Not much had changed to the facade of Fred's News since the early 1920's, its Victorian architecture, typical of most owner occupied businesses of the era. Large plate glass windows, thick and wavy, separated by the front entrance. Mr. Bill often thought of adding an old fashioned screen door, the thought process being, it would be a quaint cozy touch, adding a General Store look to the place, however the State of Connecticut Health Department, nixed that idea! Off to the side, yet still in the front, another door, leading to the living quarters above the business, hence the double address 49-51 West Main Street. That always seemed to baffle the Utilities Company, especially when calling for service, however the flip side a tad bit different, they were "spot on" when sending a bill!
Fred's News setting, quite picturesque, as its foundation snuggles up to babbling Beaver Brook. Literally, the waters of the brook, wash the foundation clean along the entire side of the building. Great relaxing sound during a awesome summer evening! At the date of purchase, the old building covered in asbestos shingles, definitely in need of a face lift. Greg Arpin and Mike Mish, built staging around the building, allowing easy access for Guests entering the front door and safe working conditions for them. However, the side on the building facing Beaver Brook sporting heights that make the heart flutter, even with staging. Greg admitting, "as long as you don't look down, not bad!" As he continued putting up the siding, he managed to stir up a nest of angry hornets. Luckily I was in the upstairs kitchen as he hollered, "Dee open the window, let me in!" Not the easiest job pulling over two hundred pounds through one of the smaller windows in the place! I am sure Greg endured some good-natured ribbing for days after that event. I am with you on that one Greg, I don't mind heights, but trying to maintain your balance, while swatting away angry hornets at ANY height can be quite the challenge. I would of opted for the window as well, probably not returning to the staging EVER, regardless of the fact the hornets were exterminated! Mr. Bill laughs, he gets dizzy on the third rung of the ladder. Probably why I STILL clean out the gutters.
In the Springtime as we readied the Fred's News building for the warmer season, the upper window boxes needed to be cleaned and re-planted. Mr. Bill always willing to HOLD the ladder, allowing me to make my way up to the second floor. I think he gained weight so he wouldn't have to climb the damn thing, using the excuse, "the ladder only supports two-hundred fifty pounds, I'd be pushing it!" Yes, it would of been a challenge for the ladder, truth be known though, Wimpy Bill not fond of heights!
Springtime also meant that many of the local customers, motorcycle fanatics and antique cars owners would gather weekly for their outings. The Gold Wing Club's snow-birds would return, parking all the beautiful motorcycles in front of Fred's News. Customers would joke, the outstanding colors of the bikes, made even more vivid by the vibrant floral display. Another group occasionally would park the antique Model T''s and other old vehicles in front of the restaurant. All one had to do was close your eyes and visualize, that was exactly what the place looked like years before. Those beautiful old cars parked in front of the quaint inviting place, complete with stunningly beautiful flowers, park benches, carved trees, wooden bears and over-stuffed cuddly teddy bears, graced the menu covers more than once. Once I put those menus on display, a second printing was necessary within days, as Guests hoarded them. Guess you'd say they were a hot collectible!
Fred's News setting, quite picturesque, as its foundation snuggles up to babbling Beaver Brook. Literally, the waters of the brook, wash the foundation clean along the entire side of the building. Great relaxing sound during a awesome summer evening! At the date of purchase, the old building covered in asbestos shingles, definitely in need of a face lift. Greg Arpin and Mike Mish, built staging around the building, allowing easy access for Guests entering the front door and safe working conditions for them. However, the side on the building facing Beaver Brook sporting heights that make the heart flutter, even with staging. Greg admitting, "as long as you don't look down, not bad!" As he continued putting up the siding, he managed to stir up a nest of angry hornets. Luckily I was in the upstairs kitchen as he hollered, "Dee open the window, let me in!" Not the easiest job pulling over two hundred pounds through one of the smaller windows in the place! I am sure Greg endured some good-natured ribbing for days after that event. I am with you on that one Greg, I don't mind heights, but trying to maintain your balance, while swatting away angry hornets at ANY height can be quite the challenge. I would of opted for the window as well, probably not returning to the staging EVER, regardless of the fact the hornets were exterminated! Mr. Bill laughs, he gets dizzy on the third rung of the ladder. Probably why I STILL clean out the gutters.
In the Springtime as we readied the Fred's News building for the warmer season, the upper window boxes needed to be cleaned and re-planted. Mr. Bill always willing to HOLD the ladder, allowing me to make my way up to the second floor. I think he gained weight so he wouldn't have to climb the damn thing, using the excuse, "the ladder only supports two-hundred fifty pounds, I'd be pushing it!" Yes, it would of been a challenge for the ladder, truth be known though, Wimpy Bill not fond of heights!
Springtime also meant that many of the local customers, motorcycle fanatics and antique cars owners would gather weekly for their outings. The Gold Wing Club's snow-birds would return, parking all the beautiful motorcycles in front of Fred's News. Customers would joke, the outstanding colors of the bikes, made even more vivid by the vibrant floral display. Another group occasionally would park the antique Model T''s and other old vehicles in front of the restaurant. All one had to do was close your eyes and visualize, that was exactly what the place looked like years before. Those beautiful old cars parked in front of the quaint inviting place, complete with stunningly beautiful flowers, park benches, carved trees, wooden bears and over-stuffed cuddly teddy bears, graced the menu covers more than once. Once I put those menus on display, a second printing was necessary within days, as Guests hoarded them. Guess you'd say they were a hot collectible!
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