View CHAT-M-Room (Town Common) on Cape Cod, MA --- See Pleasant Forest Shores also

Fly the FLAG!

The CHAT-M-Room
on Cape Cod, MA
(Town Common)

Established on Jan 27th, 2005

CHAT-M-Room Photo Album

Do you want to talk about subjects related to Chatham, MA?
Discuss history, places, people or events, ask/answer questions, or anything else connected to past or present Chatham here.

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Click Here to add your comments to the CHAT-M-Room (Town Common)

Gordon, yes, they are still available but just not as easy to get to (for now) as they could be...just go to the bottom of this extended page and click on "Previous month" or go to Dec 2009 and click on "Next month" at top...I never finished adding a new year to the 'white area' table as it's getting a bit large and was not sure how best to handle that issue...when I move Feb 2010 over, I'll need to address it...sorry about that.
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 03/09/2010 - 20:27:30

John, I am unable to see entries made in Jan. 2010...Were they deleted or are you working on them ?
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Tue 03/09/2010 - 19:29:50

Right On Wayne..I'm glad not everyone is "politically correct". Way to much sensitivity these days..Kudos to Ron..
Tom O. <shoveltom@verizon.net>
chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/09/2010 - 16:49:47

As you may have noticed, the site was unavailable last night for a nbr of hours...I couldn't access it either as the server was having "issues"...so it wasn't your fault...sorry, but that happens on rare occasions, ok?
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 03/09/2010 - 09:58:03

Greeks here and Greeks there, and not a decent Greek restaurant anywhere!
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Mon 03/08/2010 - 13:24:32

Wayne: Very well put
Tommy Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/07/2010 - 21:29:15

AND THAT IS THE WAY IT IS; HEAR, THERE AND EVERYWHERE; AND IN THE SMALL TOWN OF CHATHAM, WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT EVERYBODY; THE WORLD KEEPS TURNING AND TURNING AND IF BY SOME CHANCE SOMEONE SHOULD QUESTION THE WISDOM OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN, GOD HELP THE SELECTMEN IF THE DEFEND THEMSELVES. FOR THE MOST PART THEY DO A GREAT SERVICE FOR THE TOWN, WITH ALL THE PEOPLE JUMPING ON THEM ABOUT THIS AND THAT IT IS A WOUNDER THEY STAY, AND SOME OF THE ONES THAT DO SHOULD NOT.

I WILL SURE GET IN TROUBLE FORE THIS , HAVE A NICE DAY
WVLove <lovenest139@comcast.net>
Dennis/was Chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/07/2010 - 20:08:29

thank you! i'm looking for any and all info -- and this is so helpful! if any one has any more, you are welcome to email me direct too!!
kathleen <kgiorgio@verizon.net>
chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/07/2010 - 12:18:19

It was started by Josephine Snow.THE BEST HOT DOG'S EVER.I worked there 2 summers in the late 70"s orearly 80"s. Great time what fun it was.That is another part of real Chatham.
Irene GOD BLESS AMERICA
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/07/2010 - 12:08:05

Hello - i am hoping someone can help me in terms of Chatham business history. does anyone know about the former use of the small window-service concession-type building on Veteran's Field Rd next to the ball park? Who operated it -- and when? Any help and/or direction to help would be greatly appreciated!!
kathleen <kgiorgio@verizon.net>
chatham, MA USA - Sun 03/07/2010 - 11:41:20

Folks:

Which house on Doane Road did "the Greeks" own?
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Sun 03/07/2010 - 02:00:20

Somewhere around 1950 my Uncle Roy Larkin bought one of the two 1928, or 29 Chevy delivery trucks from Peter the Greek, and he used it to deliver locally caught fresh fish around Chatham. I use to ride with him from time to time.
Barry Fulcher <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Naples, FL USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 20:59:55

Sorry, Dick I know that this was way before 1957 - I was still either in Jr. High or High School when he built the house for them.
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 18:01:54

Thanks, Stephen - now I remember, George Lewis. And, I do remember his going to Las Vegas. Hmmmm, Dick, I was sure that Peter and his brother (?) owned a house there....I'll have to ask my sister is she remembers. Maybe my father just did some repairs on the house. (Sorry folks about the almost double posting - I didn't think the first one went through).
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 17:59:08

Jane:
All I can remember is that Peter Zaines, sometime after he retired from the Epicure,rented a house from me on Doane Rd. (It was next to Jake Worth) This would have been around 1957. He had some great stories about the Epicure and having a horse & wagon delivery all decked out with Epicure logo etc..
Dick Doane
Debary, FL USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 10:24:02

George Lewis was the brother. He had a dive shop next to Chatham Jewelers. Later he became a card dealer in Las Vegas.
Stephen Page
Falmouth, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 09:46:40

My father, Sumner Harding, built the "Greek's" house down off Doane Rd.(Dick, maybe you remember which one it was) in the late 40's or early '50's.
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 09:36:23

My dad, Sumner Harding, built a house for the "Greeks" (that's what he called them, too) down off Doane Road, I believe it was in the late 40's or early '50's. Dick, maybe you remember which house it was. Pota and her sister also had a brother - can't remember his name offhand - I knew him when he came into Chatham Trust in 1953 -1956.
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 09:33:45

Steve! Thank you,I could not remember Socrates to save my life.
A great dog in the store but was very protective at Nick's house
on Woodland Way.Trust all is well with you.
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 07:58:23

As much as I'd love to see some of y'all at Cape Cod Day later today, my eyes bother me enough these days so that I've decided not to go, especially since it would require me to have a driver as that's just too far to drive myself...so enjoy yourselves there and share some stories here later please, ok?
J Hallgren (as user/Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Sat 03/06/2010 - 00:24:01

Thanks so much Bill---I can play either one -----I should come and interview you on stories of you and Dad in the good old days. How he treasured your friendship--and by the sounds, it was a life long one. I am so excited to be able to get these---hope you are well and looking forward to a nice spring. Perhaps you would like a copy of the newsletters, "Homefires", that Gram Edna Nickerson Matteson sent to all the boys of Chatham, while they served in the war during WWII. She won an award and recognition for doing them, and cousin Dick Matteson gave me a set of the papers. You would probably know all of the people she mentioned in them and all of the "goings on" around town that she shared with them. Bet she was quite a woman! Thanks again from the bottom of my heart! Brother Tom and I will have a great time listening to Dad. You are a gem!
Betsy Matteson Crowell <marbet73@aol.com>
Litchfield, ME USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 23:54:22

To Betsy:

Will put that on my list of things to do. Can you play at will either cassettes or CDs ?

Regarding the Greeks Peter and Louis, I remember Peter coming to our house on Barcliff Ave when I was rather young in his truck loaded with fruit etc.
I estimate that must have been in the late 20s or early 30s. They must have been established well before that. They were friendly and accommodating as I recall.

Regards to all -- Bill
William Ryder
Chathamport, MA USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 22:08:07

Hi folks--Ihaven't been on in awhile, but in reading old entries I see that Bill Ryder made CD's of alot of my Dad (Ken Matteson) interviewing folks in Chatham---Bill, you sent me a cassette a few years ago of him talking with Francis Kendrick, Little Ned Wilbur and Louie Robbins. I so enjoyed it, and did not know there were more. Did you keep copies of the cassettes? Brother Tom and would love to have copies of these---we miss our Dad so much and would love to hear the sound of voice and these wonderful interviews. He was a smart man to do this---thanks so much! We would be glad to pay for them--
Betsy Matteson Crowell <marbet73@aol.com>
Litchfield, ME USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 20:37:29

Socrates was the name of Nick's boxer and an oil painting of him graced the doorway into the back.
Stephen Page
Falmouth, MA USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 20:18:09

When the Epicure is mentioned,one must not forget
the late,great right hand man to Nick and Anna.
Charlie "Tag" (Tagliaferri).Also night workers,Paul Karr,Jr.&
Chathamport Jimmy Eldredge.(Both worked for the USPO during the day).
Anyone remember the name of Nick's boxer dog?

Dick! Best wishes on your eye surgery.You will not think it possible
to see what you see afterwards.Ivan Bassett and I had ours done the same
day and we both agreed we never knew how ugly the other looked prior to surgery.
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 18:24:47

Pota Meyer and Anna Angelos were sisters............
Carol Kelley
West Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 09:24:55

Pota was related to Nick
Joanne Hughes <JNPPH@AOL.COM>
Naples, FL USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 08:28:36

Excuse poor spelling.. Caterack surgery next Wednesday.
Diuck Doane
Debary, FL USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 07:26:19

The Epiquire..Original owners...Peter Zaines and Louis (Last Name escape me)
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 07:23:50

When I was a kid Nick Angeloes and his wife were the owners of the Epicure.
Think they were related to Walter and Pota Meier.
Dick Fulcher <dick.marie@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 03/05/2010 - 07:02:49

The New Yorker or Squire - Estelle and Charlie - I will never forget September 10, 1959 when I was able to actually buy a drink with a legitimate ID - Estelle checked the new real one 3 times - I had a lot of navy liberty $ in my pocket so I "bought the bar" to celebrate my 21st birthday - the restaurant was packed with everyone from Charlie Tuttle to that pretty summer girl Betsy from Philadelphia who lived on Shore Road, I can't remember her last name but Walter was the family chauffeur - I always had a thing about her, Marnie Manson,Nancy Eldredge, and Susie Muldowney growing up - turning 21 is memorable but doing it at the New Yorker in Chatham is special!
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 23:55:39

