Main street parade

Papa’s World – Memorable events!

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Place: Kinzua State Park Bridge – Marcus – Tammy 0 Cassidy and Taylor – Jennie- Maddy and Sherry.

Where: Mount Jewett, Pa.

This railroad via- -duct was constructed in the 1800s-

to transport coal to Erie and I believe Pittsburg.

At that time it was the highest RR bridge in the country.

Over 300 feet straight down to the valley floor.

Several years ago – a tornado came through the valley

and half the iron bridge toppled down.

Today – they remain where they came to rest on the valley floor.

Sherry grew up just a couple miles from here.

The remaining bridge was reinforced and a see-through floor was installed on the remaining

end of the structure.

The bridge then became a state park-

with a fantastic museum and teaching center on history

of the area and the bridge.

This bridge when constructed spanned almost a mile across the valley floor.

The remaining bridge was converted into a walkway-

with a viewing platform at the very end.

You can walk out there ( I do not as I am afraid of heights) and look through a safety glass floor-

straight down 300-plus feet to the floor of the valley.

As in the picture above you can see the iron grid supports where they came down –

that day when the Tornado came through.

It is a spot where an episode of FINDING BIGFOOT was filmed years ago!

Today – if you are in NWPA near Bradford –

It is a bucket list state park to visit-

in the valleys where the Seneca Indians once roamed.

Thus it would become a MEMORABLE MEMORY!

Sherry with her sister Bonnie and Maddy in front –

On the main street of Mount Jewett, Pa.-

During the yearly SWEDISH FESTIVAL EVENT held in August of every year

for the past nearly 50 years!

The mural is a section of the Swedish community of immigrants who settled in the town in the 1800s.

The heritage of the Vikings is celebrated every year during the festival.

Maddy in the breakfast-lunch dinner that is excellent in homemade food!

Also is full of Swedish memorable items on that heritage-

Sherry and Maddy at the Mount Jewett Swedish Festival information booth in town.

Before Sherry’s mother passed away –

this was a yearly trip we made back

to Mount Jewett to her mother’s house.

All the grandkids grew up knowing this town –

and home to GIGI – Sherry’s mother-

who lived here all her life.

Her own mother was born in Sweden and they relocated here-

And it became a large Swedish immigrant community.

In GIGIs living room –

Maddy sits with Taylor on the left –

and Cassidy on the right – see just how Cassidy adores her cousin.

Wrapping up this blog –

late friends sit to the left – they passed away a few years ago.

my son Troy in yellow –

and then Papa.

This was at the parade that has become a must-see –

and dozens of communities

participate – the parade is like the grand final before the carnival and Firehall

Chicken BBQ and games of chance begin!

Thus it now comes to a close to a this blog-

MEMORABLE EVENTS!

Papa and Sherry – thanks for reading-

PAPA’S WORLD –

my blog: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – PHOTO’S – family beach vacation.

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At long last –

we managed to all meet in one place –

at OIB – for a family vacation.

We had not done this since before the Pandemic!

We moved to the borders of N.C. and S.C. in 2020 –

leaving our domain of 21-plus years in NVA –

and the two families of grandkids.

We knew we wanted to only be 7 plus hours away-

and we managed that!

We do go back every few months-

and they also come to visit a couple times a year.

But – to spend time together for a week near the Sun – Sand and Surf –

well, that is what we used to do so long ago!

It was time and the plans were made – BEACH VACATION!

At our dear friend Jim’s house on the canals of OIB –

For the Fourth of July golf cart parade!

He invited us and our family to come and view it from in front of his home!

It lasted for over an hour and the family was excited.

We had front-row seats and thank you Jim for inviting us!

That night we went to the beach –

set up chairs and watched the fireworks!

Sherry’s birthday was the next day!

We celebrated her birthday along with mine-

which had been two months prior!

My birthday is 5-7-1949 and hers is 7-5-1949 –

numbers that we have in common!

Our two sons-in-law – Mike on the left and Marcus on the right.

Finding time to be all together takes a lot of effort.

But the rewards of family time far overcome all of that!

Out of six grandkids – five are girls –

and Bode is the only boy!

Sometimes leaving him out of the loop of all girls.

But – Ella especially bonds with him.

Here Ella to the far right stands next to Bode –

He attends her soccer games –

and is one of her biggest cheerleaders!

Our three oldest granddaughters –

Sarah – a senior in H.S. this year!

Ella – a senior in college this year!

And Maddy – a year after graduating from college!

The three youngest on top –

Bode -top –

Cassidy and Taylor are in the middle.

FAMILY VACATION!

