Lee Historical Society
Newsletter
Vol. 8, No. 2
February 2011
Lee Historical Society, Inc.
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
www.leehistoricsociety.homestead.com
Our January business meeting was held on January 13th in the cafeteria of the Senior Center at Crossways
Village. December’s minutes were read, committee reports given and accepted and 2011 was begun.
It was voted to send Marion Leach to a two day seminar, sponsored by the Housatonic Heritage, which will be held on March 2nd and March 9th at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. This seminar will discuss and show ways for organizations, such as ours, to display and show items and attract new members.
Happy Valentine’s Day
Our February Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 10th starting at 6:30 P. M. in the Cafeteria of the Senior Center at Crossways Village. This will be a business meeting for Board Members, Officers, Committee Members and all interested members. We urge all to attend. We will revamping our committees at this meeting and are asking any members, who would like to serve on a committee to please come to the meeting or let us know and we will be more than happy to add you to a committee of your choosing.
We would like to thank Professor John Hyde for offering the society a portrait of his ancestor Alexander Hyde, for whom the recently renovated Hyde School was named. Deacon Hyde later was elected to the State Legislature and died on the steps of the State House after suffering a massive heart attack. The Society has been asked to display some of our items in the newly renovated building and this would certainly be one that would find a prominent place.
NEW MEMBERS TO WELCOME:
Catherine J. Hibbard, 250 Laurel Street, Lee, MA 01238
The Lee Historical Society would like to wish both, Board Member Annette Perilli and member Don Lucy speedy recoveries after their recent illnesses.
The Society congratulates society member, Marilyn Sullivan, owner of the Sullivan Station Restaurant on finally having her establishment named to the Registry of Historic Places.
A REQUEST FROM THE SOCIETY:
The Society sincerely appreciates the kindness and generosity of members and friends who donate items, articles and become members of the Society. However, we ask you to, please, put your full return addresses on your letters and packages and forms including P. O. Box numbers so that we will be able to contact you. Thank you in advance for doing this. It makes it much easier for us.
I must apologize to Vic and our readers as I have repeated last months article from the October 2010 issue. We will pick it up at the end of the December 2010 issue. Sorry, it must be the cold weather and snow that contributed to my mistake.
By U. S. Navy Retired Commander Vic Mottarella,
A native of Lee
(Continued from the December -10 issue)
Culebra Island
Culebra Island was a designated Navy target area located a few miles off the Eastern tip of Porto Rico. It is located half way between that island and St. Thomas. It was not only used by aircraft, but also by every type of Navy men-of-war. After completion of several weeks of training exercises south of Guantanamo Bay the ship proceeded to the vicinity of Culebra Island where we participated in an Operations Readiness Inspection headed up by a Rear Admiral. This all occurred on April 9 through 11, 1947. We flew numerous missions from the ship that involved bombing, strafing and the firing of rockets at various targets on the ground. Designated pilots who reported to the Admiral did the scoring.
It was on a dive-bombing run on a Culebra target that I suffered complete engine stoppage in the Bearcat. I have been flying since 1944 during which time I have had numerous noisy, backfiring, and coughing engines but this was the first and only time that I have suffered a complete shut-down of an engine. The cruisers and destroyers were lobbing in shells while we were in the process of bombing. The Bearcat, with its two thousand horsepower engine was a very noisy beast so complete engine stoppage really got your attention!
I was over water and about fifty miles from the ship. I immediately tuned to the emergency channel (121.5 kilocycles). I made the normal emergency transmission – Mayday- Mayday-Mayday along with my identification, location and then cited my problem. I had noticed that the engine quit as I pulled out of the dive immediately after depressing the bomb switch. I then wondered if the engine stoppage had something to do with my depressing that switch. I put two and two together and finally figured out that I may have dropped my belly tank instead of the bomb. I switched the fuel selector back to the main tank and the engine lit off with a beautiful melodic sound. I apparently had my bomb selector switch in the middle position instead of on the right side, which would correspond to the location of the bomb rack on the right wing. I made it back to the ship and felt pretty stupid but learned that others had made the same mistake on previous occasions.
