A few weeks back I was lucky enough to be invited to Haverhill Fever contributor and produce snob Chris’ place in the Hamel Mill Lofts for a cocktail party.
Now, If you ever have a chance to visit the Hamel Mill Lofts- do it! And if you’re ever in the market for a new apartment- double do it! Honestly, I’ve never been a planned community/apartment complex type of gal, but this place has so many great amenities (game room, gym, home theatre) and such breath-taking spaces (what can I say? I’m a sucker for 12 foot ceilings and banks of 8 foot high windows.) that I was starting to have serious doubts about how worth it having a mortgage to pay and grass to mow is.
As I was gazing out over the city below, daydreaming about being able to call a superintendent rather than further defending my Foursquare mayorship of Lowe’s, I spied this really cool-looking corner store- nicely painted and just sitting there, awaiting some plucky entrepreneur.
After some speculation, it suddenly hit me. Why, this was the deep-sixed would be porn store Hidden Pleasures, which was the centerpiece of my favorite Eagle Tribune story of all time! (“We’re not trying to sell dildos, honest! We just want chocoholics to be able to hide their shame.”)
Today I wandered downtown in search of Memorial Day festivities (crickets) and since I had my camera along, I decided to get up close and personal with the very building that caught my eye and tickled my funny bone a few years back.
61 Locke St- where "Hidden Pleasures" got the kibosh.
Around the back there was a full dumpster, which I hadn’t noticed when I was looking down at the building, so I’m not sure if this is a new development. There was also a permit in the window for said dumpster that’s set to expire soon:
Forgive the slanty photo- stupid peg leg!
I hadn’t heard any news that the naughty store folks had sold the building, so maybe they’re working on a slightly less NSFW. (not suitable for Winter St?)
Or, the old Eagle Tribune article also mentioned the owners may be interested in simply renting the space, in which case they could be clearing out to get it ready to put up for lease.
Either way, this is one property I’ll be keeping my eye on, for sure. I’d love to see the building go back to having big plate glass windows. Once the lofts fill up whoever uses 61 Locke St. will have hundreds of pairs of eyes peering down upon it, which means easy advertising! Could be a cute cafe, coffee shop, or even a book and gift shop.
What do you think guys? Anyone up for the opportunity?
Guess where he got the inspiration for his characters and settings?
Two Girls, One Archie
That’s right – Bob based the characters on his classmates and the locations of his favorite Haverhill hang-outs. From Wikipedia:
His friends Skinny Linehan and Arnold Daggett were the basis for Jughead Jones and Moose Mason respectively. School librarian Elizabeth Tuck inspired Miss Grundy and principal Earl McLeod was the model for Mr. Weatherbee….Pop Tate’s Chocklit Shoppe, a soda shop where Archie’s Gang hang out, was based on real-life locations frequented by Haverhill teenagers during the 1930s — Crown Confectionery and the Chocolate Shop on Merrimack Street and the Tuscarora on Winter Street.
Man, I wish I had friends named ‘Skinny Linehan’ in High School. (Side Note: If you happen to KNOW Skinny – then let us know. We’d love to talk to him!)
Good choice, my man (It was all a dream...)
After 69 years, the story of an ageless small town high school love triangle is still going strong.
But I guess that’s what the kids are into these days.
And in honor of Archie Comics and today being Caturday – here is a picture of my cat Archie* reading a comic book:
Since you can’t really partake of most of Haverhill’s downtown shopping unless it’s before 5pm or not Sunday, my first visit to Garand’s Discount had eluded me for far too long. You can’t even imagine how much I’ve been dying to get in this place.
I mean, its average window display is a line up of plastic gorillas next to a pyramid of packets of Korean Tide flanked by two suits of armor. This had me more than a little intrigued about the potential of its offerings.
Also, I could tell just from the outside that Garand’s was going to be serious about saving me money, because if you look really close, in place of the S in discount, there’s a dollar sign.
Garand's Di$count 192 Merrimack Street
Lucky for me, Garand’s is true to its outward appearance, and is a veritable smorgasbord of bargains. I took it easy on my first go around and limited myself to just some paint rollers for a couple bucks, but I can already see several of the store’s “departments” coming in handy if I’m in a pinch on a Saturday morning and need masking tape, a “tobacco only” pipe, wrapping paper, or a belt made out of sequins. (or, you never now, this is me after all…could be all of the above!)
Wow, that pig in the bottom row really is blue. Look at how disenfranchised he looks.
But that’s not all Garand’s offers! The variety of merchandise at such wallet-friendly prices would be enough for most shops, but Garand’s has the audacity…no, the commitment to unadulterated bargainry, to offer even the intangible for a low low price:
Anything more than just pure love'll cost you extra.
