Category: Gloucester History

Follow Up: Memories Of The Oceanside Hotel, Magnolia MA In 1931 From George Krewson III Oceanside Hotel First Floor Plan

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Earlier this month George Krewson III sent in this-

My Dad purchased the Oceanside Hotel at Magnolia in 1931. I was 6 at the time. He kept it until 1946. Dad had no idea how to operate a hotel, having most previous experience in the building business. When the 1929 depression hit he was out of building and just happened to acquire the Oceanside by what he called “trading cats for dogs.” He and Mom learned quickly, and within a few years a guest suggested that they journey down to Thomasville, GA and have a look a winter resort inn there. They liked what they saw and purchased the inn. Each year for the next 11 years they thrived on the resort hotel business–the Oceanside at Magnolia in the summer, and the Three Toms Inn at Thomasville in the winter, Needless to say I cam to really love growing up in the business. Then came WW II and changes in all family’s lives.

Magnolia and the Oceanside, in particular, will always remain as a fond memory.

George Krewson III

and now he follows up with this-

Oceanside Hotel first floor plan

Hi Joe,

In going through some files recently I came across the main lobby/dining area floor plan of the Oceanside Hotel I had scketched from memory about 10 years back.  Odd how things like that can stick in one’s mind.  I hadn’t been in the place since the early 40’s. Some fond memories.

George Krewson

Click on document below to view full sized-

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Hammond Castle

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

This place is such a jewel in our great city.  Here is a little information on the Hammond Castle.   Hammond Castle is located on the coast of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The castle, which was constructed between 1926 and 1929, was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Jr. Mr. Hammond was an inventor who was a pioneer in remote control and held over four hundred patents. The building is a collection of 15th, 16th, and 18th century architectural elements and sits on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  At present, the castle operates as the Hammond Castle Museum, with Hammond’s collection of Roman, medieval, and Renaissance artifacts, and exhibits about his life and inventions. Tours are self-guided, and visitors may explore the eight chambers, an elaborate courtyard, two towers and an elaborate ballroom.

Hammond Castle Archway

March 27, 2012 Archway

What a view

March 27, 2012 Hammond Castle

1908 circa Pavilion Beach and Surfside Hotel

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

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Post cards from the private collection of David B. Cox

Good Harbor Beach – 1889

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

As we sit at Good Harbor Beach in this 90 degree weather, we can also enjoy the house on the rocks, at 24 Bass Rocks Road.

The house is on the Trail of Thai Royalty and has been photographed for over a hundred years, see photo from 1889 below, courtesy of Amy Shapiro.

It was used as the Summer Home of the Siamese Legation

Also enjoy current photographs.

Gloucester Early 1900’s Post Cards

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

Post Cards of Gloucester in early 1900’s from a friend’s Private Collection.  The collection is a treasure of over 600 post cards ranging from 1905 – 1960’s.  I am capturing them electronically (scanning) to preserve the images.

I selected a few that you might enjoy.

W. G. Brown’s Department Store

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

I was in the Cape Ann Historical Museum on 27 Pleasant Street, doing a project and came across a painting I had not seen in years.  W. G. Brown’s Department store was the place to buy that special gift, and hanging on the wall was this massive painting of the owner.

In the museum library, there it was on the wall where I was taking photos of old Captains Courageous books.  I extend many thanks to Rhonda Faloon and Stephanie Bucks who have helped me so much the past few days.

I thought I would share with your readers.