2nd Week At Spectacle Island

A Great Week At Spectacle Island

kickball competition/tournament  

  It was a great week at Spectacle Island! Kids was going crazy because it was their first time going on the boat to go to Spectacle Island. Some of the kids that were at the pavilion told me that they love going fishing and catch some big strip fish but they asked me if they could take it home. I told them we can't because we gotta let them go again so they could be free and alive. I told some of the kids one day they could take the fish but I was joking around with them. They really believed me to I felt bad so I just walked away. 
When we were playing sports with the kids they told me that they had a great time and they wish they could come back to the islands with us and keep playing but I told them next time when ya'll guys come back we will play sports again. I told them I enjoyed playing sports with them and hope I see them next time. It felt good hearing kids telling me that they enjoy there day with the save the Harbor Save The Bay group and wishing them back. Mostly my favorite part of the week at spectacle Island is going to the island and going back to Boston we play "quack a dilly oh my" that was my best day with the kids on the boat. The sports we played at spectacle were kickball and football, my favorite. We were playing and winning every time in kickball. Kids was shouting out my name to kick a home run so I was like okay I got this but every time I kicked the ball the wind took it and Chris catched  all the ball i be kicking.

Sincerely, Carlos Garcia 

Back to Spectacle Island

Hey I am Monique Nolberto.

I am 18 years old. I attend Fenway high school, and am in the 12 grade and is looking forward to researching colleges, writing my essays for college applications and figuring out what job I may want in the future. 

Although I am still in school,  I am looking for a job so I can save up for college. Last summer I worked for Save the Harbor / Save the Bay as a Junior program assistant, and learned a lot about the harbor and the islands. On Saturday, I put what I learned to work and spend the day helping to lead the fall trip to Spectacle Island.

One interesting thing about my day on Spectacle Island is when Juelle and I were walking the trail and we saw coyote "scat" (aka poop!). It was interesting because I never knew that there were  coyotes on the island, and still wonder how they got there.

While we were on the island, Juelle and I took a walk together on the trails. From the top of the hill we were able to see how beautiful the island and the city were on this chilly fall day.

It was a great day to be back with Save the Harbor on Spectacle Island!

See you on our next island trip,
Monique

Back at Save the Harbor!

Hello everyone, my name is Juelle Benjamin. Hope everyone had a good summer because I sure did! For the past two summers I've worked for Save The Harbor/Save The Bay  I enjoyed it so much. I met a lot of new people over the summer and made some great friends. 

I am currently a senior in high school at Another Course to College - part of the Boston Public Schools. I also have a part time job right now. I'm keeping myself busy by working and staying in school. This is my last year of high school so I have to make it as fun as possible but also very productive.

Yesterday I spent the day at Spectacle Island, working for Save the Harbor again, and also had a good time.  I was reunited with some Senior Marine Educators and also some JPA's that I haven't seen since August. I missed a few people, so it felt really good to rekindle with everyone. I also enjoyed the hike I took at Spectacle Island, the scenery was so beautiful and peaceful. I have never seen Spectacle Island like this before it was so relaxing. It was chilly but it was definitely worth visiting the island and catching up with some of my co-workers.

Well, it's not bye it's see you later. Until then, everyone enjoy the holidays and have a good year.

Thanks for everything,

Juelle Benjamin.

Treasure Hunt - Part II

In October we found this porcelain head during Save the Harbor's

late season "Treasures of Spectacle Island" cruise.

 

Porcelain doll heads, feet and hands are not uncommon finds at Spectacle Island, which served as the city's dump until the 1950's. However, after a little detective work, we determined that the artifact was actually a carnival cane top. This particular piece was made in Japan for the US market between 1900 and 1930, and was a popular prize at the traveling carnivals and amusement parks across the nation until the late 1950's.

Here's a nice collection. You can see the one we found in the front row.

Here's a close up.  

Here's a typical "cane game" or "ring-toss" from a carnival of that period.  

Here's a collection of carnival canes evaluated by Gary Sohmers of Antiques Roadshow:

You can findthe whole interview from Antiques Roadshow here.

Carnival canes were popular prizes at arcades and amusement parks like those at Nantasket Beach and Revere Beach - which as you can see were popular destinations for the region's residents.