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PAPA’S WORLD – PHOTOS – FAMILY BEACH VACATION!!!!!!

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS – Debby – Sherry – and Tammy!

Papa’s World – Making Memories July 4th.

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We took the family-

who were here the week of July 4th.-

to the golf cart parade –

on the main street of Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Thousands of people lined the streets =

to watch as they came by for over an hour!

Our friend – Jim –

who lives on Second Street on a corner with the canal behind his house –

invited Sherry and myself and our family –

to come over early

and use his side lot to park and set up our chairs on the curb front.

Here are the chairs with Tammy –

and behind them is Jim talking with Debby –

You can see the lot with a parking area and grass –

he bought this lot for what he calls –

“SOCIAL DISTANCING” –

To keep it open so no one builds there!

Bode – Sherry – Taylor and Tammy stand by the chairs on the curb front –

The large multi-storied yellow house is where Jim lives.

He lost his wife two years ago to dementia –

And we became friends –

when we met him on the Protection for Sea Turtles Team.

He actually let Bode drive his boat on the ICW last year –

He has two full-sized docks on the canal –

behind his house and last Spring –

Debby – Ella – Sarah and Sherry came over –

and Kayacked while Jim and I sipped a beer!

Sarah and Cassidy walk from the lot where we parked to the curb with the chairs!

A few of the family stayed in the shade until the parade started!

For such a small community –

they came up big as a unit after the unit came by all decorated!

Here is most of the family –

the parade has started –

We had a wonderful time –

and could not believe so many carts all decorated –

and other cars – trucks – bikes-

and people who marched along the parade route.

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PAPA’S WORLD – MAKING MEMORIES JULY 4TH.

Special note: Maddy is 5’61/2″ –

Ella is almost 5’10 “

as is Sarah –

Taylor at 13 is 5’8″ –

Cassidy is 5’51/2″and has gained one inch on Taylor in the last year

and Bode is going to be taller than all of them!

He is 9 years old.

The Swedish genes flow from Sherry through the grandkids!

Papa’s World – Then and now – family beach time!

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Many years ago – we did a family vacation when all six grandchildren were little –

here is a picture of back THEN!

Now Maddy will soon turn 24 – Ella 21- Sarah 18 – Taylor and Cassidy will be 14

and Bode will be 10!

It seems like only yesterday we were here –

and now – years later –

we did another picture of the grandkids

on the OIB !

Maddy – Ella – Sarah – Taylor – Cassidy and Bode – 2024 – OIB!

We had a great beach week –

lots of Sun and they swam every day!

The water was warm –

calm in the morning –

windy all day to cool you off.

A storm came in Monday early afternoon

and everyone got off the beach –

rain – lightning – thunder –

and the temperature dropped 20 degrees and the humidity went away

for a couple days.

We sat on the beach after dinner every night-

And saw the golf cart parade

and fireworks on the Fourth of July!

Celebrated Sherry’s birthday on the 5th.

Welcomed her sister –

and the Jones family during the week.

A shout-out to our friend Jim Moore –

who invited us to watch the parade from in front of his house

and also gave us a place to park two cars-

and two golf carts!

The two families rented golf carts for the week and we went everywhere in them.

Family group picture with GIGI – Sherry’s mother –

who is in heaven smiling down –

on her great-grandkids!

We have always done family outings-

but Covid came along!

This is our first family vacation since before the Pandemic.

Celebrating Sherry’s 75th. birthday – with oldest daughter Debby!

Debby – Sherry and Tammy!

Ella – designed and MADE all the shirts herself!!!!!

Tammy – Sherry and Debby –

on the beach close to sunset –

Mother and daughters!

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Celebrating 75 years –

thanks to the kids for doing this-

and Ella for making all the shirts!

PAPA’S WORLD – THEN AND NOW – FAMILY BEACH TIME!!!!!

Papa’s World – HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!

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For the last three years we have come to North Myrtle Beach to watch the parade and visit some of the hundred vendors lining the street – drink some green beer and enjoy the day!

The waves of green proceed down the street – people catching candy and other prizes thrown by the participants in the parade!

The parade will last about 1 1/2 hours – there are several stages of live music –

the whole of the main street is blocked off and hundreds and hundreds of people are about!

My heritage of Irish – from my father’s side –

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PAPA’S WORLD – HAPPY SAINT PATRICKS DAY!!!!!

Papa’s World – OIB – 4th. of July golf cart parade!

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Front row seats – 284 decorated golf carts – thousands of people.

We were front row with our chairs and the grandkids were so excited!

Here you see Bode – Taylor – Cassidy and Sherry.

