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

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

Established on Jan 27th, 2005

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

Some of you town *classics* are folks whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting up close and personal as of yet. However, thanks to this ChatRoom, I am offered the chance to catch a rare glimpse of personalities, characters, recollections, and history I might not otherwise be afforded. Many thanks for this and prayers for the Lumpkin family.
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Mon 08/18/2008 - 18:00:13

Richard:You are so right,Dick Lumpkin was truly a gentleman in every respect!
A man with high values and a warm greeting for everyone.Would that we all
could have a little of Dick's attributes in each of us.Heartfelt condolence
to Gladys,Donna and the entire family at this sad time.
Tim P.
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 08/18/2008 - 08:28:03

Although the team lost it gave me a thrill to watch John Sheppard at bat last night on the Summer Little League game. Just as thrilling was seeing his Mom and some fans with special made white tee shirts with "Chatham" on them. Great small town action!
Benjamin T. Nickerson <btnick2002@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Mon 08/18/2008 - 04:04:16

It was good that Dick had a chance to tell the story of his WWII contributions. For many years, I am under the impression that he was not allowed to do so due to security concerns. Too bad he will not see the final product of all his efforts at the Marconi site at Ryders Cove.
Chatham certainly has lost a fine gentleman.
Richard G. Ryder
EASTHAM, MA USA - Sun 08/17/2008 - 17:42:25

I am saddened by the news of Dick Lumpkin. The face of Chatham is changing so rapidly. Strength to Glad and Donna!!!!!!!!
Bruce
Eagle River, Alaska, USA - Sun 08/17/2008 - 16:59:28

Betsey, Had a nice response from Kathy, from Florida, to Cousin Ben.
Reggie Nickerson <rgnick9@aol.com>
Chathamport, MA USA - Fri 08/15/2008 - 11:38:29

Betsey Crowell: The Nickerson Family Association needs information aobut the Nickerson side of the Mattesons. Can you help?
Reggie Nickerson <rgnick9@aol.com>
Chathamport, MA USA - Thu 08/14/2008 - 10:58:29

Hi, John H,

Thank you for sharing the article about your Aunt Linnea.

While such things are so difficult to read, it is so important to have these memories documented for the legacy they provide.

It is sad today to think that entire generations are "once removed" from such hardships. They are but tattered photos and movie images now.
While it is true that parents will always want the best for their kids, and that is as it should be, the manner in which this is achieved nowadays has lost much of its humanity; its heart and soul.

Rather than through personal sacrifice and hard work, and I speak in general terms for there will always be a courageous few, advancement is often accomplished through powermongering and coercion.

I come from a family with deep roots and we strive to keep them "growing." Yet, even I can see each generation lose a bit of the intuitive understanding as to why it is so important that we preserve them.

People have said on numerous occasions that the Chat-M-Room is irreplaceable when it comes to documenting these priceless recollections.
We can only keep such important connections intact, share them as much as possible, and hope there will always be folks out there who "get it."

Thanks again.
Melissa
USA - Thu 08/14/2008 - 08:37:03

Hi John:
Pat and I have visited Ellis Island, walked the halls, seen the exhibits, visited the medical spaces. It was a very moving experience. The poor souls who came there only wanted a better life. Carl Linnaeus was a famous Swedish botanist. Linneae was one of his favorite flowers.
Thanks for this insight in to your family.
Richard G. Ryder
EASTHAM, MA USA - Wed 08/13/2008 - 20:48:34

Hi all you Little League fans in Chatham. Just wanted you to know that John Sheppard, the son of Billy & Teresa and grandson of Ralph & Gwen and Peter & Jean Skipper will be playing in the Little League World Series. For the past two years Billy has been working in Saudi Arabia and John worked really hard and made the team. He will be playing for the Saudi Arabian-American team. (MEA) His games will be broadcast on ESPN on 8/16 8/17 and 8/19. And maybe further if they go on. Just thought Chatamites would like to know a kid from Chatham will be playing in Williamsport.
Chris <Channlo@comcast.net>
chatham, MA USA - Wed 08/13/2008 - 19:18:10