My dad went to law school at Boston University around 1950, and visited has some great memories of visiting Nantasket Beach with his roomate. It is easy to imagine him returning from a day trip with a carnival cane as a souvenir, and just as easy to imagine how that treasured item became trash.

It's always a treat to hunt for treasure on Spectacle Island - or any urban beach. However,  the real treasure hunt begins after I discover something that I want to learn more about. 

Sometimes its involves researching a shell, a stone, a piece of flotsam or jetsam or beach glass or pottery. Sometimes it is simply discovering a story - and sharing a bit of history - with my Dad.

For me, that's a real treasure.

Bruce Berman

Make a Spectacle of Yourself

Hello friends, Mike Murowchick here once more! As Save the Harbor's photographer and videographer, it was my pleasure to be able to attend our free fall cruise to Spectacle Island on Saturday, October 27.

On the return trip back to Boston, I interviewed Linda Grenfell of Dorchester. This was her first time accompanying Save the Harbor on one of our free cruises and she had a blast! She loves what Boston Harbor has to offer to people of all ages, and believes the Harbor is one of nature's gifts that we should not take for granted. While many of the visitors spent the day relaxing on top of the north and south drumlins or treasure hunting down on the beach, Linda spent her day navigating the island in search of signs of animal life. It is said that deer and turkeys call Spectacle Island home, but Linda believes that there might be another species that inhabits the island: coyotes!

This is the final installment of a four-part interview series aimed at capturing the many faces and stories of Spectacle Island. The first three parts can be found here, here, and here.

Here is the interview:



More great pictures from today can be found on our photobucket site.

Mike Murowchick
Policy Intern / Photographer / Videographer
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

A Spectacular Find

 

Hello friends, Save the Harbor's photographer/videographer Mike Murowchick here again! On Saturday, October 27th, over 400 people registered to join us on our final cruise to Spectacle Island of the season. This is the 3rd installment of a four-part series of short interviews aimed at capturing the many faces and stories of Spectacle Island. Parts 1 and 2 can be found here and here.

In the afternoon, the tides finally began to recede, exposing the beach and countless pieces of sea glass and other historic artifacts. Dozens of eager treasure hunters flocked to the beach to see what they could uncover. Common finds usually include sea glass of all colors, pottery, and fine china, and rarer items include marbles. However, today we found something none of us had ever found here before. At first we thought it might be a porcelain ventriloquist doll's head, but upon further investigation we learned it was actually a top piece of a circus cane, long-detached from its wooden shaft.

To see what it looks like, check out the video!



Mike Murowchick
Policy Intern / Photographer / Videographer
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

Spectacle Island: A Park For All Seasons

Hello friends, Mike Murowchick here again! As Save the Harbor's photographer and videographer, it was my pleasure to be able to attend our free fall cruise to Spectacle Island on Saturday, October 27.

Once the tide started to recede in the afternoon, visitors took to the beach in search of Spectacle's wonderful assortment of historic artifacts. Among the group of treasure hunters was our very own David Coffin, a maritime historian who works with the Save the Harbor summer programs. He is a frequent visitor to Spectacle and loves to dive right into the water - even in late October when the waters are frigid!

 

Bruce Berman, Save the Harbor's Director of Communications, and I interviewed David after his dip into the chilly waters off Spectacle. While he loves to uncover rare artifacts on the beach, he takes even greater joy in interacting with kids and trying to see if they can identify artifacts that have been on the island decades before they were even born. Unfortunately, while Spectacle Island is "right in their backyard," many of the kids do not get a chance to visit Harbor Islands as frequently as the should, or even at all, and David believes it would greatly benefit the kids if the islands were more accessible year round.

This is part 2 of a four-part interview series aimed at capturing the many faces and stories of Spectacle Island. Part 1 can be found here. 

Here is the interview:

More great pictures from today can be found on our photobucket site.

Mike Murowchick
Policy Intern / Photographer / Videographer
Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

The Cruise Before the Storm

With the impending approach of Hurricane Sandy to the Eastern Seaboard, many people spent the end of this past week stocking up on water and batteries and making sure they were prepared for whatever the storm may bring.