It was a joyous celebration of our nations birthday!

There were also other participates in the parade!
Sherry ( MORMOR) Taylor Cassidy and Bode watching as the parade begins.
As the parade continued – dark clouds were rolling in – thunder in the distance!
The clouds rolled in and the thunder got loud – soon we saw lightening and we headed across the street beneath the wine – beer and coffee shop!
Just before we crossed the street – this man saw me take this picture and his comment was – THIS IS WHAT YOU WILL REMEMBER THE MOST ABOUT THIS PARADE – THUNDER- LIGHTENING- AND POUR DOWN RAIN FROM THESE CLOUDS and he was right – we made it just in time and two houses on the beach were struck by lightening – MOTHER NATURE PREVAILED!
Later that day – sunset – the storm cleared out – we made it back from OIB and all was well!
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OIB – JULY 4th. GOLF CART PARADE – and then the RAIN CAME!

Papa’s World – North Myrtle Beach Saint Patrick’s day parade and festival.

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The parade had been canceled due to weather – rain and strong winds.

Our granddaughter was leaving that afternoon to go back to the Unversity of Lynchburg, Va.

So we made an early trip to NMB with her to take in the parade and see some vendors.

Maddy with some of the spoils thrown from the participants from the parade.

Everyone was throwing candy – shirts – hats – beads!

Sherry coming back from a golf cart dispencing Margaritas!

It was a fun time – and lasted over an hour!

A Statue of Liberty and a hat were given away!
Bonding time with grandmother and granddaughter

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SAINT PATRICKS DAY PARADE – NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.
PAPA’S WORLD

Papa’s World – Saint Patrick days parade – NMB!

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Maddy wanted to walk the beach and see the ocean one last time before she went back to college.

The parade had been canceled the previous week because of the strong wind and rain.

So – this time our granddaughter Maddy was here but she had to leave in the afternoon –

So we drove to North Myrtle Beach so she could enjoy a few hours of just plain fun –

and take her last walk and see the ocean before she left.

Here Shery and Maddy walk out to the ocean at the main street entrance to NMB.

Walking the main street in North Myrtle Beach before the parade.

Hundreds of vendors were set up – food – drink – items for sale.

We were there early – around 8:30 am.

Coffee for our early morning walks around town viewing the vendors before the thousands of people show up.

Sherry and Maddy sitting on a towel on the curb of Ocean Blvd.

We did not carry chairs – and we had front row seats sitting on a towel on the curb.

The parade lasted one hour – and was quite colorful in green and white and orange!

Papa and Maddy – time for some green beer!
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It was a great four-plus hour spending time with our granddaughter before driving back to the house.

Sad to pack her up to leave in the early afternoon – but we had her entire spring break with us.

Saint Patrick’s day parade in North Myrtle Beach

Papa’s World – in North Myrtle Beach a celebration with the GREEN – St. PATS

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The IRISH came out in droves to celebrate and this bar was command central in the organizing of the festivities!

For the last four weeks – there was a on going struggle between the owners of the business’s

and the city council and the mayor of North Myrtle Beach!

A year ago the Covid 19 hit and everything went into lock down

The annual parade was canceled and places were deserted.

Many did not survive 12 months later!

A lot of store fronts are vacant!

The back and forth has been in the papers and on the local news!

The business were told they would be fined if they proceeded –

I do not know the inside story only what I read .

The parade was canceled even though hundreds of people showed up

with no masks and no social distancing.

Instead there would be a steady stream of golf carts

all decked out – business with bars – blocked off with yellow tape and orange cones.

The celebration would go on after one year!

Discounts and sales were everywhere – the merchants have been in a struggle for 12 long months!

We went to main street with our masks and stayed away – 6 feet from people.

Sometimes that was impossible.

Most of the bars are on one side of the main street!

We watched and took it all in – it was a happy feeling – even though we were aware of our surroundings.

It still was sad to see almost no one here even though the celebration was going on!

This main intersection would normally be crowded –

I really do not know just how they are staying in business!

Maybe – with Spring Break coming up – they will have customers.

A lot of people are condemning the celebration – but I do not!

We choose to walk over and see what was happening – maintaining a safe distance from people which was not hard to do.

We stayed away from the bars where most people were –

we found a place to sit and observe.

I hope that this was all worth it!

As we walked – we watched from afar across the street – the golf carts -the music and people spending money.
Across the street from where we walked.

Thank you for reading Papa’s World

The IRISH came out – business once again on Main Street North Myrtle Beach!

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY

FAMILY MEETS FRIENDS!

