November 09 Newsletter
Lee Historical Society
Newsletter
Vol. 6, No. 11
November 2009
Lee Historical Society, Inc.
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
www.leehistoricsociety.homestead.com
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When friends, neighbors or relatives move, downsize, or just clean house, PLEASE, ask them to think of the LEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY before they discard any old books, pictures, postcards, letters or memorabilia of the TOWN OF LEE. We are also interested in obtaining old Lee High School yearbooks and Town Reports.
The sales of the raffle tickets are over and we have started to draw the prizes. We wish all the ticket holders the best of luck. We will try to keep the membership up to date with the winners and will list them weekly on our electronic mailing list. The November “Calendar Raffle is our prime resource of money for our scholarship program and other society programs during the year. A list of donors is included on page of this newsletter. We thank the following members for their dedication to this project and without their help it could not succeed. Doreen Bartini created the raffle ticket selected the daily gifts and also sold the greatest number of tickets. Marion Leach, Dolores Eckert, Peg Biron, Mary Morrissey, Myron Hood, Caroline Young, Ethel Noonan, and Gary Allen all helped with the booth on Founders’ Day weekend. Gary and Marion manned the sales booth in the Legacy Bank Parking lot on October 24th. A great big thank you to all the helpers. You’re the best!!
The November meeting will be held on Thursday the 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center at Crossways Village. It will be a business meeting for board members, officers and interested members.
Recollections VII
By U. S. Navy Retired Commander Vic Mottarella, A native of Lee
(Continued from the October – 09 issue)
The Auto Trip to Miami
The entire Votolato family saw us off for our long journey to Miami. The Votolato’s had four sons and the second oldest was now a commissioned officer in the Navy. It was quite noticeable that they were all very proud of him and I sensed they felt the same about me. I was most impressed with the friendship that existed between the brothers and the kindness of the parents. Mr. Votolato was apparently a successful insurance broker and it was obvious that he was an excellent provider. We loaded the car with our new uniforms and upon completion of the handshaking and hugging John and I departed from Taunton, Massachusetts and headed for Miami, Florida. Having survived two and a half years of intensive training John and I felt like we were finally on top of the world. After all, we had just turned twenty years of age, we now owned a car and were heading south to engage in what every Naval Aviator wanted to be – a Fighter Pilot. Besides getting the exact assignment that we had hoped for, the Navy promised to pay us an additional one hundred fifty dollars per month as hazardous duty pay just because we were flying airplanes. John and I would have been glad to pay the Navy that amount for the privilege of flying their planes. Neither of us had ever driven much farther than a hundred miles from our homes but we looked forward to the challenge and adventure of traveling the fifteen hundred miles to Miami. We had studied the maps and discovered that we could travel all the way to our destination via US Route 1 but we decided to deviate from that route so that we could more or less follow the coastline. With two healthy and highly motivated young drivers we concluded it would not be necessary to stop and spend money on hotels. One could sleep while the other drove. Based on this plan we figured there were many more important things we could do with the saved money. Our selected route would take us through the cities of New Haven, New York, Dover, Norfolk, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach. In order to spend as much time as possible at our homes we estimated that we could make the trip in as little as four days. We figured four days would give us sufficient time to arrive at our destination by the mandatory reporting date and still allow a reasonable cushion. That ended up being a mistake because we were plagued along the route with four flat tires. Everything went well until we crossed into Delaware and after that it seemed like a flat occurred on an average of every two or three hundred miles. In order to have a spare, each time a flat occurred it was necessary for us to take the tire to the nearest gas station for repairs. This ate up a lot of time because the gas station attendants were often busy with other projects. One must consider the fact that it was early 1946 and almost all new tires were being manufactured for new cars. New tires and good used tires were extremely rare for existing vehicles. Only military vehicles were produced during the war years. Immediately after the war there was a huge pent up demand for new cars so that’s where almost all of the new tires ended up. Mr. Fraser, in Lee, had offered to sell me a new tire before my departure but I declined. That was a stupid mistake on my part. At Cape Charles Virginia we boarded a ferry for the twenty-mile