So sad to see the old locals closing down-Epicure has been there since we moved there in 1956. I remember one year going there to buy my mom some "Tia Maria"for Christmas-guy knew us and sold it to me-I think I was 12! thanks for all the Chatham history-fabulous!
Pam Gleason Elmstrom <townie49@comcast.net>
Colorado springs, CO USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 22:44:38

My family always called it the "Greeks", and my Aunt..Agnes Tompkins...always had the SS Pierce goods delivered to her Stage Harbor Road home (330) while I was running barefoot down Cross St. to buy her chocolates from the Mayflower Shop or whatever was next to her favorite New Yorker Restaurant. Now the Squire...and Dick and I will be at the BAR for dinner the night we arrive home on April 29th.
Emily
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 21:43:44

Bob Frank was one heck of a teacher! Math has never been my strong point, but he managed to get me through Algebra 2 with a passing grade after darn near flunking Algebra 1 with someone else. Truely a miracle!
Alden, I am 76 and The Epicure has been there as long as I can remember. As a child I can remember admiring the beautiful fruit displays in the window. Every apple polished and glowing and each orange as large as a baseball. Peter-- was one of the owners. Anyone remember his last name? Locals called it The Greeks, but that was not meant to be demeaning just discriptive.
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 21:30:37

Y'all will excuse my *whine,* but THE EPICURE HAS GONE OUT OF BIZ??? How long has that BEEN the Epicure, anyway?? As long as I can recall in my meager 52 years, that has been the Epicure.

I started re-reading THE OUTERMOST HOUSE, and I clearly re-call finding that book in my mother's bookshelves when I was in 7th grade and at that time, I formed a dream to spend a year *out there* like HB did. Right now, I would just like to spend a summer week *out there,* a hopeless vision inspired by this wild March weather.
Dana D Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 17:58:09

The Robert G. Franke Quiz
X equals the cost of your can of shaving cream
Y equals the number of shaves per can of shaving cream
Z equals the cost of shaving cream per shave

Take a guess as to the answer. I'll post what my actual numbers were in a few days. It was a slow winter with not much else to do.
Carl Olson <cbolson@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 03/04/2010 - 10:40:49

CARL--

Aveeno rocks! Every morning I thank you.
Don Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 21:49:36

Helen, I walked down the beach in front of your old house and the water did not go over the berm, but has eroded very close.
Dick Fulcher <dick.marie@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 20:16:32

So that's why there was a full liquor license available yesterday in the B.O.S. mtg...I was wondering which one didn't make it...guess they spent too much money renovating it? Or went too high-priced product line?
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 17:00:15

Hi Wayne. The Epicure went out of business and now the store is for rent.
Tommy Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 15:49:36

Does anyone know what happened to the Epicure, the place is empty?
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 12:59:23

To Tim P and John H: Stay tuned for more of "As the Tide Turns".....and now a word from our sponser....
Kathy Nowak
Sebastian, FL USA - Wed 03/03/2010 - 09:55:49

Check out www.capecodonline.com/ to see photos of the Chatham FishPier South Jog under water, as well as flooding at Ryder's Cove. (Maybe by now these flicks have been replaced by newer ones). What a dynamic area to be living in! Coastal Flood advisory is in effect for tomorrow night, so stay tuned.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 03/02/2010 - 20:18:12

Just returned from a couple of weeks away.
Some of you may remember and fully know that the
current events of the meeting of the Board of Selectmen,
well, rather pale to the old meetings of the Shellfishermen,
Fishermen and Board of Public Welfare before the Boards of
times past. Oh, what truly interesting times were had back then!!
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/02/2010 - 19:13:24

Breaking news from the B.O.S. meeting: Ron Bergstom has stepped aside as Chairman and now it's Len Sussman in the hotseat.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 03/02/2010 - 16:18:51

Lisa, Not much to report at AHL. Did not even wash over the berm. The harbor was quite full though.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Tue 03/02/2010 - 09:23:06

Received yet another check for the expenses for this site yesterday so I think that should be all of them...so now will go to bank with them as a batch this week...in case you were wondering why it hadn't cleared...I tend to do things like that in bunches...and THANKS SO SO MUCH for all your support! Some of you have been what I feel is TOO generous as all I asked was $8-10, but I DO appreciate it and I'll be updating the Sponsor Page sometime this week with new names.
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 03/02/2010 - 02:58:45

I love the descriptions in here - you may not be aware but some of you are wonderful writers, you paint powerful pictures ... all I know is that we had crashing surf out here today (Chile I think) but I try to explain to Avery that althought it looks like Nauset, it just doesn't smell or feel like Nauset... the Cape is very special! If you need another example, please see "Ghost Writer" a new thriller but a movie in which the director (Polanski) tries to present an island off Germany as Cape Cod and the Islands - the movie works but the setting is phony... Sorry to hear Scateree is eroding, anyone remember the lobsterman who used that landing in the '40s? I can remember living on Ministers Point and the Summers (Sylvia, Dudley, others) lived right next to the landing - whomever that was, he brought in lobster and either sold or gave it to us - my grandmother, Jean's great aunt, would cook it, was delicious! I am in a Cape friendly, anti-taco reminiscing mood tonight
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Mon 03/01/2010 - 22:23:23

Anna ( and others who have an interest in coastal events ) :
Went to check out your favorite Lighthouse today - the stairs to Nauset Light Beach have been washed away. The 4x4 post that my son-in-law and I put in the ground some years ago that marked the former location of Nauset Light is STILL STANDING! However, the bank there is severely undercut. While watching the huge northeasterly wind driven seas, some of which were breaking at least a half mile offshore, I thought of your grandfather, Surfman Howes in the US LifeSaving Service, who, like my own grandfather, would have been called upon to be a member of the crew and row out in a surfboat in similar conditions to rescue imperiled mariners. Pretty humbling to watch such power exhibited by the sea. The current was probably headed south at 5 knots, and there was a lot of sand mixed in the turbulence. Nauset Marsh was completely flooded at high water.
I lament for folks who don't have the opportunity to see such spectacles of nature.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 03/01/2010 - 20:40:12

Has anyone been down Shell Drive at Cannon Hill to check the waterfront? I am wondering what is happening to our old house. Such a grand , old place. My children enjoyed the beach there so much, particularly Grant who spent hours digging clams by hand.
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Mon 03/01/2010 - 20:12:46

Thank you Wayne.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Mon 03/01/2010 - 19:20:41

I drove down to Scatteree yesterday afternoon, and was shocked to see the parking lot half washed out - they have the area fenced off and beyond the barriers you can see the bare concrete that was once under sand.
Hope everyone is well.....
Jane
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/28/2010 - 21:01:22

Lisa, I have not seen any problem in the AHLane area but will check @ high tide in the morning and report.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/28/2010 - 20:37:11

In the NYTimes Sunday magazine there is an article on Scott Brown. He's handsome; he has beautiful daughters and he drives a truck. Sorry I don't have more exciting news. Hope AHLane is surviving the full moon ocean. Sometimes it's better not to be there.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/28/2010 - 20:06:47

Its just the calm after the storm when people are afraid to "come out of their houses". New subject? How about the erosion at Scatteree and Cotchpinicut landings and some warnings about "slumps under Rt 28 on the Orleans Rd". We have many big bridges to cross to keep Chatham reasonably recognizable to those of us old-timers who know the difference.
Emily
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Sun 02/28/2010 - 15:45:07

Is this thing broken or is everyone dead?
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/28/2010 - 15:28:48

Gordon: I would in a heartbeat if we thought the doctors here didn't need our financial support! You know how that goes. I'm still a native Cape Codder and fortunately I have a good heritage and blessed to have grown up in Chatham. Naples weather is unbeatable even with our colder than usual winter this year. And there are certainly a lot of good things happening here in spite of escalating crime in SW Florida. The poor economy has unfortunately stimulated some of those events. I see lots of Boston Red Sox and Patriots bumper stickers, shirts, and ball caps. I rent space in an antique mall and almost every time I stop by there, I run into someone who has a connection to the Cape and often to Chatham. One couple from Orleans asked me I knew David Stevenson, the man's former barber. Then I told them that David is my brother-in-law. Happens like that a lot. One time at the Olive Garden, while waiting for a table, a couple sat down next to us to wait also. It turned out she was the waitress who wrote the No. 1 Meal Check at the Northport in 1963. That meal check is still in my scrapbook. Lobster roll was $1.25 and a coke was 15 cents. A while back at a flea market here, I met a couple who were the 2nd buyers of our home in Chatham. Maybe someday, Gordon, I'll see you and Jeanne down here too! That would be nice.
Anna
USA - Fri 02/26/2010 - 20:14:02

Anna...sounds to me as if you should move back here ..
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Fri 02/26/2010 - 19:08:24

Clark: You should spend some time in Lee and Collier Counties here in Florida. Bank robberies are a weekly occurence, sometimes even daily ones. The thieves in "crimeville" make a lot more money in five minutes than the poor bank tellers do in a year. And I'm not even counting the Convenience Store holdups or the home invasions in nice, gated communities. Disturbing to say the least and even jail time does not seem to deter many of them.
Anna
USA - Thu 02/25/2010 - 19:50:39

The person who tried to rob the bank was being tailed by policemen from other towns, hence the quick arrest, with cooperation from the Chatham police. He (the perp) was a suspect already. The Chatham branch of TD Bank is open on Sundays. They are to close the TD branch here in Eastham - maybe to be able to afford to pay for the Chatham tellers to work on Sunday? As my old employer, Paul Stubing from Maine used to say, looking at a fallen down boat, "I don't have a nickel in her."
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/25/2010 - 19:12:34