This store represents the America I was promised as a child: A land of opportunity where anyone, no matter their race, creed, or background, can afford their own Phillie Blunts sweatshirt.
Conveniently located next to Haverhill’s foremost bepper emporium, Jennie’s Inc. unassumingly occupies 133 Merrimack St., its humble exterior barely hinting at its interior largess- which is, like, absolute junk store heaven.
If you’re like me, which is short and pretty unassuming, you probably often find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of being walked into in crowds. Or, how about those times when you’re walking down the sidewalk and you feel like turning but someone is walking sort of beside you but behind you at the same time? Awkward!
Well, if you’re anything like me, then you will be thrilled to know that there’s a revolutionary product, available right here in Haverhill, that will change your life forever.
I’m talking about pedestrian turn signals.
Seriously: haven't you always wondered how much fun it would be if only your ears would light up?
Yes, you’re seeing what you think you’re seeing right now. It’s 2010 here, people. If you’ve waited your whole life for a LED light rig that affixes to your head so people around you know where you’re headed your time is NOW.
Now, I’m sure you’ve already noticed the price tag and are thinking “that truly is an amazing product, Amanda, and totally worth the $99!”
Well, be prepared to have your mind blown again, my friend, because there is a decimal point you can’t quite see and, in fact, these light-weight, high-impact noggin blinkers are only 99 cents! Best of all, they’re available right now at Jennie’s Inc. at 133 Merrimack St.
Now, let’s see these babies in action:
Impressive!
I’m sure I don’t need to convince you to immediately run not walk down to Jennie’s and grab your own set, but hurry! because supplies are limited. (at least I only saw a couple more pairs last time I visited)
Few things in Haverhill are as divisive as the graffiti downtown. Where some see urban blight, others see colorful expression. But, don’t think Haverhill’s alone in this. These two viewpoints are universal, and their respective camps have been duking it out in major cities across the globe for decades.
Urban blight? Or "Outta Sight!?"
I guess I fall somewhere in between urban art love and graffiti hate. While I was truly bummed to see the colorful backside of Woolworth’s was no longer, I feel that same pang every time I see a haphazard tag on the front of the businesses and homes that people work hard to maintain. And, I wish as an alternative to all this spraypainting we had some wheatpaste artists running around, plastering the city with their more ephemeral and environmentally-friendly art. Still, I happily take what I can get, street art-wise.
The other day, an argument broke out on one of my Flickr photos between a graffiti supporter and a detractor. In the end, though, they both agreed- a potential solution to this problem is to set aside a legal space in Haverhill for graffiti artists to do their thing. Cambridge and Beverly have embraced this concept, and don’t even get me started on the street art of San Francisco’s Mission District. (I just went out and bought not one, but two books on the subject.)
But if in Haverhill, where should it be?
Following up on a tip from my fellow graffiti fan, tonight I drove back behind Building #19 to check out what was described as “seriously like the very best spot” for urban expression. Tucked back there is a mini urban art oasis. It’s surprisingly tidy back there, and there are no abutting neighbors to cry eyesore. Very interesting. Here are a few snaps:
Finding a home for graffiti in Haverhill? Easier sprayed than done.
I love this grumpy guy.
I call this one "Snake waving hankerchief." Ohhh...it's a WHAT?
Monster face.
Haverhill is a city that has most awesomely embraced the arts, and I think that street art and graffiti could and should be considered just another facet of that. If I can do just one thing for the city of Haverhill, I’d love for it to be becoming the facilitator of this. Of course, this is only the beginning of my exploration of this subject, so I’m all ears if anyone has any ideas or suggestions.
Ice cream is one of those rare things in life. It is universally adored – and a simple scoop can brighten anyone’s day.
Also, when your little league team wins the coach is supposed to buy everyone some.
If you live anywhere near Haverhill then no doubt you’ve tried some of the delicious concoctions offered up at England’s MicroCreamery right in the heart of downtown. So we put together a set of questions for owner Jane England so we could we learn the secrets behind the deliciousness.
109 Washington Street
HF: First off – the important stuff. What is your favorite ice cream topping?
EM: Chocolate Jimmies – our Jimmies are made from real chocolate and they melt on your tongue (yes, in Massachusetts we call them “Jimmies”, not “sprinkles”).
Side Note: Believe it or not, I am actually a purist – I prefer our ice cream without any excessive mixins that may mask the quality flavor of the ice cream, but if I HAD to pick my favorite topping, it would indeed be the Jimmies.)
HF: Tell us a bit about how the company got started – what’s your story?
EM: My husband (then boyfriend) bought me my very first ice cream maker for my 18th birthday. The rest is history.
HF: What’s your best-selling flavor of ice cream?