The dropping of the tank was no big deal because we later dropped our belly tanks prior to every landing. It was rumored that the cost of a drop tank at the time was equal to the cost of a Cadillac. The reason the Navy decided to have us release the tanks prior to landing was because of several incidents caused by the tanks igniting after crashing on various carrier decks.
Change of Command
Lieutenant Commander Lawlor was relieved as Commanding Officer of the squadron by Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Windsor about two weeks prior to our return to the states in late April. Windsor was never called by his first name. It was always Skipper or Duke, a nickname he probably picked up at the Naval Academy. Only senior officers occasionally called him “Duke”. For us Ensigns it was always Sir or Skipper. I’m sure the name Windsor related to the royal family in England. Appropriately, Windsor’s wife was called the Duchess. It did not take me long to realize that Windsor was a great pilot and an outstanding leader. He had flown Wildcats off small Jeep Carriers in the Atlantic during the war so we all knew he had the “Right Stuff”. While he was the most senior and I was one of the most junior in the squadron we gradually developed a feeling of mutual respect.
It was readily apparent to me, that Windsor was destined for more important assignments accompanied with commensurate rank. He would go on to lead other fighter squadrons, break the international speed record and become commanding officer of the carrier USS Nimitz after which he was selected for Rear Admiral. Unfortunately, he never was promoted to that rank because he could not pass the physical exam as a result of the doctor’s discovering he suffered from diabetes. He died from that disease in 1998. A Navy Crusader fighter with the name Captain R. W. Windsor painted on its side now sits on the flight deck of the Aircraft Carrier Yorktown in Charleston, South Carolina. The Yorktown is now a naval museum.
Poker
It was during this first cruise that I was introduced to the game of poker. We played for real money but the senior officers tried to keep the game within reasonable limits since there was a wide dispersion of pay between the various ranks of those who participated. Raises were limited to three with the dealer starting the pot off with the ante. Up to that point I had never played the game but after several losses learning happened quite fast. It was during this cruise that I learned the hard lesson that four of a kind could be beaten by a straight flush since I was not the one with the straight flush. We played the conservative games of five and seven card stud as well as draw poker.
I always looked forward to these Wardroom events, which occurred immediately after the Stewards cleaned the tables following the evening meal. Duke Windsor was usually there after he joined the squadron along with other squadron personnel. Pilots from Air Group Three’s other squadrons also participated. Commander Decker, the Air Officer of the Ship, and third in command was there whenever air activities or other duties did not interfere. At that stage I don’t recall any aircraft flying after dark so, other than movies, poker seemed to be the only group activity. Besides flying, poker would remain one my prime interests during numerous cruises that extended over a period of several years. Later, I learned to play bridge and gin rummy. When not flying I played many hours of gin rummy one on one with the Skipper, Duke Windsor, in the fighter ready room during cruises to northern Europe and the Mediterranean. Scoring for each game in gin rummy was tabulated and carried forward with the winner being paid off periodically based on the difference in point totals.
The Fly-Off to Quonset Point Rhode Island
After completion of the Operations Readiness Inspection at Culebra Island the Kearsarge headed north. At that point we had been at sea for over six weeks. My logbook shows that I departed the ship on April 9, 1947 about one hundred miles Southeast of Norfolk. I flew in a formation of four Bearcats with Leo Krupp in the lead and me flying wing on Al Wright in the last position. We made a low pass over our former home, the Oceana Naval Air Station, and then proceeded northeast to Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
Except for a short stay at Charlestown, Rhode Island, and whenever I was at sea, Quonset would be my home base for the next seventeen months. The flight from the ship to Quonset took one hour and fifty-four minutes. My first impression upon arrival was that this was a palatial base with permanent brick buildings and beautiful living quarters as opposed to the temporary war-time barracks we had occupied at Naval Air Station, Oceana. The rooms were large with two occupants per room. John Votolato and I had asked for this base when we checked in at the Air Force Atlantic Fleet Headquarters in August 1946 because it was the closest to our homes in Massachusetts. To this day I would have to say that, of all my time in the Navy, Quonset Point stands out as being the base most fondly remembered. This may be attributable to my youth at the time but I believe it is mostly because it was a nice base at which I was flying a great airplane with a wonderful group of guys.
