04-2017 & 05-2017 OSD Members presents talks to Falmouth Students at Surf Drive Beach ‘Dock’

To commemorate and honor the Old Stone Dock Bicentennial celebration this year, we approached key administrators and faculty of the Falmouth School System to see if they would be interested in OSD board members delivering educational presentations to their students about the history of the Old Stone Dock and its important impact on the development and growth of Falmouth during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Dock was then the center of commerce for the growing town.

Our offer was enthusiastically embraced by several departments: Sonia Tellier-Assistant Superintendent, Jane Baker-Art Department, Lauren Kenny-English Department, and Michael Feeney-History Department.  In April, OSD president Kevin Doyle delivered a power point presentation to 100 students and faculty (see prior story).  Days later, OSD board member and past president, Jim Fox presented to art students at the site of the dock to teach Dock history.  In early May, OSD vice president, Dan Braun met with English freshman honor students followed up with a final beach presentation by Kevin Doyle in June to history students.  We think all the students were impressed to learn that Surf Beach is not just a place for summer fun but is also a vital part of Falmouth and Massachusetts history.

Article provided by Dan Braun

 

June 26th, 2017|
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06-10-17 OSDA Members Clean Surf Drive Beach

 

The OSDA Annual Beach Clean-Up and Presentation of 2017 Flower Boxes took place on Surf Drive Beach on Saturday, June 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  This year’s flowers were donated by the McCormick Family in memory of Past President and Dock Master, Bob McCormick.

Co-chairs were Polly Thayer, Jay Thayer and Terry Saunders. We had a membership promotion table and registration in front of the Ellen T Mitchell Bathhouse. Refreshments were provided to volunteers and all those that passed by. OSD logo wear was also available for sale.

We cleaned from Mill Road down to Elm Road both street side and beach side.  The following members participated: Anna dos Santos, Kevin Doyle, Madeleine Marken, Greg Mills, Jim O’Shaughnessy, Andrea O’Shaughnessy, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders, Van Smick Jay Thayer and Polly Thayer.

Featured picture includes Terry Saunders, Jay Thayer, Polly Thayer, Kevin Doyle and Acting Beach Superintendent Bruce Mogardo.

Special thanks to members Jay and Polly Thayer who prepared a delicious luncheon at their home following the clean-up.

Pictured below: Anna dos Santos, Kevin Doyle, Madeleine Marken, Carol Mills, Greg Mills, Jim O’Shaughnessy, Andrea O’Shaughnessy, Terry Saunders, Steve Saunders, Van Smick Jay Thayer and Polly Thayer (Van Smick missing from photo).

 

June 13th, 2017|
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06-10-17 Flower Boxes at Ellen T Mitchell Bath House in memory of Past President Bob McCormick

Millie McCormick presented the 2017 flower boxes in memory of her husband and past OSD president Bob McCormick.  Bob was an active member of the association and is missed by all who knew him.  In recent years the cost of the flower boxes have been donated by members who have lost a loved one the prior year.  Previously the association donated funds towards the purchase of the flowers.

June 13th, 2017|
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06-01-17 E-mail to members on upcoming events

From: “Kevin Doyle”     Sent: Thursday, June 1, 2017 3:21:11 PM    Subject: OSDA – June Events

Hi Neighbor!

It’s summertime!   If you’re in Falmouth, the Association has plenty going on this Bicentennial Year of the Old Stone Dock (1817-2017)!   You’re invited to participate in any way that works for you.  Here are some activities you might enjoy.

Dues Renewal Notices were mailed to 300+ current and past members on 05/18/17.  Please support the OSDA by remitting your dues of $25.00 per family now to P. O. Box 835, Falmouth, MA  02541 for the current year of 06/01/17 to 05/31/18.  A copy of the membership renewal can be found on the web site. Your membership adds greatly to the very genial relationship we enjoy with so many town leaders.

The OSDA Annual Beach Clean-Up and Presentation of 2017 Flower Boxes on Surf Drive Beach will be held on Saturday, June 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon.  Rain date is Sunday, 06/11/17.   This year’s flowers were donated by the McCormick Family in memory of Past President and Dock Master, Bob McCormick.  Protect yourself by wearing long pants, shirts with sleeves, sunblock and using garden gloves.  We’ll have a membership promotion table and registration by the Ellen T Mitchell Bathhouse where refreshments will be provided and OSDA logo wear will be available for sale.  If you are able to lend a hand, please RSVP to info@oldstonedock.com so we know who to expect.  We will also be providing lunch afterwards and we will need a headcount.  Co-chairs are Polly and Jay Thayer and Board Liaison Terry Saunders.