EM: Vanilla. Even with the extensive offerings that we have available, the all time best selling ice cream flavor is always vanilla. I tend to think vanilla is so popular because it is so easily accented by any number of our mix-ins. For example, even your basic Chocolate Chip ice cream begins with a base of vanilla ice cream.
HF: What’s the biggest amount of ice cream you’ve ever seen someone eat in one sitting?
EM: We actually had a couple of teenagers purchase a Mile High Ice Cream Pie (over 3 lbs of ice cream) and they grabbed two spoons and proceeded to eat the whole pie right here in the shop.
HF: How many kinds of ice cream do you offer at one time? Do you you have a rotation or a set line-up?
EM: We currently have 20 flavors of ice cream on the menu, not including the ice cream and mix-in combination possibilities. We are constantly rotating flavors with the seasons. In the summer months you can expect to see a lot of our fruit flavors: cantaloupe, cherry, blueberry, strawberry, banana, black raspberry, mango sorbet, margarita sorbet, coconut, etc. In September we have Apple Ice Cream and Caramel Ice Cream, October: Pumpkin Ice Cream, November: Cranberry Ice Cream, December: Eggnog, Peppermint Stick, Rum & Ginger Snap, Valentines Day: Kahlua, Cheesecake, St. Patrick’s Day: Bailey’s Irish Cream & Guinness (yes, made with real Guinness) – so you never know what flavors you are going to find!
HF: Cup or cone? Sugar or waffle?
EM: Always a cone (ice cream is meant to be licked). I always choose sugar or waffle, but never wafer – just my personal preference.
HF: Would win in a fight – Ben or Jerry?
EM: Neither. They would settle it over an ice cream.
HF: On a scale of 1-10 – how much do you like ice cream?
EM: I go to 11!
HF: How come all of your employees don’t talk with an English accent?
EM: Heck, I don’t even speak with a British accent. “England” is for my last name: Jane England. Most people think the name is supposed to be “New England” or that there is something British about the ice cream – NEITHER it is just my name – heck I am Portuguese! However, a few years ago, the staff did speak like pirates on National Talk Like a Pirate Day.
HF: Are there any plans for vegan or non-dairy ice cream options? Do you already have some available?
EM: We do offer sorbet which is a non-dairy option. One of our very first staff members was vegan and he ate the sorbet all of the time. I do not have plans to make a vegan ice cream – ice cream just by its definition is not vegan.
HF: What are your hopes for Haverhill’s downtown? What else would you like to see there?
EM: I have high hopes for Haverhill’s downtown. I am extremely optimistic with the renovations with the Hamel Mill Lofts, the Cardovan and the soon to be completed Hayes Building. The restaurant district is thriving. I would love to see the addition of a children’s toy store!!
Be sure to fan England’s Microcreamery on Facebook and stop by this summer for what is honestly, probably the best ice cream you’ll ever have.
Haverhill’s greatest academic claim to fame may just be fiction.
World-renowned scary story writer H.P. Lovecraft apparently based his imaginary campus, Miskatonic University, on the now-defunct but still-lovely Bradford College.
No more pencils, no more books
If you wanted to attend Bradford College – it’s too late – but fortunately, for those of you interested in occult-like-things, MU is still taking applications.
And for residents who live on that side of the river – if you hear some scary sounds late at night, don’t worry, it’s just Cthulu coming to get you.
And he's hungry.
In honor of our fictional institution of higher learning – I hearby petition to change the mascot of Haverhill High to The Fighting Cephalopods.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably whizzed by Haverhill’s cultural attractions countless times, promising yourself that one day you’ll make an effort to check them out…a promise that has gone sadly unfulfilled.
Well, here’s your chance to hit five of Haverhill’s historical hot spots in one afternoon, this Sunday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.
Haverhill’s Cultural Treasures, a collaboration of five non-profit organizations, will present Unlock the Magic 2010, a trolley tour of Buttonwoods Museum, Tattersall Farm, Whittier Birthplace and Haverhill Firefighting Museum.
This unique celebration will feature entertainment, food, merriment and a grand Treasure Chest of prizes! (You had me at merriment, but ooooooh, prizes!) The afternoon culminates in a gala event at Winnekenni Castle from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
Tickets are $25 for adults, and may be purchased online. You can also check out the Facebook invite for more information.
Can’t make the big event on Sunday? You can always make your own mini-tour of Haverhill’s historic sites any time you’d like:
Venue information
Buttonwoods Museum
240 Water Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Haverhill Firefighting Museum
75 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01830
J.G. Whittier Birthplace
305 Whittier Road
Haverhill, MA 01830
Tattersall Farm
542 North Broadway
Haverhill, MA 01830
Winnekenni Castle
347 Kenoza Avenue
Haverhill, MA 01830
For more information on any of the above venues please call 978-994-9252.
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