PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jul 01 - 06:27 PM

Refreshing with the final verse of Capt. Moody's song:

Now the tower stands again,
From the elements defiant,
After all this work we're glad to know
She's Y-2-K compliant...

Remember, the next shanty swap is this Sunday (7/22) at 7 PM sharp!

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jul 01 - 09:07 AM

Time to refresh this thread for the next Observatory Shanty Swap which takes place on Sunday, July 22nd, 7 PM. Last time we were jammed so this time probably no one will come, but if you do consider coming be there at & PM sharp, and have an extra folding chair in the back of your car, bike, or backpack. ;-)

Cheerily,
Charley Noble and Roll & Go

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 02:44 PM

The Observatory shanty swaps are OPEN to the public which does mean that we cannot predict who will show up and wheather they will or will not sing, or if they do sing whether they can sing on key. That's OK as long as people coming understand the ground rules. By keeping this event wide open, we may, hopefully, attract some interesting wild cards. At least the flock of Unitarians showed great appreciation for those who did sing.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Brían
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 05:10 PM

I'm going to bring a camp chair to the next sing. Looking forward to seeing you again. Naem'.
Brían.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS ? ME
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 02:19 PM

If I'd known there was a chair shortage, I'dve brung in at least two generally kept in the back of "Ol' Red" the trusty Plym. Voyager van.

I generally like to keep fairly upright when singing / tinwhistling; gets more air that way.

After our China Seas sings, where yummy snacks went regularly 'round and adults on deck enjoyed beverages - at-large (not limited to lemonade, although that was very nice), and we sung our fool hearts out from 1600 hrs to nigh on 2200.... The "Tower" sort of struck me as a "Reader's Digest Condensed Version" of a proper Shantysing. But it was good fun and fellowship to be sure, and I hope to be in on the next one. I guess I'm not used to quite such a percentage of attendees being in the form of passive "audience".

I'll tell you what; the wooden plank floor of the tower surely makes for some fine "Deck Stomping", a pratice which I understand Shanteymen frequently used to emphasize the cadence or "beat" of a chantey with the heel of a sea-boot on the wooden deck, keeping time with the song and the job at hand. I held back considerably, not wanting to break anything - but the Old Observatory actually got pressed into service as a percussive musical instrument (right big one, too) for at least one old Chantey.

I, for one, would surely love to coordinate a Chanteysing with the visit to Portland of a full-sized sailing ship - sort of like they had in England recently (there was a thread about it - forgot the name).

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 01:42 PM

Brett - Aren't you and Amy going to be in NYC that weekend? May want to re-schedule. Doesn't sound as if they can do this twice without you.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 01:36 PM

Brett, great to hear from you, whereever you are! Don't forget to beam back to Maine some day.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: GUEST,Naemanson
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 11:04 AM

Great to hear you got such a good turn out. I will definitely be there next time.

Brett

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 05:14 PM

Sorry, Brian! You were surely there and singing strong.

I should warn folks that although the tower is over 80 feet tall, the bottom floor where we sing can only fit about 30 people. We could fit in more but we'd have to tear out some display panels, bolted to the floor, and I'm not sure the management would be pleased with that. All the proceeds go to benefit the preservation work of greater Portland Landmarks. For best sitting, please make your best effort to be there at 7 PM sharp.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Brían
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:31 AM

Ahhhhhhhh, charlie, get the batting out of yer stacks. don' ferget Farewell to Carlingford, Billy Taylor and Sonny's Dream to name a few others. It was a great thing to be at the observatory again. Uncle Jacque and I stood out on the deck playing with and admiring various wind instruments and playing a few tunes. Dissappointing not to see Naem' there. I was sory we couldn't get Bobbie to do her broken token ballad, but that was a nice version of Pleasant and Delightful. We are so lucky to have a place like that where we can see a peice of nautical history and get such a great view for 3 bucks.
Beidh mé ag caint libh aríst,
Brían.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:07 AM

Some people will never get the time right. Yes, Uncle Jaque finally stumbled in after 7 PM only to be confounded by the number of folks already assembled; we were searching out all seven floors of the tower looking for more chairs, sending out for extras. How were we to know that Bobbi's appeal to the Unitarian assembly down at Ferry Beach would provoke such a response. Surveying the room with fellow Roll & Go members Nor, Eli and Dick, my steel trap mind could tell there was trouble not to far. The whole place could explode at the drop of an indiscrete pronoun...