Wow! Mum, sis, and I just hosted a family reunion for the Rowland side of our family with about 20 cousins coming from as far away as Aiken, SC! As everyone descended on the beautiful beaches of our fair town, the comments were all the same: "We have to get back here more often. It is beautiful, and it is home." This is a sentiment I know we all share. Hope everyone is enjoying the gorgeous weather!
Dana D. Eilers <revdana@mindspring.com>
North Chatham, MA USA - Wed 08/13/2008 - 14:13:36

That is quite the story John. I was stationed on Ellis Islands for two weeks in 1952 as part of my Coast Gaurd active duty. It was quite a bit different then, I'm sure.
Benjamin T. Nickerson <btnick2002@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 08/13/2008 - 04:55:29

In honor of the memory of my Aunt Linnea who passed away on this day in 2000, I'll post this link to an extract of a newsletter article from a church publication that you may find interesting, because of the connection to my family: Augustana_Newsletter_ext.pdf

The book and DVD described are available in the Eldredge Public Library, as I gave the book as a gift and author supplied DVD, so I suggest you check it out! BTW, I attended the premiere of the book/video last Oct at Ellis Island, and met many of the people in the film.

I just really wish that Linnea and my Mom would have been able to see the final product but it wasn't to be, so I helped by supplying photos and such about two yrs ago, and thus got in the credits for both. It was and still is a very moving experience to see the film, which hopefully may be on PBS at some time in future.
J Hallgren (as user)
So. Chatham, MA USA - Tue 08/12/2008 - 23:01:50

This is in response to the comment posted about the name Themisticles. FYI: Themesticles (some spell it Themosticles) was an Athenian soldier and statesman. He is remembered for this quote. "The Athenians govern the Greeks; I govern the Athenians; you, my wife, govern me; your son governs you." It's funny how the political/domestic pecking order hasn't changed very much over the centuries.
William Duggan
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 08/12/2008 - 16:19:37

Mr. Eaton taught Civics and had 9th grade homeroom in 51-52.
Elizabeth Tuttle Edge
USA - Mon 08/11/2008 - 18:29:29

Wasn`t there a Curt Madson in there somewhere??? Before he took up golf.
Bruce
Eagle River, Alaska, USA - Mon 08/11/2008 - 01:26:40

Business subjects Mabel Nicholas --- her son was the barber.

more regards Bill R.
William Ryder
Chathamport, MA USA - Sun 08/10/2008 - 16:21:06

How about "Bogie" Boynton, Sally Fowler and a great man Robert Brown, Teacher then Principal. (Going back a few years).

Regards to all Bill Ryder
William Ryder
Chathamport, MA USA - Sun 08/10/2008 - 12:07:21

Whatever happened to Bob Ericson - I believe he replaced Hal Farmer as CHS basketball coach in 1957 (Gordon was well on his way in his banking career by that time)
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
USA - Sat 08/09/2008 - 20:44:43

How about Winifred Bearse, Helen Mayo, Frances Leonardi, Mr. Lynch (Guidance director), Bob Smith(maybe he was mentioned already)who gave up teaching and went into the Priesthood; another ELDERLY lady who taught business subjects- can't think of her name.
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Sat 08/09/2008 - 09:20:41

Oliver Millet (Married June Westgate) Science - Also George Lawrence - James Gromling - Shop Priscilla Baldwin Crowell - Frances Leonardi - Bob Franke -Harold Farmer - (?) Garrish
Dick Doane
Debary, FL USA - Sat 08/09/2008 - 08:59:56

Spray Hollandbeck Richardson taught 4th. grade before she married and then came back to teach 5th. grade while her husband was in the navy. She and Josephine Crowell were equally my favorite teachers.
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com>
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Sat 08/09/2008 - 08:42:12

#13 Dorothea Allen (Sailor's wife)
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com>
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Sat 08/09/2008 - 08:37:11

Tom Nazzi music
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 20:02:39

Sarah Ragan for sure

Mrs Ellis also
Richard Wodward
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 19:29:20

How about J Murray Baker..Taught Spanish
Dick Doane
Debary, FL USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 16:16:47

Come on you guys and gals...I know I left out some teachers back in the 30's and 40's...Help me out here....
Gordon Pratt
USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 15:46:26