Saturday, October 27, provided a brief respite from storm preparations for some, as Save the Harbor / Save the Bay ventured out to Spectacle Island for its second and final fall “Treasures of Spectacle Island” cruise of the year. More than 200 treasure hunters joined us aboard Bay State Cruise Company's Provincetown II this time, and on our quick cruise, we were even treated to a harbor seal sighting! So cool!

Visitors on the lookout for marine mammals
aboard the Provincetown II!

Just as on our last trip, grey skies cleared shortly after we docked at Spectacle. A quick thank you to DCR for opening up the island for us and this trip (it officially closed on Columbus Day!), as well as Boston EMT Felicia Mohammed for joining us to ensure everyone's safety. We also were treated to a visit from maritime historian David Coffin, who shared a little bit of his knowledge about Spectacle Island.

Before heading out to explore the island, Baywatcher Bruce Berman let the group know that the tide was falling, so it would be best to do any hiking early on, and then explore the beaches later in the day when more treasure would be exposed. Per his advice, a group of us ventured to the summit of the north drumlin, taking in sweeping vistas in rich greens and blues, as well as many a smile from the island's visitors.

Time together on the north drumlin

Groups enjoy the stunning view of Boston Harbor

Admiring the view from the top!

When we headed back down to the foot of the island, instead of hunting for treasure, we were treated to something slightly more outrageous than the beautiful sea glass and artifacts we found last time...

Several hearty explorers had brought wet suits and flippers with them, and went snorkeling, yes SNORKELING, off Treasure Beach. In October. Brrrrr! David Coffin joined them for a brief dip. All referred to the swim as “refreshing” though it was a tad bit chilly for my taste!

(L to R) Laura Fawcett, maritime historian David Coffin and
Barbara Krasinski go for a swim!

Self-described “Friends of the Harbor” and “Beach Creatures,” Laura Fawcett and Barbara Krasinski strapped on their black and neon yellow flippers in the hopes of finding some extra special treasure a little bit farther out than the edge of the exposed shoreline. They found a variety of crabs and even some jellyfish, as well as some pottery shards and sea glass. Earlier in the day, however, Barbara, a North End native, found a blue marble and was entered into our “Simply Marble-ous”contest! Congratulations, Barbara!

City of Boston EMT Felicia Mohammed
chats with Kurt Vonseekamm, Mike Nichol
and Katherine Fawcett, while Laura and
Barbara swim off Treasure Beach

Photographer/videographer extraordinaire Mike Murowchick had the chance to interview Laura and Barbara, as well as David Coffin, Bruce Berman and Linda Grenfell of Dorchester. Keep an eye out for his videos, coming soon!

It was truly a treat to be able to enjoy a day of sun and friends (and even snorkeling!) on Spectacle before Sandy headed north – thanks again to all those who made it possible and those who joined us.

For now, batten down those hatches, and stay safe!

Until next time,

Megan

Megan Rawson

Development, Communications and Operations Intern

One More Time! Free Fall Cruise to Spectacle Island - October 27th

Join Save the Harbor for a free late season cruise and treasure hunt on Spectacle Island!

On Saturday, October 27th, Save the Harbor / Save the Bay would like you, your family and your friends to join as we set sail on a free late season cruise to discover the "Treasures of Spectacle Island."

The trip will depart at 10:00 AM from the Bay State Cruise Company's dock at the World Trade Center in South Boston aboard the Provincetown II, and return to the dock at 2:30 PM. It is easy to get to the dock by car or the Silver Line. You can get directions here.

The cruise will be narrated by Save the Harbor's BayWatcher Bruce Berman, and will be led by our youth program staff, who this year brought 6,000 youth and teens from across the city and around the region to Spectacle and Georges Islands as part of our free "All Access Boston Harbor" program.

They will share their stories of the hidden treasures of the Boston Harbor Islands with you, and we are certain that you will come home with stories and memories which you can treasure yourself.

There will be plenty of time for exploring, hiking, and treasure hunting on the island, though we gently remind you to leave sea glass and artifacts on the beach where you found them. You can find out more about the "Treasures of Spectacle Island" on our website.

