Oct-2011-Newsletter

C Lee Historical Society

Newsletter

Vol. 8, No. 10

October 2011

Lee Historical Society, Inc.

Crossway Tower

P. O. Box 170

Lee, MA 01238

Visit us: www.leehistoricsociety.homestead.com

The Annual Meeting of the Lee Historical Society will be held on Thursday evening, October 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria of the Senior Center at Crossway Village. New board members will be voted in and officers will then be elected. All members are urged to attend.

After the Annual Meeting, a Program Meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. that is open to the public with no charge. Everyone is invited to hear retired Williams College Professor John M. Hyde speak about the influence that his ancestor, Alexander Hyde, had on the education of the students of Lee. Professor Hyde will also give us information on other members of the Hyde Family.

The Lee Historical Society was honored to be invited and included in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Crossway Tower on September 16th by Elder Services of Berkshire County. Elder Services, along with funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State Department of Housing and Community Development and with the support of the Community Development Assistance Corporation and the Town of Lee has been able to provide 13 units of affordable senior housing, built by NL Construction, to go along with the 38 units at Crossway Village. The new one-bedroom units are unbelievable. Each one now sits in an old Hyde School classroom with spacious area for a senior citizen to live very comfortably. There are on-site laundry facilities, meeting rooms, a library area, and community rooms for all the residents. This was a large undertaking for Elder Services but one that was well worth it. Officers and board members joined Elder Services Director Robert Dean, Fiscal Director, Nick Kirchner and their staff, State Representative, “Smitty” Pignatelli, State Senator, Benjamin Downing, Lee Selectman, Patricia Carlino, Raymond A. Jordan from HUD and Bronia Clifton from Massachusetts Community Economic Development cutting the ceremonial yellow ribbon.

A Report on Founders’ Weekend:

Friday afternoon was cloudy and looked very much like rain, but it had held off all day. We got the tent up, brought in a table and three chairs……..and then it started raining. We decided not to bring out our items but to just sit there under the cover of the tent with our raffle tickets. We put up with the rain until about 7:00 p.m. and then pulled the plug for the evening, leaving wet and disappointed. Saturday morning, the weather was still cloudy, but not raining….yet! We had everything set and were ready for business by 9:00 a.m. Everything was fine until about 10:00 when a light rain started falling, by 10:15 it was raining harder. Oh, no! Not another rainy day! 10:30 a.m. saw the rain slowing up and by the time the parade started at 11:00 a.m., the skies started clearing. Suddenly, we had a beautiful warm day ahead of us. The workers at the booth got busy and had a prosperous afternoon. We closed the booth, picked up everything and were gone at 4:00 p.m., a long but gratifying Founders’ Weekend for the Society. Thanks to all who worked the booth on Friday and Saturday and thanks to all the people who made purchases and thanks to all the people who just stopped to chat. We enjoyed it all!

Please, check out the back page to see what you could win as winner in our “November Calendar Raffle”. All those prizes for a $10.00 chance! If your name is chosen, you win all the prizes for that day….and then your name is put back into the drawing box for another chance. Take the back page, fill it out and send it to the Lee Historical Society at P. O. Box 170, Lee, MA 01238 and, oh, yeah, include $10.00 for each ticket. There will also be “Bonus” prizes picked during the month. To insure that your ticket gets entered in the drawing box, please mail ASAP.

Thanks:

In case anybody hasn’t realized this yet, we have a great many very nice people as society members and supporters of our society. Examples of this are as follows:

As I was starting to set up our Founders’ Day booth on Saturday, the 24th, Tom Cinella was taking his morning walk around town. As he came across Main Street, he yelled over asking if I needed some help as I was alone. I thanked him and told him I didn’t, as I was early and waiting for the rest of our set-up crew. Thanks for the offer, Tom.

A few minutes later, two young gentlemen approached and told me that they were members of Boy Scout Troop 3 and were assisting people setting up their booths and asked if they could help. Again, I told them that I was all set and thanked them. It was great to have this happening in Lee. Thanks to Boy Scout Troop 3.

Before the parade was to begin, along came a group headed by the Dowd brothers, Richard of Maitland, FL, and Charles of Newville, PA. Both were born in Lee, many years ago, and come back every year for Founders’ Day Weekend. Usually, another brother, Edward from Carlisle, PA travels with them but he didn’t come this year. All three brothers have been members of the Lee Historical Society for a number of years and they must have their homes decorated with many of the items we sell. Their family home was on Fuller Street and their father built the house on the left as you enter the driveway to St. Mary’s School on Orchard Street. We thank the Dowd brothers for supporting the Lee Historical Society and the Town of Lee.

