Armand Sindoni (1929-2002) was a Massachusetts native. He resided and worked on Rocky Neck. For many years he was the artist in residence for the Gloucester Schooner Festival. This is a follow up post.
Earlier this week, I posted a GMG reader request wanting to know more about a specific Armand Sindoni work of art. I added one Sindoni portrait and asked readers to join in.
GMG reader Kathy reminded us about the Sindoni murals at Destino’s:
“Armand Sindoni painted the beautiful murals inside Destino’s. One of the vessels in the murals is the “Can Do”. It was lost during the blizzard of ‘78, going to the rescue of a huge freighter that was off of Beverly, that is also in the mural. The other vessel in Sindoni’s mural is the “Alligator”, a fishing vessel that was also lost during the blizzard.“
Kathy W.
Here are interior (and exterior) photographs I took 2017,2018 and 2020 highlighting some of the art and history details you’ll find there.
There is another work by Sindoni on display at Destino’s. Behind the counter is a portrait of Alex Destino, Sr.
Another GMG reader shared a Sindoni nocturne hanging in her home (courtesy photo)
Armand Sindoni painting private collection, courtesy photocourtesy snapshots sent to GMG – Armand Sindoni Gloucester Fishing Schooner “Elsie”1910
Thanks to all for taking the time to share your messages about Armand Sindoni.
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The big infrastructure work along the western side of the Boulevard is 80% complete
and on track to meet its October 1st heavy construction milestone. The finish line –opening to the public– will come soon after. Seasons of activity have continued these past 15 months with little disruption.
The eastern end of the Boulevard was refurbished after the Blizzard of 1978. The current project encompasses the western side and chugged forward once the green light cleared in May of 2015. (The planning and quest for funding began years before, as in 1999) This is huge! It’s Gloucester harbor and one of the world’s beautiful promenades.
So what’s been happening? Mike Hale said that the seawall has been restored; the sidewalks are being reconstructed; a low stone wall removed and rebuilt; railing test pieces installed; light bases installed for new lights (there weren’t any lights before); and more. Landscape features and framing are on the plans to be built out next month. The island side of Blynman will come next.
This project isn’t the only game in town for this department. DPW manages to keep all the balls in the air. They are impressive!
These Photos of the “Grampus” in Beverly Harbor are from 2009 .
The Grampus is the old pilot boat “Can Do” that was lost with all hands (crew of five) in the Blizzard of ’78 .
The Damaged Hull was the only thing left of the Can Do when it was later raised from the sea.
The Workboat Grampus previously the pilot boat Can Do was raised in 1981 and after a complete re-build was returned to service. She has served on numerous projects over the years. The name Grampus (the original name of the vessel) is an old term for a pilot whale, appropriate for the sleek black hull of the vessel. Grampus is 47ft long and is powered by an 855 Cummins diesel. She was originally built as a yacht, and travelling as far south as the Amazon.
Inspite of what some have said she is not haunted or is she?
Thanks go out to MuffyHowards from Cape Ann Online for the heads up on these Youtube Videos. The Story of the Gloucester Pilot Boat Can Do. It’s a long series at least 13 parts. You’ll hear actuall Radio Transmisions from the USCG and the Pilot Boat Can do during this Tragedy.
From Publishers Weekly;
“Before The Perfect Storm, there was the 1978 blizzard that lashed the Massachusetts coast with blinding snow, 90-mile-per-hour winds and 40-foot waves. Into the juggernaut sailed the small boat Can Do and its crew of five civilians on a doomed mission to assist two other vessels imperiled by the storm. As in The Perfect Storm, all hands were lost; but since the Can Do sank only a few agonizing miles from shore, there are records of terse radio transmissions to help the author recreate their last desperate hours. Journalist Tougias (The Blizzard of ’78) fills out his absorbing account with lots of search-and-rescue procedural details, recollections from others who endured the monstrous seas of that hellish night and 300 years’ worth of maritime disaster sagas. At times, the book feels padded with lengthy, adulatory back stories about the Can Do crew and needless speculations (i.e., “Kenny Fuller likely thought of his wife, knowing that if he died it would be especially hard on her”). And the story’s outcome-the Can Do never got anywhere near the boats it went to help, both of which survived the storm-raises questions about the wisdom of the heroic ethos it celebrates. Still, Tougias delivers a well-researched, vividly written tale of brave men overwhelmed by the awesome forces of nature.”
Also if your interested in this story Check out the book: “Ten Hours Until’ Dawn”
Good Morning Gloucester 