A Trip Down Memory Lane--Photos Galore!

Poley Dickenson Celebrates 73 Years

I wish I would have been there as I consider Poley Dickenson to be one of the finest men I have ever known. But, since I am here in murky California, I am relying on my erstwhile reporter, Marilyn James for the rundown.

The celebration was held on January 16 at the Salt Shed. All of Poley’s children were there, and just about every relative–40 or so came to Salt Cay for the event.

Apparently a videotape was done of Poley’s life and everyone had tears in their eyes. I’ll have to see that on my return.

Seated at the head table were Poley, Miss Natalie, Miss Pat, Herbert Simmons, Jim and Junie Tews, DC Dottis Arthur and a minister from the church. Poley was later surprised by the entrance of Father Been himself to honor Poley.

The Dickenson sons made eloquent speeches about their dad while their sisters were in the kitchen getting ready to serve, for the entire island and guests, a display of food not often seen on Salt Cay. Refreshments of sparkling cider and sodas were passed around to toast Poley.

The guests at the head table spoke while Poley beamed. The kids, grandkids, nieces, neighbors and friends who were there–and obviously love Poley, celebrated and beamed with him.

The meal consisted of ham, turkey, chicken, peas and rice, cole slaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and a corn pudding that was to kill for.
Many island people got up to express their well wishes, including Barba doing a religious hymn, Gary Lightbourne and Noile–and of course everyone was dressed to the nines.

Time to perk up my own wardrobe I guess as these social events are starting to put some pressure on my usual Hawaiian shirt and khaki slacks attire. Though I WON’T bring high heels in any form.

Anyway, pass on your best wishes to Poley as you see him as I imagine he is still beaming.

Whale Sighting!

Whales were seen by the harbor of Salt Cay on Sunday–must have been there to wish Poley a happy birthday.

Crab Races Continue

The second crab races were held on Salt Cay on January 15, 2005 with the funds generated going to the windmill restoration project. BillyBobJack’s heir apparent– is yet to be designated by Lionel. He must have one in training, eating a diet of dense carbs, proteins and Crisco.

Racing divisions were Pee Wee’s, Lightweights, and the big boys, the Heavyweight/Unlimited division. The racing masters for the evening were Mike and Marilyn James.

Turnout for the races was lighter than normal given the post holiday flux and flow of guests and residents. Attendance should increase as the flow of tourists seeking legal crab racing events on which to bet, flock to Salt Cay with their steroid infused crabs.

Soon we’ll need the island nurse to be doing testing on the crabs–though how you get saliva from a crab I don’t know–to make sure they are not using performance enhancing drugs, foods or steroids.

Government House:

The Government House restoration STILL remains on a schedule as never before seen. Nothing continues to happen at an abnormally fast pace and the project is expected to never be completed as scheduled. Weed clearing is done on an as needed basis though so it is much easier to see the holes where you would not want to step and fall into the former plumbing system.

Paymaster’s Office Souvenir Stand:

Be sure to get a beautiful piece of rotted wood before prices skyrocket and supplies become limited. There remained a good stock of souvenirs before this reporter left the island.

Car Repairs and Dismantling:

As you all may know, there has been at the foot of Victoria St. and Compass Rose Boulevard (what else can I call it?) a lovely example of visual pollution–the old Pirate’s Hideaway Ford F150 that died a couple of years ago. Not much useful remains on this salvage except as a marker where to turn to get to the Compass Rose.

Much has been said to various folks about this visual atrocity in an effort to see it make its way the rest of the way to the dump.

However, on our last day Allan Dickenson (Shine) told me he has been waiting to surprise Joel but that his front loader forklift forks had not yet arrived on island. He’d been trying, throughout our stay, to get those on island and ceremoniously haul away the black Ford from the foot of our drive.

Since he couldn’t surprise Joel, he at least told us his plan. We can’t wait for this to leave as it really detracts from the island.

Thanks to Shine for appreciating just how bad this looks and appreciating how important it was to us.

