Osborne's Inn

                                                            

CHAPTER ONE

I awakened to a fresh breeze blowing across my face; I climbed out of bed and walked to the window where the view pointed to the welcoming boardwalk and beckoning ocean.  I smelled the hazy mist the high tide left behind and heard a fog horn in the distance.  This place is my haven – my summer get-away that I love so dearly.  This place is called Ocean City, New Jersey.  This vacation spot is a tradition for our family, but most recently, we took a trip there in June of 2001.

On the way to Ocean City, my family stops at a harbor side restaurant/fishery.  In the fishery, there is a variety of all kinds of fish, lobster, clams, oysters, etc.  After wandering through the main seafood area, we go outside to the back of the harbor to the docks where ships unload their catches for the day.  On the docks is a small dining area; each person chooses their seafood from the main area, then the cooks prepare and serve the food to those waiting for their meal.  We enjoy this as well as the authenticity of the harbor.  As a child, I always stayed clear of the docks’ edges, in fear of the deep water below; now, on our last trip to the harbor, I leaned confidently on the dock posts, looking beyond, watching the ships come in and the seagulls swarming around the lobster traps.

Another familiar sight to my family’s eyes was Cape May, a very beautiful, romantic spot for sightseers and beachcombers.  Cape May’s lighthouse stands tall and strong.  Although serene during the day, the lighthouse shines fiercely at night, warning ships away from the shore’s jetties.  We climbed the stairs and stood atop, looking out onto the waters and the people below.  Cape May is always quite breezy and chillier than the other beaches in New Jersey.

                                                                 CHAPTER TWO

After looking through the Cape’s small shop, we drive down to the shopping circle.  Walking around the shopping area, we split up and wander through the stores we each like to see.  Another lighthouse my family likes to see is Cape Barnegat, which also has a small ocean side shop, but the town it protects is an authentic fishing port.  We enjoy climbing the Cape May and Barnegat lighthouses and venturing around the beaches and harbors there where we see daily life on the ocean’s side.

When we vacationed in Ocean City, my mother’s parents and her nephew met us in Ocean City.  We all grew to love the beach so much more with everyone there.  My brother and I would run on the beach, flying kites and tossing baseballs with our cousin Brock.  I tried to sun-tan every day, but my patience only lasted for so long, and soon, I went back into the water, chilled by the Atlantic waters.  My mother built sandcastles with my grandmother and my grandfather liked to read about the history of the beach in the restaurant on the boardwalk that serves really tasty breakfast.  In the restaurant, there are old pictures of lifeguards, the lighthouses and newspaper articles as well.

Our friends from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania came to visit us where we stayed.  I had the opportunity to baby-sit their two children at the time while our parents caught up on the recent news.  It was nice to show the kids around the beach and see them build sandcastles.

On the boardwalk, we played miniature golf as a family.  The theme for the golf course was a pirate theme, and it was fun, being by the ocean side; when we reached the last course holes, we saw the ocean from where we stood.  Every morning, my brother and I walked to the stairs that led to the beach on the boardwalk and watched the morning surfers.

                                                            CHAPTER THREE

 Watching the surfers every morning placed a new, crazy desire in me to surf sometime possibly on the Atlantic waters…  Other than swimming in the ocean, we decided to spend some time at the water park on the boardwalk.  We enjoyed the huge water slide, which at first, I would stand at the very top of them and look down at the pool below, then at the ocean beyond.  At the very moment I was enjoying the splendor and beauty from the high heights, my brother pushed me from behind, and I unexpectedly went down the slide screaming.  When I finally felt tired from all the activity, I did sun-tan by the pool.

Most evenings, we spent time on the boardwalk or the beach, and then my brother and I would get on our bikes and ride around the area to “Johnny Be Good’s” ice cream shop or to just see what the town was doing.  Most of the people in the area live in beach houses with screened in porches, where people read their newspapers in the morning, and drink iced tea at night.  One evening, we visited the adjacent town, Sea Isle and ate at our favorite restaurant  on the harbor there.  While eating, we saw people climb onto their jet skis and ride off  into the sunset.  I always enjoy watching people spray the ocean’s water everywhere, bumping over the waves on those jet ski’s again, that’s another thing I hope to do someday next time in New Jersey.Sea Isle is a quieter town, with that side of the beach not as enjoyable to most people.  The wind whips across the sand and the waves toss wildly although, most beautiful seashells lie there.  We did most of our grocery shopping in Sea Isle at the convenience store there.  Also at Sea Isle is a nice pizza shop where there is an overhead view of the harbor on one side of the restaurant, and the shore on the other.Other than the lighthouses, the real enjoyment of sightseeing is just sitting on the beach in the early morning, watching the fishing boats in the distance.

                                                          CHAPTER FOUR

My dad and I like to sit on the beach, watching the dolphins jump out of the water.  We can best see the ocean front from the piers that loom far out to over the waters.  Some fishermen gather at the very edge of the pier, with “chum” at the end of their line to catch the sharks in the deeper waters.  On a windy afternoon, just before a storm, is my favorite time to go onto the piers and look out onto the ocean; the mist hits my face and it feels good.  When exploring the beaches in the morning, we look for starfish on the jetties as well as the tide pools left behind by the high tide.  In those tide pools, we find ocean creatures which are always fun to find.  Also, in the mornings, we walk the beach during low tide, where the seagulls swarm, hoping to catch some food left behind by the waves.  If we have breakfast with us, we are careful knowing the seagulls often will try to eat the food we have with us.One thing we absolutely love about Ocean City is the boardwalk.  On the boardwalk are some hotels and new beach houses.  My favorite shops are the surf shops with surf boards, wet suits and flip flops.  There are art shops, with pictures and portraits of the ocean.  Different shops sell only the Ocean City famous popcorn of different varieties and of course, the ice cream shops are nice too.  One store in particular, has seashells and shark teeth.  The Salty Dog store sells books about ghost stories from Cape May and Cape Barnegat. At the very end of the boardwalk is my family’s favorite breakfast restaurant called “Brown’s Donut Shop.”

                                                             CHAPTER FIVE

Every year that we stay in Ocean City, we stay at the same place called Osborne’s Fairview Inn.  This Inn is just yards away from the beach, and has become like a second home to us.  We usually rent the bottom apartment of the Inn as a family.  In the porch is where the sun shines in the morning, and where as a kid, I dried out the seashells I would take home to show my friends.  As I grew older, and most recently, when I woke up in the morning, that is where I ate my breakfast and listened to the calm waves.  I would sit and watch the neighborhood wake  up, getting their newspapers from their front porches.  At night, after eating ice cream, my brother and I would sit and watch TV in the small living room area of the apartment and watch the neighbors retreat from their lawn chairs and head for bed.  Osborne’s Inn holds great memories for me, as we grew to be friends with the Inn’s owners and their family.  I try to write Mrs. Osborne as often as I can and remind her of the great times we have there as a family.  Anytime we need milk, or butter, we just go upstairs to their apartment and they would be so kind as to give us some.  Some afternoons, we spend some time chatting with the Osborne’s sitting on their comfortable couches, playing with their dog(that just unfortunately passed away) and getting new beach tags (for free!).After swimming and a day on the beach, we go to the back of the Inn where there is a clothes line to hang beach towels and there are showers to wash the sand off our sandals and feet.  Also, there are stairs leading to a door upstairs in the Inn, where in the morning, coffee is offered and a book shelf provides books for rainy days.  One time, while in Ocean City, we stayed in an upstairs apartment, where there is a nice view of the ocean.

Most people run or bike on the boardwalk in the morning, including my brother and me on some days.  Vacationers rent bikes from shops to ride on the boardwalk, but we usually bring our own bikes. 

                                                           CHAPTER SIX

 We find Ocean City a very pleasing vacation spot and look forward to going back every year, this past trip in year 2001 was very memorable, though because as a family, we did and saw more than we usually do.

