Good Morning Gloucester

Not so hot, nice walking on the boulevard, and great shady spots for lunch. And two new favorite dahlias.

The Oak Grove Cemetery on Washington Street has always intrigued me. Despite (so far) no ancestors being buried within, I’ve always thought it looked very peaceful and historic. It’s a large cemetery (10 or 11 acres depending on your source of information) featuring varied styles and materials for markers, headstones and monuments. The paths meander and it’s easy to lose your bearings momentarily.

The Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County, Massachusetts (Essex Society of Genealogists, 1991) states it is a private cemetery: ” Romantic cemetery with ornate statues” …who wouldn’t want to see a cemetery described in such a manner? It also states “Gothic Chapel with bell tower seats 50 adults but is no longer used.” I believe that is the stone building easily seen from Washington Street, which known as the Bradford Chapel in honor of businessman George Bradford. It was built shortly after his death in 1902.

There is a small guide published near this chapel describing some additional details as you can see if you look at the photo included here. There is a “reverent” vibe as you walk the paths. Contrary to most of the cemeteries in Gloucester that I have visited, this one seems to support a great deal of foot traffic. I noticed several people strolling, walking dogs or determinedly shortcutting to their destinations in the short time I was there recently.

Unfortunately, I was unable to fulfill any of the 30 or so Find-a-Grave requests for photos mostly because I got distracted by such things as the 4 iron stakes marking a sight that appeared to be designed to look like branches. As I was trying to study these more carefully, a dragonfly stopped by to observe. Anyone who might know more about these is welcome to share information regarding them!

Collin MacKenzie is a true Gloucester native who started fishing at five years old from his grandparent’s dock at their home on the Annisquam River.  His grandfather, Frank Scalli, was an undersea pioneer who’s life’s work with the ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau and his colleagues, inspired Collin’s early love of the sea. The future captain became a student of boats and fishing.

 In middle school, Collin wrote an essay about his dream of being a Gloucester charter boat captain and owning his own business.  As an adult with his own young family in Gloucester, his dream, through hard work, became Karen Lynn Charters.

After college, in addition to fishing, Collin managed Fisherman’s Outfitters main store in Gloucester. He gained an incredible knowledge of gear, tackle and rigging. In 2011 he was featured in the Pro issue of Salt Water Sportsman magazine on “How to Target Boston Bluefin”.

The Karen Lynn a 43’ Downeast boat was built and launched in 2007. Shortly after, Karen Lynn Charters was born. Built to catch big fish, the Karen Lynn is loaded with state-of-the art Furuno electronics. Accommodating up to six passengers and crew, she is spacious and comfortable.

Captain Collin’s dream of sharing his skill and love of ocean fishing firsthand, his sense of humor and the relaxed atmosphere aboard, make for some great fishing and great memories.

Karen Lynn Charters offers a variety of options to accommodate your day on the water.

Right now, striped bass, haddock, cod, shark and the infamous Bluefin tuna are being landed.

With so many charters to choose from, Captain Collin’s experience, enthusiasm and native Gloucester ocean wisdom, will land you on the fish!

For more information on Captain Collin MacKenzie and Karen Lynn Charters, please check out:

https://karenlynncharters.com

Karen Lynn Charters Facebook Page