Tuesday, June 28, 2011

History remembered, history lost


I grew up in Moodus on Sillimanville Road.  I periodically visit your website and have been meaning to write to you to say thanks for writing the history of Moodus, the way it really was -- the good, the bad and the ugly. Upon reading all the stories and articles over the years I realize I truly grew up at the wrong time to be in Moodus.  I grew up at the end of the Summer Resort heyday, and watched it all slide downhill from there. 

I remember the Soda Shop, and I remember getting groceries from Uncle Albert (Pear) as I used to call him.  I went to Synagogue when it was on North Moodus road, my Bar Mitzvah was there.  I worked for a short time as Pistol Pete's sidekick up at Banner Lodge.  I remember the Weiner Resort, Banner Lodge, Grand View, Klar Crest, all of them.... and I saw each, one by one, close and wither away. 

I remember the old downtown, I was old enough to ride my bicycle there stopping for a soda at Weinstein's and then heading on down to Neptune Avenue to meet up with John Bielot.  I remember the town being leveled too.  Just one day it wasn't there anymore.  

I even remember getting fresh eggs from Simon's farm and being shown how to "candle" eggs. I remember Jack Banner getting so annoyed because Pistol Pete and I couldn't seem to catch who was putting the row boat into the pool at night.

Yes, memories of Moodus are mixed for me.  I had some fun, but even at a young age I could see and recognize the town being destroyed, the history being lost. I remember the arson fires at Wieners and also at the place next door to Debowsky's house.  My dad had his first heart attack while up on our roof with a hose putting out the embers from the two fires that were landing on our house. I think one of the Bungalows across the street also burned (forget the names of the family that owned them). 

I graduated High School in 1976, did some college in Hartford and joined the Navy leaving Moodus in 1977.  I never looked back. Well, I say never, but I visited once or twice and I came back to bury my parents in late 2000 and early 2001.  It's seems like only the cemeteries can be used as landmarks anymore as people don't tend to build or pave over them.... yet.

I do have hopes that the children of those who moved into the area in the 80's and later, to the new Moodus, create new memories -- ones of growth and building up, and maybe adding to the history of the area.  From what I saw in 2001, they pretty much have a clean slate to work with. 

Again, thanks for the website,
 --Miles-Kevin Baron

Monday, June 20, 2011

From summer camp to double dating


I was discussing Moodus with a friend of mine the other day and she said that she would love to spend a weekend as we did in the 50’s and 60’s.  I used to love to come with my parents, their friends and family, as well as the family dog. There was always much to do and the camp counselors kept us busy all day.

I remember going another year with one of my friends and her family. I was a little older and had a double date with one of the locals. His name was Louie Pear. That’s about all I remember about the date, other than I accidentally sat on some blueberries in the front seat of his car!!

Anyone have any details on Louie?  I’m approaching age 61 so I would venture to say this took place around 1962-1965.

Can you recommend a weekend getaway in Moodus this summer?

--Ilene Jackson

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Hiking and romance at Hilton's


I think 1958 and 1960 were the summers I spent at Ted Hiltons with my family.  It was such a beautiful place -- the gorgeous Salmon river, the grounds, the pool, all the activities, the wonderful food and the dining room.  There was music at night, outside, and inside was square dancing.

We would have a guided hike through the woods, be hot and exhausted at the end,  to find a long table laden with cool drinks and food. All the employees were friendly and enthusiastic.  They loved being there as much as the guests.  And there was Roy with a cowboy hat, always on horseback, announcing all the activities we should join in, when and where.

I even had a romance with a very special young man who worked there.  I think he stayed for many years and if he is still there I want him to know Hiltons and our friendship are very special memories. for me.

--Joan Daly

Monday, June 06, 2011

Working hard, making money, being social


I stumbled across this web site and it certainly brought back wonderful memories.

I worked as a camp counselor at Orchard Mansion starting in the mid 60's. I grew up in Middletown, CT and my Mom thought it would be a great experience.  She was so right. In 1969, I moved up the street, to join my sister, to work at Banner Lodge as a waitress.  I worked there through college.

These summers were the best!  Working hard, making money and having a great social life.

--Maureen Charatan Bernstein

  I am pleased to announce that the new local history website EastHaddamStories.org is now live. It is a project of the East Haddam Historic...