For the most part, the weather was absolutely incredible while we stayed in New Jersey.  However, one evening when we walked the boardwalk, the clouds darkened and the winds  started to howl.  We almost had walked the whole boardwalk when we knew the storm was coming.  It suddenly started raining in torrents, and we tried to duck into shops, but the rain just started coming into them.  So as we watched the lightning strike and the thunder shake, we decided to make a run for it.  We ran for the apartment, our sneakers and flip flops sloshing.  We ran through the alleys as a shortcut, people smiling as we ran by.  We learned our lesson about ocean storms, never try to predict the weather.  It might just catch up with you.  August 2001, was a time to enjoy the ocean like we always did a long time ago, when George and I were just kids.  The traditional trip to Ocean City holds the expected events, everything from cereal on the porch every morning, to the exhausting trips up the lighthouses.  We all have nothing but great memories from Ocean City, and I hope to return for vacation in the future.

As a kid, we enjoyed the amusement park on the boardwalk, with some of its water rides, but now, we just pass it on the boardwalk now, and spend more time on the beach.  George liked to rides his boogey board on the waves, and I did too, although I was tossed around sometimes and found myself eating sand.  We swim farther out into the ocean, knowing there aren’t as many sharks as there are in Florida; the water is colder in New Jersey.  When we want to know when the high and low tides are coming and how the weather fares, we go to the lifeguard’s pier.  Altogether, all this activity made for an awesome, Jersey shore vacation.

It's now 2017 and I think often of our wonderful neighbor, Tom, who lived across 15th Street from us for many years.  The Osborne family misses your smile and your big hello.  Say hello to Heaven for me.

Favorite memories from Ocean City?? That is a tough one; not for lack of material, but because there is so much.

During my formative years, in the 1970s, my father would take two weeks of vacation time during each summer.  One week would inevitably be a camping trip for the family.  Pine woods...leaky tent...there was little not to like! The second week would forever entail seven glorious days in Ocean City, New Jersey.

My strongest memories are from this time...let's say between 1970 and 1980...and they center around the boardwalk at night.  There was a unique juvenile culture that changed every year, while - in a fundamental way - it did not change at all. I'm talking about the fads.

Every year it was something. In pronouncing that last word, make it some-thing, for I am talking about tangible items that could be purchased.  Must be purchased.  Each year a different item was de rigueur for strolling the boards at night.  This item would mark the owner as an individual; a free thinker.  And it would be available for sale in sufficient quantity that each and every teenager on the boards could have one.  Would have one.  If they were cool.

I'll recount a few of the major fads, roughly in the order they appeared, starting with my earliest memory.  Bear in mind that each of these essential items because the calling card of a particular summer.

Click-clacks. A pair of little glass balls connected by a length of cord.  With a flick of the wrist, the owner could send the balls into a snapping dance as they richochet off one another.  Some kid got too exuberant and the glass broke, sending flying shards hither and yon.  Thereafter, click-clacks were made of lucite (plastic) balls.  But the really cool kids would hunt down a pair of original glass ones.  They were dangerous.  Our parents told us so.

The next year's craze was nothing at all.  Invisible dogs.  The device consisted of a fabric dog leash and harness, held firmly outstretched by virtue of a stiff wire inside.  Hoards of beach-goers delighted in 'walking' their invisible pooches down the boards.  Occasionally, a walker would pause by a guard rail while their phantom dog relieved itself of a phantom burden.  If you were cool, you bought one of these devices.  If you failed to purchase one, one might as well be invisible yourself.

By contrast, next summer's craze was very visible.  Some chemist had discovered that two simple chemicals, mixed together in a plastic tube, would create a luminous rod that could part parents from their money.  The glow-stick was born.  For one summer, the night was alive with gree fire.  It twirled, danced and raced down the boards.

As the 70s grew to a close, some up and coming late-night comedians named John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radnor  were beginning to make their mark.  Our next fad swept the boardwalk like dandelions on an abandoned golf course.  Anyone who was anyone had to have a T-shirt with the words “Oh No…Mr. Bill!” emblazoned on the front.  An animated clay figure created for a skit on Saturday Night Live had is summer in the sun.  People clamored for these shirts, paying ridiculous prices.  The next summer they would hang unwanted on discount racks.