Oh, and Jets and Brien, other local Mudcats were there, and a few other remnants of the old Portland Folk Club. About 30 people came, impressing the Greater Portland Landmarks site coordinator, and yes, we did sing, and as expected the acoustics in the octogon tower are still great. We started with Capt. Moody's song, Mexico, Strike the Bell, Mingulay Boat Song, Away Rio, Bobbi wondered if we knew any songs from the Great Lakes which drew forth Fresh Water Whaling, somehow Nor was induced to sing Chastity Belt (the key dropped carelessly into the sea), Paddy West's school of practical navigation song, Greenland Whale Fisheries, Golden Vanity, Barrett's Privateers, and One More Day. There were several more that are escaping me. Alas, Naumanson was absent, tearing off for Philadelphia for more contract training.

So all in all a great gathering. The next one will be the 4th Sunday in July at 7 PM, which looks to me like JULY 22nd. Bring a song to share!

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS ? ME
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 06:19 PM

Just got back - couldda swore it was @ 4PM, but DUUH! Got there just as the rain stopped, and in time for the last tour up. Have never been in the old Observatory despite 25 years in the area, so antied up the $3 and up we went.

By the time we got to the top, there was a spectacular rainbow sitting out on the bay, and a big ship was coming in through the drawbridge - beautiful - well worth the price of admission!

Not knowing where to kill 2 hrs on a Sunday afternoon in Ptlnd, came home for supper, will try to make it back in time for the REAL DEAL.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Brían
Date: 22 Jun 01 - 05:25 PM

Roll and Go,
This thread is vaudville at its best. I'll see you there.

Brían.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 01 - 02:32 PM

Refreshing!

The verse about the "Cushing" relates to the aborted attempt of Lieutenant Charles W. Read, CSN, to cut out the US Revenue Cutter Caleb Cushing from Portland Harbor in June of 1863. The Rebels sucessfully boarded the Cushing in the early morning, overpowered her crew, and slipped out of the inner harbor only to be frustrated by diminishing winds. Hours later, Union forces mobilized two steamers, loaded them up with miscellaneous cannons and even more miscellaneous volunteers and took off in hot pursuit. The action was easily monitored from the Portland Observatory. The steamers caught up with the Cushing and for a brief time were in danger of being sunk by the Cushing's more experienced gun crew, at least until the Rebels ran out of cannon balls; the rest of the cannon balls were locked securely below in the magazine. The last "shot" the Rebels fired was said to be a round Dutch cheese, which provoked further terror and confusion amidst the Union crews. The Rebels then set fire to the ship, abandoned ship and were sucessfully captured.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 12:48 PM

You can roll and go, Brett, but you can't hide!

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 12:18 PM

Charley, you should leave revealing bits and pieces over time to someone with more experience at teasing, like me!

I cannot be there on Sunday. By then I will be half way to Philadelphia.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 01 - 10:32 AM

Parking: head up the Munjoy Hill on Congress St. where you should soon see the Observatory octogon tower next to the fire station/community center. You should be able to park within a block on Congress St. or on one of the side streets. We'll have lemonade for sale; other refreshments are NOT welcomed by Greater Portland Landmarks, the managers of the building. Sunday promises to be great weather, and we will plan a break for those who want to climb to the lantern room and observation deck to enjoy the sunset. Here's three more verses to the Observatory song:

In the Civil War, in '63,
The Rebels made a play,
From the tower we tracked the Cushing,
As she fled through Casco Bay.(CHO)

In nineteen hundred and twenty-three,
The tower's work was through,
But hordes of tourists climbed the stairs,
To enjoy the view.(CHO)

In nineteen hundred and ninety-five,
The tower was condemned,
But plans were made and money raised,
From hundreds of her friends.(CHO)

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS ? ME
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 10:23 PM

I'm planning to be there; where's the best place to park up thatta way?

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: jets
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 09:15 PM

My wife would proably give me the $4.00 just to get me out of the house. Sounds like a win /win situation

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 06:57 PM

Say, Jets,

Why don't you join us on Sunday evening, and help re-tune the insides of the old Observatory.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: jets
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 03:50 PM

I still remember Capt Dorsey going to the obsevertory to see if the ship was on the way in.Back in those days ,we on the tug and even the office ,did not have ship to ship radio. Come to think of it I remember that on occasion one of the pilots would drive out to the Portland light house to see if the ship was on it's way in.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 01:10 PM

Sigh! Poor little thread becoming all unraveled!