The times have not changed that much; Its Just that alot of things that went on in the town never made the light of day for one reason or another. alot of crimes more serious have taken place in town over not to long a time span; people are soon to forget that the town of Chatham is not the little out of the way town that people think it is; Big-Big things go on in small towns also;
I agree that the new and woman did a fine job; Maybe now the now it all's on main street will stop cuting budget. It has only taken 10 plue years to star to build a new station for the police, maybe 20 for the fire if they are lucky. I have been there and done that, never again, that why I got out of town before the arrows started to fly
WVLove <lovenest139@comcast.net>
Dennis/was Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/25/2010 - 18:40:33

We've been out of town for several weeks and just read on line about the robbery in Chatham. I am at a loss for words. The times have certainly changed. Chatham is no longer the happy and safe paradise that we once enjoyed. I am very pleased that our police department was on the case and was able to 'collar' this individual. I am sick to my stomach to know that a small child was subjected to this by a parent.
Clark Edgewood <chatham02633@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/25/2010 - 16:37:19

A lot about Slim Hutchins and Doc Keene. A couple of old time characters, both from Maine . Doc was my scoutmaster for many years, and always would send me on camping trips with the Scouts when I was home from college.They always tried to fool me into thinking they were sleeping, and would try to go swimming even in early April. He always said I could handle it! Slim would also help me with my bicycles, after saying "Do it yourself!" Both seemed very gruff and stand -offish at first, but were very fine men afterwards. All very helpful and kind.
Reggie Nickersom <reggie@acircle.com>
Chathamport, MA USA - Thu 02/25/2010 - 14:26:48

EMILY--

I have participated in Chatham sewering discussions/debates for ten years,
and via e-mail I'll be happy to answer any questions. Do you have a FAX?
Don Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Wed 02/24/2010 - 21:26:34

I must say that this book is as good as it gets about the Pendelton and Fort Mercer disasters in 1952. I was 11 years old and remember being at the lighthouse overlook with Norman Howes and his father trying to get a look at what was going on.
Dick Fulcher <dick.marie@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 02/24/2010 - 16:55:50

ATTN: All 'Coastie' enthusiasts. Just rec'd THE FINEST HOURS, a recounting of
one of the most hazardous rescues off Chatham. Although I was goofing off in
my senior year at Orleans high school during Feb., 1952, I must have been
overly self absorbed. I can't stir up any first-hand memories of this
tragedy.

I heartily recommend this read.
Terri Crosbie <cdrhny@maine.rr.com>
Raymond, ME USA - Wed 02/24/2010 - 14:16:34

Emily, what surprised me was that Ron kept his composure as long as he did under the circumstances...I think he should have said something long before that...because everytime Dr. Bob Duncanson was referred to just by his last name grated on me...it was a sign of disrespect...but I think each of the last Chairman have had a few moments when they got a bit frustrated at something...maybe we need Bill Litchfield to Moderate the next 'debate'?

Instead of just a basic rerun of the prior speech by E.G., there should have been some back and forth challenges to those allegations...that would have have accomplished something and also kept things under more control, I believe...if you want to help prove your argument, don't resort to a rant of mistruths.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 23:15:56

We watched the entire three hour (limited) BOS meeting on our computer here in CA. We have many thoughts and questions for both sides. But we came away with some major questions about our Chairman of Selectmen and his continuing lack of deportment befitting an elected official. We will be on the voting rolls hopefully by the next Town Meeting. Nuf...said.
Emily
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 21:52:02

Wayne, Would love to hear the tape of Ed and Sonny. I can almost guess what was said. We should all get this stuff on to cd's tapes are so fragile. Scott Tappan gave me the one of Des to copy and it was broken. Luckily I was able to go to Sisie and she had one that I could copy so I could have one for me and Scott. I have some special old photos as well.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 19:50:17

William Ryder, I still have the origional tapes of gus bearse that you may copies of around 1986
WVLove <lovenest139@comcast.net>
Dennis/was Chatham, MA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 19:21:30

Wayne, Saw you note on some old timers on tape, how about A bearse in 1969 being interviewed by Kenneth matterson and William ryder; Two tapes in the set; Done at a house in So Chtham, Some where got a tape of Ed Tucker, Sonny mallowes, and one other sitting at boat yard just a talking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WVLove <lovenest139@comcast.net>
Dennis/was Chatham, MA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 19:16:48

Watching the B.O.S. meeting via Net today about sewers, I'm really amazed at how some people wait until the last minute to get involved in town politics and then complain they weren't informed...if one moved here in last few months maybe, but when they claim they have been here years and still don't know what's going on? I've just watched a long rambling diatribe by a leader of the opposition and there are SO many errors in that presentation that even a lay person would have no problem finding plenty...some claims therein even defy common sense and logic...but that's just my opinion as a non-voting taxpayer someone who's been to probably many more town board meetings than most who are complaining.
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 18:15:56

I have a little home record of my Grandfather Frank Bertelle Worthing M.D.recorded some time before March 13, 1941 when he passed away. I believe my Aunt Carrie's second husband Whitey Ericson did the recording. I would love to play it, but it requires a wood stylus. I did hear it when I was a child, but I cannot remember what it was about. Does anyone have any idea how a copy of this could be made? The wrapper says,"This Envelope Contains a Victor Home Recorded Record With a Personal Message For You!" I have never been able to find anyone who knows about the wood stylus. There is one side with my Grandmother Bertha Cotton Worthing. Anyone on the Chat-M-Room have any ideas?
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 17:27:38

to All:
Regarding recordings of some of the "old timers". The following were made about 1965 with reel to reel tape machines (good quality).
Ralph Ryder of Chatham by Archie MacLean
Gus Bearse of So. Chatham by Ken Matteson
Benjamin O. Eldredge " " " "
Gus Howes/Clint Hammond of Chatham by Ken Matteson
Edmund Kendrick in Harwich (formerly of No. Chatham) by Ken Matteson
The Hunter Brothers of Chatham by Ken Matteson
Ned Nilbur and others of East Harwich by Ken Matteson
These involve many hours of conversation on subjects of local interest.

I had reel to reel equipment at the time and was involved with a lot of this.
In later years I transcribed them to Cassettes. Then in recent years they were put on CDs at the Atwood House (HIST SOC.) I believe by Mr. Dwight Myer.
Most of the above should be available there. If not I might help.

Regards to All -- Bill
William Ryder
Chathamport, MA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 17:12:13

There is a tape, or at least a transcription, of Benjamin O. Eldredge on file at the Atwood House. He was one of the first surfmen at Old Harbor in 1898, and later became President of the Cape Cod Five bank. Bill Ryder refers to him as "Benny Oliver". Benj. O lived across the street from the Catholic church on Highland Avenue.
By the way, no one has shed any light on the "Kendall Green" building that was next to Chase Chevrolet on Old Harbor Road. I think it was a rooming house, but don't remember seeing anyone around it in the late 40's.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Tue 02/23/2010 - 08:18:21

The Old Village Association interviews people who have lived or worked in our area. The tapes are transcribed and both tapes and transcriptions are placed in the Atwood House.I do not know about efforts to capture an oral history from people who have lived in other parts of town.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 18:47:22

I'm pretty sure the same Boston architect - William Cox? - designed Crosstrees and Chatham Bars Inn. Cox also designed Bow Roof House, on the corner of Seaview St. and Shore Rd., next to CBI.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 18:15:18

Dana,
TD bank is now open 7 days a week....can you believe it ? ? ? Like who needs to go to a bank on Sunday ? ? ?
Carol Kelley
West Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 17:04:22

News sources are not saying, but how do you rob a bank on Sunday when it is not open? Did the guy break into the money boxes that are outside with the ATM machines? Anybody know???
Dana D Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 16:43:56

Does anyone know was that the first ever bank robbery in Chatham? I don't remember any. Joe Lincoln is buried in Chatham. His grave is in the Union, top of the first hill, and off to the right. The Historical Society does some recordings of old timers. I know that they have Des Eldridge and Art Gould because I have copies.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 13:53:22

Ned & Julie:
I do lnow that ' Tales of Cape Cod' have sound recordings of interviews of Cape Codders, some from Chatham. A contact person would be Louis Cataldo, Barnstable.
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 12:00:46

Historical recordings? What a great idea for the Chat-M-Room get-togethers. Perhaps not only for leisure enjoyment but to be used as narration to photos and museum collections? If nothing else, capture the unforgettable characters for those who will never know them. Slim alone sounds like a weekend's worth of collective commentary! Yes, not all memories, past words of wisdom and world views contextually expressed will be PC by today's standards, but some are golden and, whether we like the lessons or not, if we cannot learn from those who went before us, who then are our teachers?
Melissa
USA - Mon 02/22/2010 - 11:50:59

All: Thanks for all the data on Mr. Lincoln. I have to tell you all that the CHAT-M-Room is a first rate source of Chatham lore and legend. Remembering these historical stories, people, buildings and times is important stuff. Does anyone know if the Atwood House has any Chatham historical sound recordings? If not, it might make sense for them to invest in a basic recording system to capture and store them for future generations. If not, I for one would be willing to make a donation.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Mon 02/22/2010 - 09:16:51

So now there are bank robberies in Chatham? Well, at least he was caught but he had his infant daughter with him...sad... see http://www.capecodchronicle.com/chatnews/chat021810_6.htm
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 21:05:50

There are a number of Joesph Lincoln books available for reading online or downloading at http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/l#a810
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 20:53:56

I agree -some of the dialect is hard to follow. One saying that I often quote is that one of Lincoln's characters, when dealing with $$, would hope that the other person in the arrangement "would develop some cash symptoms".
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 20:36:57

I find Lincoln's novels annoying because his characters speak in dialect, but the true stories in his Cape Cod Yesterdays and the Harold Brett illustrations are gems.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 17:45:14

Joseph C Lincoln house: At www.vpike.com put in 152 Shore road and turn toward the water. It is a grey shingled house close to the street with a gambrel roof and a two car garage with that gold weathervane.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 17:34:32

Ned and Julie, my father Wallace G. Dexter, caddied for Joe Lincoln when the CBI golf course first opened. He had many stories to tell about what a character of a man he was, but sadly my father would not allow me to tape the memories. My parents (and now I) have a complete collection of his works with the exception of one very rare play and they read each of them twice!! Not an easy task today, but if you knew the people and places that he loosely disguised, I guess it was interesting reading. Joseph C. Lincoln was a "bon vivant" who hung out with smoking and drinking pals at the old "sail loft" building. His house on Shore Road is the one with the gold dolphin weathervane, and his original gold quill weathervane is in the Atwood Museum where knowlegeable guides can show you more artifacts of his life and writings.
Emily
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 12:04:25

Ned & Julie, The original Joe Lincoln house is still on Shore Road and the exterior still looks the same as when he lived there. The current owners are very much in tune with Joe Lincoln and wish to keep the house looking the same.
Tommy Doane <tommydoane@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 11:53:43

Ned and Julie, I live in a home on Old Harbor Road which was home to and built by Arthur Edwards in 1888. He, along with his father,also worked on the building of Chatham Bars Inn. Arthur owned a little shop next to my home (now demolished) called "Shavings"which was the title of a book written by Joe Lincoln. This book made Arthur quite famous for his carvings of whirligigs, his swordfish weathervanes, etc.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 11:45:51

"Rugged Water" by Joe Lincoln was supposed to be based on a USLSS Station on Monomoy. He called it the "Setuckit" station.There was a movie made of the same name in 1925, starring Lois Wilson, Wallace Beery, and Warner Baxter. No copies of that film have been found to date. Many postcards were made of the Joe Lincoln home on Shore Road.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 02/21/2010 - 09:11:59

Folks: Over the last year or two, I have become a fan of Joseph Lincoln and have read a number of his novels (and bought a bunch more at the A. House; great deal at $8.00 to $12.00 each). His tales evoke a rare insight into the past (albeit, it's unfortunately a bygone Cape era). They are also good old fashion adventure tales. It's said that he "summered in Chatham" and lived in a "shingle-style house named "Crosstrees" that was located on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean." Does anyone know: (1) where "Crosstrees" is?; (2) if any of his novels are based upon Chatham (i.e., other than Captain Erie); and (3) know of any stories about what type of man he was. Thanks.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Sun 02/21/2010 - 00:35:05

From the Chronicle's Twitter feed tonight: "A counterfeit $100 bill was passed in Chatham today. Fake bill not detectable with anti-counterfeit pen, so check security ribbon in paper."
J Hallgren (as user)
Clearwater, FL USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 22:46:31

Thank you for the info - I will pass it on to my mother in law - Allene O'Brien and Priscilla Kukoda (her daughter). Just to let you know - those of you who remember Priscilla - her husband Jerry passed away a couple of months ago. She is keeping busy with work and her 3 grandchildren.
Cyrena and Phillip O'Brien <yulinbeauty@aol.com>
Naples, FL USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 21:03:56

Oops! That's my fault! I had gotten the email about Cape Cod Day and had a problem accessing attachment and never posted it here after I got it resolved...So sorry!

Anyway, it's March 6th at the Elks Lodge in Bonita Springs -- 10am to 3pm
It says: "Any Questions, Call (239) 992-8444"

And unless something unusual happens (like I can get a driver or ride), I'll have to miss it again due to my vision issues as that's too far for me to drive...I'm ok around town but get way too tired for any distances. :(
J Hallgren (as user/Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 20:52:39

Anyone in the chatroom have any idea when Cape Cod Day is to be held this year in Bonita Springs ? We haven't heard anything about it yet and were curious ! Our best to everyone !
Cyrena and Phillip O'Brien <yulinbeauty@aol.com>
Naples, FL USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 19:48:36

Thanks for that Richard, I forgot the other part of the sign!
Benjamin T. Nickerson
USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 06:15:45

Thanks for that Richard, I forgot thge other part of the sign!
Benjamin T. Nickerson
USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 06:15:04

Not quite Chatham related, but . . . GO, USA!!! Our athletes are doin' us proud at the Olympics!!!!
Dana D Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/19/2010 - 00:29:07

Ben, Maybe you can't copy cool.....but you sure do have a cool way of relating your memories!!
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 23:13:43

Earle Hutchings in the early '40s was an attraction I never understood until later when Elvis Presley came along - I mean as a 7 year old I never understood how a guy in an Army Air Corps uniform with his cap at an angle could be such a magnet to 18 - 20 year old women whom I really thought cared for me (believe they were in reality babysitters or relatives) - not fair to mention their names but I'd be taken to the movies and having a great time when all of a sudden Earllll showed up - they would forget about me and my popcorn or ice cream and get all giggly hoping to get a glance from Earle - I resented him for that but still I remember he gave me a deck of flashcards which showed all the enemy aircraft - wow! Earle in uniform was the 1945 version of Hal Arends in 1955-56, really cool which made all the other guys wonder how did they do it - you can't copy cool
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 22:50:23

Lisa, I enjoyed reading your entry on the murals at the Congregational Church. Yes, I do remember the real dishes and silverware being washed by the women in the Church kitchen after the Church suppers, while we, young ones, ran around under the tables and played hide and seek. Those were good years and the food, all homecooked was good too. I remember Barbara Robbins was one of our Sunday School teachers. Nancy Lees was there with us too as well as Benjamin Nickerson, Don Nickerson, Betty Carol Kendrick, Betty Bearse, Alice Frasier, and others. I'll have to get out my Confirmation Class photo and see who else was there during those years. Our mother, Reliance Howes Olson, is pictured in one of the murals...done before she was married.
Anna
USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 20:47:04

Slim and Dad were opponents in an early Selectmans race. Dad will probably not reveal his thoughts about Slim on this Room, but they have been documented. Suffice it to say that there was a major difference of opinion about how things should be run in the Town of Chatham. My recollections of Slim are that the garage had no lift, so he would work under a car on a creeper. If you showed up and needed assistance, he would crawl out from under the car, in his bermuda shorts, and say "Yessss? What do you want?" Slims' was the place to go if you needed a car inspected that wouldn't pass anywhere else.
"Poverty Flats - Slim's Wreck and Ruin Garage" is how I remember his sign reading.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 20:13:54

Emily and Jane, Reggie wrote the explanatory paper on the murals but I don't think anyone knows exactly why the murals were removed. Yes Slim was the model for Christ on all three walls even though Mrs Stallknecht said that Christ was a composite of several townsmen. My mother said that she thought the paintings were ugly and she was glad they were removed but I don't know if most of the parishoners had that opinion. The German expressionist style is not flattering to the people pictured. The church supper mural covered the whole back wall of the sanctuary--windows and all, making the church interior very dark in the back. They were removed in the early 40s, a more conservative time, and people probably thought they were not appropriate in that setting. They are a wonderful legacy capturing a moment in time when Chatham was still a very small town. Anna, Carl and I, and I assume Alden, went to all those church suppers, played under the tableclothed tables and waited afterwards while our mothers helped clean up the kitchen--real plates and utensils and no dishwasher in those days.
Elizabeth Tuttle Edge
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 18:03:02

Emily, I was a guide at the Atwood House a few years ago, in the Mural's Barn. Yes, that was Slim, preaching to the multitudes. But, I didn't know that was the reason it was removed from the Congo Church wall.
Jane
West Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 15:42:51

Please correct me if I am mis-informed, but the gentle rumor around the Atwood House Museum guides in the Mural Barn, is that Slim was the model portrait image of Jesus Christ in the dory welcoming the flock. That was one of the reasons the murals were removed from the Congregational Church vestible. Lisa....you must know more about this....help me@!
Emily
Rancho Mirage, CA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 14:43:36

What I meant to say was Slim's grandson, Frank's boy Keith and his family built a nice home to the left of Slim and Helen's house which is next to St. Pierre's gas station. Keith was Helen Hutching's maiden name. I'm sorry I mispoke. May I claim old age? Slim was not in the second World War, but his elder son Earle was. What Theatre he was in I don't know. Reggie can you help?
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 14:27:53

SLIM ANSWERED HIS PHONE:SLIMS GARAGE,SLIM SPEAKING,WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT?
I do remember,just barely,my folks taking me up to see his bear. His son Keith and his family built a home just to the left of Slim and Helen's house. Now there was one handsome woman!!!!
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 11:51:47

As I lived just up the street I remember Miss Garvin and she was a the business high school teacher for many years. Her moher also lived with her.
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 07:29:45

