Tag: Gloucester Ma

Cameron’s Restaurant inside, the carved eagle sign, and demo January 2020 #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Debris from the demo of the 13,500 SF property (and parking lot) on 206/209 Main Street, formerly known as Cameron’s restaurant, is being trucked away from sorted piles, scrap metal here, mixed materials there. Action Inc. and North Shore Community Development Coalition ‘s  new apartment building will meld in a few street level commercial spaces. (Read about the latticework of buildings on this stretch of Main here and see photos then and now below. I think it will be both changeless and changing as the saying goes.) I’m confident the charm and great karma of Cameron’s meals and happy celebrations will carry forward for the residents and business owners coming to this corner of Main and Elm.

In the meantime I was delighted to find some (poor) snapshots with my mom inside Cameron’s. I’m sure there are more and better Cameron’s photographs out there!

2019 March 17 view past shuttered Cameron's _206 Main Street Gloucester Mass_site for future housing and mixed use by Action inc
photo caption March 17, 2019 view across Main Street, past Cameron’s to City Hall
Cameron's demo 2020 Jan 22 Gloucester Mass ©c ryan
photo caption January 22, 2019 

Inside Cameron’s restaurant 2009, 2010

photo snapshot captions – fuzzy glimpses of Cameron’s restaurant interior on St. Patrick’s Day 2009 (kids playing fiddles now in their 20s!) & 2010. There must be photos out there!

Cameron’s carved eagle salvaged and soaring

The eagle was removed, repaired and painted in 2017 in preparation for a new and most fitting site– flying high for Cape Ann Veterans Services. Who carved Cameron’s iconic eagle sign?

GMG reader David Collins shares the answer about the artist who hand carved the eagle as reported in the Gloucester Daily Times 2017. Carl Goddard of Nahant carved the eagle in 1967. 

Mike Springer photograph for Gloucester Daily Times- 16 foot wooden eagle hand carved in 1967 by Carl A. Goddard of Nahant

View on the side

2012 mural across from common crow _on Cameron's building_ Elm Street off Main Gloucester Mass _ ©c ryan
2012 mural painted by children w/ Cape Ann Art Haven (and painted again!)
Cameron's demo coming 206 Main Street Gloucester Mass_20200117_©c ryan (2)
January 17, 2020 Cameron’s demo coming, corner of Elm and Main

Demo January 17 – 24, 2020

 

Artist studios across the street will have a front row for the construction progress.

When Prospect Street was one lane | Allen Street then and now #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Near Allen Street

Prospect Street_20200123_Gloucester Mass ©c ryan
near Allen Street- view down Prospect Street _ Our Lady blue domes in background, 107 Prospect St. on right, Gloucester, Ma.
when Prospect street one lane_ near Allen Street_Gloucester Mass (2)
when Prospect Street was one road, homes (still standing), and variety property fence designs (from  History of Gloucester Vol. 3, published 1978, featuring photographs from James B. Benham collection and from Gaspar J. Lafata and Martin J. Horgan Jr. )
detail
top floor balcony enclosed

 

Below- arch windows and decorative door elements on the homes in the vintage photo can be found on homes throughout Gloucester, including two nearby:

Mayor Romeo Theken instrumental in securing 3 million MassWorks grant for infrastructure upgrades #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Mayor Romeo Theken was instrumental in securing funding, including a MassWorks grant, for another generational neighborhood infrastructure overhaul in Gloucester, Massachusetts. This soup to nuts improvement project– water, sewer, drainage, pavement, & utilities–impacts several streets including: Cedar, Millet, Sargent, Shepherd, Trask, and Warner. Some original sewer pipes were a century old.

gloucester ma infrastructure improvements coming to streets here_google maps

Gloucester DPW works in concert and alternates with various partners as the work is completed. While National Grid is up at bat currently with the utitlity upgrades, DPW is demobilized. The gas complany is replacing aged gas lines and mains, and improving services. It may have a wider scope than the city utility work.

photo caption: street work view down Millet Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts. City Hall and St. Ann’s in distance:

view down Millet St. Gloucester MA__thanks to Mayor, DPW getting $ past finish line _3 million all grant funded_ MassWorks_ infrastructure improvements_photo © c ryan 2020 Jan 14.jpg

photo caption: Millet and Warner Street , Gloucester, MA (Jan. 14, 2020)

Millet and Warner Streets_thx Mayor, DPW getting $ past finish line _3 million all grant funded_ MassWorks_ infrastructure improvements_Gloucester MA_ photo © c ryan 2020 Jan 14.jpg

Thanks to Mayor, DPW getting $ past finish line _3 million all grant funded_ mass works_ infrastructure improvements_Gloucester MA_photograph copyright © c ryan 2020 Jan 14 (2).jpg

National Grid marks street_thx Mayor, DPW getting $ past finish line _3 million all grant funded_ MassWorks_ infrastructure improvements_Gloucester MA_ photo © c ryan 2020 Jan 14

How are you enjoying this 68°crazy warm winter walk weather?

Posted on by Catherine

winter walk crazy warm January day_20200112_Long Beach Gloucester MA Rockport MA ©c ryan (2)

I didn’t notice yesterday but today, January 12, 2020, the ground smells like April. I found a sunny spot protected from the wind and stayed put reading outside, odd but nice. The former highest January temp on record was 62 degrees back in 1975.

Long Beach: 60 ° and a little wind whipping down the boardwalk

Posted on by Catherine

A breezy 60 degrees Jan. 11, 2020 on Long Beach, Rockport, Mass. Gloucester, Mass.

60 degrees in January! balmy breezy Long Beach Gloucester Ma Rockport Ma_20200111_© c ryan.jpg

windy Jan 11 2020 Long Beach gif.gif

Long Beach Jan 11 2020_©c ryan.jpg

 

Reminder | Bruce J. Anderson webinar January 15th and a nice message for #GloucesterMA #InspiringSiblingStory

Posted on by Catherine

 

The Bruce J Anderson 2020 application deadline is all heart: February 14, 2020 

That’s more than a month away, and the stellar team at The Boston Fund is hosting a Webinar next week to help with any questions.  They make it easy to participate.

Bruce J Anderson- an inspiring sibling story

Every year, we share the Bruce J Anderson announcement for its upcoming grant cycle which has supported wonderful local projects. After posting the 2020 call, Larry Anderson wrote a message for GMG readers about the fund honoring his brother and the family’s love for Gloucester and Cape Ann. It’s often difficult for families to get together in one place as years go by, and here six siblings gather again and again for something so positive. (I have another post in mind about sibling tributes which I’ll share with Larry soon.) Thank you so much for sharing the story and sparking ideas!

“Thanks for recognizing the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation. Bruce was my brother. He loved Gloucester, where he spent most of the summers of his life and where he lived and worked at the time of his death many years ago. His six siblings — three sisters, my two brothers, and I — have been fortunate to be able to keep his generous spirit alive through the modest but steady efforts of the foundation created in his name. We have been gratified to be able to support the worthy organizations you name, as well as many others on Cape Ann. We are always glad to hear from new community-minded groups. So please take advantage of the January 15 webinar offered by the capable, helpful folks at The Boston Foundation, who administer the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation.” –  Larry Anderson 

Photos above show happy results from their support — installation views at Cape Ann Museum from the travel exbibit Once Upon a Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads

Next Week! About the webinar

A word from the Bruce J Anderson team at The Boston Fund

The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation, a supporting organization of the Boston Foundation, has launched its 2020 request for proposals.

Please find the request for proposals here,

and note the application deadline is Friday, February 14, 2020.

We will be hosting an informational webinar on Wednesday, January 15th from 12:00-1:00 pm EST. Those interested in attending can join us to hear about the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation’s grantmaking priorities, and the process for applying for funding.  Please note that this webinar is not mandatory and your attendance will not affect how your application is reviewed. If you would like to participate in the webinar, please accept the attached calendar invitation so we can know your plans for attendance.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Loren Van Allen at loren.vanallen@tbf.org or 617-338-1621.

Sample This | great new sign at 116 Main Street #GloucesterMA and 50% sale on winter stock

Posted on by Catherine

Sample This is now located at 116 Main Street Gloucester Massachusetts  (formerly the Deborah Coull Salon, Gloucester location)

Open window

Posted on by Catherine

I noticed the open window because a bird hopped in. I didn’t stop to see what ensued but I was reminded about a GMG reader question: Who remembers Cher Ami and homing pigeons of Gloucester?

open window Puritan House_built by Tappan 1810_Gloucester Massachusetts_ Main & Washington Streets_photograph copyright © c ryan (5).jpg

There’s a 2nd  little pane missing on the Main Street side.

 

What’s in a name?

The 1810 brick building, Gloucester’s first, at the corner of 2 Main and 3 Washington Streets, now features Tonno Restaurant. The exterior has remained relatively unchanged since it was built in 1810 by Col. James Tappan. On the inside it’s been mixed use more often than not (various businesses, restaurants and lodgings). As a result it’s gone through a lot of rebranding: Puritan House, Tappan’s Hotel, Atlantic House, and Capt Bills are a few of the names associated with this historic structure. The Blackburn Tavern signs were added in 1978 for a restaurant.

Still Standing

The brick building at the other end of Main Street with Halibut Point Restaurant & Pub was Howard Blackburn’s actual tavern.

Howard Blackburn historic tavern_now Halibut Point Restaurant_20191231_Gloucester Mass. c ryan (1)

menu_Howard Blackburn historic tavern_now Halibut Point Restaurant_20191231_Gloucester Mass._ copyright c ryan

Fun fact: Col. Tappan taught young Daniel Webster.

So this is the Danvers RMV (plenty of room for another branch at #GloucesterMA Crossing)

Posted on by Catherine

RMV-Danvers Shopping Plaza_2019 December 26_Danvers Mass._ photograph © copyright C. Ryan.jpg

The new Registry of Motor Vehicles is situated in a long empty, 6,983 ft’ free-standing building in the Danvers Crossing Shopping Plaza, 8 Newbury St. (Rt. 1), Danvers, Massachusetts. The Hardcover and Costco are across the highway. Businesses sharing the parking lot include Ann & Hope, Dollar Store, David’s Bridal, and Monkey Joe’s. (I didn’t know there were still Ann & Hopes.) A number of vacancies remain. The shopping center was originally built out in 1990.

Prior to this move, the RMV had landed at Liberty Tree Mall. This new branch was expected to receive 500 visitors per day. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. rather than the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. broadcast ahead of time.  We have been a couple of times recently to this new one; they were quite helpful. (Make certain to arrive by 4pm on any given day or you’ll have to make a second trip. We learned this the hard way arriving for the first time at 4:35pm.) I never visited the RMV when it was in the mall. I have mostly been to the Revere location.

Reporter Paul Leighton followed the RMV Danvers relocation for the Salem News,

“The good news for North Shore residents is that the Registry of Motor Vehicles is finally planning to open a branch in Danvers after two years without one in this area. The bad news? The new place will cost taxpayers a lot more than the old one.

The registry announced last week that it had signed a 10-year lease to open an RMV branch in a former restaurant building at the Danvers Crossing shopping plaza on Route

The rent for the first year will be $350,616 — nearly 10 times as much as the $41,729 that the state paid in the final year of its lease at the Liberty Tree Mall.

A spokesman for the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, which handles leasing for the state, said the agency does not comment on lease negotiations.

Danvers state Rep. Ted Speliotis acknowledged the new lease payments will be much higher at Danvers Crossing. But he said that’s more a reflection on the great deal the state had at the Liberty Tree Mall.

Speliotis said the registry moved into the mall during tough economic times, when malls and other retail landlords were desperate for tenants. Liberty Tree even offered the space for free for the first three years, from 2010 to 2013.

“We were in the worst recession of our lifetime and the mall needed the foot traffic,” Speliotis said. “That was a once-in-a-lifetime deal.” Read the full article,  “RMV deal finally done, but taxpayers will pay” April 30, 2018: here

The Danvers RMV wasn’t busy the times we went December 2019. Still, it remains a bit of a slog* to get to that RMV (or Revere or Wilmington) from Gloucester. Having been to this new one, I’m not sure why there can’t be a branch in Gloucester as well, perhaps at Gloucester Crossing.

*Having to go 5x in the past two months plus needing to get there by 4pm makes it a slog. Revere and this are a toss up.

Gloucester Crossing

Photos below: Gloucester Crossing December 2019 looking in the direction of Starbucks (on right) and future pharmacy (free standing building on left, next to Aspen Dental)

Before the Danvers build out- What about a DMV at Gloucester Crossing post here

Restaurant comings and goings at both ends of town: Pier 23 Kitchen at 23 East Main closed and is for sale | Trio at 64 Main Street closed – new owners fresh start in the new year #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Yes, that's a water inner harbor view_Pier 23 Kitchen restaurant for sale_23 East Main Street_Gloucester MA_20191230_photograph copyright © c ryan.jpg

Pier 23 Kitchen on 23 East Main Street closed. The restaurant is for sale: contact (978) 887-9895. Pier 23 owners and AJ’s contributed major upgrades and renovations at this busy spot. (Mooters, LaRosas, and Cacciatores preceded AJ’s at the Harbor.)

The new sign for Oliver’s Harbor Restaurant and Bar features tiles at each end and heralds a change in ownership at 64 Main Street. The Bragas sold Trio which they had reconfigured after opening Italiano Restaurant in the former La Trattoria space and completing a major renovation and build out replete with a new industrial kitchen. Last year they added additional outdoor seating.

Oliver's Harbor Restaurant and Bar coming soon_64 Main Street_ 2019 December 24_Gloucester MA photograph copyright © c ryan.jpg

 

64 Main Street on Gloucester’s West End as Italiano 2017 and Trio 2018:

 

There’s a school in the old school | Scatterday’s driving classes 85 Eastern Avenue #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Scatterday's Driving School_85 Eastern Avenue office building_in the former Eastern Avenue neighborhood School_Gloucester Mass December 2019 © c ryan (5).jpg

 

Scatterday’s Driving Schoolis located on the ground floor in the office building at 85 Eastern Avenue, Gloucester, Mass., in the former Eastern Avenue School. Entrance is at the back. There are various learner permit and driver license packages. Some are concentrated full days; for those, Jeff’s Variety is a quick walk away for class breaks. 

Quick walk from 85 Eastern Avenue office building to Jeff's Variety _ Gloucester Mass ©c ryan

Jeff's Variety and sub shop_20191226_©c ryan

Thankful for Cape Ann Art Haven helping our kids hand paint these beautiful buoy ornaments | Lobster trap tree #GloucesterMA 2019

Posted on by Catherine

Great job artists! Thanks for sharing your buoys for our radiant community lobster trap tree

Lobster trap tree Gloucester Ma 2019 day_ buoys hand painted by community kids facilitated by Cape Ann Art Haven ©c ryan (9)
view back in direction Cape Ann Art Haven Main Street Gloucester MA

 

from stocking stuffers to that just right gift | goodlinens studio and homegoods Main Street #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Dash of practical and plenty of modern whimsy designs make for great browsing and last minute shopping at goodlinens studio on Main Street in Gloucester. The store carries gorgeous linens plus beautiful kitchen, bath, office, and homegood products– hand made and sustainable plus good design.

Pop Gallery has gift wrapping and holiday cheer #GloucesterMA 🎁

Posted on by Catherine

Fantastic shopping at Pop Gallery on Main Street in Gloucester, Mass. Open from 11-4:30 Christmas eve day.

Pop Gallery great shopping Gloucester Mass_20191224_©c ryan.jpg

Rush home with some presents | wonderful shopping at Alexandra’s Bread bakery #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Great gifts and vintage finds at Alexandra’s Bread bakery and shop on Main Street Gloucester, Ma. Festive selections are folded in during holidays year round.

Candle lit on the first night of Hanukkah | Temple Ahavat Achim #GloucesterMa

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December 22, 2019 the first light Temple Ahavat Achim Gloucester, Ma., 2019 – An additional (buoy) candle on the giant lobster trap menorah will be lit each night until full illumination on the 8th night.

Still more Holiday Lights and cocoa drives#GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Have you seen these festive lights December nights? Merry drives and cocoa Part 3 scenes all around Gloucester, Massachusetts, including a few extra GMG reader tips and requests:

Holiday Christmas lights 2019_ decorated homes_Gloucester MA_Dec 21 and Dec 22 _photograph © c ryan (11).jpg

 

photos below- Looking past Man at the Wheel on the left, through wreath, Beauport Hotel tower lit red and green 

 
Merry drives and cocoa nights 2019 (mobile photos #nofilter)
12/8/19 Part One here
12/19/19 Part Two here
12/23/19 Part Three (this post)

Merry drives and cocoa day 2019 (wreaths, traditional displays and/or mostly white lights) 12/13/19  here