Chesapeake Bay crossing to Virginia Beach. Due to high winds and turbulent waters the crossing took about four hours. Although we were commissioned officers in the Navy neither John nor I had ever been to sea at that point and the rough water made us both nauseated. Somewhere in North Carolina (near New Bern) we experienced another flat. We installed the spare and took the defective tire to the next gas station on US Highway 17. The attendant showed us a tire that looked almost new but it had a large cut that was repairable (or so he said). Beggars couldn’t be choosers so we let him patch the tire and away we went. In that case we did not travel more than a hundred miles before the tire blew out. We repeated the cycle of installing the spare and taking the defective tire to the nearest gas station for repair and then hitting the road. I remember crossing a very long and high bridge in Charleston that presented a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the bay. Our fourth and final flat occurred about one hundred miles south of Savannah, Georgia. At that point we enjoyed almost balmy weather as compared to the icy weather in Massachusetts. About midnight of that evening we encountered an area of dense fog with visibility of less than fifty feet. We had noticed puddles of water on both sides of the road and surmised that we were passing through a huge swamp. We were smart enough to pull off the road and rest until daybreak. At daybreak we proceeded through the swampy area and noticed Spanish moss on most of the trees. It was a scene that resembled some of the rich southern estates we had observed in movies. It was all very interesting but at this point we were dead tired. One could not get much rest while attempting to sleep in the right seat of a 1934 Chevrolet sedan. We had been on the road for almost three days. Since we still had several hundred miles to go we started to be concerned about making it to our destination by the reporting deadline. That night we crossed into Florida and proceeded along US Route 1, which took us through Jacksonville. We passed Daytona Beach at about 3 AM and as we looked towards the ocean we observed a beautiful moonlit sky behind swaying palms. We stopped along the beach for a few minutes and enjoyed viewing the beautiful scenery. We found ourselves in Miami by the following afternoon and after inquiring found that the Miami Naval Air Station was not located in the city proper. It was located in Opa-Locka, about fifteen miles northwest of the city. Our first interest on the base was the landing runways where we observed and were in awe of approximately fifty Hellcats that were tied down on the flight line. We were impressed by hearing the deep throaty sound of a two thousand horsepower Pratt and Whitney Wasp engine as we observed a Hellcat turning down wind for landing. There were several Corsairs parked on the ramp but our interest was in the Hellcat, the plane we were about to fly. We checked in with the officer-of-the-day who logged us in at about six in the evening. We had beaten the deadline by approximately five hours. After that we checked in at the Bachelor Officer’s Quarters where we crashed into our sacks (beds for you non Navy types) from extreme exhaustion.
(Continued to the December – 09 issue)
AN INTERESTING READ, whether this is true or not is left up to the reader:
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning to it.Here is something every American should know. We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, “Taps”. It’s the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.During the night, Captain Ellicombe the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire; the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment.When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the saw of the soldier. It was his son! The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform. The wish was granted and the haunting melody, we now know as “Taps” now used at military funerals was born.Please support our “Business Members” that support us.
Bartini Roofing CompanyBen’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques
Ben’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques290 Pleasant Street68 Main Street 52 Housatonic Street
68 Main Street 52 Housatonic StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238 Lenox, MA 01240
Lee, MA 01238 Lenox, MA 01240Greylock Federal Union Quality Plus L. V. Toole Insurance Agency
Quality Plus L. V. Toole Insurance Agency47 Main Street260 Chestnut Street195 Main Street
260 Chestnut Street195 Main StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Sullivan Station Restaurant Paperdilly, 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 Street Main Street 1 East Street
Main Street 1 East StreetLee, MA 01238 Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Morgan House Restaurant & Pub Lee Bank Devonfield Inn
Devonfield Inn 33 Main Street75 Park Street 85 Stockbridge Road
75 Park Street 85 Stockbridge RoadLee, MA01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238The Lee Historical Society thanks the following businesses and people for their generous gifts that make our November “Calendar Raffle” so great. Please support this group.
