The house at 1081A Long Beach Blvd. in North Beach once had a cedar roof painted bright orange, and bright yellow, wood shutters. It was frequently referred to as the “Howard Johnson” house. It was my parents’ summer house. This story takes place in the mid-1940s and is true.

Dad lived for the fall and fishing for striped bass. People back then used to pack bloodworms in old chocolate chip cookie bags and keep them in the refrigerator.