My View of Life on the Dock
Advance Tickets for Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Fred Bodin submits-
This is the view of Old Harbor from the top floor event/intermission area. One can go up there to eat and sip a glass of wine before the concert and during the intermission.
Here’s the view from our seats, and a wonderful performance by the Rockport High School Madrigal Choir. Seated nearby was Fr. Matthew Green, who has charmed us at holiday events singing Gregorian Chants. Rockport Music – Rockport, Massachusetts
Catherine Ryan submits-
Hi Joey,
Here’s a few photos from Fred Bodin’s coverage of Tuesday’s May 28 kick off Celebration for the Harbortown Cultural District. The party was held in the Gorton’s gallery of Maritime Gloucester and it was packed! Check out the special cake –it very nearly covered a 4 x 6 table.
Gloucester from its water’s edge and beyond: the center for all! Like the “Harbortown” name, the cake was a mash up of two flavors, too. Lise Breen and Judith Hoglander worked with Jim’s Bagel and Bake Shoppe for this classic riff of Saul Steinberg’s famous 1976 New Yorker cover, a favorite motif for him.
Music filled the rooms and welcomed everyone. One of the Harbortown event’s surprises was the talent of musicians Zach Bridges & Steve Lacy from Henry Allen & The New Swingset. Here’s Henry Allen (on the steering committee for Harbortown) visiting with Mayor Carolyn Kirk and Karen Ristuben (Rocky Neck Cultural District) Gloucester ’s Rocky Neck Cultural District is a partner. Mayor Kirk spoke twice.
Leadership here and at the state level are advocating for the arts in a big way. The Harbortown Cultural District would not have happened without the support and commitment from Mayor Carolyn Kirk, Harbor Planning Director Sarah Garcia, Chief Administrative Officer James Duggan, all the Gloucester City Councilors, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council representatives. The party filled up quickly. There was bountiful conversation and energy buoyed by appetizers and drinks thanks to so many wonderful partners and stakeholders. Here’s one of Fred’s crowd photos peeking through Maritime Gloucester’s display–what an apt framing for the themes of connection.
One of the first surprises on the evening’s program was a presentation from Harbortown partner, the Gloucester Public Schools. Teachers Kurt Lichtenwald’s and John Barry’s S.T.E.A.M. (science technology engineering, Arts and mathematics) classes feature students’ and made, engineered musical instruments. David Puglisi came to the event and showcased his handmade plywood electric guitar see his youtube video!
Co-chair for Harbortown Cultural District, Judith Hoglander looks on.
Anita Walker, executive director for the Massachusetts Cultural Council gave a wonderful speech about Gloucester , this district, the arts and maritime connections. She spoke to the legacy of the continuous involvement of youth and fostering stewardship through generations. She took a moment to recognize a contribution completed for the application.
Fred captures the authentic spirit of Anita Walker in this one and sheer fun. The MCC is passionate about Gloucester and the arts across Massachusetts . Sarah Garcia surprised Walker with an iconic Gloucester southwester. They visited Nelsons on Main Street on the day of the site visit, and the classic yellow slicker hats and ancillary businesses of the fishing industry were obvious topics. To the left of Walker, Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library Director, Carol Gray enjoys the moment.
More photos to come; David Cox, local media, and co-Chair Bob Whitmarsh were all snapping away at different points. By the way, one of the best Facebook pages in town, Fred Bodin may have some posted https://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto
We’ll add some photos to our website http://www.gloucesterharbortown.org.
Thank you Joey and GMG for helping!
It was a great event, with the usual speeches, and the big surprises were the winners of the temporary installations on the Harbor Walk. Here are a few photos from Mayor Kirk:
Catherine Ryan-
Good event.
City officials including Mayor, Jim Duggan, Sarah Garcia, councilors Melissa Cox and Joe Ciolino; other state dignitaries Anita Walker, Meri Jenkins – MCC; Bruce Tarr; Ann Margaret Ferrante
Co-chairs Judith Hoglander and Bob Whitmarsh
Press including GMG FredB and DavidC who are also founding partners J
So many Harbortown partners and stakeholders filled the Gorton’s Gallery at the Maritime Gloucester (key cultural anchor asset and founding partner for CD) We have a happening cultural district!
Surprises included
· Gloucester Public High School teachers John Barry and Kurt Lichetenwald’s cool S.T.E.A.M. (science technology engineering, Arts and mathematics) classes featuring students’ hand made, engineered musical instruments.
Student David Puglisi came to the event and showcased his handmade plywood electric guitar see his youtube video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2v11HV7MNfU
Mr. Lichtenwald mentioned other students including Sam Oliver who designed a ( Blue Man-esque) PVC percussion instrument, 6ft long that is at GHS on display; she did the math calculations for every note.
