Author Archives: Robert Ambrogi

Railroad Station, Rockport, Mass., c. 1911

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Compare this view of the Rockport railroad station with this other one from the same time period. They focus on pretty much the same view, but from opposite sides of the depot house. I assume the dirt-covered lot in front … Continue reading →

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The House of the Whispering Pines, Phillips Ave., c. 1912

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

During the summer of 1912, the Boston School Committee was hoping to convince Franklin B. Dyer to become the city’s new superintendent of schools. Dyer, then superintendent of schools in Cincinnati, was not eager to come to Boston. But by … Continue reading →

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‘Our Cape Ann Home’: Manning’s Words and Music

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Earlier today I mentioned the lecture tomorrow about William Manning. Besides being an inventor, a manufacturer and a musician, Manning was also a songwriter. The sheet music for one of his songs, “Our Cape Ann Home,” is included in the … Continue reading →

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Historical Society Presents Manning Lecture Tomorrow

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

I’ve had a couple of posts here about William N. Manning, the Rockport resident in the 1800s who once operated a factory in Millbrook Meadow manufacturing melodeons, a type of organ popular in the 19th century. Tomorrow night, Nov. 8, … Continue reading →

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The New Oakdene, Pigeon Cove, Mass., 1905

Posted on November 6, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

The New Oakdene was a hotel on Phillips Avenue in Pigeon Cove operated by Mrs. J.J. Dean. An advertisement in a 1903 magazine described the New Oakdene as “built and furnished new 1900; all modern improvements.” It also said the … Continue reading →

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Sea View Farm, Rockport, Mass., circa 1912

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Seaview Farm, at 38 South St. in Rockport, is known today as a boarding stable. It has been home to seven generations of the Lane family, who established it in 1838 as a dairy farm. In the 1970s, Charles L. … Continue reading →

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The Linwood Hotel, Pigeon Cove, Mass., 1905

Posted on October 16, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Just a year after this picture was taken in 1905, the Linwood Hotel burned to the ground. It was built in 1877, the third major hotel to be built — after the Pigeon Cove House in 1871 and the Ocean … Continue reading →

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Mending the Nets, Bearskin Neck, Rockport, Mass., circa 1920

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

In this spot today, on the harbor side of Bearskin Neck, you’re more likely to see lobster pots than fishing nets. But the scene has not otherwise changed all that much. This postcard was published by the Rockport Photo Bureau. … Continue reading →

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Panorama, Straitsmouth, Rockport, Mass., circa 1912

Posted on October 8, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Here is a bird’s-eye view looking down Marmion Way towards Gap Head, Straitsmouth Island and Gap Cove. To the left, on Gap Head, you see the old Straitsmouth Inn. Beyond the inn is Straitsmouth Island, where you can make out … Continue reading →

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Front Beach, Rockport, Mass., 1906

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Robert Ambrogi

Compare this 1906 view of Front Beach with this one from 1905 and this one from 1935. It is interesting that the 1905 card shows the beach almost deserted, with the tide out, whereas this one shows a crowded beach … Continue reading →

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