Society member, Nancy Cecchinato from North Canaan, Ct spent the very wet Friday evening and all day Saturday at our booth helping wherever needed. Thanks, Nancy.

Society member, Peggy O’Neill Westergard, lives in San Diego, CA and for the last two years has donated a beautiful afghan, created and made by her (Ponyleg Designs) for our November Calendar Raffle. She recently sent me an email asking about the raffle tickets. She decided that she would email all of her west coast friends that have ties to Lee and ask them to purchase a raffle ticket. That was very much appreciated. Next. Peggy emailed again and said that she was sending three hand made scarf and hat sets that we can use for “Bonus” prizes. Peggy, you are awesome!

If anyone went to the Founders’ Parade they probably noticed the presence of the Lee Historical Society. Our Secretary, Bambi Johndrow, created a parade banner and it was carried in the parade by her sister Brenda and brother-in-law, Marc Liebenow. Good job by all.

Barbara and Peter Scolforo donated costumes made by Barbara’s mother, Marcia Noyes that she had made for her and her husband Robert Noyes when they participated in 1977 Lee BiCentennial Parade as members of the East Lee Civic Association. Along with the costumes came pictures of both Mr. & Mrs. Noyes dressed for the parade. Ethel

Noonan also supplied us with a costume that she wore in the same parade. Thanks to all.

The biggest thanks goes out to all the kind and generous area businesses and people who so kindly donated prizes and cash for our “November Calendar Raffle” which funds a scholarship for a graduating Lee High School Senior each year and supports our other programs.Thank you so much!

NEW MEMBERS TO WELCOME:

Adele Hawley, 100 Highfield Drive, Lee, MA 01238

Recollections X

By U. S. Navy Retired Commander Vic Mottarella,

A native of Lee

(Continued from the September -11 issue)

New York City

Sometime during late spring, 1948 the USS Kearsarge sailed past the Statue of Liberty with Air Group 3 aboard and moored in the Hudson River in the same area as the huge ocean liners of the past. I remember, as a teenager, seeing the majestic Normandy lying on its side after being sabotaged during the early part of World War II. It was a sad sight because I had seen it several times during its prime. It was the only time during my naval career that I spent any time in New York City as part of my official duty. Scores of visitors came aboard and all seemed to appreciate what they came to see. One of my first cousins who lived about twenty miles away came aboard and was impressed when I showed him my Bearcat with the name Ensign V.G. Mottarella printed on its side. On one occasion I was assigned as part of the shore patrol and greeted hundreds of visitors as they came aboard. When not assigned specific duties we were free to explore and roam the streets of downtown New York. For us sailor types it was a great liberty port.

The Sixth Fleet

On June 1, 1948 we departed Quonset Point, R. I. on the Kearsarge with Air Group Three and a unit of the Twenty First Marines to join Carrier Division Six as part of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. During this mission the Kearsarge would sail over 20,000 miles. As I look back this was probably my most interesting and enjoyable foreign cruise. Two additional Mediterranean cruises would follow but most of the important ports would be repeat visits.

Gibraltar

Our first stop was at Gibraltar where we tied up to a pier. I expected to see the sheer stone cliff as displayed in the advertisements for the Prudential Insurance Company but learned that it was on the north side of Gibraltar facing Spain. I had always thought that it faced the Mediterranean. While on a later Mediterranean cruise I would make several landings on a British runway located at the base of that shear cliff. It was not more than a mile from the Spanish border.

Besides the fortress, Gibraltar consisted of hundreds of small shops with a very diverse population. Upon the recommendation of a friend I purchased a quantity of very high-grade wool fabric material from which I planned to have a suit made by a tailor in Naples. I believe I paid about fifteen dollars for the material and about eighteen for tailoring. A tailored suit of similar quality would have cost three or four times as much in the United States. We sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar and continued on to Suda Bay off the Island of Crete where we joined up with the Carrier Philippine Sea and took our place with the Sixth Fleet We only spent a few days at Suda Bay and except for the scenery there was little of interest.

Italy

Our second anchoring took place in Augusta Bay, Sicily near the small city of Augusta. It was on the eastern part of the island, not far from the City of Catania and within sight of the Mount Etna Volcano. The Roman ruins of Syracuse (a colony of Carthage) were only a few miles away but I never made it there. Augusta was not a great liberty town but I did go ashore a couple of times.

Our next anchoring was in the Harbor of Naples, a very beautiful site with the city and the Vesuvius Volcano in the background. On July 1, 1948 we sailed passed Salerno Bay, christened with blood during the invasion of Italy and the very scenic Isle of Capri while approaching the harbor of Naples. For most of the cruise officers had to wear summer dress uniforms when going shore. Since it was in the middle of summer it meant dress khaki’s or dress whites. The dress whites looked nice but they were not very practical for the occasion. As we approached the anchorage I noticed several ships with only a small part of the superstructure above water. They were obviously victims of World War II.

