Fresh food, country air

Back in the day, Moodus was the resort capital of Connecticut, with more than 50 resorts serving tens of thousands of vacationers during the season. People came for the clean country air and food fresh from the farm next door. In fact, many of the resorts started out as farms whose families welcomed first family and then other visitors to enjoy the Moodus summer.

Growing up on Banner Rd.

I don't know where to start. You have brought back so many wonderful childhood memories for me.

Starting with Maxi and his chicken coops to Pistol Pete! I adored them all. As a child growing up on Banner Road, everything was an adventure.

Jack employed my siblings and I either babysitting, camp counselor or whatever he needed us for. Pistol Pete used to bring us home, if it was "very late," refusing to let us walk home in the dark. He used to tell us Jack told him to!

Jack and Mrs. Banner would allow us children to use the pool, gameroom and paddle in the pond. One of the things we did not have permission to do was play on the golf course, so when we were caught Jack gave us a "stern" talking to.

Maxi employed my brother for several summers growing up and I have never tasted a better egg since. He always had his Irish Setters that were so beautiful. I was a senior at Nathan Hale, when Mrs. Simon opened Down on the Farm. I was always fascinated by the workshops. Once again she employed a child that really didn't know what she would do after school. She taught me things that summer that I still carry with me today.

I guess the thing that means so much to me today is that all the people I have mentioned treated us like their own family. Not only did they employee us, but they cared deeply for us and I will always owe them a debt of gratitude.

I remember Pistol Pete and his car down at the old Moodus Center during the parades. We always had to run over and say a big hello! He was bigger than life to me.

Thank you so much for bringing back wonderful childhood memories for me.

--Judy Ryder McCarthy