20 July, 2006: Presentation at the Library in August

A Pictoral Presentation

of the

Hotel's History

by

Paula Ruisi

at the

Westerly Public Library

7-9 p.m.

August 15, 2006

3 May, 2006: The Memories Keep Pouring In
By Paula Ruisi

We had wonderful articles recently on our book in both in the New
London Day (April 11) and the Providence Journal, (April 18) including pictures of several of the wallpapers found last fall before the building was demolished. It was through the discovery of the layers of wallpaper we were able to determine the original layout of the first floor of the hotel. The articles also announced an oral history night the Westerly Library is hosting on July 5th. Please circle the date as we want to hear from all of you.

We have found that once people start sharing stories there are more to be remembered. At the small gathering in December when the site was blessed by Reverand Hillary Bercovici, one memory inspired another. I remembered my sister's wedding breakfast in 1972 and my first art show Earl Brankert hosted in the mid 70's. Several of us recounted stories of "Big Daddy" (George V. Smith ) who owned and operated GVS Country Store several summers in the former antique shop in the hotel. Others shared stories of the hostess, Gladys, who ran bingo nights in the ballroom on Wednesday nights or Neil the gardner. Andy Griscom shared his story of a hotel guest choking on a piece of meat when he was a teenager bussing tables, along with Nicholas Moore, who also worked in the kitchen who is now the new owner, Chuck Royce's,
General Counsel.

This month we heard from former Ocean House pianist, Bob Lezinski and received a photo of concert violinist, James Gagliardi , who played at the Ocean House sent by his son-in-law, Alan Barta. Do any of you remember these fine musicians and have stories to share of them or other talented folks who entertained you at the OH?

We were so delighted and grateful to receive Traci De Santi's video
taken of the Ocean House off East Beach last fall. Although less than a minute these are the last shots we know of from the water of that fabulous Yellow Landmark.

Via the Day article we heard from the Ocean House lifeguard, Will
Hewson, an OH lifeguard in 1996. We also heard from lifeguard Dick Moore from the early '40's.

Two of Edgar's ( Daddy Mac ) McLester's men, brothers David and Ed Williams contacted us. These brothers worked at the OH in 1970, 1971, just before Edgar's retirement. Not only were both brothers students of Edgar's but both of their parents were as well. They remember Edgar as a father figure at school and on the job at the Ocean House. Ed remembers Edgar as a gentleman of style with a "gift of gab" and able to communicate with people at all levels. I totally agree and can attest that Edgar has maintained his style and his dynamic charm.David is living in Florida and Ed is presently working in Hartford. Ed has plans to visit the OH site soon and promises to attend the oral istory night in July.

We hope these letters and visuals will inspire you to send in your
rememberances and memorabilia.

Announcements:
Some important dates coming up at the Westerly Town Hall:
Text change to 2004 Zoning Ammendment presented to Planning Board
May 16 at 7:00 pm
May 22 Town Council meeting at 7:30pm
- Planning Board to make its recommendation to the Town Council. Public comments welcome.

28 March 2006: Finding "Edgar" after 40 Years
by Paula Ruisi

Paula Ruisi and Edgar McLester

For those of you who spent time at the Ocean House from 1947 thru 1974, you no doubt fondly remember Edgar McLester, head Bell Captain. Thanks to a former Ocean House patron, Ann Turnbull Charat, who contacted our website several months ago and took time to do some research on the Internet, she found Edgar alive and well at 94, in Camden, South Carolina with his wife Amy. We contacted Edgar shortly after and the dialogue began.

He was thrilled to hear from everyone. He has stayed in touch with many Ocean House patrons and employees over the years. After having spent nearly 30 years at the hotel as the Major Domo, the Hotel and the people he came in contact with remain close to his heart.

I recently drove to Camden to meet with Edgar, who is affectionately known as "Daddy Mac" in his hometown. He taught English and Social Studies for 36 years and coached the baseball and basketball teams at the Jackson and Camden High schools. He was chairman of the English department at Jackson. He joined the Masons in 1956 and in 1980 was appointed to be the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Corresondence for the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of South Carolina. He is the oldest living person holding that position in an African American Masonic Lodge. I experienced him to be one of the most well loved and wellknown citizens in Camden.

The Camden Chronicle featured "Daddy Mac" in their February 26th issue highlighting his career and philosophy on life in celebration of Black History Month. He is a man of faith and believes that "God has a purpose for everyone---even if they don't know what that purpose is." He sees himself as extremely blessed and comments to that frequently.

Edgar has inspired many including Ann Charat who shared that she pursued a career in teaching because of Edgar. He has remained the most poignant figure to me from the Ocean House, as he personified most of what I romanticized about the hotel.
I called Edgar as we neared Camden. My son, Rhys, made the trip with me. I found Edgar had aged beautifully over the 40 years since I had seen him. Although we were not scheduled to meet until the next day he insisted on meeting us briefly right off the exit ramp into Camden.

We pulled into a gas station and waited for him. He arrived shortly after, driving his "Jimmy", impeccably dressed as you would have expected, black leather driving gloves and all. He welcomed us with a warm and heartfelt embrace. We both appreciated this wonderful window we were about to share.

Please click on the following link for the story:
Seaside memories: Grand hotel brings two old friends together again - March 27, 2006 - ©Camden Chronicle Independent 2006

If you would like to be updated about news and/or events pertaining to the Ocean House, please email us at the following address and we will include you in our email list: signup@theoceanhouse.org

Don't worry! We will not inundate you with daily emails. We will only send out an update when there is something of true interest. If you would like to be removed from our email list at any time, you can just let us know (via email, of course!)

Thanks for your support!