Another bar tucked back off the street – not many people seen – but Johnny on the spots!

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NORTH MYRTLE BEACH – A CELEBRATION WITH THE GREEN!

Papas World – Growing up in a little town – my family.

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We did not know that we did not have much!

We never talked about it – we had a black and white TV.

We had numerous cars – first one I remember was when we

brought my baby brother home from the hospital in 1954?

It was a green color and I remember being in the back seat

The upholstery was a fuzzy feeling

and Mom was in the front with Mike and dad driving.


We had the old rotary phone on the wall by the steps to the celler.

Back at that time – it was a “PARTY LINE”!

And you called the operator and gave her I think three numbers.

Then it changed and we got our own number

to which I still know to this day!

And next door my sister lived and I know that number today!

I remember riding with my father and little brother

Across the state line to NY State and to Portville

some maybe 8 miles away.

To a place called “WILSON’S FRUIT STAND”!

It was a treat for us as we always got something

maybe a apple or orange

And my dad always bought a case of Carling’s Black Label

once a week!

Mom and dad drank beer –

There was a group of friends

The Framptons up the street – the West’s out on the South of town

The Howells also on the South of town.

The Petruzzi’s – ( sp ) who was my dads best friend Elmer and Angie.

The Marones – they all bowled together – played cards

and went for vacations to fish in the far North of Canada.

That was before I was old enough to go

and then my little brother came along

But I saw the pictures – my older brother – not my sister –

I do not know why she did not go?

But – my brother was friends with Ron and his father and mother

Elmer and Angie and they remained friends until he passed away

four years ago.

We have our friends today just as they did.

We never had a color TV until 1968 – after I was gone.

I actually had roller skates for a long time before

I got my first bike – a Western Flyer

Then I was off to the park and all points of the town.

My mom was small – maybe 5’2″

and my dad just shy of 6’0

Back then that was tall.

But she ruled the roost so to speak.

We did not have much – no spending money as kids.

My older brother worked and my sister baby sit.

But – I did not know what I did not know.

My memories are good ones.

I remember the very first time I heard

” I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND”

It was the H.S. cafe and a childhood friend

from when I was perhaps 10 or 11

came into the cafe singing this song as he got in line.

But that is another story for another time

We did not have much in growing up

But I retained a load of memories rich in thought!

Thank you for reading Papa’ World

WHERE FRIENDS MEET THE FAMILY!

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Papa’s World – Growing up – Eldred Pa. part four

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The men of Eldred

I remember each and everyone of these men –

This was the volunteers for the fire department –

In every facet of my life growing up –

I most likely came in contact with them all at one time or other.

GROWING UP ELDRED PA. part four of Papa’s World.

Fire department
just down the street from my house

This was a busy building – where the men came together –

all volunteers and the ladies auxiliary also met.

And just across the street next to the Post Office was “SLAVINS ” !

Local hangout bar and meeting place for most of these people !

Run by Russ and Tootie Slavin – a local family –

who in each Slavin branch – all very good athletes

and known through NWPA !

I can remember every year – the firemen would come along the curb

in front of our house on North Main Street –

and with chalk would write and mark where each unit was to line up

and this would go all the way back to the Kendall bridge !

The MEMORIAL DAY PARADE marked the end of the school year

and the beginning of Summer !

The Kendall Bridge

I was always told that this bridge was one of only two –

The other I think was in Japan.

It was a two lane bridge – with a road coming off in the middle –

Spanning a railroad track – another road –

and a river running under it !

I do not know if that was true or not –

with a gas station ( Kendall) across from the entrance.

but it is still there today !

The parade back then and today – is always led by the veterans of the town

It seems like that number down through the years never dwindles.

For such a small town – ( 800 to 1000) people

It has provided the military of scores of men

in all the conflicts fighting for their country.

Terry – Ron – Freddie -Paul and Skeet
my brothers close friends

Two are now gone – three remain – four played baseball with my brother

Freddie was in the little league World Series.

Four played for my father

Ron and my father
Clarence Russel Fitzsimmons
known as Bob or Fitz

I was too young – I never went –

But there were families of friends who went every year

To far North in Canada fishing !

We had a old red barn down back –

three stories tall and a stable underneath –

I can still see in my mind

The red front and the big sliding gray door –

and to the left

DOZENS of fish heads nailed up on the wall

Muskie – Pike

Fish that they caught and brought home.

Roger went but I was born ten years younger

I never went but looked at hundreds of pictures !

Thank you for reading Papa’s World part four.

Growing up Eldred Pa.

Part five is next !

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where friends and family meet.