Lobster Cove, 1916

The peninsula called Annisquam is bordered by Ipswich Bay (Atlantic Ocean), the Annisquam River (which makes Gloucester an island), and Lobster Cove. The cove is protected, and therefore a preferred anchorage and mooring area. Judging by the lack of boats in Lobster Cove, this looks to be spring (May 26th to be exact). Annisquam is across the cove, and Wingaersheek is in the distance across the Annisquam River. The geography of Cape Ann is a visual buffet for photographers and painters, and its beauty is here for all to enjoy.
The peninsula called Annisquam is bordered by Ipswich Bay (Atlantic Ocean), the Annisquam River (which makes Gloucester an island), and Lobster Cove. The cove is protected, and therefore a preferred anchorage and mooring area. Judging by the lack of boats in Lobster Cove, this looks to be spring (May 26th to be exact). Annisquam is across the cove, and Wingaersheek is in the distance across the Annisquam River. The geography of Cape Ann is a visual buffet for photographers and painters, and its beauty is here for all to enjoy.

Dory Row, Gloucester

I shot this dory photo with a Nikon 500mm mirror lens. The heavy 500mm beast is known for recording reflected points of light as circles, or "doughnuts." Measuring almost 12 inches long, a tripod is required for sharp photos. Doughnuts do not a great lens make, and I was happy to unload it a couple of years ago.
I shot this dory photo with a Nikon 500mm mirror lens. The heavy 500mm beast is known for recording reflected points of light as circles, or “doughnuts.” Measuring almost 12 inches long, a tripod is required for sharp photos. Doughnuts do not a great lens make, and I was happy to unload it a couple of years ago.

Wingaersheek Beach Outing, circa 1900

Here's Wingaersheek Beach, with 'Squam Point and Annisquam Light in the distance. Although the fashionable beach goers are fully clothed, this may be a hot day in the summer.
Here’s Wingaersheek Beach, with ‘Squam Point and Annisquam Light in the distance. Although the fashionable beach goers are fully clothed, this may be a hot day in the summer.

Fisherman’s End of Day, Lanes Cove

All of a sudden, I see fishermen walking to the water with rods, anglers casting from the rocks, and boats trolling the shoreline at sunset. The season is here.
All of a sudden, I see fishermen walking to the water with rods, anglers casting from the rocks, and boats trolling the shoreline at sunset. The season is here.

Ancient Riggs House, circa 1900

The Ancient Riggs House, on Vine Street in Gloucester, was built in the 1640's. Thomas Riggs bought it in 1661. It's one of only three surviving squared-log houses in Massachusetts, and the oldest existing home on Cape Ann. In 1998, it got electricity, heat, and running water.
The Ancient Riggs House, on Vine Street in Gloucester, was built in the 1640’s. Thomas Riggs bought it in 1661. It’s one of only three surviving squared-log houses in Massachusetts, and the oldest existing home on Cape Ann. In 1998, it got electricity, heat, and running water.

Garden of Optimism

My rehabilitation garden, herbs of hope and happiness, as I joyously see it every morning. Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, with a Flowering Beauty. "Gardening is medicine that does not need  a prescription ... And with no limit on dosage." - Author unknown Garden of Optimism grown from seed in in Gloucester, and generously given as a healing gift by Lise Breen.
My rehabilitation garden, herbs of hope and happiness, as I joyously see it every morning. Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme, with a Flowering Beauty.
“Gardening is medicine that does not need
a prescription … And with no limit on dosage.”
– Author unknown
Garden of Optimism grown from seed in in Gloucester,
and generously given as a healing gift by Lise Breen.

 

Goose Cove, 1914

In this photo, the tide is coming into Goose Cove, taken 100 years ago this month. Most of the houses on the shore are still there. Photographer Alice M. Curtis's caption says it's "taken from the bridge." She used a tripod to steady her camera, and made a 5x7 inch negative.
In this photo, the tide is coming into Goose Cove, taken 100 years ago this month. Most of the houses on the shore are still there. Photographer Alice M. Curtis’s caption says it’s “taken from the bridge.” She used a tripod to steady her camera, and made a 5×7 inch negative.

When Spring Knocks at Your Door…

“When spring knocks at your door, regardless of the time of year or season of our lives, run, do not walk to that door, throw it open with wild abandon, and say, "Yes! Yes, come in! Do me, and do me big!”  ― Jeffrey R. Anderson, The Nature of Things - Navigating Everyday Life with Grace When I see Spring blossoms, I don't wait to photograph them, because they'll shortly be replaced by green leaves. We won't see colors like that until Fall, and after that we must wait until the next Spring.
“When spring knocks at your door, regardless of the time of year or season of our lives, run, do not walk to that door, throw it open with wild abandon, and say, “Yes! Yes, come in! Do me, and do me big!”
― Jeffrey R. Anderson, The Nature of Things – Navigating Everyday Life with Grace
When I see Spring blossoms, I don’t wait to photograph them, because they’ll shortly be replaced by green leaves. We won’t see colors like that until Fall, and after that we must wait until the next Spring.

 

 

 

Smith Cove Fleet, circa 1960

Smith Cove in East Gloucester was, and still is, populated by both fishing and pleasure boats. In the background of the photo is East Main Street, with Banner Hill rising above it. The boats, from left to right: Harpoon sword fishing boat "Jaguar" (previously named Lord Jim and also a WWII submarine chaser), owned by Dr. Fred Breed; "Jumping Jennifer," Tom Morse's fishing boat; Party fishing boat "Winner III," owned by Bobby Anderson; and the "Naomi Bruce III," co-owned by Cy Tysver and the Shoares family. Vessel histories are complex, and all comments and corrections are welcome.
Smith Cove in East Gloucester was, and still is, populated by both fishing and pleasure boats. In the background of the photo is East Main Street, with Banner Hill rising above it. The boats, from left to right: Harpoon swordfishing boat “Jaguar” (previously named Lord Jim and also a WWII submarine chaser), owned by Dr. Fred Breed; “Jumping Jennifer,” Tom Morse’s fishing boat; Party fishing boat “Winner III,” owned by Bobby Anderson; and the “Naomi Bruce III,” co-owned by Cy Tysver and the Shoares family. Vessel histories are complex, and all comments and corrections are welcome.

A Selfie of Friendship and of Hope

My friend Al Bezanson visited me at Rehab, where I made my first "selfie." Between us, on his cell phone, is Al's bride Phyllis in her 20's. Al was in Gloucester to work on his schooner Green Dragon for spring launching. It's always a pleasure to see Al and Phyllis in the gallery, and at their summer digs on Rocky Neck over a bottle of rum. I made a promise to myself to sail the Green Dragon this summer, and take another selfie of us at the wheel.
My friend Al Bezanson visited me at Rehab, where I made my first “selfie.” Between us, on his cell phone, is Al’s bride Phyllis in her 20’s. Al was in Gloucester to work on his schooner Green Dragon for spring launching. It’s always a pleasure to see Al and Phyllis in the gallery, and at their summer digs on Rocky Neck over a bottle of rum. I made a promise to myself to sail the Green Dragon this summer, and take another selfie of us at the wheel.

The Boston Navy Yard and the USS Wabash

The Boston Navy Yard was established in 1801 in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. The facility built 130+ naval warships, including the USS Constitution in 1814. The Frigate USS Wabash is seen here serving as a receiving or barracks ship, which she did from 1876 until being sold in 1912. The 30 acre Navy Yard is now part of the Boston National Historical Park and home of "Old Ironsides," the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
The Boston Navy Yard was established in 1801 in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. The facility built 130+ naval warships, including the USS Constitution in 1814. The Frigate USS Wabash is seen here serving as a receiving or barracks ship, which she did from 1876 until being sold in 1912. The 30 acre Navy Yard is now part of the Boston National Historical Park and home of “Old Ironsides,” the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
Frigate USS Wabash was built in 1855 as a steam and sail powered top of the line fighting ship. The 301 foot long Wabash carried 50 guns. She's pictured in this 1863 photo during Civil War duty.
Frigate USS Wabash was built in 1855 as a steam and sail powered top of the line fighting ship. The 301 foot long Wabash carried 50 guns. She’s pictured in this 1863 photo during Civil War duty.

Gloucester Electric Company

This photo was taken in Downtown Gloucester around 100 years ago. The building is still there. Where was the Gloucester Electric Company?
This photo was taken in Downtown Gloucester around 100 years ago. The building is still there. Where was the Gloucester Electric Company?

Schooner Lincoln – Afloat and Wrecked

Bill Hubbard looked into the Lincoln after my GMG post of 5/16/14 (https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/?s=schooner+lincoln). He discovered thr following information and photo: "I found that the schooner in the picture was the three-masted Lincoln. She was built in Essex by Arthur Dana Story and launched in 1920. She sailed out of Gloucester as a coasting schooner under several captains but continued to be owned by A.D. Story. She carried cargo of coal, lumber and potatoes from Maine and the Canadian Maritimes to Gloucester, New York and Boston.
Bill Hubbard looked into the Schooner Lincoln after my GMG post of 5/16/14 (https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/?s=schooner+lincoln). He discovered the following information and photo of her in Gloucester Harbor: “I found that the schooner in the picture was the three-masted Lincoln. She was built in Essex by Arthur Dana Story and launched in 1920. She sailed out of Gloucester as a coasting schooner under several captains but continued to be owned by A.D. Story. She carried cargo of coal, lumber and potatoes from Maine and the Canadian Maritimes to Gloucester, New York, and Boston.”
"In 1928 Schooner Lincoln was severely damaged when rammed by a steam collier, but her load of lumber kept her afloat until towed into Gloucester. Her cargo was salvaged, but the hull was declared a total loss. In 1931 she broke in two and her stern section floated ashore on Eastern Point." Thank you FOB Bill Hubbard!
“In 1928 Schooner Lincoln was severely damaged when rammed by a steam collier, but her load of lumber kept her afloat until towed into Gloucester. Her cargo was salvaged, but the hull was declared a total loss. In 1931 she broke in two and her stern section floated ashore on Eastern Point.” Thank you FOB Bill Hubbard!

High Roads from Wheelers Point, 1914

Taken from Larady Road on Wheelers Point, this photo looks across the Mill River toward Washington Street, near Gee Avenue. Note the clam shacks on the left, and Clam Alley, where 'Clam Tucker sold his steamers. I'm in the woods about what High Roads refers to. It may be Washington Street, because it runs along the ridge "high" above the Mill River.
Taken from Larady Road on Wheelers Point, this photo looks across the Mill River toward Washington Street, near Gee Avenue. Note the clam shacks on the left, and Clam Alley, where ‘Clam Tucker sold his steamers. I’m in the woods about what High Roads refers to. It may be Washington Street, because it runs along the ridge “high” above the Mill River.

Fifty Years Later: Devil Dogs Revisited

Drake's Bakery was founded in 1896, and in the 1960's they made popular snacks such as Ring Dings, Yodels, Devil Dogs, Yankee Doodles, Sunny Doodles, and Funny Bones. Devil Dogs were my favorite. I haven't had one in fifty years. The one I ate tonight was awesome, and must be consumed with milk. I can't wait to try a Ring Ding!
Drake’s Bakery was founded in 1896, and in the 1960’s they made popular snacks such as Ring Dings, Yodels, Devil Dogs, Yankee Doodles, Sunny Doodles, and Funny Bones. Devil Dogs were my favorite. I haven’t had one in fifty years. The one I ate tonight was awesome, and must be consumed with milk. I can’t wait to try a Ring Ding!
Devil Dogs are Kosher and vegetarian. They're now 4.5 inches long and weigh in at 1.64 ounces. In case quantity of 96, they cost 30 cents each from Drake's web site. http://www.drakescake.com/www
Devil Dogs are Kosher and vegetarian. They’re now 4.5 inches long and weigh in at 1.64 ounces. In case quantity of 96, they cost 30 cents each from Drake’s web site. http://www.drakescake.com/www

Island in the Annisquam: Merchants

Three investors bought Merchants (or Pearce)  island about 1890: Edward Samuel Page, Mr. Kitchen, and another investor. They had trouble selling lots because of fresh water issues. This photo shows Merchants Island from Riverview, with the pier and float in the foreground, enabling the only access to the island. A handful of cottages still stand on Merchants, used in the summer only.
Three investors bought Merchants (or Pearce) island about 1890: Edward Samuel Page, Mr. Kitchen, and another investor. They had trouble selling lots because of fresh water issues. This photo shows Merchants Island from Riverview in 1910, with the pier and float in the foreground, enabling the only access to the island, and Wingaersheek dunes in the background (right) A handful of cottages still stand on Merchants, used in the summer only.
Here's a cottage on Merchant’s Island about 1900, with a moored dory with fish traps. A few hardy summer residents of Merchants have visited the gallery. I noticed they frequently looked outside at the weather. That's understandable - it's a long row home.
Here’s a cottage on Merchant’s Island about 1900, with a moored dory holding fish traps. A few hardy summer residents of Merchants have visited the gallery. I noticed they frequently looked outside at the weather. That’s understandable – it’s a long row home.

From System Failure to Pizza Success

Part of OT (Occupational Therapy) is preparing to survive at home, including cooking in your kitchen. As the group discussed their favorite pizza parlors in Gloucester, I volunteered to make a pizza from scratch for everyone. I hadn't made one in 30 years. I mixed a simple pizza sauce and let it age in the 'fridge overnight. The next day I shaped the pizza dough with the guidance of staff member Kayla, who also throws pizzas for Sebastian's Pizza. After topping the sauced pizza with mozzarella cheese, onions, mushrooms, and linguica, it went into a hot oven on a hot stone. It tasted great, so I guess I'll survive when I'm released.
Part of OT (Occupational Therapy) is preparing to survive at home, including cooking in your kitchen. As the group discussed their favorite pizza parlors in Gloucester, I volunteered to make a pizza from scratch for everyone. I hadn’t made one in 30 years.
I mixed a simple pizza sauce and let it age in the ‘fridge overnight. The next day I shaped the pizza dough with the guidance of staff member Kayla, who also throws pizzas for Sebastian’s Pizza. After topping the sauced pizza with mozzarella cheese, onions, mushrooms, and linguica, it went into a hot oven on a hot stone. It tasted great, so I guess I’ll survive when I’m released.
GMG's Marty Luster made a short video of my PT/OT experience a few days later. it's worth watching, and comment #7 is worth reading. https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/fred-bodin-the-road-to-recovery/
GMG’s Marty Luster made a short video of my PT/OT experiences a few days later. it’s worth watching, and comment #7 is worth reading. https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2014/05/14/fred-bodin-the-road-to-recovery/

USS Indiana, First Battleship in Our Navy

In the early 1900's Teddy Roosevelt's Great White Fleet conducted annual maneuvers in Sandy Bay, Rockport. The Battleship USS Indiana (BB1), commissioned in 1895, was part of that fleet. She was the US Navy's first battleship. The heavily armed and armored 350 foot long Indiana fought in the Spanish American War, and later served as a gun crew training ship in WWI.
In the early 1900’s Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet conducted annual maneuvers in Sandy Bay, Rockport. The Battleship USS Indiana (BB1), commissioned in 1895, was part of that fleet. She was the US Navy’s first battleship. The heavily armed and armored 350 foot long Indiana fought in the Spanish American War, and later served as a gun crew training ship in WWI.

Purple Haze

Purple haze, all in my brain Lately things they don't seem the same Actin' funny, but I don't know why Excuse me while I kiss the sky Purple haze, all around Don't know if I'm comin' up or down Am I happy or in misery? What ever it is, that girl put a spell on me Sign on the Rehab campus. No, it's not about drugs, is it? Jimi Hendrix 1967
Purple haze, all in my brain
Lately things they don’t seem the same
Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why
Excuse me while I kiss the sky
Purple haze, all around
Don’t know if I’m comin’ up or down
Am I happy or in misery?
What ever it is, that girl put a spell on me
Sign on the Rehab campus. No, it’s not about drugs, is it?
Jimi Hendrix 1967

Schooner Lincoln, Eastern Point, 1931

The Great Storm of 1931 broke the Schooner Lincoln in half and hard aground on Eastern Point. The wreckage of the stern  was cut up by local children.
The Great Storm of 1931 broke the Schooner Lincoln in half and hard aground on Eastern Point. The wreckage of the stern was cut up by local children.