A few of us got together and took a tour to the ancient city of Pompeii that was destroyed by a sudden Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD. It was about fifteen miles from Naples. The cremation by hot lava to suffering man and animals left voids that created exact molds of their bodies in the hardened lava. Many of these voids had since been filled with plaster of paris. When viewing these plaster of paris statues you could see in vivid detail the anguish on the faces of both man and beast during their final seconds. While on another trip to Pompeii we took a different route and stopped briefly at the town of Sorrento. It was a most scenic and quaint place that did not disappoint. Along the shore were ruins of Roman baths. I had heard the romantic song “Return to Sorrento” many times and the town seemed quiet, romantic and serene - all the song made it out to be.

We spent a total of twenty-one days in Naples split in two equally divided time frames. During the first stay I met a very attractive brunette by the name of Lena. Among other interests Lena and I visited and spent a couple of days at the nearby Isle of Capri. She came aboard the Kearsarge on a few occasions. I showed her my Bearcat and I guess she was impressed. I met up with her on our second trip to Naples and we corresponded for a time after that but she soon faded from memory, or at least became less important.

On one occasion, while in Naples, I visited a museum that displayed many inventions of Leonardo Da Vinci. Most people remember him for his great artistic accomplishments. I was ignorant of the fact that he was also a great inventor and about five hundred years ahead of his time. My being more of a mechanical type than an artist I was more impressed with his inventions than with his art. I learned at the museum that he was a genius and his creative mind was probably equal to that of Einstein. At the museum were numerous mechanical models such as a flying machine, a drawbridge and a propeller as well as other inventions that I do not recall.

Another incident that I am trying to forget was the time I was short changed by a slick young Neapolitan who was going to swap Italian lire for dollars at a much better rate than I could get at the bank. I was in my dress whites and after I discovered the scam I ran after him but he was faster. I should have known better but it turned out to be a great learning experience. Europe was still in a depression mode following the war and there was a small minority who found any way to make a buck – legal or illegal. After that unpleasant experience I never again engaged in swapping dollars for other currencies in the streets of Europe.

Continued in the

(November –11 issue)

As always the Society is looking for any memorabilia of the town that people are willing to donate to us or just to let us display, or copy it. We will also accept the items of Lee left behind by a passing relative and will so identify them in our files and records. We need to preserve and document the history of Lee.

We are also looking for articles or stories that people would care to share with our readers on or about our town and area. We will also help anyone searching for ancestors and seeking information about Lee.

Did you realize that there are two kinds of jay-walkers, the quick ones and the dead and maimed ones? Please use the marked crossways of the Town, but still use proper caution while crossing.

Our friends at the Lee Sons of Italy, with assistance from the Junior Lodge, are having a Spaghetti Super on October 29th for its Scholarship Fund. The dinner will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s School on Orchard Street in Lee. The menu includes; spaghetti, homemade meatballs, bread, salad, dessert, coffee and tea. If you are unable to attend, take-out orders are available. Donations for adults are $10.00 per person; children ages 5 – 10, $5.00 and children under the age of 5 are free.

Please support our “Business Members” that support us.

Bartini Roofing Company

Ben’s Shop

Charles Flint Antiques

290 Pleasant Street

68 Main Street

52 Housatonic Street

Lee, MA 01238

Lenox, MA 01240

Karen Keenan Gifts & Home

Quality Plus

Locker Room Sports Pub

151 Main Street

260 Chestnut Street

232 Main Street

Lee, MA 01238

Frank Consolati Ins. Agency

Paperdilly, Inc.

Dresser Hull Company

71 Main Street

74 Main Street

60 Railroad Street

Lee, MA 01238

Robert M. Kelly, Paperhanging

Kelly Funeral Home

The Jonathon Foote 1778 House

South Prospect Street

3 Main Street

1 East Street

Lee, MA 01238

Monk’s Professional Barber Shop

Lee Bank

Devonfield Inn

91 Main Street

75 Park Street

85 Stockbridge Road

Lee, MA 01238

Hunter & Graziano P. C.

10 Park Place

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 - $5.00

Senior Membership (one person over the age of 65) - $5.00

Business Membership - $25.00

Individual Membership (one person under the age of 65) - $10.00

Family Membership (All members of one family living at home) - $15.00

Please circle one:

Student Senior Individual Family Business/Corporate

Name_______________________________________________________________________

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

BECOME A NEW MEMBER TODAY AND YOU WILL BECOME A MEMBER FOR THE REST OF 2011 AND ALL OF THE YEAR 2012.

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