Movie Reviews:

Since I have returned to reality, and found it rather cold, too news filled and busy, we went to the movies immediately and hid in the dark.

Since we just loved Phantom of The Opera, and saw it twice in LA, we hit that movie first.

If you are a Phantom fan, you will love this movie. It really fills out the play where if you don’t know the story already, you can be left in the dark.

Christine is excellently cast; Minnie Driver is the Diva and steals the show; Patrick Wilson (the Mormon lawyer from Angels in America) is Raoul and Gerard Butler is a great Phantom. His voice isn’t Michael Crawford–but then Crawford is in his late 60's and a Phantom in a wheelchair (so to speak) would be bad casting.

The Masquerade Ball scene reminded me of 50's Hollywood musical. It is really grand and great.

I will always remember how in the play you felt, even 10 rows back, the Phantom’s consuming love of Christine just by his touch to her face–chills went up your spine. And here, when they sing "Point of No Return" during Don Juan...well, your toes curl up, chills run wild and you are torn between Raoul and The Phantom on who get’s the girl.

5 thumbs up for Phantom.

The movie to see—after the Golden Globes show, Rolling Stone’s reviews, and word of mouth is Sideways. This is supposed to be a terrific buddy movie filmed in the Napa Wine Valley. And Million Dollar Baby by Clint Eastwood is another that will be seen soon and reviewed.

Other Social Events:

As the parting social event for the McNairs, Debbie hosted a wonderful dinner for the McNair’s and James’ at the Coral Reef. What a great dining room she now has!

The McNair’s hosted their last event of the season with the Tew’s, James’ and Deb attending to cheer on the St. Louis Rams versus the hapless Seattle Seahawks.

Butterfingers should have been served as the main course for those of us who were Seattle fans.

Instead guests were treated to 1 ½" thick Porterhouse steaks that needed to be eaten, BBQ Chicken Thighs, fried rice (I was DONE with peas and rice), fresh fruit, and pesto salad. Since I didn’t have Butterfingers to serve we did homemade chocolate ice cream, key lime pie and a chocolate cake.

The Rams went on to a victorious, though short lived experience in the playoffs.
Debbie hosted two playoff parties for Ram’s fans (adios) and Patriot’s fans (Tews). Since Deb has satellite and my satellite is occupied by renters–the fans will be seeing a lot of Deb’s place between now and February 6.

The Coral Reef Café sponsored a volleyball event and Horseshoe Tournament on Saturday the 15th. Deb has imported a truly awesome, official type volleyball net and made a sand court to get folks playing.

Critter and Injury Report

Just as we were leaving and the weather was changing for the good, mosquitos made their appearance. Not too strong, but we left before they got to us.
Palmettos were still strong, though not as strong as Raid Bug Bombs. As we packed to leave, our closet tops disclosed a few Palmettos who couldn’t take the gas.

Comings and Goings

Jeff and Joni are now on island.

I’m not sure who else is slated to arrive soon–so keep me posted out there.
Ann and Mike Hawkins are still apparently now arriving in late January. They are in Florida preparing to launch.

Weather Report

Marilyn reports the weather is marvelous and it is time to start floating. Clear, calm and wonderful.
Figures, we’re gone.

Photos

Now that I am back on broadband, I will put more pictures on the News, some of
which will go back to about 2000 or so when I first went digital.
That’s about it for now. It isn’t easy doing the Salt Raker News from Fresno, CA. It isn’t easy BEING in Fresno CA actually. I hate 41 degrees and foggy 24/7.

So, here’s a trip down memory lane. Most, if not all are my photos going back to 1997. There are some photographs I took of Bram’s old pictures, and a scan of a photo from 1940, when Rosalie Harriot stood between her folks on the White House dock.

I would really like to get scans of the old photos that are on island. It’s easy enough to do with a little patience. We can preserve history a little more if we make the effort.

So, since the news is thin, I'll fill with more interesting photos most of you have never before seen.