The 18th Annual Falmouth Historical Society Heritage Award Dinner will be held on Wednesday, June 21, at 5:30pm for gathering and 6:30 for dinner.  The Old Stone Dock Association was selected this year in recognition of our legacy of contributions to Surf Drive Beach and the Bicentennial celebration of the Old Stone Dock (1817-2017).   The Falmouth Garden Club will also be recognized.   We are hoping for a large turnout from our membership. Tickets are $75/person, and we hope you will find this to be an enjoyable summer highlight, and a time for us all to celebrate our 50 years of service to the community.  See details and invitation below.  If you plan to attend, please let me know.

OSDA Annual Meeting / Summer Outing – Sunday, September 10, 2017 Yes, that’s a change!  After the last few years of crossing our fingers and hoping that our meeting would come together, the Board voted to push the date out and keep the ambiance and hospitality offered by Don and Joyce Filiault at the Beach Breeze Inn.  The August date put great stress on every aspect of the party logistics, from chairs to dessert.  We hope this proves to be an acceptable – even a preferred change – for all of you to make an enjoyable end to the pressures of the “tourist season” and settle into Falmouth in the Fall.  We will also be able to hold our prices as we have for the last two years. We hope to see you there!

OSDA Bicentennial House Tour – Saturday, September 9th To keep that weekend active for OSDA members, Committee Chair Lisa Asendorf has been talking with OSDA homeowners about opening their homes for a community-wide invitation to a “Falmouth Then and Now” tour of homes and gardens in the Stone Dock neighborhood.   This will be a nice opportunity to bring town folks in to appreciate the history and waterfront that we have here at the Old Stone Dock.   If you have any ideas or want to help, please contact either Lisa or Anne Prior.

Falmouth Public Schools Art and Poetry Exhibition The public schools have been very excited to help us celebrate the Bicentennial year.  We held an assembly for high schoolers, and […]

June 3rd, 2017|
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05-20-17 Falmouth Preservation Alliance Held on 05-20-17

The Old Stone Dock Association participated in Falmouth Preservation Alliance’s “Preservation Expo” on the grounds of Museums on the Green, Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017. This event was designed to serve the renovation, restoration and repair needs of Cape Cod homeowners by offering displays, information and Q&A opportunities with local business owners, service providers and preservation specialists.

Members Pat Keck, Terry Saunders and Rebecca Bevilacqua manned the table in the morning and members Madeleine Marken, Terry Saunders and Rebecca Bevilacqua took the afternoon shift.   As visitors came by they explained the mission of the OSDA and described the community events that took place this past year within the OSD neighborhood and in particular Surf Drive beach including Life Guard Appreciation Breakfast, beach cleanup and cleaning of the monuments.

Also in attendance was Artist Karen Rinaldo who was representing the Falmouth Preservation Alliance.  They were introducing the second in a series of many Heritage Maps.  The first one was of Falmouth Village which included the OSD neighborhoods and the current one is of Woods Hole and Quissett.  Maps are available for $2.00 each from many locations including the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Sharing a table with the Preservation Alliance was Mark Schmidt, Executive Director of the Falmouth Museums on the Green.

Michael Kasparian, CEO of the Chamber, is a Certified Antiques Appraiser. He offered free appraisals for the first item per attendee and $10 for the second item. It was a hometown version of Antiques Roadshow. ®

 

 

 

June 3rd, 2017|
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06-21-17 – Save the Date for Heritage Award Presentation on Wednesday, June 21, 2017

March 10, 2017  E-mail to Members

Hi Neighbor

The Old Stone Dock Association has been selected as a 2017 recipient of the Falmouth Heritage Society Award. This is a big deal.  

Established in 2000 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Historical Society, the award recognizes individuals or organizations who have provided outstanding leadership over time to help preserve the character, culture, stories, vistas or other aspect of Falmouth’s rich history, or have inspired others to do so, resulting in a lasting legacy. 