I can't believe I left out Annie Eldredge and the guy that filled in during the war..I think his name was Schmit or Smidt ????
Gordon Pratt
USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 15:42:47

Sorry, it is Tileston...wrong spelling.
Anna
USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 14:13:54

Is #13 a music teacher who was there for one year before Mr. Tiletson came?
I think her last name sounded something like Antifantis. I was in the 3rd grade then. Anna
Anna
USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 14:12:53

Oops....sorry....Dick Doane already guessed.
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 12:18:36

Gordon: Dorothea Allen??
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 12:10:34

Great job folks..Especially Nancy..# 11. I had Margaret Stevens in mind, the only teacher I dated twice !!!!! Yes Dan, Libby was quite a gal, us guys thought so anyway...Yes Jane I included her maiden name and married name..
Who is going to name number 13 ?????
Gordon Pratt
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 11:34:42

Between us all this is how it stands

1. Whit Tileston
2. Josephine Crowell
3. Kenneth Cahoon
4. Liberty Judith Themisticles
5. Miss Garvin
6. June Westgate
7. Ben Bassett
8. Winifred Sheperd
9. Tom Sparkes
10.Joe Sousa
11 Marguerite Stuart
12.Mary Ellis
13.
14.Louise G. Fratus
15.Helen Mayo
16.Majorie Hammond Brown
17.Sarah Ragan
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 11:02:05

Some poor girl really had the last name of Themesticles? good grief!
dan
USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 10:57:15

Gordon, I'll go along with Nancy, as you are MUCH older than we are - Looks like they have all been id'd....Only thing I'm wondering is #14 - Everyone said Louise Fratus - her name was Lousie Gould when we were in her class - maybe Leonard G. Fougere? Although, he was probably not even teaching yet, when you were in school -
Also, #16 - Marjorie Brown - although I see that you did put Marjorie H (for Hammond) Brown.
Can anyone else come up with a good quiz about "long-ago Chatham"?
Jane
W. Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 10:55:50

#13 - Dorothea Allen- #5 5 Miss Garvin's first name was Vena

Great job Gordon.
Dick Doane
Debary, FL USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 10:23:19

4. Liberty Judith Themisticles

What a beauty she was!
Helen Worthing Smith <helen@naviger.com>
Coopers Mills, ME USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 08:50:28

Gordon...#7 is June Westgate and you forgot ,I think in your list, RS. Robert Smith who later joined the priesthood. They both rented rooms at my grandmothers' house.
Diane Matteson Nickerson
Chatham,Ma., MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 05:33:20

3-Keneth Cahoon
8- winifred shepard
16 margerey brown
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Fri 08/08/2008 - 00:46:54

Is #5 - Miss Garvin...can't remember her first name.
Anna
USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 21:51:54

Gordon: Here are some, not all....especially since you are MUCH older than I :)
1. Whit Tileston
2. Josephine Crowell
3.
4.
5.
6.
7. Ben Bassett
8.
9. Tom Sparkes
10. Joe Sousa
11. Marguerite Stuart
12. Mary Ellis
13.
14. Louise G. Fratus
15. Helen Mayo
16.
17. Sarah Ragan
Nancy Ryder Petrus <nansea123@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 21:37:56

Gordon:
You really want us to remember all thos names---some from nearly 60 years ago !!! How long did it take you to think these up??? I still don't know 5 of them but will keep on thinking......

John:
I haven't read anything lately regards to how your eye is healing. Hope things are going okay with it.
Diana <dlapham@comcast.net>
FL USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 20:27:04

Just for the record, I graduated in 1949...
Gordon Pratt
USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 20:01:14

This should keep you SENIORS busy for a couple of days...Listed are the initials of most of the teachers I had during my 12 years at the new Chatham Community Building,A.K.A. Chatham High School..
1.WT 2.JC 3.KC 4.LT 5.VG 6.JW 7.BB 8.WS 9.TS 10.JS 11.MS 12.ME 13.DA 14.LGF 15.HM 16.MHB 17.SR Good Luck...
Gordon Pratt
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 19:39:34