· 2 sea chanty songs from founding partner and national historic landmark Schooner Adventure via their dedicated staff and volunteers!
Singers included Joanne Souza, Beth Welin, Barry O’Brien, Tim Perkins and Rose Sheehan
· Amazing jazz music from __________________ from Henry Allen Folklore and More (two young musicians—I have to get their names!!)
· food and spirits from Gloucester House, Topside Grill, Steering Committee, Cape Ann Brewery
· Mayor’s announcement of the three winners of the 2013 Gloucester HarborWalk Public Art Challenge
James Calderwood (Durham, NH) Fish Net(working title), street mural
Justin Desilva (Medford, MA), With Every Street There’s a Story (working title), 20 crosswalks
Bartek Konieczny (Abington, MA), Rope Arch (working title), sculpture
The 15 semifinalists’ proposals will be exhibited at Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free in July 2013!
Fred Bodin submits-
Ellie Grose of Manchester (MA) and Amier Carmel of Brooklyn (NY) came into my gallery this afternoon. Ellie is an old friend of my potter, Kristen Brousseau of Costa Rica. I gave Ellie the green plate she’s holding in the photo. Amier, born in Manhattan and now living in Brooklyn, is a frequent visitor to Cape Ann. He watched the second plane hit the World Trade Tower and the collapse of the building. Being a licensed social worker, he went directly to the scene and offered all assistance he could. His story took my breath away, and I’ll video the story for you this summer. Great folks!
Fred Bodin Submits-
I just had to go the grand opening of Short & Main Tuesday evening. They’re at 36 Main Street, where Valentino’s used to be. Pretty packed by 8pm, but we found seats at the counter that faces the open kitchen. We sat in front of an iced tray of lobster, shrimp, clams, and oysters.They serve draft beer and have a full liquor license.
Amelia Monday shucked our oysters and placed them on an iced platter. Fresh and delicious!
This was the view from my seat. It’s fun to watch your food being prepared, and your pizza baked in the wood-fired brick oven. Very cozy and friendly place.
Janet and I shared a La Quercia Prosciutto pizza, made with arugula and Parmesan. It was quite tasty and unlike any pizza I’ve ever had.
Fred Bodin submits-
Walking to my car tonight, I heard a circular saw running behind the old Valentino’s restaurant on Main Street. One guy was working OT to get it together for the 4pm opening of Short & Main tomorrow. Here’s a view of the main dining room. New decor and lighting, with a long bar and open kitchen.
Looks inviting to me! They also own the Market Restaurant in Annisquam.
http://www.facebook.com/ShortandMain
Fred Bodin Bodin Historic Photo
http://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto
Here’s a video interview Donna Ardizzoni did last month as they were preparing to open-
Fred Bodin Writes-
Good lighting is of prime importance to an art gallery, and here at Bodin Historic Photo lighting burns huge amounts of electricity. I have 36 track and ceiling lights in the showroom and windows, and each used a 75 watt halogen spotlight. Do the math, and that’s 2700 watts burning 7 days per week, 8 to 10 hours a day. About ten years ago I experimented with CFL fluorescent lights, which use less energy and last longer than the halogens, but produce an ugly green or blueish light. CFLs made my artwork look awful, so I stopped buying them.
Five years ago I jumped on the LED bandwagon, which promised large energy savings and a 10 to 20 year bulb life. But the light’s color still wasn’t right: either too pink or too cold white (like a hospital OR). Last year I found the perfect LED: the GE PAR 30 2700K warm floodlight. I use the long neck version because of the size of my fixtures. I discovered this light at ACE Hardware for about $50. They also have a larger version (PAR38) for recessed ceiling lights: GE Dimmable 12W LED Bulb (66529) – LED Light Bulbs – Ace Hardware. As my halogens and CFLs burned out, I replaced them with my new favorite LEDs.
Last year I found the same LED product at The EFI Mass Save Catalog Product Offer | GE LED PAR30 for $35 each. So I ordered 6 of them and now have 10W LEDs in 21 of my 36 gallery lights. My electric bill is already drastically lower, dropping from $100–$120 per month down to $50–$60 per month, saving $600–$720 per year. The savings will be 85% when all of my fixtures are re-lamped with LEDs. (360 watts with 10W LED vs 2700 watts with 75W halogen). Below are some comparisons.
Halogens: GE 75W halogen warm spotlight: $15–$20. 1,500 hour life (vulnerable to vibration**). Dimmable. $9.03 operating cost per year.
LEDs: GE 10W LED warm floodlight. $35–$50. 25,000 hour life (not vulnerable to vibration**). Dimmable (check dimmer compatibility). $1.20 operating cost per year.
*CFLs: Not a contender because of the yuk color. **Vibration is a major cause of failure for filament bulbs, such as halogens, and is caused by shipping, handling, or a rockin’ party.
My advice: Come into my gallery and see the LEDs first hand. Buy one or two LEDs with the warm 2700K color balance to fit your light fixtures. Compare the color with what you’re using now. Then start re-lamping and saving money!
Here’s my favorite LED, lit by the same LED in my gallery track light.
The Fish on Fridays series is a collaboration between Gloucester photographers Kathy Chapman and Marty Luster. Look for various aspects of Gloucester’s centuries-old fishing industry highlighted here on Fridays.
Photos © Marty Luster 2013
matchedpairs.wordpress.com
slicesoflifeimages.wordpress.com
Photos and video © Kathy Chapman 2013
kathychapman.com
A little late but still a beauty
Fred Bodin submits-
Bodin Historic Photo
82 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930
Fred Bodin Submits-
Hi Joey, Here’s something a little different. Quite a few Gloucester folks remember Doyle’s, including Donna.
An Old Haunt Revisited: Doyle’s Cafe in JP
Janet and I visited Doyle’s Cafe on our way home from Easter Sunday dinner in Roslyndale. Before I moved to Cape Ann, I lived in Jamaica Plain for 12 years. During that time, I frequented Doyle’s on Washington Street, which was in the shadow of the Orange Line. It was a pretty wild place at times.
Doyle’s was founded in 1882 as the Braddock Cafe. It was bought in 1972 by brothers Eddie and Billy Burke, and then sold to Billy’s son Gerry in 2005. We found Gerry while exploring one of the new function rooms, and he’s one the friendliest guys you’ll meet. Later, he was helping out behind the bar and sweeping the floor. Very cool place.
Politicians schmoozed here, including the Kennedys and Mayor Menino. In fact, Ted Kennedy dedicated one of the function rooms, and there’s also a “Menino Room.”
Here’s a vintage menu from Doyle’s. A comment from Kate via Facebook: “I ate at Doyle’s last fall. THE BEST Rueben and THE BEST sweet potato fries on Earth.” http://doylescafeboston.wordpress.com/
Storm Damage, 1976 – Like Only Yesterday
It’s been going on for a long time on Plum Island, MA, and elsewhere along coastal New England. I have a liking for Plum Island, because I surf fished there for years when I lived in Boston. When this hit the TV news, I drove right up and photographed this tragedy in 1976. I felt so, so bad for the folks who owned this vintage home. I believe it was owned by a Boston (Harvard?) professor. It had been there for many years. How many generations enjoyed delightful meals made on that old stove? Best of luck to those currently impacted, and to the rows of houses behind them.
Fredrik D. Bodin
Bodin Historic Photo
March Nor’easter, Long Beach, 1958
A massive storm barreled up the East Coast from March 18th to 21st,1958, impacting the East Coast from North Carolina to Maine. It was a Category 2 storm, which means it was “significant.” In addition to high winds, waves, and surge, it also brought snow. On Cape Ann, the concrete boardwalk on Long Beach was destroyed, and houses were damaged. These photos are courtesy of Eloise Como Brown.
Fred writes-
Since Gloucester had its own Sea Serpent, I thought it appropriate to post this news story from New Jersey. It’s a scary serpent-like monster, but not even close to the size of ours (or as good looking). This bloody photo went viral on the internet. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions and ID it in the comments box:
I wonder if Joey ever off-loaded one on the dock? Recipes?
Fred
Fred Bodin writes-
I’m very familiar with Niles Pond, having spent five wonderful winters on Eastern Point. I hope the ocean’s onslaught can be stopped. It might be helpful for GMG readers to see how thin the barrier to the ocean is, how the pond abuts a road and homes with no protection from waves, should they come charging in, and how little real estate is between Niles Pond and Gloucester Harbor. Can you imagine the tip of Eastern Point becoming an island?
Fred
The Mass Cultural Council came to G-Town to listen to and observe what makes Gloucester so special. There are no other towns that have more than one Cultural District. Gloucester already has Rocky Neck. If approved for Downtown Gloucester, Gloucester would stand as the only City with more than one Massachusetts Cultural District.
When sitting in the room and listening to the distinguished assembly of community people that showed up it was obvious about 10 minutes in that honestly Gloucester deserves this in spades. There is no where anywhere that is as culturally diverse, enriched and vibrant as our community.
All the people had to do was speak the truth. It wasn’t about selling Downtown Gloucester. Downtown Gloucester, it’s merchants, it’s artists, its community and artistic organizations sell itself.
You’d have to be deaf, dumb and blind to not see it and I can assure you the representatives of the Mass Cultural Council that visited, Anita Walker, Meri Jenkins, Kylie Sullivan and Maren Brown are anything but deaf dumb and blind.
Huge thanks to the Downtown GloucesterCultural District Steering Committee Catherine Ryan, Lise Breen, Judith Hoglander, Robert Whitmarsh, Anne Robinson, Ronda Faloon, Maggie Rosa and David Rhinelander for laying so much of the groundwork to make this meeting possible and also to Fred Bodin for hosting this momentous event at his Bodin Historic Photo Gallery.
Melissa I love my new scarf. You rock!
STEP AWAY FROM THE CANNOLI – PUT YOUR ARMS UP AND STEP AWAY FROM THE CANOLLI!
Fred Bodin submits-
The taller building with the long pier was Gloucester’s first yacht club, built in 1901 for $5,000. Howard Blackburn was a member and sailed from this building, which is still affectionately called "The Old Yacht Club." It’s located at 5 Wiley Street, sans pier. I lived on the third floor for 12 years, and has a magnificent deck overlooking the outer harbor. The dark house, center, was the home of my friends Al and Florence Taber. Al was a cantankerous guy, but always a gracious host, offering you a screwdriver cocktail, even in the morning. It was only after I read his obituary that I learned that Al rolled across Europe with General George Patton’s army, to finish WWII in Europe. He never mentioned it to me. (Author’s note: This photo post card was lent to me by Al Taber. I copied and printed it for him, and he let me use the image).
Fredrik D. Bodin
Bodin Historic Photo http://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto
You know I pride our contributors on being on the cutting edge providing you with the news way before anyone else.
But then you have our boy Fred Bodin just really swinging for the fences yesterday with this bold prediction in the comment section-
Fred writes-
I have a sickening feeling that this could be a big one.
Really Fred? Whoa!!!!!!
Now I don’t know about you but he just totally blew me out of the water with the balls to make such a bold prediction.
Nostradamus? Puh-Leeeease! The Oracle- Ain’t Shit.
We got Fred MF Bodin, sticking his neck out with cutting edge, hard hitting, ballsy weather analysis right there.
I mean how could he ever have deduced that we’re getting a major storm? There was nary a mention of it all week long on the news, facebook, or twitter. The guy is the prognosticator of prognosticators.
I’m just glad we have him on our team. Sheesh. Guy is a weather forecasting monster.
Here’s Fred working up his latest weather models-
Fred writes-
Hi Joey,
EJ asked: Who Remembers This? | GoodMorningGloucester, and I commented about a photo I have of the same building in 1929. So here it is.
The building on the left became the first Rudder restaurant in 1957, and later became the Joan Kerry studio. It has been replaced by a new house. The building on the right has been owned by the Sibleys since 1919. It is now the residence of George and Ellen Sibley. The photo was taken from the vicinity of Sailor Stan’s restaurant.
Fredrik D. Bodin
Bodin Historic Photo
Here was EJ’s original post-
Posted on January 29, 2013by E.J.
and have you been to Rocky Neck recently to see what has gone up in its place?
E.J. Lefavour
Fred writes-
I recently watched the movie "Iron Lady" on DVD, starring Merrill Streep. It’s about Prime Minister Margaret Thacher of Great Britain. I love the the overall history, but particularly in this film, her retaking of the Falkland Islands from Argentina. I watched the war segment, mostly news clips, three times. The short war confirmed the strategy of using warships versus the devastating power of aircraft with the latest (in 1982) missile technology. An amazing fact, that I learned a decade ago, is when the last US Navy battleship was built. Do you know?
Battleship USS Alabama, Rockport, circa 1900. As technology changes, so does that of naval and air warfare. No wonder many innovations we use every day are developed by the military.
Battleship USS Missouri
USS Missouri (BB-63) was ordered in 1940 and commissioned in June 1944. In the Pacific Theater of World War II she fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and shelled the Japanese home islands, and she fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. She was decommissioned in 1955 into the United States Navy reserve fleets (the "Mothball Fleet"), but reactivated and modernized in 1984 as part of the 600-ship Navy plan, and provided fire support during Operation Desert Storm in January/February 1991.
Missouri received a total of 11 battle stars for service in World War II, Korea, and the Persian Gulf, and was finally decommissioned on 31 March 1992, but remained on the Naval Vessel Register until her name was struck in January 1995. In 1998, she was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association and became a museum ship at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Wikipedia.
Fredrik D. Bodin
Good Morning Gloucester 