That’s where the Old Stone Dock Association comes in.  We have been cited especially this year in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the Old Stone Dock itself and the efforts we have made to create appreciation throughout the town for that piece of our maritime heritage.  It’s the type of work we have been doing for the 50 years of the Association’s history, working with the town for improvements in beautification, traffic control, beach utilization, road maintenance, and the general well-being of residents.

More information will follow, but now is the time to plan for a special night at the Coonamessett Inn.   If you haven’t been to a Heritage Awards Dinner before, I can tell you that it’s a gala evening in Falmouth.

We enjoy our annual gatherings at the Beach Breeze and ShoreWay Acres, and this is literally a once-in-a-lifetime recognition to gather with a town-wide audience in celebration of the Old Stone Dock’s 200 years of serving Falmouth, and the Association’s services rendered over decades to advocate for the areas around the beach and bathhouse on behalf of all residents.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 5pm until you’re tired.

Many thanks to all of you for your support of the Association!  I hope you will plan to join the celebration.

Kevin Doyle, President
Old Stone Dock Association

April 18th, 2017|
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04-10-17 Presentation at Falmouth High School

FHS Launches Bicentennial of the Old Stone Dock

The following story appeared in the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, 04/14/17

Fifty Falmouth High School students gathered in the school’s auditorium last Monday, 04/10/17 to start a town-wide commemoration of the 200-year history of the Old Stone Dock on Surf Drive Beach. They were encouraged by an equal number of town leaders and members of the Old Stone Dock Association as they begin their research for their spring workshops.

The Old Stone Dock, built in 1817, has continued to serve the town for 200 years, according to Mr. Kevin M. Doyle, the President of the Old Stone Dock Association. First, as a center for commercial activity and then as a recreational asset serving day sailors and finally beach goers.  It is currently used as the “Kiddie Pool” at Surf Drive Beach.

In his talk, “History, Heroes, and Hurricanes,” Mr. Doyle explained how the founders of Falmouth came from Barnstable in 1660 and settled in Wampanoag fishing grounds along Mill Road. As the town grew towards the Village Green, the merchants continued to rely on packet ships, sailing to ports from New York to Boston, to conduct commerce.   It is likely, though not readily verifiable, that wooden docks and piers served the settlers until the Great Gale of September 1815 destroyed the strongest dock, built from palm tree trunks.  That was when the town decided to build a dock with a massive granite base that would quell the waves around the pilings.

The courage and pride of Falmouth citizens was exhibited on the shoreline during both the American Revolution and the War of 1812 when Falmouth resisted landings and endured a cannonade from HMS Nimrod rather than succumb to British rule. The role of the militia in the Revolutionary War was commemorated by a Bicentennial reenactment on Surf Drive Beach in 1979.  The Town Hall mural by J. Downs depicts the actual attack, and a painting in the Selectmen’s chambers by Karen Rinaldo celebrates the reenactment.

The lecture was heavily illustrated with vintage postcards from the Robert C. Hunt collection, donated to the Falmouth Public Library. Also used, were photographs from Mr. Donald Fish’s unique collection.   A sequence of images showed the evolution of Falmouth Harbor after Deacons Pond was dredged and Clinton Avenue was cut off to create the opening to the harbor in 1908.

After the lecture, senior Annie Marshall said that she “learned some history of the town that I never knew before.” Classmate Rita Sherwood agreed saying, “It was fascinating to learn about the unseen history of our town.”   Student Jack Doyle (no relation to the speaker) was interested to learn more about the British attacks on Falmouth and the pride of the citizens in defending their town.  Perhaps most representative of students’ reactions was Lizzie Bressoud who simply stated, “All my life I never knew that the rocks were once a town dock!”

Students from art teacher Mrs. Jane Baker and English teacher Mrs. Lauren Kenny’s classes will collaborate to create an artwork known as Haibun, which pairs prose and haiku poetry with a graphic depiction of an object or sentiment.   The students will be given free choice about how to celebrate the Dock’s history, from the establishment of landings along the shore, to the abandonment of the dock as rail roads and steam boats moved commerce to Woods Hole around 1900.   When completed, their artwork is planned to be displayed at Falmouth High School, Highfield Hall, Falmouth Art Center, and the Museums on the Green.