On a quick perusal, all the answers submitted were correct, although I don't think any one person got them all correct. There are no stars, 99's+, or "good job" verbal rewards although I would give the Cornado Kid a kudo, providing he once knew the opposite of freedom (brig time), for being the first to get the Nash with the seats that fold into a bed aligning with AllBest. I'll bet in his salad days of the Nash he was known as a reverse of this monicker - Best of All. In retrospect it looks like a MCP quiz re the male respondents. Maybe the next quiz I'll do knit one, pearl two - but don't count on it.
Carl Olson <cbolson@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Thu 08/07/2008 - 18:48:30

To Ned and Julie, Thank you for what sounds like what was a great party. I don't see eye to eye with some other chatroom regulars and did not want any confrontations to dissroupt things at your event so I did not attend. However; I do spend a lot of time on the Outer Cape and understand your problem. All the towns on the Cape are very jealous of their beaches. They seem to think people from other towns will over use their beaches. The solution in the Wellfleet and Truro area is very simple,a bike. You can find a place to park on Rt. 6 and bike in. The back roads of both towns are great rides.
.
Wayne <alongshore2002@yahoo.com>
West Chatham, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 21:43:24

I believe Steve is right after giving it more thought and knowing Bernell
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 15:29:45

When I first saw the list I thought #9 was Corvair. Good job Don you got things rolling again!
Benjamin T. Nickerson <btnick2002@yahoo.com>
Chatham, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 05:20:37

#8 Pierce Arrow
Stephen Page <spage105@comcast.net>
Falmouth, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 03:45:04

Cars

1-Buick
2-Edsel
3-Plymouth
4-Nash Rambler
5-Cheverlet
6-Studabaker
7-Dodge
8-Pontiac
9-Volkswagon
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 01:34:23

John please delete last posting. They are not in correct order so i will try again. Done!
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Wed 08/06/2008 - 01:25:21

1. Sound of music - Nantucket Sound
2. There is a big one and a little one. - Little and Big Mill Ponds
3. "If you done it, it ain't braggin'" but sometimes you may have to eat...Crow's Pond
4. The whole world is his...Oyster Pond
5. "All the world is a ..." Stage Harbor
6. Largest Family Poster(s) - Ryder's Cove
7. Yacht Club - Pleasant Bay

Always wanted to ace one of Carl's quizzes
How did I do?
Moving on...

BUICK
EDSEL
(OF GIBRALTAR)
NASH RAMBLER CAUSE THE SEAT FOLDED DOWN FLAT LIKE A BED
BUICK
STUDEBAKER
(AND CHAIN)
PONTIAC
VW BEETLE
Ben Hallowell <benhallowell@yahoo.com>
USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 22:02:09

Here's all I can do at this hour. #3 Rock is Plymouth, #8 B. Hardy is Pierce Arrow.
Barry <barsyl4041@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 21:48:51

Don't know them all, but here goes. 1. Buick. 2. Edsel ( I actually knew a man named Edsel, whose father worked in the Ford Detroit plant) 5. Chevy 6. Studebaker (aka steadybreaker) 9.VW Beetle
Richard G. Ryder
EASTHAM, MA USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 20:16:10

Name that car

1. Dynaflo
2. Ford bust
3. Rock
4. AllBest's choice to take his Main Squeeze to the Submarine Races
5. Powerglide
6. Looked about the same coming at you or going away from you
7. Ball
8. Burnell Hardy's favorite Indian shaft
9. No engine under the hood
Carl Olson <cbolson@comcast.net>
Chatham, MA USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 18:31:13

Ok Carl we are ready, any time now. Lets bring this back to life again, you have the knack to be able to do that.
Don
S CHATHAM, MA USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 13:36:16

Good thing our Chat-M-Room parties don't end up like this! Of course, with the average age of our group being twice this one, it's highly unlikely. :)
See www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080805/NEWS/808050314/-1/NEWS01
J Hallgren (as user)
So. Chatham, MA USA - Tue 08/05/2008 - 10:34:53

Friends: Thanks for all the responses. The Wellfleet position seems .... rather, un-American.
Ned and Julie <ewchapman@rasgas.com.qa>
Chatham/Doha, MA USA - Mon 08/04/2008 - 08:01:52