A Foundation to be named LaterFrank Consolati Ins. Agency Price Chopper Markets
Frank Consolati Ins. Agency Price Chopper MarketsAll Clean/Nancy Searing Hancock Shaker Village Prioce Rite Supermarkets
Hancock Shaker Village Prioce Rite SupermarketsArizona Pizza of Lee Hats & Jewels/Ann Langlais Professional Barber Shop
Hats & Jewels/Ann Langlais Professional Barber ShopBerkshire Bank Henry’s Electric Red Lion Inn
Henry’s Electric Red Lion InnBerkshire Theatre Festival Jacob’s Pillow RW’S
Jacob’s Pillow RW’SBerkshire Green Grocer/Claire’s CaféJoan Zukowski Sandy’s Place
Joan Zukowski Sandy’s PlaceBeverly Trombley Joe’s Diner Shakespeare & Company
Joe’s Diner Shakespeare & CompanyBig Y Supermarkets Karen Keenan’s House & HomeSheila Marony
Karen Keenan’s House & HomeSheila MaronyButternut Ski Area LB Corporation South Adams Saving
LB Corporation South Adams SavingBoston Red Sox Lee Car Wash/Dave Comalli Springfield Falcons
Lee Car Wash/Dave Comalli Springfield Falcons Carlson Auto Body Lee Hardware Steve’s Barber Shop
Lee Hardware Steve’s Barber ShopCarr Hardware of Lee Lee Power Equipment Co. Sullivan Station
Lee Power Equipment Co. Sullivan StationChez Nous Lee Video Terrace Hair Salon
Lee Video Terrace Hair SalonCindy’s Bags Lucky Nails The Mount
Lucky Nails The MountColonial Theatre Locker Room Sports Bar Valley Mill Corporation
Locker Room Sports Bar Valley Mill CorporationCountry Curtains McDonald’s of Lee Vic Mottarella
McDonald’s of Lee Vic MottarellaCrown Jewelers Mary Kay/Nancy Searing Ventfort Hall
Mary Kay/Nancy Searing Ventfort HallDaley and Sons Myron’s Call/Myron Hood Walter DeFreest
Myron’s Call/Myron Hood Walter DeFreestDresser Hull Company Naoussa Gallary Zabians’
Naoussa Gallary Zabians’Dunkin Donuts of Lee Norman Rockwell Museum
Norman Rockwell MuseumEast Lee Package & Varity Pauline’s at Greenock
Pauline’s at GreenockOn Saturday, October 23rd several of our officers and board members met with members of members from the Gt. Barrington, South Egremont, Otis, Sheffield, Otis and West Stockbridge Historical Societies in the Historical Room at the Stockbridge Library. All members discussed their societies and what they had done and what they were planning. It was time well spent. Two members from the Upper Housatonic Valley National Hertage Area also attended.
1.Sign up as a new member or renew your membership between September 25, and January 31, 2009 and pay the
Sign up as a new member or renew your membership between September 25, and January 31, 2009 and pay the following:
(a.)A Senior or a Student Membership for the next three years will be $12.00.(b.)An Individual Membership for the next three years will be $27.00.(c.)A Family Membership for the next three years will be $42.00.(d.)A Business/Corporate Membership for the next three years will be $72.00. Any one signing up as a new member will also receive the rest of 2009.Become a member or enroll an out of town friend or relative to a gift membership.
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?____________________
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Mail to:
Lee Historical Society
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
THE LEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY WISHES ALL OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS A VERY HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING.
Remember those lost and harmed while serving their country. Also remember those who have served and returned; and for those presently serving in the armed services.
The Lee Historical Society has the following items for sale. Any of these would make a great gift for those out of town friends and relatives.
(1.)Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored pictures of “Old Lee” for $10.00 or 3 for $25.00
Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored pictures of “Old Lee” for $10.00 or 3 for $25.00 plus $2.50 if shipped.
Refrigerator Magnets – (approx. 2” x 3”) Street scenes of early Lee for $3.00 each or a set of three different ones for $7.50. No shipping charge.
(Only a few single ones left)
(2.)Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for a price of
Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for a price of $10.00 plus $3.50 if shipped.
(3.)“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles written
“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles written between April 1971 and August 1977 that appeared in the Penny Saver. $10.00 plus $2.50 if shipped.
(4.)“Third Strike”, a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984 with stories of
“Third Strike”, a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984 with stories of people and tales of earlier days in Lee. Price is $15.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.
(5.)2008 Commemorative Mug with the image of Memorial Hall (1st in a series) $10.00, add $3.00 if shipped.
2008 Commemorative Mug with the image of Memorial Hall (1st in a series) $10.00, add $3.00 if shipped.(6.)2009 Commemorative Mug with the image of Central Fire Station (2nd in series). $10.00 add $3.00 if shipped.
2009 Commemorative Mug with the image of Central Fire Station (2nd in series). $10.00 add $3.00 if shipped. Both mugs can be purchased for $18.00 for the set plus $5.00 shipping.
Please send me (amount) ____________of (item) __________________________________
Enclosed is my check for (No cash please) ______________________________________
Name___________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City_____________________State___________Zip______________________________
LEE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
P. O. BOX 170
LEE, MA 01238
