Friday, August 7, 2009

Dad’s Photos #14

Here are some more of my father’s photos for your enjoyment today. These were taken in the winter of 1938-1939 when he worked as a cook at a Howard Johnson’s in Dedham, Massachusetts. For those who’ve been following along: yes, it is hard to keep track of his job history during these years!

On other fronts: the last few days have been extraordinarily busy, & this will continue for the next couple of days at least. I’m pretty confident there will be posts over the weekend as usual, but I apologize for falling behind on blog visits & also for falling behind on responses to comments. I’m hoping next week will proceed at a more measured pace.


On To Work

Dedham, Mass (Winter 1938-39)



Competetition [It’s odd how much this “rival” restaurant looks like a Howard Johnson’s, but you can see the sign well enough to notice it has another name. You can see it down the road from the Howard Johnsons in the final photo, the shot from Rte. 128]


Ma Furlongs, Dedham – Home Port of 1938-39



Dedham, Mass Post Office


Dedham, Mass (One dead town) [NOTE: this is my father's comment, not mine!]



Rear Entrance to Dedham stand from Route 128







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9 comments:

  1. If there is one thing I love it is old photos. You can spend so much time searching for detail, looking for clues to times long gone. If they are "famous" photos it doesn't work : they were taken for a purpose, to make a point. It is amateur photos, family photos that are always the interesting ones. Thanks for sharing yours.

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  2. Well there it is again - old photos and renewed memories. Going to "Howard Johnson's" for pancakes - a savory treat sweetly remembered!

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  3. Hi Alan & Rose Marie:

    Alan: I'm with you on that! I believe you have something up about that family portrait--will try to make it by soon.

    Rose Marie: Thanks! I have fond memories of Howard Johnson's, too, tho mine are more from the 1960s.

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  4. love love love these photos!!! great takes on traveling to and through yesteryear!

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  5. Please don't ever apologize for anything to do with your blog (like not doing it) and these pix are amazing! What a perfect way to look into another time you cannot deny. Thanks for sharing these and remember, it's YOUR blog, do it when you WANT to! Otherwise, it's...what? Placating some weird guilt? I know you're not into that, so live as you feel, and feel your life and it's gifts my friend. Anymore HoJos photos?

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  6. I don't know about "dead", but Dedham certainly looks like a stern little town. I think maybe it's the dusting of snow that gives me that feeling.

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  7. Another thing that leaps out at us, even from humble shots of a boarding house, a highway, and a Howard Johnson's, is a spirit of adventure.

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  8. More great photos - and I still haven't delved around for my dad's. The HJ sign is wonderful.

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  9. Hi Folks!

    Am a trifle under the weather today-- the price, perhaps, of burning the candle at both ends.

    Jenean: Thanks!

    Cathy: Good counsel. I think I look at it more as a commitment to myself, but it's always wise to be wary of those threads of guilt & obligation. I think this might be all the HoJos photos--there were some in earlier installments. The "Dad's Photos" series is soon to take a dramatic shift in landscape!

    Sandra: A dusting of snow can do that!

    Jacqueline: That's good--my dad did have an adventurous spirit. Thanks!

    Dominic: Thanks. Will look forward to seeing yours when you do get to them!

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