In the 1990’s I still try to get to Ocean City at least once each summer. I suppose the fads continue, though I am less aware of them now that I am an older person.  I vaguely noticed a flood of Batman shirts in the late 80s.  And there was some sort of cloth Frisbee that you could fold up in your pocket, which was in vogue one year.  More recently it was huge, striped Cat-In-The-Hat headgear.  I looked at them sadly, knowing I was too old and such a hat would never fit me anyway.

Then I happened upon a vendor with adult sizes.  And realized you’re never too old to have fun.

Which is probably why I keep returning to Ocean City.

 

July 22, 2002

My life almost began in Ocean City as I came here for the very first time when I was just six weeks old. My grandfather would rent an apartment for half the season on Sixth Street and the beach.  Each summer we would walk the boards in my shiny Mary Jane shoes and little white gloves.  I remembered the ocean splashing up onto the boards and the waves came crashing ashore.  What fun it was to be sprayed by the water!

I loved Gillians old Merry-Go-Round and the beautiful white horses.  My father would ride with me and sometimes catch the gold ring for a free ride!  

Our family would always go to dinner at Watson's, Shafto's, Chris' and Hogates - always a line waiting for delicious food.  It was a time when you got dressed up to go out and eat - again the Mary Jane's and gloves, sitting on the bench outside Watson's, watching the cars and people go by.  We'd also go to 9th and Bay to Chris' and Hogates which were great casual seafood restaurants with outdoor dining on their decks overlooking many of Chris Mautegna's converted PT boats from World War Two.  They had names like the Pony, the Flying Cloud, the Saucer, and the beautiful sailboat the Sweetheart.  One could buy tickets and take rides on these boats during the day or evening.  People would get dressed up to go on the speedboats only to discover when they cut through the inlet they got soaked with the ocean spray as Chris would cut the engine.

My parent's best friends had a home at 21st Street and Wesley Avenue.  It was like our second home.

Of course, you had to have a lifeguard as a boyfriend.  My guy's name was Edie Yust and we walked to the Music Pier to enjoy the Lifeguard's Ball.  What wonderful memories!

Having married my husband and I brought our two sons as they now bring their sons.  We found Kathryn Lehr and her late husband Frank across from the Osborne's Inn.  I always wondered how Peggy Ann and Frank managed five children, a wonderful Inn, and jockeying all those cars.  When Kathryn sold her Ocean View Inn we migrated to Peggy Ann nad Frank's.  They greeted us with open arms and we visit every year for Night in Venice.

Our friend's home at 17th and the Bay has been a party place for many Nights in Venice, having won three or four years for best decorated house.  We've been clowns, German Tavern owners, Noah's animals, such fun - the Osborne's wondered each year what constumes we'd come up with.  Now we have our own home at 10th and Central which we bought Halloween, 2001.  While renting our home during the season we still come back to our second home away from home.  Steve and I agree that when we cross Route 9 our worries are left behind.  Our love of the sand and the sea is almost indescribable.  The roar of the surf, the never-ending waves, the peacefulness of watching the ebb and flow, the sun shine and the moon shine - what an idyllic island.!  Ocean City is all special people like Peggy Ann and Frank and their family who help to make Ocean City the wonderful place that it is.  Thanks for including us as part of your family, as part of your Memory Bank.

We were so happy to find your wonderful home for our last minute getaway from Medford. Your home is so comfortable and welcoming! I can’t remember a better sleep in the recent past! I hope we can visit again!

This was just what I needed to recharge myself! I decided last minute to try and find a place where I could unwind. Task complete!! My family and I had a great time. Looking forward to coming back next year. Thank you!

We were so happy to find your wonderful home for our last minute getaway from Medford. Your home is so comfortable and welcoming! I can’t remember a better sleep in the recent past! I hope we can visit again!

1985

 

6/15 - 6/22/1985 - Connelly Family - Pat and Kids were down the shore for a week.  It was during Colleen's graduation party time.  Andrew played 'priest' a lot.  Some pictures were taken with Father Skelly wearing a sailor hat holding Ryan.  Celine Severino & her mom were also here.  Kyle concieved while parents in P & F.

6/29 - 7/6/1985 - Dud Havelin Family - Dud and Marie came down with their family pretty much as a family reunion type thing. Dud always enjoys himself - loves the shore.  Died June, 1987. He is missed.  One thing he so looked forward to having on his vacation was Cabbage Soup.  Peggy Ann, being helpful, dropped a gallon container and the glass broke all over the driveway.  Such for helping!!!

6/29 - 7/6/1985 - Mary Wendler and her children Andrew and Danny have been spending time here for a few days or a week ever since her husband, Jim, died.  Kids love it.

7/10/1985 - Cathy and Jimmy McCarthy visited on Sunday, July 7, 1985, and told us that the Warren Miller Family has had a 'Guest Book' in their Ocean City home since 1940.  They commented how much pleasure it has brought them.  Now the Osborne's are going to do the same thing.  Our guests will have the opportunity to say what it is they would like to say about their visit to Ocean City, New Jersey -the Fairview and the Osborne's. - I am pleased to announce that our first guest to comment is : Mrs. Helena Lloyd.

Dear Peggy Ann and all the Osborne's,

Thanks for your hospitality, your friendliness, your cheer.

It has been such fun, I hate to run.

I look forward to next year.

Helena Lloyd

7/11/1985 - I will always remember wearing Megan's hat to shade my head against the steaming sun.  Also, the hospitality of the Osborne's in opening their door to our Deaf youth.  The memories of the $1.00 to our youth for the soda.  St. Paul says, 'Open your door to strangers,' but yet strangers are only people you haven't met yet.  Peace & Smiles - Fr. Brian O'Neill.

7/11/1985 - Dear Peg and Family, I deeply appreciate your hospitality.  The warmth & friendliness shown throughout the day.  I thank you in the name of all our deaf youth.  Hope to see you all in Hawaii - Aloha & Peace, Bill Heran.

Joan Elasser came down with the Osborne's after qualifying for Los Angeles.  She won the 'long jump' at Franklin Field at the Jesse Owens games, 'Live Aid' (international effort for raising money for Africa) was on the TV all day.

7/12/1985 - Michael and Regina here along with little Mike (15 months old) and Joe (4 months old).  Kids lasted at the beach about ten minutes.  Little Mike didn't like it at all.

7/16/1985 - I came to Ocean City to visit family - Pop wanted me to go and buy him beer for the All Star Game tonight - Had a nice dinner with grandparents and later visited Aunt Peg and company  -  Everyone looks good and it was nice to see them again - I plan to head to Philadelphia tonight and visit some friends.  -  John J. Fischer, III

7/20/1985 - Jim, Kathy and family (Colleen, Chris and Philip) spent and wonderful weekend at the Fairview.  Colleen Lynch, Colleen O. arrived Friday with Frank after the Prep.  The boys enjoyed being on the 'pay-roll' and found a great companion in Meg.  Jim was a great valet and flag raiser!  A good time was had by all.  Our many, many thanks! -  The Lynch Family.

7/20 - 7/27/1985 - Howley Family - Julie Howley and her friend, Sherry Kenyon, spent the entire summer of 1986 in O.C. perfectly delightful kids.  Julie's parents are Phil and Anna.  Her brother, Phillip, is Colleen's age.  We kid them about being together. - Fun times we had with Matt Caffrey, Dave Santmann, etc.

8/10/1985 - I enjoyed playing miniature golf with Megan! Also, Megan is a very good, good friend.  I hope to see her again. - Love, Siobhan Forde

The view is fair,

The Osborne's care,

With friendliness beyond compare.

Our week was great;

We played and ate,

With lots of time to meditate! - Love and thanks from Joan Forde and Siobhan

8/10 - 8/17/1985 - Pallas Family - Paul, Mickey & the kids have been coming for the last few years.  Rent carriage bicycles. Megan is literally a seventh Pallas child - always enjoy their company.

Buckner Family - Jane, Charlie & Eddie have been coming for years. They enjoy themselves immensely - stay in Apt. T.  In the beginning I had trouble handling all the love and attention they gave to me.

8/17 - 8/24/1985 - McDonald Family - Karen, Gregg, Heather & Holly - 'people' Megan immediately befriended Karen just got her R.N.  Greg plays the bagpipes.  Good solid people.  Greg died shortly thereafter from cancer - very young man.

1982

6/18/1982 - Arrived Friday afternoon - met the farm crew -  Mel & Chris Bornstein, Sue & Roger Smith - Muggs & Bill Houldin  -In Apt.B - we had Ann & Tom Harding.  Good to see everyone.

 

6/19/1982 - On Saturday arrival was the Mauer family (friends of Calvin & Terry Koffel) - Margaret Kremtz, her daughter, Janet, husband John and John's brother - Jim

On Tuesday a family reunion took place.  Mrs. Kremtz's son, Steve and his new wife.  Teddy, came in from Colorado with their new baby, Steven.  Teddy's mom and dad - Clarence & Ethel Davis came in from Ohio.

During the course of the week - a Mother and daughter (in from Ohio) met up with Jim from above.  One big happy family.  My week was spent painting wicker chairs.

6/26/1982 - LaDuke Family - Bob, wife & son Robbie & grandson Leif (Life) born and reared in Germany.

Spahr Family - Barbara, Dick, Robbie & Emily.  Dick's daughter, Vicky, also came to visit.

Waldspurger - Mrs. Pepe's sister.  Husband was laid off a few months ago.  Tough times for them financially.

Anna Dulin Walther - C.D. - 1960 - Divorced mother of three children.

Dawn Glendenning & her friend, Lora, were stuck.  Stayed overnight in our bunk-bed room one night and up to Room 3 for the next night,  Deeply appreciative.

7/4/982 - Kelly & Megan - hit by car - 16 stitches in Kelly's head - 3 in Meg's leg.

Leslie Larson (Kim's sister) from New York - out of nursing into TV work and three other of her friends down for July 4th weekend.

Chris Caracino & Ruth Robinson down for first time.

Keith & Tina Dieterly down.

Jamie Salkind & friend, Eric, violin player.

Mr. Vincent down for his two week stay - delightful as ever.

7/10 - 7/17/1982 - Family reunion in A - C, Mr. and Mrs. Keebler from Delaware.  Their daughter, Carol, from Tennessee and daughter Virginia.  Good time for all.

Apt. T - Mary McKinley and son, Gregg, looking forward to some time away.

Rooms - Jan McGee & friend, Joyce Graham - one week - nice girls.

Karen Giannini & Gerry in.

Ed Beugleuss - wife - three girls.  They seem to come down each year - never with reservations.

Fann Crew - taking its three day stints.  Muggs already here - so was Chris Bornstein.

Jim & Pat Burns were our guests the weekend of July 9th - 10th.

Mary Jetta & Jim Wendler at Crab Trap. Paid us a visit with their little son, Andy. Later that week Mary gave birth t Daniel Patrick.

Hope & Mike Linder, along with Hope's sister, Gretchen & four girls took P & F - four nights - lovely people.

Couple in from Scotland was here on Sunday night with their severely handicapped child - age 13 - what special people they are!

7/11/1982 - Sunday night - city towed Dawn Glenndenning's care because of fuel pump leak.

Griffith's house next door robbed during the day.

Helena & Paul Lloyd - guests - 7/16

Sister Marie Celestine & Ed Hallinan - 7/17

Kelley's birthday - little party with Lori Hunter - Laurie Ziring - Chris - Mary Pat Corbett - (Chris-Mary Pat's friend).

7/18/1982 - Softball team here - took entire house.  They really are a fine group of young people, but when you get 26 of one kind of group together - you literally don't own your home.

7/20/1982 -  Week of 7/3 - 7/10 - we had another family reunion here with Apartments A - C - Room F being rented by four Italian sisters from New York - Vanasco - Cook - Shaberg - Vacia.  It as pleasant for all - except end fo the week - two sisters who were sharing apartment had too much tension.  Felt bad about that.

7/29/1982 - Hallman - A

Doyle - Jay Dushney - C&D - Dr. Doyle's daughter's family.

Barnes - T

Good week - Dr. Doyle uncooperative with parking situation.  Jay Dushney was fine.  Kevin O. & Kevin Dushney were good friends. 

Megan & Stephanie played a lot.  Little girl's name is Christen.  We treated Dushney kids really great.  Can't say it was reciprocated - everybody's different, I guess.

Hallman's niece -  too many if then for apartment though.

Barnes - Richard & Marilyn - son Richie, pleasant people - left the apt. very nice.  Older son, Ron & friend , Tom were down on occasion.  Barnes also have an older son, Tim, who is married and has a little baby. Very nice tenants.

Mel Bornstein - Longacre Farms - people own here for three day stints.

Brigate - Antoni - nice ladies P&F - always come together.

Rachel Surran - nice lady with her three grandsons and retarded nephew.

Smith and Glendenning families - Dawn & Chris - their parents.

Chris Caracino and Ruth Robinson - prefer Room 2.

Helminiak - Artley - P&F two nice couples.  Have a lot of fun together.

7/31/1982 - Apartments -

                   A - LaDuke

                   T - Barnes

                   D - Barbano - 1/22 birthday

LaDuke family always nice.  Robbie celebrated his 21st birthday on August 4.  Son - Dennis, in from Michigan. Susie here - plenty of people around.

Strausser - Cottage - two families - 7 people- no problem.

Barbano - D - nice man - 'gopher'

Carolyn & Bob Miller - down for two nights.  Went to Chi Chi's with us for dinner. T- one night  - Room 3 the next.

Butterfield - Don & Mary Kay & two children ( Joe Stec's sister)

Alig & Bruno - P&F nice people.  Bruno used to teach at C.D. now he is a Sergeant of Detectives in Philadelphia. Alig lives in VA. is with Navy Intelligence. - spent time in Michigan & Japan,  Two sisters are twins.  Sister of Luana Geist (friend of Ginny Levitt) - rear apt. 1441 West.

Leslie Larson - friend, Marie Harkin's Chrom's Disease - sick for two years.  Wyndmoor Area. Leslie & Joan down from New York.

8/7/1982 - A - Shank; C - Dome; T - Haherty; D-Coyle.

 Shank - three families - Bob & Nicole Shank; Randy & Lynn Shank & 2 kids; Mr. and Mrs. Shank, Sr. - nice people - not left too clean.

Dome - friends.  Bob Halliday & two children - rented Room #1 - nice people left apartment decent.  Old Mrs. Dome went home early - had stomache virus.

Zvick & Wife - (F +3)- left very unhappy. No partying.

Room 2 - Reiss, Gerry, Phyllis, Glen & daughter.  Nice people.

Bob & Carolyn Miller - Art Show.

Laura Jester - she's engaged now.

P & F - LeFlar - nice people - Conshohocken - girls sit outside to attract boys.

8/14 - 8/21/1982 - a - Dietz; B- Pepe; C - Buckner; D - Koffel.

Dietz - Sci-Fi people.  Kids are Lauren & Carl.  Carl fell-loosed all of his front teeth - apartment - FILTHY.

Pepe - loads of people, pleasant though.

Buckner - T - nice - plenty of goodies to us - lots of entertaining though.

Kofffel - bad year for them.  Daughter divorced, Peggy Mann's husband died (Terry's sister).  Peggy's don engaged - very young.

Room 1 - Hyczka - sister of Rachel Surran down with Hubby who looks real young, son - Joey.

Joe Steck - P & F - parents and sister.

Garvin - D - couple - two kids - nice.

Al Molinan - Rm 2 - single guy - nice.

Letale - Rm 4 - quiet couple. He reminds me of Jim Reid.

8/21 - 8/28/1982 - A-Behler; C-Hollenbach; T - Bornstein.

Behler - Libby, R.N. - Planned Parenthood - left place a mess.

Hollenbach - nice family - 7 people.

Al Molinari - Chemist - McNeil Labs - single

Joe Steck & Family

Joe DiMauro - Bev - 3 kids - pizza man from Pittston.

Carolyn Laumer - friend of Millers.

Mr. Kubicek - nice (John Paul II look-alike)

Dorothy Kenny

Uhi Family

8/28 - 9/4/1982 - A - Sidney Wilson -cat - apt left ?; B - Kutler - good shape - nice people; C- Wood

Marie Dewane - retreat friend - brought donuts everyday.

LABOR DAY - 1982 - C - Jennings - good; T - Wright - Ok

Rm 1 - Mike Devlin - - nice young family

Rm F - Betty Wilkerson - nice lady from Georgia.

Rm P - Hoffman - nice people.

Apt D - Bill Vincent.

AFTER LABOR DAY - 1982

C - Wahl - nice people

B - Harding -= her second marriage (Ann) widowed at age 39 with five children.  3 girls - 2 boys.  He (Tom) is divorced - 7 children- first wife in Upper New York State. Chose not to rent to them - problems with moving car - Ann - hard to please.

A - Ann Kremtz - 2 kids - John & Janet (daughter Sutlic). Son - Steve from Ohio.  Jim Sutlic - John's brother had married Connie - they got divorced - had a bad check from Jim.  They rented for about eight years - no more.

Betty Moyer - Arts and Crafts store - made photo album memory book - her husband Al (diabetes - kidney disease) stayed in D.

Judy Thomas married Rick Blaine (prison guard) first came down with Church group - Neil Martin - used to stay with group in June/September - have services in our living room.  Children - Roderick - Derrick.

Rick's sister - Richelle married Kevin Straka. 

 

 

 

 

1987

5/25 – 5/28/1987 – Alpha Chi Omega – 30 delightful girls -  left the place clean.  Regina, Michael & Joey Osborne watched the house so that I could get the property at Cheltenham Ave. rented and help to move Uncle John and Aunt Mary to their new apartment in Lansdale.

6/13/ - 6/20/1987 – Cathy McCarthy & some of her children are here.  Michael (25), Shaun (19), Kris (9), Bryan (8), Ryan Mane (5) and Christopher (3) are here.  Cathy just got engaged to a nice guy – Ed Stotzenberg.  He was here for the weekend.

Cathy McCarthy, and her fiancé (Ed Stotzenberg) were down. Ed for the weekend – Cathy for the week.  Cathy had with her Christopher, Ryan, Bryan, Kristen, Shaun, Cathy, Michael, Danny -  I did not meet  Anthony, Shannon, Jimmy.  They really enjoyed themselves.

6/14 – 6/16/1987 – Bobbi Morgan (always pleasant), her friend, Bob, with a very bad back and her grandchild.  Gary Ann, always came down and stay in Room 2.

Aunt Mary Osborne and Allison stayed in Apt. T pleasant company.  Aunt Mary visited Aunt Nancy & Uncle Ray – also Sandy McMahon.  Allison’s birthday is today June 24th.  Uncle Jim is dead just 7 months now.  Aunt Mary is doing A OK.

9/6/1987 – This note is being written as I pack to go home on Sunday.  I am tired. My body is worn down.  Enjoyed the summer – as always. Loved meeting so many people.  The exposure is real good.

Why do I get so tired though? Is it the business?  Or the kids? Or just my body?  I’m looking forward to going home – enjoying a leisurely life.  I hope I’ll enjoy St. Joe’s Church.

Disappointed that Father Dante will be transferred this month.  Got to like him after a while. 

Good Summer!  Lots of nice people. About 100 friends to visit – Business okay – not as good as last year, though.  Enough for now!!!