Anthony J. Marolda

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Annisquam Village is surrounded by the ocean on three sides (see above). Ipswich Bay establishes the western boundary, the Annisquam River (estuary) the southern tip and Lobster Cove on the east side of the Village. The Cove is the reason that this piece of land was selected by the Pilgrims in 1623 as a place to establish a base for fishing. It provides excellent shelter from storms while still having easy access to the fishing grounds just off the coast.

To this day, the residents of Annisquam keep their boats in Lobster Cove. Most are tied to moorings. Over the years, local men have provided the boat owners marine services including placing and maintaining the moorings. Many years ago, it was Doc Stanwood, then Jimmy Thompson and today it is Dirt Murray. Dirt lives with his family in Annisquam in a house that was originally built by his grandfather. It is just to the right of the painting of the old railway shown on the previous page. One day last fall, Maria and I had breakfast at the Market Marina restaurant on the cove. As we came out, I noticed Dirt's work boat, the Becca Rose, tied up to the float. I thought it would make an interesting painting. The result is to the right.