Though Jasper White's Summer Shack on Spectacle will be closed for the season, there will be refreshments available for sale on the boat. Of course, you are welcome to pack your own picnic lunch and bring it with you on the trip, but be sure you bring a bag for your trash.

After the cruise, we encourage you to share your stories and photographs of your island adventure and the treasures you discovered with us on our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/savetheharbor or send them to us by email at info@savetheharbor.org.

We'll pick the best stories and photos from the trip and post them on our blog "Sea, Sand and Sky" at www.blog.savetheharbor.org.

If we choose your story, you will win a blue beach glass marble - and a chance to win 40,000 TrueBlue points from JetBlue Airways as part of our "Simply Marble-ous" treasure hunt, which runs through Halloween.

So bring a camera, a picnic lunch and your friends and family and enjoy a great day in the Boston Harbor Islands National Park with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!
We hope to see you on Boston Harbor on the 27th!

All the best,

Your Friends at Save the Harbor / Save the Bay

P.S. Reservations are required. Though there is plenty of room on the boat, more than 500 people signed up for our last trip, so please RSVP to info@savetheharbor.org or call us at (617) 451-2860 x1001 to reserve your place!

This "Treasures of Spectacle Island" fall cruise is made possible by a grant from Mass Humanities.

Save the Harbor's free youth programs are made possible with Leadership Grants from Distrigas /GDF SUEZ, P. I. Garden Fund, Bay State Cruise Company, Forrest Berkley & Marcie Tyre Berkley, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Ludcke Foundation, Yawkey Foundation II, The Fallon Company, Massachusetts Port Authority, P&G Gillette and Schrafft Charitable Trust.

Save the Harbor also appreciates funding support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, The Dolphin Trust, Alice W. Dorr Foundation, John Hancock Financial Services, Massachusetts Bay Lines, National Grid Foundation, Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation, Inc., Bank of America Pavilion, Boston Bruins Foundation, Boston Centers for Youth and Families, Breckinridge Capital Advisors, Carnival Foundation, Circle Furniture, Clipper Ship Foundation, Inc., Jay Cashman, Inc., Department of Conservation and Recreation, The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation, Fuller Foundation, Lovett-Woodsum Family Charitable Foundation, Inc., Mass Humanities, Lawrence J. & Anne Rubenstein Charitable Trust, Thomas & Lucinda Foley, South Boston Community Development Foundation, Sovereign Bank Foundation, Andus Baker & Rowan Murphy Family Foundation, Community-Suffolk, Inc., DeMarco Produce, Martha Mazzone Charitable Gift Fund, Matthew J. & Gilda Strazzula Foundation, Miami Free Zone/Cargo Ventures, Bryce & Maryann Suydam and hundreds of individual small donors.

Sea Glass is Quite the "Spectacle" on Spectacle Island

I have to say, my first trip to Spectacle Island was quite a success.  Although the day started out rainy and cloudy, the sun eventually came out to brighten up everyone’s experience.  After leaving the ship, the Save the Harbor crew and our guests were able to explore one of the Boston harbor’s most exciting islands. 

All of the beaches were full of sea glass and other Treasures of Spectacle Island.  Families from all over the Boston area took the task of finding the most interesting pieces of shell and glass on the beach to create their own mosaic.  Dylan and his mother, Anne Marie, from Quincy were particularly successful in finding a whole bucketful of materials to work with. 

Once all of the treasures had been gathered, kids then used their creativity to shape the perfect design.  Little Gracie and her father made a fortress out of their sea glass. 

More surprisingly, these boys and their father from used their sea glass to form the US constitution.  Talk about your over-achievers! 

Of course, the trip was not all fun and games.  An important part of each activity was also finding trash and picking it up.  Park Ranger Elliot, challenged each and everyone one of us to collect at least five pieces of trash.  You might also find it interesting that there is not one trash bin on Spectacle Island, instead it is the visitors duty to bring all trash with them back off of the island.

Finally, one of the other highlights of the day had to be the hike to the summit of the island.  Once we reached the top, my fellow interns and I were treated to a beautiful view of the Boston skyline.  All in all, I cannot wait until my next trip to Spectacle Island. 

Nathan Rossi 
Communication and Events Intern
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay