar family names. These are families living in the Fort Square area of Gloucester in 1950. Fishing is the predominant industry which may seem obvious, but it’s still neat to see the varieties of occupations within that industry.

If your name fell on a certain line within the census, you were asked additional questions including where your parents were born. In this example, nearly all parents were reported to have been born in Italy. Also seemingly obvious but verification is soothing.

Sometimes you find special notes such as the one you see here that 2 men at a particular address could not be reached for response as they were out fishing and no one knew anything about them or their return (or the neighbors just kept their lips zipped). These records are currently being indexed but are now available for browsing at this Archives link. Enjoy these image examples and your own browsing!

Moody scene at Little River Landing this week.

We happened to be on the Boulevard when we heard the warning bells that the bridge was going up. It was our first outgoing boat parade of the season: Lyndon Johnson, Newfie Star and Hurricane Indie! And so it continues………

Easter is only a couple of weeks away and if you are trying to put together baskets for some adults in your life, perhaps you’d like to consider these items from Pat D’s Photos. I have a variety of reasonably priced items you might find fit perfectly in an Easter basket including coasters (2/$12); notecards ($3.50 ea or 4/$12 blank inside, about 4 x 6 and printed at Cape Ann Giclee); notepads ($10) and magnets ($5 each about 4 x 5.5″ Some magnets now available at Arts Abound ). If you are looking for something a little larger, there are also 5 x 7 glass prints ($35). Local delivery free; otherwise shipping extra. Pat D’s Photos has a Facebook page you should check out for additional items and details. Also online at Pat D’s Photos. You can contact me through GMG Facebook comments, comments on Pat D’s Photos and Adventures or by email GMGPatD at gmail dot com.

A few sample items (there are many additional options for magnets, coasters, notecards and prints. Next show on my calendar is May 21 at the Elks, so I hope to meet you there!

Paul and Cristina have just opened their Rhea Pizzeria Napoletana at Stage Fort Park! Open Saturday – Wednesday 1-6pm featuring bread, focaccia sticks (super yummy), and pizza! Their mobile food truck style service features appropriate music and accessories for added enjoyment. They are friendly and the food is delicious. Give it a try!

Windblown eagle on watch in West Gloucester this week. Didn’t seem to mind the cold wind as much as I did.

Must be winter is really coming to a close when our local seasonal establishments begin to reopen. Hammond Castle on Hesperus Ave in Gloucester reopens today April 1 2022 and take note of the opportunity for Gloucester residents to get a free tour on Tuesdays. The Easter Egg hunt is sold out but feel free to join them on Saturday April 30 for the official ribbon cutting and opening ceremony to celebrate their 47th season!

Screenshots from today’s Gloucester Daily Times:

I stopped by Cox Reservation in Essex recently and noticed a new (to me) option to follow an audio trail. Brilliant idea! It’s already so special there, an audio guide only enhances the experience. We also found an “eagle” I had not noticed previously in the form of a stone bench. Just additional proof that when you think you have seen it all, there are new discoveries to be had! And spring is a great time for such discoveries. Even my CBs enjoyed the visit!

According to Variety and other sources, Apple has agreed to release CODA to be shown in 600 theaters across the country. Our very own Gloucester Cinema is selling advance sale tickets (they are going fast) for shows starting tomorrow and for 2 weeks. If attending in Gloucester, you are advised to purchase tickets online as soon as possible and to arrive early for your showtime. If you are “from away”, this is a chance to watch this beautiful story on the big screen. I hope you get the chance to see it. Cheers CODA and Gloucester!

I find the blues of spring to be very poignant. Summer blue: exhilarating. Winter blue: hopeful. Fall blue: rejuvenating.

That time a future Best Picture premiered in Gloucester……

If you have ever considered volunteering at the Welcome Center at Stage Fort Park, this might be the year to take the leap. It’s easy and fun as well as enlightening. Carol is a great coordinator, very easy to work with. 3 hours a week throughout the summer season but if you need to miss a shift, that can easily be arranged. Contact Carol if interested. See you at the Welcome Center!

Nearly 100 years ago, the official unveiling of the iconic Fisherman’s Memorial statue was held on our beloved boulevard. Fortunately, some video footage was saved. Unfortunately, this clip is covered by licensing restrictions but you can click this link to watch it yourself. Take a few minutes to watch, especially as we approach the 400th anniversary of our fair City! In the meantime, here’s a screenshot from the University of South Carolina Moving Image Research Collection (MIRC) so you know you are in the right place if you visit the site.

Aging gracefully it seems: