Island Boxes

When Dad starting delivering mail in Portland, his first route was on Peaks Island. He took the ferry to the island and back each day. Through rain, snow, sleet and sometimes blazing sun, he walked the main circular road on the island. He told me once that he loved that first experience of 'island life'. He worked delivering mail in the city for over 40 years and the only times I ever heard him complained was when he'd come home from work and have to soak those feet in epsom salt. His main route was the West End and he just loved walking those brick-lined avenues. One of his many perks, as he called them, was stopping each day for lunch at the Maine Medical Center (in its early years the Maine General Hospital) cafeteria. Now, being a good Catholic family, Friday was a special day for us. We did the whole routine of 'no meat' on Fridays. Each time the day rolled around, it was usually some form of a fish recipe. Fish chowder was a favorite. Dad always sang the praises of the hospital's menu, especially on Friday. In his words, "The best fish chowder in the city!", and that was saying something because Mom's was outstanding! Always think of Dad when I see these old relay boxes, still in use in some parts of the city.