(Continued to the March –11 issue)
Facts about our town taken from facts in the book “See All The People” by Florence Consolati:
(1.)Who owned the first automobile in Lee?
Who owned the first automobile in Lee? Thomas Boyne, a superintendent at Smith Paper Company, bought Lee’s first car. Fuel for the Oldsmobile that he bought, cost him $25.00 for the first six months that you owned the car and drove it 3000 miles. He stated, “You could hardly buy even the feed for a pair of horses for that”. The car had no windshield and had carbon lights that had to be lit with a match. (Page 12 of See All The People)
(2.)When were the first electric street lamps in Lee?
When were the first electric street lamps in Lee? The local newspaper lauded two Lee brothers, W.I. and David Dresser who brought the new form of energy to the town in 1890. Two years later many of the businesses on Main Street were wired and lighted. (Page 86 of See All The People)
(3.)What was Lee’s most awful moment?
What was Lee’s most awful moment?In the summer of 1928 an epidemic of unknown cause hit the town. Two out of every five people in town became ill and fifty died. Finally, the cause was found. An infected udder on a prize cow in a herd belonging to the town’s largest milk dealer was the cause. Not only did Lee lose many citizens but travelers and tourists avoided Lee for a long period of time. (Pages 89 – 92 of See All The People)
(4.)Who was Highfield Colantha Mooie?
Who was Highfield Colantha Mooie?John G. Ellis, owner of Highfield Farm and nationally known livestock breeder was the proud owner of Highfield Colantha Mooie. Mooie, for many years held the world record for milk production. A monument was erected along side of the road on Fairview Street honoring Mooie. (Pages 97 – 98 of See All The People)
(5.)When did the first trolley run in Lee?
When did the first trolley run in Lee?On Memorial Day in 1902 construction was started on a trolley line that would bring people of Lee and other Berkshire County towns closer to each other. That November, five months after construction started the first trolley would travel through the center of Lee, down Housatonic Street and proceed to its resting place at a large barn on Pleasant Street. (Pages 341 – 345 of See All The People)
Anyone who doesn’t own a copy of this book should find one to read or buy. There are many interesting facts, stories and pictures of who the people of Lee were and how they lived. The flyleaves of the book include the names of all the people who lived in Lee in 1977, the year of our town’s 200th birthday.
The Lee Historical Society has the following items for sale. Any one of these would make a great gift for an out of town friend or relative.
(1.)Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored prints of “Old Lee” for $10.00 each or 3 packets for $25.00, plus $2.50 if they need to be shipped.
Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored prints of “Old Lee” for $10.00 each or 3 packets for $25.00, plus $2.50 if they need to be shipped.(2.)Refrigerator magnets – (approx. 2” x 3”). Three are of old street scenes from the early 1900’s and one is an “Entering Lee” replica sign. They are $3.00 each or buy all four for $10.00 with no shipping charges.
Refrigerator magnets – (approx. 2” x 3”). Three are of old street scenes from the early 1900’s and one is an “Entering Lee” replica sign. They are $3.00 each or buy all four for $10.00 with no shipping charges.(3.)Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for $10.00, plus $3.50 if shipped.
Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for $10.00, plus $3.50 if shipped.(4.)“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles that Betty wrote between April 1971 and August 1977 that appeared in the Penny Saver. Price is $10.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.
“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles that Betty wrote between April 1971 and August 1977 that appeared in the Penny Saver. Price is $10.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.(5.)“Third Strike”- a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984. It contains stories of people and tales of earlier days in Lee. The price is $15.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.
“Third Strike”- a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984. It contains stories of people and tales of earlier days in Lee. The price is $15.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.(6.)Commemorative Mugs;
Commemorative Mugs;(a.)A 2008, #1 in our series, mug with a replica of Memorial Hall embossed on the side.
A 2008, #1 in our series, mug with a replica of Memorial Hall embossed on the side.(b.)A 2009, #2 in our series, mug with a replica of Central Fire Station embossed on the side.
A 2009, #2 in our series, mug with a replica of Central Fire Station embossed on the side.(c.)A 2010, #3 in our series, mug with a replica of the Lee Library embossed on the side.
A 2010, #3 in our series, mug with a replica of the Lee Library embossed on the side. These mugs can be purchased for $10.00 each, plus $3.00 shipping or two
mugs for $18.00 and $5.00 shipping or all three mugs for $27.00 and $7.00 for
shipping.
Please send me (amount) ______________of (item/items) __________________________
Enclosed is my check for (no cash please)______________________________________
Name_____________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________
City_________________________State_______________Zip________________________
Mail to:
Lee Historical Society
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
Officers of the Lee Historical Society for the year of 2011
President – Gary W. Allen – 413-243-2140 or garywallen@earthlink.net
Vice- President – Open Office
Treasurer – Mal Eckert – 413-243-1797 or MalEckert@msn.com
Secretary – Bambi Johndrow – 413-243-2845 or disdeer62@netzero.net
Board of Directors of the Lee Historical Society
Mary Morrissey/2011Josh Hall/2011Peg Biron/2011
Josh Hall/2011Peg Biron/2011Matt MacNayr/2011JoAnn Zarnoch/2012Maria Hopkins/2012
JoAnn Zarnoch/2012Maria Hopkins/2012Robert Kelly/2012Ethel Noonan/2013Annette Perilli/2013Dolores Eckert/2013
Immediate-Past President and Board Member – Stephen Cozzaglio
Society Historian – Charlotte Davis
Newsletter Editor – Mal Eckert
Please support our “Business Members” that support us.
Bartini Roofing CompanyBen’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques
Ben’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques290 Pleasant Street68 Main Street52 Housatonic Street
68 Main Street52 Housatonic StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lenox, MA 01240
Lee, MA 01238Lenox, MA 01240Greylock Federal UnionQuality PlusConsolati Insurance Agency
Quality PlusConsolati Insurance Agency47 Main Street260 Chestnut Street71 Main Street
260 Chestnut Street71 Main StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Sullivan Station RestaurantPaperdilly, Inc.Dresser Hull Company
Paperdilly, Inc.Dresser Hull CompanyRailroad Street74 Main Street60 Railroad Street
74 Main Street60 Railroad StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Robert M. Kelly, PaperhangingKelly Funeral HomeThe Jonathon Foote 1778 House
Kelly Funeral HomeThe Jonathon Foote 1778 HouseSouth Prospect Street3 Main Street1 East Street
3 Main Street1 East StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Morgan House Restaurant & PubLee BankDevonfield Inn
Lee BankDevonfield Inn33 Main Street75 Park Street85 Stockbridge Road
75 Park Street85 Stockbridge RoadLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Hunter & Graziano P. C.Locker Room Sports Pub
Locker Room Sports Pub10 Park Place232 Main Street
232 Main StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Monk’s Professional Barber Shop
91 Main Street
Lee, MA 01238
How about becoming a member to help support our Society? Do you have an out of town friend or relative that might enjoy our newsletters? Sign him/her up as a member.
Student Membership - $5.00Senior Membership (one person over the age of 65) - $5.00
Senior Membership (one person over the age of 65) - $5.00Business Membership - $25.00Individual Membership (one person under the age of 65) - $10.00
Individual Membership (one person under the age of 65) - $10.00Family Membership (All members of one family living at home) - $15.00
Please circle one:Student Senior Individual Family Business/Corporate
Student Senior Individual Family Business/CorporateName_______________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
City____________________________State__________________Zip____________________
Telephone____________________Email___________________________________________
Is this a renewal membership?__________
Would you be interested in serving on a committee? __________
Or helping out at one of our fundraisers? ____________________
Lee Historical Society
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