Slim's Garage, Poverty Flats! A fine gentleman with different ways. He was Selectman of our Town once. One day riding my bicycle home from school one pedal fell off. The threads were so stripped it wouldn't hold the pedal on anymore. Good ole Slim welded it back on. When I asked him how much reaching in my pocket he told me, "bring me a quohaug sandwich"! I hung around there quite a bit as a kid just watching. One day he had serviced Everett Freethy's Corvette and said to me, "stand out by the corner there and watch for traffic, I want to see what this baby wil do". He was a blurr going by, came back and told me "it will do a hundred"! How about that for a traffic study for Don and Norman!Please let's get together for another Chat Room party this summer.
Benjamin T. Nickerson <btnick2002@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/18/2010 - 04:54:26

Alden: Our place is on the south side of Doane Road between Mark Simonitch (sp?) and Story Fish (two very fine men). It was built in 1965 I believe. I'm not sure if it's the place you're speaking of. It'd be pretty cool if it was. We bought it from Mrs. Ellen McKinley (a Minister at St. Christopher's; she even Blessed the house with our family involved in the process). She's a fine New England lady of the type you don't often see any more. We sealed the deal on a wild and wet evening at CBI over a drink. I heard a rumor that the fellow that originally built it (a retired school teacher) used to make a bit of hooch in a still in the basement. Not sure if that's true. As you may remember, Julie and I had a CHAT-M-Room get together there in 2008. In June, we should all get together again for a meal and some stories. Might be fun to do. Jim P. and Larry L., are you and your families going to be around this summer?
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Thu 02/18/2010 - 01:37:55

Alden: Dr. Ockenga's wife's name was named Audrey. His daughters are named Starr and Aldreth and their son is named John. Miss Garvin bequeathed her home to Park Street Church. I believe she was a commerical (business) teacher at Chatham High School. Gordon and Reggie may remember her.
Anna
USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 19:57:32

Ned, you're right about the vertically hinged Coke machine. No offense to Slim, but I always maintained that the best Coca-Cola in town, especially on a hot summer day, was found in 6.5 oz. bottles at Roy Meservy's. I think he had the last hand-cranked/primed gas pumps in town?
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 18:03:04

Ned and Julie -

If I'm not intruding... Is your house, by any chance, the one on Doane Rd. previously owned some years ago by Park Street Church in Boston? If so, Park Street's pastor, Harold Ockenga and his wife, Starr, stayed there on occasional vacations and breaks during the post-war years and maybe into the mid-fifties or later. The Ockengas were good friends with Laurence and Mary Rockefeller. (Rev. Ockenga, acquainted with my father, baptised me in 1951. I still have a couple of letters from him to my parents mentioning my "surprise" birth.) I believe that Harold Flight, the treasurer of Park Street Church at the time, signed the papers on the house.

Park Street Church was bequeathed the house by a woman whose last name began, I think, with "G" - and the property was called the G... Estate. I think. On the left as you go toward Seaview St? Anyone recall the woman's last name? Not really sure what letter her last name began with, but think it was "G." Thanks.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 17:50:08

Dick, thanks for the info. Yes, Tommy built his house there, its construction a testimony to his resourcefulness and dedication.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 17:15:30

Ned and Julie, I do not have that much to say about Slim except that 65+ years ago he was kind enough to sharpen my ice skates and without charge. I was VERY afraid of him, mostly because of his imposing size and demeanor. I think he sharpened all kids skates free of charge. Nice.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 16:51:14

Dick: Thanks. Maybe Tom will share a couple of stories about Slim. I know that he was held in high regard by my Dad and Mother. Do you know if Slim served in the South Pacific? My Dad spent a few years there with the Army Air Corps (345th Air Apaches) and that might have been what they had in common. I seem to remember that Slim was a Navy man(?). Unfortunately, my Dad also spent his last couple of weeks in a VA Hospital (Bedford VA). It was actually pretty nice; however, not a befitting end for such a lion of a man. I guess that's one part of our lives that we can't plan. My Great Grandfather apparently died in his late 80s playing tennis with his girlfriend (age 34). It was a bit of a scandel in the Chapman family at the time. In hindsight, perhaps that's not such a bad way to pass on to the Kingdom.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Wed 02/17/2010 - 10:00:07

Tom Tripp is the one that can tell you some good stories about Slim, as he was Tom's Godfather. I remember just before Slim died, Tom and I visited him in the veterns hospital in Rhode Island. You could tell he didn't like being there and said, "Tommy, you've got to get me out of this ~~~~, insane carnival".
Dick Fulcher <dick.marie@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 02/17/2010 - 09:19:13

Dick: What can you tell us about Slim Hutchings? He's the fellow that owned the cool gas station across from the Post Office correct? As a kid in the late 60s, my Dad somehow struck-up a friendship with Slim. We'd stop in there and have cokes from the old machine with the vertical hindge door. We didn't have a boat and had seven kids in the family. Slim loaned my brother Billy and I a canoe for the whole summer. We fished out of that canoe every day one summer and had some wonderful memories. It was a beautiful wooden canoe with ornate trim around the gunnels. If you think about it; that was very kind of him to do that to a couple of kids that weren't even related to him. In any event, there are a couple of kids (now grown men) who sure appreciated it.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Wed 02/17/2010 - 04:47:40

Alden, Tom Tripp built his house on the property where where two old fishermen lived in a shack owned by Slim Hutchings. Tom moved the shack from an east-west position to a north-south lengthways and still uses it for storage. He knew thier names. It was Campanelli Builders who finished building Ralph McDonald's area Where two or three old fishermen lived in another tar paper shack, located where the corner of Shane Dr. and Cod Lane are now.
Dick Fulcher <dick.marie@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 02/16/2010 - 21:11:43

I hope there's no powder post beetles in that barn.
Barry Fulcher <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Naples, FL USA - Tue 02/16/2010 - 20:33:42

I thought that the Chatham Historical Society was interested in the nearby barn. Reggie, any comment?
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 20:03:29

I have it on good authority that the Atwood barn is still available for $1.00- you take it away. Anyone who might be interested can get in touch with Minglewood Building. I too hope it can be given a new life.
Debbie
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 17:26:28

BTW, for anyone not in Chatham who wants to see the barn in question, go to zillow.com and type in the address. It will show you an aerial view of the property and surrounding area plus many pictures of the house and barn.
Melissa
USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 13:21:54

Seconding Dana's request. With all the brouhaha's regarding over, under, non-traditional and even inappropriate developement, it's wonderful to think this beautiful barn would be gifted another view-with-purpose instead of the proverbial wrecking ball. Keeping fingers crossed...
Melissa
USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 12:18:15

Please keep us informed about the *barn for sale* and the possibility that a historically significant building might be given a new life! It makes me happy!

Regarding Strong Island, I have SO MANY memories going way back to pre-kindergarten about going over to the back side of Strong Island, anchoring the boat, and spending the day back there on the beach with my family. I have memories of going there and anchoring the boat and staying ON THE BOAT, just to read a book, take a nap, or think some of the more difficult times of my life through. My dad loved fishing back there and when we went to scatter his ashes after he died, we went around the back of Strong Island. There were snapper blues jumping out of the water as if to welcome him, and we scattered some of his ashes there before taking the rest of them out over the bar. So much of my life is there. So much . . . .
Dana D Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 11:52:02

Eastham still has a very active Boy Scout Troop, and there is a new movement underway to start up a Sea Scout troop, using the same surfboats that the Scouts rowed to Nantucket so many years ago.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/15/2010 - 11:00:43

Strong Island is owned by the Chatham Conservation Foundation. The public is invited to visit the island.
Tony Murphy <redcat23@verizon .net>
W.Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/14/2010 - 16:23:14

NED--Before camping on Strong Island, be forewarned--it swarms with greenheads.
Don Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/14/2010 - 15:58:05

Dick: Thanks for the note and I hope that eye gets better soon. Blair and I really enjoyed reading your response about Doc Keene and Troop 71. We'll never pass the building without thinking of your stories and Doc K.'s kindness. I was in Troop 3 as a kid (St. Michael's Church, Milton, MA) and spent a lot of time camping at Camp Massasoit, Miles Standish Nat'l Park and Camp Wild Goose (NH). For me Boy Scouts was a great adventure and it's neat to see a couple of our boys really getting into both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Scouting has a good life message. Doc K. sure sounded like a fine guy. Do you know if there is still a troop in Chatham? When we went to the BSA web site it listed the nearest Troop as in Yarmouth. It'd be a real shame if Chatham didn't have one now. There are a lot of fellows that would make great Scout Masters in Chatham. By the way, Blair wants you to know that he's in Troop 970 and also wanted to know if you're still doing "one good turn daily"? I told him that I bet you still were. If you don't mind, I have a quick question for the entire CHAT-M-Room. It's as follows: In June, if we were to canoe out to Strong Island; could we pitch a tent (no camp fire) and spend the night? I know that some fellow has a long term lease on the old house and plans to make a big place, however, can folks camp out there on the remote side of the island and pitch a tent in one of these pretty meadows for a night? Doesn't the Town of Chatham own Strong Island? Any information on how the boys and I could investigate doing that would be really appreciated. Thanks all.
Ned, Blair (11) and Banner (9)
Qatar - Sun 02/14/2010 - 12:57:17

Wayne: Thanks for the information on the old barn. I may try giving them a call to see if it's still there. If so, I bet Bob Stello could move it pretty easily. Thanks for the information.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Sun 02/14/2010 - 12:32:13

Ned, The add for the barn is not in this weeks Chronicle but it might still be available. I found the add in in an old paper and the number to call is 508-945-4794. The barn is at 317 Stage Harbor and is 26' wide and 24' deep. Hope this helps.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/14/2010 - 11:32:07

Ned, I put "stage harbor barn sale" into Google and came up with 465 Stage Harbor Road offered by Ricotta and Assoc. There is a photo of the barn but no mention of a separate sale. I was there this summer when there was talk of offering the barn for free so maybe its still possible.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/14/2010 - 10:57:05

Ned and family:
I can give you a few of my memories of scouting in Chatham. First of all the builkding was originally he Atwood schoolhouse. Doc Keene was thileader of Troop 71 in Ctham for many yaars. After his death the building was named for him. Doc Keene left a legacy of his deication and love of scouting and his skill of teaching scouting to the youth of Chatham. Drovea Moidel A pick-up. Doc had a woodlot in East harwich where many camping adventures were held. He also got a lot of wood cut !!
We also has Camporee which was held at Camp Greenough in Yarmouthport. All year long was spent preparing for this annual event. Chatham Troop 71 was a little different as we had to make pack-boards etc and when we arrived the the Camp were dropped off a couple of miles away and had to hike the rest of the way. Not an easy feat for a 12 year old.
Another event that was anticpated each year was a camping trip to Dolly Copp campground at Mount Washington New Hampshire. A great climb for all the scouts and well as camping along a NewHampshire stream. A treat at night was a trip to the moviues in Gorham .

Just a few of the many memories I have of couting in Chatham.I am sure that others have many more.

Pease excuse spelling and/or typing as I have a catarack problem at present.
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Sun 02/14/2010 - 08:29:05

Folks: If you don't mind, I have one more question. My Mom told me that the lovely barn on Stage Harbor Road next to the A. House is for sale for one (1) dollar? If it's true that's pretty amazing as I know the barn and it's beautiful. We've been kicking around the idea of building a small "period" barn at our place over on Doane Road in place of the small garage that's there now. The possibility of a real historically significant Chatham barn would be amazing. I'm sure that the "horse has already left the barn" on this one; however, any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks friends.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Sun 02/14/2010 - 01:15:01

Folks: Can anyone tell us about the Doc Keene Scout Building on Stage Harbor Road and Cedar Street and its history? Who was Doc Keene and what was his connection to Scouting? This past weekend our Qatar Boy Scout Troop hosted the 2010 Middle East Regional Camporee (believe it or not the Boy Scouts of America are very active in the Middle East)in Al Zubara, Qatar. Boy Scout Troops came in from across the Middle East for two days of camping, contests, Order of the Arrow Ceremony and a Scout Service Project. Friday night while sitting around the fire we were all talking about different parts of the world and the BSA troops that were there. I told the folks about the beautiful Doc Keene Scout Building in Chatham, MA; but, didn't know much other than it was a great facility. Any information on the past and present history (what BSA Troops does Chatham have) of Scouting in Chatham, MA would be appreciated. Thanks.
Ned, Blair and Banner Chapman
Qatar - Sun 02/14/2010 - 00:38:00

We got hammered again here at Fort Meade. About another ten inches - they are having a problem finding locations for the snow debris. Set a new record for snowfall in Baltimore. Of course....the twins loved it!! Just got dug out and will head to work for the first time in a few days this morning. Temps still in low 20's.

Mr Ben, we were happily enjoying Key West when the military moved us here to Fort Meade, MD. We were lucky enough to spend two years at Key West, (it was actually a three year tour but was cut short to send me here) . That's about as long as the Army will let you stay anywhere. We've been lucky enough to have a couple tours where we actually spent three years at any one place (the last being Fort Bragg where I deployed seven times so I'm not sure how "lucky" that was...).

Getting ready to move again this summer. Oh joy....
JimP
USA - Fri 02/12/2010 - 07:46:32

Well, that was a lotta' hoopla fer nuttin'. Although I do have a skating rink on my back patio. Wind was kinda' tough, though. How are the beaches doing?
Dana D Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Thu 02/11/2010 - 11:46:05

Hey Caarrrllll - room is quiet, winter dark ages, methinks we need a quiz or one of your stories!
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Thu 02/11/2010 - 11:15:44

Anyone recall two or three guys who lived behind Slim's Garage around the time that Campanella and Cardi took over the development off Barcliff Road that Ralph MacDonald started?
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Tue 02/09/2010 - 20:22:51

Re: Judge Brandeis house-on a dirt road off Cedar St. and Champlain Rd.--Yes, he did stay there summers and I met him aT one time. A real gentleman, and there was a lot of talk about another Jew in Chatham, but the talk was was not widely accepted.
Reggie Nickerson <rgnick9@aol,com>
Chathamport, MA USA - Tue 02/09/2010 - 17:19:10

Uhm, Alden? Handmade quilts by grandmothers? It gets awful cold down here on Cape Cod. *Hint!*Hint!*

Dana
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Tue 02/09/2010 - 14:42:25

Alden, Please don't toss your grandmothers' quilts. Unless they are too far worn to save, please donate them to a museum, give them to a shelter or you could even sell them on the internet. These treasures were created with all the time and skill of these ladies and such efforts are sadly underrated and underappreciated today. They deserve better than the trash and yes, now I'll mind my own business.
Melissa
USA - Tue 02/09/2010 - 10:36:45

Oops. It was obviously the CG 38103, not 39103.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 20:57:25

Ben:
The USCG actually had two 38 foot Air Cushion vehicles (CG38101, 38102) in the early 70's in San Francisco and one in Alaska. The third one ( CG39103) sank. Apparently they were not suited for CG use. Who knows, they be taking a second look at the similar craft you speak of.
This CG info is from "US Coast Guard Cutters and Craft , 1946 - 1990 " by Robert L. Schiena.
Yes, it would be way cool to float over the water in a powered vehicle to North Beach and minimoy/Monomoy.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 20:55:56

If anyone knows anything about the Molly Bish Reward Fund's connection to Chatham, I'd be extremely grateful to hear about it. I can be reached at circustrail"at"yahoo "dot" com. Thank you very much.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 20:30:19

Dana, if you're interested, here are some books. "Stem Cell Century" by UCLA law professor Russell Korobkin. "Merchants of Immortality" by Stephen Hall. "Stem Cell Wars" by Eve Herold. Also, check out Appendix C at this Umass website: http://www.umass.edu/sts/ethics/egg.html. I'm afraid several vacant lots in Chatham, not just one, would be required! Do they exist any longer or does every piece of land in Chatham have a house on it?

As for your question about what one does with the "Red" stuff, it's always a hard decision. I have two quilts, for example, handmade a century or so ago by each grandmother. Hate to see them lost or tossed, but unfortunately that's sometimes the only alternative.

BTW, almost no snow on the ground so far this winter in the Amherst/Northampton area. Apparently, other places were recently blessed with a little of the cute, white stuff.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 18:40:50

Had a GREAT surprise this afternoon here! There was a knock on my door & I thought: Oh, great -yet another unwanted sales guy even though I have "No Solicitors" sign on it...but...when I opened door, it was...Tommy Doane! He and his wife were in the area visiting family/friends and looked me up to give me a donation for the Chat-M-Room...They only stopped briefly but it was definitely an unexpected treat to see a friendly face from Chatham!
J Hallgren (as user/Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 18:04:12

Not directly Chatham related, but there was a study done somewhere recently that human stem cells could be harvested from human adipose tissue (fat), thereby bypassing the need for embyronic stem cells. So, if someone was REALLY smart, they would open a liposuction clinic and then cell the harvested adipose to research. Anyone in Chatham got a vacant lot?
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 17:38:26

WVLove...by the way...how is retirement treating you ?? The town of Chatham is looking for census takers...you would be good at it...
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 12:12:55

WVLOVE..Way back during our school years my father told me, no..he was not related to him..My father came from South Ashburnham, MA
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 12:09:21

Gorden; Any chance that Charles H Pratt,superindent ofschool, chatham 1933 was any relation to you r your family ?
WVLove <lovenest139@comcast.net>
Dennis, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 11:59:58

Dick and Gordon, This is a similar situation in that my great grandfather, Josiah Gould of School Street, also was captain of his 3-masted schooner the Lottie K. Friend, a coal carrier. His youngest daughter, my grandmother, Mary H.A. Gould (Wheeler)used to accompany him on some of his voyages as her mother died when Mary was young. The first mate on the ship carved a doll table for Mary which I am now the owner of.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 11:07:42

Gordon:

That really takes me back..A few Chathamites living in the nations capitol.The year should be 1958 or 9.
My Great -grandfather Capt Reuben C. Taylor was master of the schooner W.E. & W.L. Tuck in the around the world coal carrying. I have a photographic copy of an oil painting of that 3 masted schooner.
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 09:35:03

Dick Doane..Sorry to take so long in answering..Yes, my grandfather was China Josh..He was cabin boy at 13 on his fathers vessel and made several trips to the orient..How are you doing ?? Jean and I were just looking at the photo that Dick Kelsey took of you and Kathy, Fletcher Davis and his wife and Fletchers mother and Jean and myself down in DC at Fletchers apartment..Remember when ???
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Mon 02/08/2010 - 07:59:06

Here I thought Jim P and the twins were reeling in fish and basking in the sunshine of conch land - thought of you, Carl the former coxswain, and the Ryders when we had a tour of the LCAC (think LANDING CRAFT AIR CUSHION or air cushion vehicle - google LCAC) facility at Camp Pendleton - they actually call it a flight line and each LCAC is manned by 5 enlisted personnel (the only navy afloat vehicle not commanded by an officer) - incredible what they can do, up to 50 knots and able to float or fly over any surf or beach obstacles - don't understand why USCG does not have one or more in Chatham -out here they even use then to transport fire equipment in an emergency to islands like Catalina - imagine the different uses in chatham to save time and lives for instance last summer's tragedy where the harbormaster was apparently severely
limited as to response time and capabilities - just a thought, Chatham's first LCAC will undoubtedly be skippered by a Ryder!
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 22:30:21

OK, we got past the Frankie Dill domicile location, so now I can once again ask questions about the "Kendall Green", which as I said before I remember being next door to the Chase Chevrolet site. I think Joe Nick told me that the man who built that place also had a hand in building Old Harbor Station. Edwards?
Frankie Dill's son was not of sound mind in his later years, as Dad has told me that his truck was occasionally whacked with the younger Dills cane while Dad was traversing Bar Cliff Avenue, either to or from Locust Lane. Talk about your tough commute to work!
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 19:59:35

Lisa, if you would send me your e-mail address, perhaps I could fill in some blanks for you, answer some questions, add some color...bluefish@gotrain.org
Bill
MO USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 17:49:40

Betty Ovans loved flowers and added a greenhouse to the house. She also was active in the Garden Club at the time when they decided to encourage people to plant Kousa dogwoods all over town because unlike regular dogwoods, the Kousas bloomed in July. She was very genteel while Dave was rough.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 17:27:47

I checked with my sister..Betty bought the house from the Kendricks in 1958.
Bill
MO USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 16:58:59

Dave graduated from Harvard Law in 1928, head of his class. His entire career he practiced estate law in Boston. Originally, his boat was named "Flying Cloud", but the "U" fell off, and the result stayed.
Bill
MO USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 16:55:47

Yes Dave's boat was called The Flying Clod in fact all his boats were called that. The best one was a 14 ft. wooden amesbury. It had white hull and red rails. Dave was Harvad educated lawyer who retired early do to an inheritance and went fishing. He was very serious about his fishing. At first he drove down North Beach in his beach buggy "The Stiper Teaser" That took too long so he started using the boat. He caught a lot of fish but then there were a lot of fish in those days.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 14:15:48

Bob, could be but I don't remember the names of Dave's boats. Wayne might know. I do know that Dave liked to tell jokes, so "Clod" would be consistent, and loved to spend the day fishing accompanied by his favorite drink, and occasionally he came up with a fish for us.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 13:46:53

Not sorry to have missed that storm and power outage Jim! We have already had our share of winter snow!!!
Jane
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 12:15:32

Wayne and Jim, 28 inches of snow here (across the Delaware from Philadelphia), no power loss. Looks pretty. Fortunately our neighbor used his snow thrower to clear our driveway and walks (had them over for dinner last night). Our grandchildren in Annapolis loved it. Mariner(7) put on his camouflage jacket over his ski suit and played army in the unplowed street all day. Our son in law made a snow maze in the back yard for their 2 year old and the dog. We cleared the back patio, put out bird seed under a table and watched the birds and squirrels.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 10:04:43

Lisa, I think Dave Ovans owned a skiff named "FLYING CLOD". Y or NO?
BobR
CH, MA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 10:03:01

Not sure about Lisa in NJ, but here in Fort Meade (just outside of baltimore) we got plastered!!! 34 inches and lost power for little over a day. Power came on around 0300 this morning. Still waiting on getting plowed out - made for "high adventure" for the twins: snowed-in (literally - could not leave if we wanted to) and the power was out. Temps went down to 13 degrees this morning as about the time the power came back up. The twins had a ball - and of course "Jack-the-wonder-dog" was quite comfortable taking up half the bed.

"Grandma Jane" missed a doozy....
JimP
USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 09:14:38

So Lisa, I hear you had a bit of snow down your way.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 08:45:08

Gordon:

Your grandfather had a nickname 'China Josh' . Am I correc5t.
Dick Doane <rdk18@comcast.net>
Dewbary, FL USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 07:35:18

Lisa..let me check the family tree..I believe so..
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Sun 02/07/2010 - 07:33:03

Wait a minute. The Hesperus was the house with a porch on the street and water side which was the Nickerson house and then the Shortell house. Mrs Alfred Nickerson was the elderly lady who went out in her nightgown to feed all the feral cats and the skunks. Chester Kendrick lived at what is now 26 AHL owned by the Longneckers who bought it from Nancy Book, who bought it from Dave and Betty Ovens estate, who bought or inherited it from the Kendricks. I don't think they rented it out. Because of the quarterboard Almina, I thought Bill grew up summers in the Ganaway house which has always been a rental house and which had a quarterboard on it (now it says Avola) and which is directly on AHL, raised up on telephone poles after the 1991 no name storm drove the Eaton house into it and knocked it off its foundation. (Mrs. Ganaway inherited that house). The Eaton house (on AHL between Ganaway and Hesperus) was also owned by Kendrick originally and had a tiny latticed backyard where I used to play house in the winter. It was also a rental. Hesperus and Eaton are now demolished.
Gordon, are you related to Zee Ganaway?
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 21:05:58

Judges Way. Which is what they're supposed to do, right?

Chatham has obviously had its share of nationally and internationally influential summer residents. Who, for example, in 1928, foresaw that Justice Brandeis's Olmstead dissent - the right to privacy - would years later help pave the way for Griswold v. Connecticut, which in turn led to Roe v. Wade? To the extent that Roe affects, or has affected, the progress of human embryonic stem cell research (ESCR), Justice Brandeis's view of privacy may yet powerfully impact the future of regenerative medicine, a subject seemingly far removed from the original wiretapping issue in Olmstead.

Also in 1928, a continent away, the work of embryologist Hans Spemann would lay much of the groundwork for ESCR and regenerative medicine. That the apparently separate legal and scientific trajectories of Brandeis and Spemann would later find themselves analyzed together like fraternal twins in the boardrooms of multinational corporations such as Uniroyal Chemical is the story of how science and private finanace combine, often ruthlessly, to fashion the public policy and law that affects our lives on even the most intimate levels.

It always amazes me how much of what is unseen in Chatham's summer life becomes actualized on the national and international stage.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 20:45:25

Gordon, yes, that was the house I grew up in. Now that I think about it, Kendrick does ring a bell. For decades it "wore" a quarterboard with "ALMINA" on it. When the house was sold, I took the quarterboard with me, and have it here in Missouri. The path was our shortcut down to the beach plum bushes, and onto the parking lot. It was a lot easier on the feet because of all the clam/scallop shells that were constantly added to the driveway, and somehow I always seemed to stub my toe walking the blacktop down to the beach. Great old house with it's open beam construction, and the views were top shelf. From my bedroom window on the second floor I had a great view north and south of the parking lot, and watching the light as it rotated by my west windows eased me to sleep...combine that with the sound of the waves crashing on North Beach and there was no better way to fall asleep..at any price.
Bill
USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 19:06:10

As I understand it a pharmacist in the Baltimore area was asked if he were busy during the upcoming projected snow blizzard. He said yes, I have filled in the last two hours, 300 prescriptions for birth control and 150 for Viagra. Have a good night!
Carl Olson <cbolson@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 18:29:49

Marylu Raushenbush who lives on Judges Way is Judge Brandeis's daughter or granddaughter (I don't know which).
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 15:16:16

Sorry yo-all..my last entry was for directed to Bill..
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 13:46:48

Alden, no need to apologize! Back when the Chatroom began (before I took over) those length posts were quite normal and so it's nice to see someone post more than a line or two on occasion! Just be aware that there are spam limits on post length so you don't get youself cut off...
J Hallgren (as user/Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 13:03:14

Whoa! Sorry, didn't mean to take up so much space with previous post.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 12:33:32

Joshua Walsh Eldridge married Priscilla Small..They had six children, Addie and Andrew (TWINS)... Joshua Clarence (My grandfather).... Walter Walsh and Wallace Churchill, (TWINS).... and Reuben Ainsworth....Addie married Collins Kendrick and they had eleven children, Bertha, Ralph and Chester were three of the eleven..
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 12:31:56

Bill R,

You're quite right about the original location of the Dill house and Marion's Lodge, which space is now the west side of the RC Church parking lot, on the southeast corner of Highland and Old Harbor. Thanks for the input.

*************

Jerry M,

Great to hear from you! Yes, it was all three of us - irreverent punks that we were. Perfect quote on Doc Harned, his exact words. BTW, reminds me of the (general) time a lot of Christmas light bulbs from Main St went missing one year and some were found on the desk of Eldredge Public Library. I'm not really sure how they got there in the middle of the night like that or who would do such a thing.

****************

Ned and Julie,

Sorry, no recollections about Brandeis himself, but sure was one whale of a summer party at his house in the 1980s.

**********************

Ben,

You're probably right about recalling Frankie Dill's passing with more decency. My bad. Frankie Dill was one of those very regular noctural downtown walkers, a real fixture for many years, someone who gave the streets themselves a little bit of character. Do I recall he almost always wore a red checked wool hunting jacket?
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 12:31:02

Bill..As you go down the hill and turn right at the bottom you would drive up a steep hill. the house was directly in front of you and off to the left was the garage where Chester had much difficulty trying to get in and out..There was a path in front of Kendricks house that went all the way to Uncle Walters house on the beach..Under Walters house was a wood working shop where my grandfather built three skiffs, named, Clara, Christine and Louise.. Clara was his wife, Christine was his first daughter, died very young and Louise was my mother..
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 12:24:26

Gordon, which house on AHL did Chester Kendrick live in? Was it the "Hesperus"? I remember an older lady that had dozens of cats there when I was a sprout. It became the Shortells house in the mid to late 60's. I was told that Good Walter was born in the house I grew up in on AHL.
Bill
USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 11:48:04

I believe Judge Brandeis's land was off of Stage Neck Rd.,on the right about half way down. There is a road there now called Judge's Way.
Tony Murphy <redcat23@verizon .net>
W.Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 11:43:57

The house that Jane spoke about also had a boat and outboard motor dealership run by Earl Ruddock. He sold Mercury motors and Cruiser Inc. boats. Parker and Tillie Romkey's house was later bought by Bill Riley and moved to Stepping Stones Rd. where it sits today. Does anyone know what ever happened to Ruben Dill? All I know was that he just wasn't around anymore.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 10:12:32

To Ned and Julie- It appears Brandeis bought a parcel of land from Charles Ashley Hardy in the mid 1920's. The land was on Oyster Pond. This information was found at Barnstable County Deeds website.
cynthia moore <cynthiamoore120@yahoo.com>
south Chatham, MA USA - Sat 02/06/2010 - 09:18:48

Folks:

From what I understand Supreme Court Justice Lois D. Brandeis spent lots of time in Chatham in the 1920s - 1930s. He passed away in October of 1941. Does anyone in the CHAT-M-Room know of any stories of the Judge or where he lived? I had heard that he liked to kick-back in Chatham and hang around with folks from the community. I'd sure appreciate hearing any tales that anyone has. Thanks.
Ned and Julie
Qatar - Sat 02/06/2010 - 09:09:58

Excuse me, I meant to say "the building that IS for sale".
Jane
West Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 21:53:23

The "Poor House" in West Chatham, was directly across the street from OSJL - After it was the poor house, Ellie and Laura Kendrick lived there - my Uncle Kenneth's parents. When I was a young girl, I went over and visited them - the big old house was interesting - there was a pump organ in one room - Later, it was owned by the Ruddock family - Olga Ruddock, Earl's mother, had a gift shop there. After she passed away, her daughter in law, Esther, ran the gift shop. Earl, Jr., had a wood-working shop at one end. I believe that their daugher, Dawn Ruddock Merrill and her husband still have an office in the righthand side of the building.(This building sits back from the road, between Kreme and Kone, and the building this is for sale, formerly the "High Tide" restaurant.)
Jane
West Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 21:52:08

I think I want to go like Frankie Dill but I'm not sure if I want Alden , Jerry, and Clipper being the ones who find me ... Wow, if a guy dies on the toilet, can't he expect a little respect and courtesy and certainly not becoming a Chatmroom celebrity years later ... Cmon you guys, show some common decency
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
Coronado , CA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 21:46:13

Dana: Red's "junk" should have gone to the Atwood House; i.e. photos and Chatham memorabilia. They have a great collection but can always use more. For books: to sell them, call in Tom Buckley or else give them to the library. Good clothes go to the thrift shops in town for resale. Valuable small items can be consigned or donated to St Christopher's shop. Other usable "junk" goes to the thrift shop at the dump. You can tell from this that I spend my summers volunteering at St Christophers and the Atwood House and going to garage sales looking at "junk.".
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 20:56:38

Lisa, you are correct about the Poor House. Ironically, it is now the home to the Chatham Food Pantry. I recently was in there with some food donations from the office; Marge Witherell gave me a tour. It is a really neat old building--a bit drafty. Has a double fireplace--heated two rooms--closed up now to keep heat from escaping. I think that it also has an oven on the third side of the fireplace wall.
susie
chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 18:17:35

The good olds days of Chatham.What great memories.
Irene GOD BLESS AMERICA
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 17:14:37

Hey Alden- I remember that night . It was you , me and Clipper Muto. We ran across the street to the Epicure and Doc Harned was there and he came over and when he came out of the town hall rest room we asked what was wrong and he replied- "He's quite dead"
jerry moore <jerrymoore@verizon.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 17:10:12

OK, I am gonna' bite. If someone has *junk* like Red had *junk,* what does one DO with it these days? Where can it be taken so that it is not lost to posterity?
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 16:05:15

Back in the 40's.. Duncreeven Inn on the South West corner of the Catholic Church parking lot where the Ruggles family lived, Joan Ruggles was my classmate she was engaged to Courtland Kelly..My relative, Chester Kendrick, lived there in the Inn until his death..Chester was brother to Ralph and Bertha, the three lived at one time on Andrew Hardings Lane..They were related to " Good Walter " my uncle...
Gordon Pratt <jgpratt2@comcast.net>
USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 10:21:40

Bill, I'm with you. There was a Dill house on the corner of Highland Ave. and Old Harbor Road. The Ruggles family once owned the large house next to it on Old Harbor Road. At least they lived there. I always assumed that they owned it.
Back to Tillie Romkey, I keep meaning to mention that for a quite staid lady she had a talent. She would put two fingers in her mouth and make one of the loudest whistles I ever heard. I tried many times, but never managed to make a sound.
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com >
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 08:21:17

Frank C. Dill's house was bought by Tina Durham for one dollar from
Red Harding,Executor of Frank's estate, she moved it to the west side of Shore Rd.by the intersection of lower Main St.

Prior to moving the house,Red cleaned out the contents and in doing so,
threw out many neat old photographs of Chatham.Pictures of Theodore Bearse,
Merrill Doane(Dick's Dad) and others of the old town baseball team.All along
with photos of Monomoy Point Lighthouse,Morris Island Station and various
shots of fisherman comming ashore at what use to be the end of Claflin landing.
I asked Red,Why? He replyed.."Christ boy,I don't have room for all that junk!"
Had I not been so young and not awear at the time!! Oh Man.
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 08:07:34

Wasn't there also a Poor House in West Chatham, set back from Main Street and next to the now empty renovated commercial building? In recent years it was a surf shop.
Lisa Edge
Cherry Hill, NJ USA - Fri 02/05/2010 - 07:09:17

Alden:

I think the folks are getting a little confused. As I recall Frank Dill lived on the corner of Old Harbor Rd.and Highland Ave. being the south side of Highland. Beyond his house to the South was a rooming house Marion Lodge. This rooming house before that was the Alms House or so called Poor House before my time. I recall that Frank Dill's house was moved and ended up off Shore Rd.
This area is now the parking lot for the Catholic Church. Any comments ??
How did we get so far off the original track ??

Regards to all Bill
William Ryder
Chathamport, MA USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 21:37:23

Alden, that house was originally situated where the Chatham Trust Bank was on the corner of Stage Harbor Rd.
Barry Fulcher <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Naples, FL USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 19:29:14

I think it was the Kendall Green, adjacent to the former Chase Chevrolet, which is now a bank.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 19:28:53

Where was the fifty dollar house originally sited and how long was it behind the movie theater?
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 18:35:56

I remember Reuben Dill and his cane. I think he walked the old railroad bed sometimes. I also remember finding Frankie Dill dead in the Town Hall bathroom one night. He had simply fallen off the seat. I think he was about 90 years old. Wasn't there a two-story rooming house next to where he lived on Old Harbor Rd? I forget the name of it.
Alden
Amherst, MA USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 18:29:36

Wonder if we should tell Nishira about Ruben Dill roaming the streets at night...
Ron Farris
Trussville, AL USA - Thu 02/04/2010 - 15:52:21

I am researching a house on Training Field Road that was built in 1974. It is located closer to Queen Anne than Route 28. I was hoping someone could provide me with some history of the area and if there have been any unusual deaths or accidents (house fires, lighting damage, floods, etc.) Any info that you may have is greatly appreciated for my research. I may be best contacted by my personal email nashirah3@hotmail.com. Thank you again.
Nashira Glidden <nashirah3@hotmail.com>
Orleans, MA USA - Wed 02/03/2010 - 17:23:48

Just a quick update on the money situation: As of Monday, I have received checks from Richard Doane, Allen Boyce, Emily & Dick Cunningham, Helen Smith, Don & Elizabeth Edge, Judy Patterson and Melissa Jolly! So with those that are still in the mail, I think that all 2010 expenses are likely to be covered so I wish to THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support!!!
J Hallgren (as user/Moderator)
Clearwater, FL USA - Tue 02/02/2010 - 10:07:21

John, I've sent a check keep up the good work,
Crayton Nickerson, Jr
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/01/2010 - 11:22:06

Oops! I forgot nephew Michael Ryder, who captains the luxurious "picnic boat" for the Chatham Bars Inn.
Richard G. Ryder
Eastham, MA USA - Mon 02/01/2010 - 09:38:26

Ned & Julie! You are proof that Scott Brown's election
is a shot heard around the world.
Trust all is well with you both and best regards,
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 02/01/2010 - 07:28:16

Gordon and Chester: Thanks for the helpful information on the Pleasant Bay Study.

John: I have sent you a check at: John Hallgren, 1939 Atlantis Drive, Clearwater, FL 33763-4506. Keep up the great work.

All: Scott Brown's Senate victory is even news over here. Several of the local Qatari folks (and Europeans) have asked about it and are very intrigued with the outcome.
Ned and Julie
Doha, Qatar - Mon 02/01/2010 - 01:02:20

Visit Pleasant Forest Shores Website	CHAT-M-Room (TC) history for prior month

Chatham Historical Society