Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Fred Bodin Submits-

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Gloucester Harbor, circa 1900

This 5×7 inch glass negative was part of a panorama, that swept to the right to include Downtown and the Fort. At the time, horse–drawn wagons would transport fishermen to the ships and fish back to market. In my 33 years here, I saw the harbor frozen once. Being a foolish young man, I walked from the Old Yacht Club on Rocky Neck about 1/4 of the way out to Ten Pound Island. I turned around and creeped back. Lesson learned.

Fredrik D. Bodin

Bodin Historic Photo 82 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930

info@BodinHistoricPhoto.com

The Luster Challenge: The Boulevard 1924 Re–Revisited

Fred Bodin writes-

Here is brand new Stacy Boulevard, as photographed by Gloucester’s Alice M. Curtis. In 1924 they called it the "Double Drive." I’ll bet it was the latest traffic technology, designed to move a lot of automobiles, as this was the only road onto Cape Ann at the time. The project took less than  two years to complete.

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The Boulevard 1922 From Mary White via Fred Bodin

Fred writes-

This photo was emailed to me by Mary White of Gloucester.

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Western Avenue, Gloucester, 1922

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Who can come up with a present day photo from the same perspective with the same houses we can identify from the 1922 photo from Mary White.

Video- Fred Bodin’s Ride To Work In the Snow

Fred writes-

This morning I commuted to work on the bus. The newly fallen snow was beautiful. My camera was in the backpack, so I filmed the ride from Folly Cove to Downtown Gloucester, including Lanesville, Annisquam, Bay View, Riverdale, and the City. Enjoy! — at Gloucester, Massachusetts.

In addition you can follow Fred along on Facebook here-

https://www.facebook.com/BodinHistoricPhoto

Tradition on Rocky Neck

Fred Bodin writes-

For the past 26 years, my good friend Bob Rubin has made amazing Christmas trees of his own design. Every year Bob and his sweetheart Harriett host a dozen or so friends (including Joey C’s Uncle Tony) around New Year’s Day for a “Tree Viewing,” where one enjoys sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and fine wines. There is history and tradition here:

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Midnight Downtown Gloucester Snow Emergency Photo From Fred Bodin

Photo taken just now at 12 Midnight. As you can see, the Snow Emergency parking ban is working. Later, the streets will be scraped clean by our DPW. This will not be a big dumping of snow. I still have to drive home, but once I get to the Rockport line, the streets will be almost dry. That’s Rockport. 
On another topic, I just happen to have a CD playing of Jonathan Richmond and the Modern Lovers, which I talked about with Katy Downer and her friend at the bar at Seaport Grille October 15th, while shooting the transport of a section of the 460 feet tall wind turbine from barge to construction site, which is on on GMG. Kathy knew about this musician, which most folks do not. Here’s a link to get you started: http://www.allmusic.com/album/roadrunner-roadrunner-the-beserkley-collection-mw0000469273
Truth is, I liked this guy’s music two decades ago and still do. "If you’re in love with Massachusetts, if you’re in love with Modern Music, turn your radio on." Only this guy could talk about riding on 128 and being in love with a shopping center.

Ravenswood 1920 From Fred Bodin

In view of the weather in store for us tomorrow, I submit to you: Ravenswood, Gloucester, 1920. Many of us have hiked, skied, and photographed on this public property. Gloucester photographer Alice M. Curtis took this photo and others in Ravenswood. One is of a cross-country skier in action. I’m saving that one for the snowstorm that drops enough on us to ski there.

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Ravenswood is a fairly easy place to cross-country. There is limited parking, but folks park on the side of Route 127.  Whether you CC or not, it’s a great spot to take photos in any season. Sorry, but I forgot to mention snow shoeing, which I have not done yet, but definitely want to try. It is owned and managed by the Trustees of Reservations. When you’re done and hungry, come to downtown Gloucester to say "hi" to me and I’ll recommend the perfect restaurant(s) to you. Here’s the map:http://www.thetrustees.org/assets/documents/places-to-visit/trailmaps/Ravenswood-Park-Trail-Map.pdf

See you there!

Fredrik D. Bodin, Bodin Historic Photo

82 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930

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Thank You Fred and Did You Know That Fred’s Photo is the Label for Ryan and Wood Knockabout Gin?

After getting home from work much later than anticipated last night I raced in, and took a bath and made dinner for my husband simultaneously, and then panicked over not having time enough to prepare my food contribution for GMG’s holiday bash hosted by Fred Bodin. Recalling Joey’s suggestion about giving a gift of Ryan and Wood spirits, I made a quick stop at the liquor store on my way over. I know very little about spirits and decided to do what I often do when purchasing wine, which is to find the prettiest label. The Knockabout Gin looked especially appealing, with a striking schooner in black and white, and crisp blue border. Fred accepted the bottle graciously and I poured some drinks. Later that evening Fred’s girlfriend, Janet, mentioned that she thought I had given him that particular selection because I knew that it was Fred’s photo on the label. No I didn’t know, but there it is–a gorgeous Fred Bodin photo of a Knockabout schooner!

Ryan and Wood Knockabout Gin Fred Bodin a label ©Kim Smith 2012 copyFred Bodin’s Knockabout Gin Label of the Schooner Adventure

The party was still going strong when I arrived and it was fantastic to see so many super nice, wonderful FOBS all in one place. Great to meet you Al Bezanson and Sarah Kelly  and to put a face to your exceptional comments and posts!

Many, many thanks to Fred and Janet for hosting a sensational party!!!

Honestly I don’t have much experience from which to draw a comparison but found the Ryan and Wood Knockabout Gin deliciously aromatic and flavorful. According to the Ryan and Wood website, the gin is distilled in small batches in a custom built copper pot still and the list of ingredients include juniper berries, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, orange peel, and licorice root.

Knockabout Schooners, from the Ryan and Wood website: “Knockabout gin is named to honor the fishing schooners built at the turn of the century. Their design eliminated the bowsprit to allow for easier handling at the crowded wharves. It also helped prevent loss of life at sea due to fishermen being washed off the bowsprit while working the heavy sails in the challenging waters of the North Atlantic.”

HUGE THANK YOU TO FRED BODIN AT BODIN HISTOIC PHOTO

Fred thank you so much for hosting once again all the GMG crazies at your fantastic shop in the heart of Downtown Gloucester.

Long after the party goers are tucked under the covers it leaves the party thrower to clean and take out the trash.

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I want you to know how much I appreciate you hosting our party.  It means a lot!

Check out Fred’s Facebook Page For Bodin Historic Photo and like it here

Next Up- Two Buddies Show At Alchemy Thursday

EJ and I will be having a show to benefit The Gloucester Education Foundation at Alchemy Thursday Night (Which Just So Happens To be Men’s Night)

Alchemy Does A Really Nice Job With Their Opening Night Artist Receptions – Hope To See You There

Joey! The Real Santa!

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Fred Bodin writes-

Tonight Santa visited my gallery. Guests (L-R) Singer Annette Dion, Janet Crary (checking to make sure Santa’s beard is real), Saint Nick himself, and gallery artist Laureen Maher (she just loves Santa). We were jammed tonight, as I’m sure most shops on Main Street were too. See you all Saturday night for the GMG Holiday Party. Do not miss this party!

Trick-or-Treat on Main Street From Fred Bodin at Bodin Historic Photo!

I always have Halloween treats in the gallery for the little trick-or-treaters and their parents, who are often my customers. Older spooks and goblins come in later, and the Main Street dinner crowd arrives in the evening, when I might offer wine and cheese.

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Andromeda Lammott represents, costumed as the Norse god Thor. She’s the daughter of Lucas and Vignette Lammott of Gloucester.

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Zelda McKeen and her brother Harrison, dressed as the Fairy Princess and the Transformer "Bumble Bee." They are the children of Tanya and Jeremy McKeen of Gloucester.


Fred

Video Turbine Tower Section Being Road Hauled Out Of Cruiseport From Fred Bodin

A large conical tower section is hauled out or Cruiseport Gloucester (MA) for erection in Blackburn Industrial Park.

Turbine Offloading From The Barge Complete- Pic From Fred Bodin

Fred writes-

One of the three wind turbine blades is lowered down onto the parking lot at Cruiseport Gloucester. By the time I finished my dinner at the Seaport Grill, they had all been moved and the Chem Caribe was cleared off. I was told that the barge had to leave tomorrow, because the dock was reserved for another vessel. So all that needs to be done at Cruiseport is haul the remaining cylindrical tower sections and the blades to the erection site in Blackburn Industrial Park.

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The Naked Blades From Fred Bodin

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At Cruiseport Gloucester, almost everything is off the barge, except for three 160 foot long wind turbine blades. In the foreground are conical tower sections.

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The blades will be offloaded later today or tomorrow. Trucking them up to Blackburn Industrial Park will be quite a sight to see.