Among those attending to encourage the students were Town Manager Julian Suso, Historic Society Director Mark Schmidt, Preservation Alliance President […]

April 18th, 2017|
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12-04-16 Falmouth Parade and OSDA Holiday Party

Old Stone Dock Association members walked in the annual parade which stepped off at noon on Sunday, 12/04/16.  They sported a new color banner designed for the Bicentennial and handcrafted by member Kathy Hall.  Trent and Jacob Tessier carried the banner and members Kevin Doyle, Paul Smith and Jim Fox proudly walked behind it (see featured picture).

The Annual after the Parade Holiday Party took place at ShoreWay Acres Inn from 2 to 4 p.m.  It was attended by over 100 members and guests including several public officials.   Dorie and Greg Ketterer were the perfect hosts and there was a delicious buffet enjoyed by all.  The buffet included an 1817 Sampler of Falmouth Comfort Foods including Indian Pudding, Baked Beans, Brown Bread and Apple Cranberry Crisp.

The children enjoyed face painting by OSDA member Kathy Hall and gingerbread house decorating sponsored by OSDA members Dorie & Greg Ketterer of ShoreWay Acres.

New Old Stone Dock Association Logo Wear was available for sale featuring an updated logo – ‘1817 Bicentennial 2017′.

Don Hoffer, retiring Beach Superintendent was honored for his service to the town and in particular Surf Drive Beach by President Kevin Doyle.

The businesses in the Falmouth village were most generous in providing door prizes for our guests.  Below is a list of the donors and recipients.  This list of local business as well as others who assist us throughout the year can be found on the OSDA Events Page under “Local Business Supporters”.

Door prizes and the lucky recipients . . .

Falmouth Village Business
Street
Item
Recipient

Anejo Mexican Bistro
188 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Jack Driscoll

Blast from the Past
315 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Anna Wilson

Blast from the Past
315 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Grace Rakeman

Cape Chic
104 Palmer Avenue
Gift Certificate
Sharon Butler

Cape Cleaners
241 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Bob Pritchet

Country Fare
319 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Julian Suso

Cup Cake Charlies
153 Main Street
Gift Certificate for 6 cupcakes
Melinda Dunn

Eastman’s Ace Hardware
150 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Bob Dunn

Eight Cousins Books
189 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Faith Barrass

Falmouth Chamber of Commerce
20 Academy Lane
Falmouth Beach Towel
Ray Dewall

Falmouth Jewelry Shop
225 Main Street
Silver Necklace
Todd Tessier

Ghelfi’s Candies & Ice Cream
228 Main Street
Gift Certificate for a pound of fudge
Susan Tow

Hannoush Jewelers
352 Main Street, #2
Gift Certificate
John Beush

Harvest of Barnstable
261 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Anna DosSantos

Harvest of Barnstable
261 Main Street
Woodland Wreath
Jim Crossen

Howlingbird Studio
91 Palmer Avenue
Gift Certificate
Rebecca Bevilacqua

Jan Collins Selman Gallery
317 Main Street
Framed Picture Sphors Garden
Paul Skudder

John’s Shoe Store
141 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Jay Thayer

Karen Rinaldo Gallery
227 Clinton Avenue
Christmas Note Cards ‘Dreams Come True’ Nobska Light 2016
Eva Braun

Karen Rinaldo Gallery
227 Clinton Avenue
Christmas Print ‘Dreams Come True’ Nobska Light 2016
James Tynan

La Cucina sul Mare
237 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Cindy Lehtinen

Liam Maguire’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
273 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Steve Saunders

Livin’ EZ Casual Wear
226 Main Street
Falmouth Sweatshirt
Kathy Hall

Maison Villatte Boulangere Patisserie
267 Main Street
Bread and Pastry Food Gift Basket
Bob DosSantos

MoLinos – Men’s & Women’s Clothing
303 Main Street
Ladies Knit Scarf
Jim Fox

Molly’s Tea Room
227 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Jamie Crossen

Old Stone Dock Association
P. O. Box 835
Old Stone Dock Bag, T-shirt and Cap
Kevin Doyle

Parkside Restaurant
281 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Sandy Smith

Parkside Restaurant
281 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Cindy McConarty

Pies A La Mode Café
352 Main Street, #4
Gift Certificate
Kathleen Dunn

Port Cargo
156 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Joe Brown

Puritan Clothing Cape Cod
199 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Carol Erhardt

Settings – Home Décor
352 Main Street, #2A
Gift Certificate
Amy Herlihy

ShoreWay Acres
59 Shore Street
Gift Certificate towards Pool Party/ Lobster Bake or Accommodations
Mike Jeck

