In continuing to look back into the pages of time, let us continue our journey of Main Street. First and foremost we had Kyrouz's Shoe Shine Parlor, which was at the front of Nat's shoe repair. Fred Kyrouz operated the Shine stand. The store was always filled with customers as well as politicians. There was always a waiting line to get in. The local police and firemen would get their shoes shined almost every day. Freddie's was said to be the political hot spot of Gloucester . If you wanted to know the future of Gloucester or the history of our city, then this was the place to go.

Across the street we had Kresge's Five & Dime . To me it seemed like they had the longest soda fountains in the world. You could get pie & coffee for fifty cents. The variety of articles was numberless. Nearby was the Waiting Station for Gloucester Auto Bus, which also was a stationery store. The drivers of the buses were kind and friendly, just as CATA bus drivers are today. They too would go out of their way to help and serve their passengers.

At the city's center where the record shop sits now, we had Sterlings Drug Store, owned and operated by the Wiener family. To this day I can remember Mrs. Johnson, always busy behind the counter, making sure each customer was properly served. She could make the best Chocolate Hot Fudge Sundaes you ever tasted. One of the kindest acts I have ever witnessed was when the owners would put on a Christmas party for the neighborhood kids. This was indeed a family that had the needs of the community in mind.

Moving along up on Pleasant St. where the new artists' shops are now was the Western Union, operated by Mr. & Mrs. Ted Costa and a lady I can only remember as called Nora. I used to run errands for them everyday. I would never have to worry about getting home each night, because they would see to it that I got home safely, even stopping at Johnny Zions to get milk, bread and other things for my family.

These are just a few reflections of my youth; they have given me the most treasured teachings. In all my writings I have tried to express my thoughts to the younger generations. It is through the younger generations of the forefathers of our city that Gloucester has still survived.

From the old Hydaway on Duncan Street and Ra-Joes on Main Street to Pratty's Cape Ann Vets. From Brown's Mall to Karem's Army & Navy to its generation of today. From the Bells of Mighty Mac, to the Glass Sailboat and Gloucester Mills, through the Cape Ann Historical Museum to the Gloucester City Hall and the Mayor's office, our beloved Gloucester will continue to grow . It will grow through the generations of its past.

To my readers I hope that you enjoy what I pass on to you, and one more thought. Writers need feedback. Please by all means give me your comments when you see me. Visit my site which was kindly guided by a great writer Kathleen Valentine, and I urge you to support her workings. My site is www.petertoddpoet.com and if you choose, e-mail me from that site.