Wind Turbine — Land Delivery Description and Photos From Fred Bodin

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Fred writes-

Getting ready behind the Cruiseport. I’ve learned that offloading a mega cargo like this takes a long, long time. The cylinder is part of the turbine tower, and it is made of steel.

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Now they’re towing the same tower section around the corner to it’s new location. Glad I’m not driving.

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Finally onto Rogers Street, not easy but they did it. Professionals!

First Pictures Gloucester’s Wind Turbine In The USA From Fred Bodin

First Pictures StateSide – Wind Turbine in Boston

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Turbine blades ready to be offloaded onto 270 foot long Barge Chem Caribe.

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Blade lifted and moving over the to the Barge Chem Caribe. Notice the unique cradle.

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Second blade is lowered onto Barge Chem Caribe next to another 160 foot long blade.

On Monday, October 15th, the Tug Orion will deliver the wind turbine to Gloucester. Get ready for Height Shock in November.

CrockToberFest at Bodin Historic Photo and Fine Art

Last Saturday, Fred Bodin hosted one of his seasonal parties at his store on Main Street.I had another commitment so I couldn’t get to the store until rather late, but when I arrived there were still a few meatballs in the crockpots and a small crowd of people.

Fred (with a photo of his look-alike Paul Sorvino) and friends
Laureen Maher with one of her paintings
Having fun together

Fr. Matthew Green

A Wicked Dinner at the Seaport Grill

Frd Bodin writes-

Hey Joey,

This all happened last night:

Wicked Dinner at the Seaport Grill

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Last night, Janet and I were just served dinner at the Seaport Grill, and next to me at the bar, this guy Steve said: "There’s (F/V) Tuna.com, and they have a fish…a big fish." The bartender, Jessica, added that the National Geographic Wicked Tuna film crew was apparently there. Okay, I have a HUMONGOUS Haddock Fish Taco ($11.95) in front of me, I run out to the Jeep, grab my camera, and go down to the water to take this shot across the water to the State Fish Pier. The NG cameraman is on the left side of the truck, and the new greenhorn crew member is in the center, shoveling ice into the boat. The man way on the right looks to be the film’s crew boss.

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This is the large tuna they hoisted up — the "Money Fish." The fat boy weighed in, dressed out, in the mid-700 pounds. The film crew is cranking the cameras for this one, and so is Gloucester’s Tina Greel, second from the left in green. It’s very ironic: Last time we went out for seafood, it was for Annisquam’s "Dinner on the Bridge" over Lobster Cove last summer. As soon as we sat down to our lobster dinner, a fisherman on the float right in front of us hooked up and pulled up a sizable striper, assisted by none other than Tina Greel, who we see here. Only, only in Gloucester!

Wedding Vows on Main Street? From Fred Bodin

Fred Bodin writes-

No, the bride and groom are following their photographer to have pictures taken in the beautiful and historic West End, Gloucester last Saturday afternoon. I didn’t recognize anyone. They had a very large white stretch Limo in Palazola’s parking lot, and when they tried to leave, it was too big to turn around. Jack Palazola kindly unlocked the chain on the Main Street side, so they could escape and proceed with their reception and honeymoon. I heard from Brenda Grimes Davis on my FB Page, that she may know the Gloucester couple, and I offered to share the photo with them.

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September 2012 Block Party From Fred Bodin

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It was really crowded all night long on Main Street, as usual for a Block Party.

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So many people came into my gallery that I lost count, perhaps between 100 to 150 folks. On the lower right is a display of free samples of hand-made Gloucester soaps. We sell them here, and there are a few left. All natural ingredients. The soaps have unique and interesting names, and my favorite is Dirty Clammer.

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I got to escape from the gallery for a few minutes, and went to the POP Galley, my wonderful friends and neighbors. [real reason – we ran out of wine, so I had to beg for some, and POP obliged with a bottle of bubbly]. It was a thirsty, fun-loving, and interesting crowd. My bad news is that it’s almost midnight and I’ll be opening early tomorrow for the cruise ship Eurodam,  arriving in the morning, and to clean up the party debris. But I do love it!  Sadly, the next planned event for Downtown is for Ladies’ Night in early December (two and a half months away), and after December, nothing from January 1st until Fiesta, in late June (that’s almost six months!). Give me a break! We should have something like a Block Party every month of the year. The West End shops will make that happen.

Fred Bodin

Bodin Historic Photo

82 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930 info@BodinHistoricPhoto.com

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