Simply DiVine
271 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Paul Smith

Ten Perfect Nails
371 Main Street
Gift Certificate
Joanne Skudder

Special Thanks To …

White Tie Luxury Transportation
292 Teaticket Highway
Limousine Service for parade

Kathy Hall
66 Shore Street
Face Painting and new OSD Banner

ShoreWay Acres
43 Shore Street
Hosts of “After the Parade Party”

Pictures at the party …

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 29th, 2016|
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12-04-16 Jim Crossen honored at OSDA Annual Holiday Party

The following article was printed in the Falmouth Enterprise on Friday, 12-09-16.

Mr. James Crossen, Town Constable and Senior Past President of the Old Stone Dock Association was honored at the Association’s Annual Christmas Party at ShoreWay Acres last Sunday.

Past President Jack Driscoll told the 100 members and guests that the Association that was established in 1962 needed rejuvenation about a decade later. At that point, Mr. Crossen stepped in with a dynamic campaign of neighborhood involvement in beautification and advocacy for the Surf Drive Beach and Ellen T. Mitchell Bathhouse.

Mr. Crossen initiated contact with town leaders and the Beach Committee to align the Association with their objectives for traffic management, road maintenance, and the general welfare of all residents. Together with former Dock Master Bob McCormick, he would organize “Executive Forums” for town officials to meet with the public and discuss on-going projects and plans.

For more than four decades, Jim has provided guidance and helpful direction to numerous Boards of Directors with tireless energy. His initiative for a scholarship for members’ children and grandchildren spurred the Directors to name the scholarship fund after his late wife Mae Crossen.

Town Manager Julian Suso thanked Jim for his long record of selfless leadership on behalf of the entire town. Mr. Suso cited his 20 years as a Town Meeting Member, a previous Sealer of Weights and Measures, and the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2008 as examples of his commitment to his fellow townsmen. Mr. Suso noted his time as a Key Club Advisor encouraging youngsters in community spirit, sitting on the Board of the Upper Cape Vocational School, and coaching baseball and soccer for youth at the Recreation Center. The Town Manager also praised Jim for his service to the country during World War II in the Navy in the Pacific theater, and noted that he went on to 32-year career with NOAA in Woods Hole as a pioneer in underwater television photography.

Police Chief Edward Dunne presented Constable Crossen with his “Chief’s Coin” for his exemplary contribution to the public welfare of the town. Chief Dunne informed the audience of the unique role of the constable in today’s community as a complement to the patrolman’s duties. The general duties of a Constable are to be vigilant to preserve the peace, to prevent the commission of crime, and to arrest offenders. The position derived from Roman times when the constable was the “keeper of the stable” responsible for the welfare of the king’s horses. This gave him broad powers to prevent crime. The same “maintain the peace” principle lasts to this day.

Director Paul Smith presented the honoree with a “Crossen Creek” sign that will designate the DPW-made drainage canal between Mill Road and Salt Pond that runs behind the corner parking lot. It will be a symbol of his enduring contribution to the neighborhood and the town.

Prior to the party, Mr. Crossen was chauffeured along the parade route in a car donated by White Tie Limousine in his honor. Although it was inadvertent, no one was upset that he was placed among the very first in the line of march. His daughter Jamie rode with him and said that he just about wore off his arm waving to the children sitting on the curb, constantly telling her, “It’s all about the children.” Such is the philosophy of Jim Crossen.

Mr. Crossen’s vehicle was preceded by the Old Stone Dock Association’s new banner that celebrates the Bicentennial of the Old Stone Dock itself. Painted by artist Kathy Hall it depicts the dock as it was 200 years ago when it was the […]

December 13th, 2016|
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10-15-16 Surf Drive Beach Monument and Sidewalk get a cleanup

On Saturday, 10/15/16 Old Stone Dock Association Board Member Steve Saunders spent a couple of hours cleaning the brass lettering on the monument at Surf Drive Beach.  It states:  STONE DOCK 1817 – The original dock, built in 1806 was destroyed by the storm of 1815.  It was the Town’s landing place for whalers and packets.  This monument was erected by the Town of Falmouth 1930.

While he was cleaning the plaque, Board Member Terry Saunders swept the sand off of a portion of the sidewalk.

 

                   

October 19th, 2016|
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