Jets, my understanding is that the Observatory retired as a commercial enterprise in 1923, and subsequently became a tourist attraction and viewing post. The old Portland Folk Club used to gather there for sings and for special events such as Halloween.

Here's some more Portland Observatory verses; there's lots more history than verses so far:

With his telescope in the lantern room,
He'd scan the Bay around,
And hoist a signal up the mast
When a vessel there he found.(CHO)

'Twas in the War of 1812,
He beheld a thrilling sight,
As the Enterprise beat the Boxer,
It was one brutal fight. (CHO)

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 12:56 PM

HMMMM. Given that you will be visiting soon, I guess I have my assistant. Now all I need is an apron and gloves. I will check out the local "Mass Murderer Supply House". Thanks, Brett. Very generous of you!

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 12:22 PM

How to catheterize a cat - Get some really heavy leather gloves and a strong leather apron. Give them to a sucker, er, assistant. Have your assistant pick up the cat and insert catheter.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:31 AM

Won't move before the 29th but the couch met with an unfortunate accident - a cat named Ed. Not to worry, there are alternative arrangements being made as we speak. Now - does anyone know how to catheterize a cat?

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 11:19 AM

Sins, don't move before the 29th. I'm looking forward to trying out your couch.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: jets
Date: 20 Jun 01 - 10:00 AM

As I recal,it was in the year of 1942, I was decking on the tug Maine.Captain Ed and I were in the galley having coffe when Captain Dorsey , one of the docking pilots,stuck his head in and said ; I will go up to the observatory and see if I can see if she is on her way in. I wonder if this was one of the last times that the tower was used for the purpose for which it was built.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:34 AM

Damn! I could have MMario's step tenant! Believe it or not without even advertising, I have people coming to look at my apartment today. This may happen faster than I expect. Now is when I will know for sure who my friends are - who's going to take me and my pregnant cat in while I look for housing? Before you eagerly offer your services: there are three other cats, each more neurotic than the first. And then of course there's me...the word PMS ring a bell?

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: MMario
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:21 AM

charley - there has to be more!

sins - I wish my sister in Plymouth hadn't already rented the other half of her house...(and it's even more of a shame she likes her tenant. drat!)

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:15 AM

Refresh! Tune to this newly composed song is loosely based on "Bonny Ship the Diomond":

'Twas in the year eighteen-o-seven
Old Moody had a plan,
To build a signal tower
On Portland's highest land.

Chorus:

Here's to Capt'n Moody,
Heave with a will!
Who raised the Portland Ob-servat'ry,
High on Mun-joy Hill.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 08:50 PM

tHANKS, cHARLEY. i WILL pm YOU WHEN i KNOW MORE. Damn Capslock.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 07:33 PM

Mary,

Portland rental prices will seem quite resonable to you compared to NYC rents. We think they're outrageous but basically $750/mn. should land a large two-bedroom apartment, heat and water included. The Roll & Go extended family will initiate a search for you whenever you provide a few more specifics.

Subject: RE: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 01:38 PM

This is as good a place as any to put this request. I am selling my home in NYC and moving to New England. I want to live near the ocean and plan on renting at least a two bedroom apartment or house probably by mid-September. It will have to be in or near a "city" - I have to work. If anyone knows of a rental coming up, let me know. Portland area is my first choice. Keep in mind that I have four cats and they will accompany me. Thanks,
Mary

Subject: PORTLAND OBSERVATORY SHANTY SINGS – ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 11:36 AM

You are cordially invited to participate in the 4th Sunday evening, 7 PM, Shanty Sings at the Portland Observatory which begin this Sunday, June 24th. Roll & Go members will lead off but other people are welcome to lead a nautical song, request one, join in on chorus or refrain, or sit there like a bump on a log. The Observatory is the last surviving signal tower on the East Coast, constructed as a tapered wooden octogon back in 1807 to keep track of USO's (unidentified sailing objects). It's a great place to sing or to view the islands of Casco Bay. The Shanty Sings will continue through September. Please post if you have any questions or are planning to attend. Lemonade will be available. Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children. This series is sponsored by Greater Portland Landmarks.

Here's to Capt'n Moody,
Heave with a will!
Who raised the Portland Ob-servat'ry,
High on Mun-joy Hill.