Gee, Glenn - would you mind speaking to the Chatham Chamber of Commerce? Selectmen? It seems as though Wellfleet has found a way to discourage visitation. I may well be in the minority, but strongly feel that such restrictions would go a long way toward preserving Chatham's character. Too late to make it as nice as it was until a few years ago, perhaps, but preservation nonetheless.
Bob R
CQX, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 16:32:43

The Cape Cod National Seashore is not an "all access theme park" like Disney world. Each town within it, like most any town, reserves the use of its resources for its tax-paying property owners and their guests and/or tenants, whether it's the landfill or the beaches. As a year round surfer for 25 years here, I learned the limitation of non-resident beach access in Wellfleet (where the best summer surf usually is found, unfortunately). You were lucky to have picked Beachcomber ocean beach to go to because you wouldn't have gotten into the Newcomb Hollow or Lecount Hollow ocean Beaches since they are reserved for Wellfleet Beach sticker holders. That's right, you can't even buy your way in. Only Beachcmber and Whitecrest Ocean beaches allow non-sticker holders access for a fee. The current rules governing access to all the ponds there I'm not sure about. Wellfleet, like all other outer Cape towns, has a full time beach-sticker division during the summer. Why not call their town hall and ask them what the options there are for beach usage for out-of-towners.
Glenn S.
N. Eastham, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 15:03:46

Beth, no problem...I just edited out the duplicate...I have a test to block accidental attempts at double-posts but if you change anything, even one word, then it's accepted as new...when I see this, I'll normally fix it as soon as practical.
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
So. Chatham, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 14:26:39

sorry for the double posting, I needed to add something in there, and didnt realize it would post twice
Beth
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 10:53:07

Hi Ned & Julie,

As long as your car doesnt have a low carraige, or say you have 4 X 4 not that you need the 4 whl drv, but there is Hawks Nest pond also, accessible via Round Cove Rd which is off of Rt 137 in Harwich. There are several ways to get to it, but the road is a bit bumpy in spots and not advisible for all traffic. Its way out in the woods. My son said he was just there a couple days ago this year, (as we used to go swimming there often when my boys were all much younger), said the water was nice and clean, and very few ppl there. This is suprising since in all the years "I" went there, it always seemed to have a good group of ppl there. There is no fee, as far as I know, and you dont need a sticker. Its one of those out of the way places that few go to... course now? I just told the whole world right?
Beth
Chatham, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 10:50:37

Ned & Julie:
You might consider Flax Pond at Nickerson State Park in Brewster for fresh water swimming. I don't think there is a fee. In Eastham, Great Pond has access via Wylie Park, but there is a $15.00 daily fee.
Richard G. Ryder
EASTHAM, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 10:36:57

Folks:
Thanks for the responses to my question about Gull Pond. They were all pretty informative; but, they also kind of lead to another question. QUES: If I own property in Chatham, can a buy a seasonal Wellfleet Beach Pass? Does anyone know. We'd love to swim in the pond sometime. Also, can anyone recommend any other cool swiming ponds on the lower Cape (outside of Chatham)? Thanks.
I'm now back in super hot (114 degrees today) and very dusty/sandy Doha, Qatar. We all sure miss Chatham (and hope that you good folks all realize just how fortunate that you are to live in such a lovely place). Julie and I really enjoyed getting to meet you all at the Pot Luck Supper. We were all impressed with what a fine group of folks you all are. Carl, thanks a lot for the fine Chowder. It's the best.
Ned and Julie <ewchapman@rasgas.com.qa>
Chatham/Doha, MA USA - Sun 08/03/2008 - 08:56:39

A few weeks ago I made an entry in the CHAT-M-Room dealing with the lack of hours allotted Chatham kids to use the gym at our new "10 million dollar" Community Center.

Thanks to Sean Summers, who took up my cause, and the Park n Rec Commission, I am happy to report hours have been added to the schedule 5 days a week for the kids. Sean did a great job of raising the issue and the Park n Rec stepped up to the plate and did the right thing. The kids appreciate it and so do the parents.
John G
Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/01/2008 - 09:49:45

FYI: I removed a post this morning for not following forum rules re signature, etc. I've sent an email to addr given and will follow-up that way.
J Hallgren (as Moderator)
So. Chatham, MA USA - Fri 08/01/2008 - 09:22:26

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

Chatham Historical Society