Snow is gone. Ospreys are building nests. Gardens are being dug. Summer is here. Let your brain percolate. The following requires reader participation. Whether you are an Islander by birth or a washashore by chance, here is a true test of your Vineyard experience. Let’s call it the quick trip down memory lane.
Give yourself 1 point for each accomplishment. No points if you wished you were there. Be honest. Watch for bonus points.
1. Walked the actual path to Jungle Beach
2. Snuck hot food into the movies at the Edgartown Town Hall
3. Used the Post Office or the Thrift Shop on Main Street in Vineyard Haven
4. Saw Phyllis smile at Alley’s General Store (5 points)
5. Owned an original secession flag
6. Knew Mrs. Rego’s first name. Called Mrs. Rego by her first name (2 points)
7. Jesse made your keys at Shirley’s Hardware
8. Ate dinner at the Capawock Restaurant on Moshup Trail.
9. Bought a record from Toby at Rainbow’s End
10. Know what “How bouta coin” means
11. Owned a copy of Not the Vineyard Gazette
12. Wrote your name on Daddy’s Caddy
13. Talked photography with Hollis Engley at the Gallery Camera Shop
14. Saw One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the Old Oak Bluffs School
15. Were treated by Dr. Hoxie, Dr. Nevin or Dr. Rappaport (1 point per doctor)
16. Ate lunch at Chez Fred. Fred was the chef (2 points)
17. Did the “Island Shuffle” at least 10 times
18. Bought a car at BenDavid Auto, Old Colony or MV Auto Village (1 point per dealer)
19. Knew the names of all three of above owners (5 points)
20. What was the connection between Puppy and Coo
21. Worked at Jim’s Package Store
22. Used the WW II bathroom at the Takemmy Laundry
23. Went to John Hall’s Xmas Eve Party
24. What did the Store sell in Edgartown
23. Clemmie brought you a package
25. Chatted with Bill Grunden at the Wig Wam
26. Cleaned your vehicle in the West Tisbury carwash
27. Hung out at the Art Worker’s Guild
28. Used the West Tisbury laundromat
29. Bought your sweetheart something at Amelia Bloomers
30. Had a special locker at the Ocean Club
31. Dropped in at the Mandela Bookstore
32. Ate Louis’ Rolls obviously
33. Attended mud wrestling at the Hot Tin Roof
34. Walter fixed your chain saw at C&W
35. Ate soft serve when DQ was on the other side of Main Street
36. Bowled at both Brickman’s and Spinnaker Lanes (2 points)
37. Talked to John Rogers while he was hanging out the projectionist’s window
38. Knew all the bartenders at the Ritz (1 point for each), original Ritz owned by Lanky
39. Drove your car onto the Nobska (5 points)
40. Went Around the World at the Brass Bass
41. Owned a Tashtego poster
42. Sat next to Paul at Lola’s
43. Played miniature golf at Duffer’s Delight
44. Hypnotized by Doug Mako
45. Slept in your car in Woods Hole and got on 7 a.m. boat back to the Vineyard
46. Mrs. Monington cashed your check at the MV National Bank on Circuit Avenue
47. Played nude frisbee at Zack’s Cliffs
48. Made your own salad at Veg Out
49. Jumped off the Lagoon bridge between Oak Bluffs and Vineyard Haven
50. Sat under the original Linden Tree
51. Spent any time in the Dukes County Jail
52. Visited the Lighthouse on Chappaquiddick
53. Shot pool at Teddy’s Café
54. Took a mud bath in the clay cliffs
55. Bought furniture at Bonnar Atwood
56. Saw Jaws at the Island Theatre in 1975
57. Flew anywhere from the Vineyard on PBA
58. Learned about jury duty in the basement of the courthouse
59. Pilfered at least 5 rings at the Flying Horses
60. Got stuck behind Chester Vincent doing 20 mph anywhere he drove
61. Enjoyed the view from the bench at the Portside
62. Paid the 1$ cover charge to Loretta at the Sea View with Johnny behind the bar
63. Ever got your mail at General Delivery
64. The location of Bulkhead Lounge. Cocktails at the Bulkhead Lounge (3 points)
65. Sailed on Banzai
66. Talked sports with Mr. C while eating a Big C
67. Saw the Boston Pops at the Tabernacle
68. Original name of Sengekontacket Pond
69. Dined at the Orient Express and Lobster in the Bluffs (1 point each)
70. Dealt with Martha Damon at the Registry
71. Saw a movie at the Sparrow Cinema Society
72. Skated at the rink when there was no roof
73. Saw any Gay Head Crunch
74. Knew where you could buy Tandy merchandise
75. Weighed in a fish at the derby
76. Own a signed Cam Neely hockey card standing in front of Decoys in Edgartown
77. Attended Livestock
78. Raced a boat at the Whippoorwill Yacht and Racket Club
79. Heard the waitresses sing at the Seafood Shanty
80. Did you like this test? (1point regardless of your answer)
Tally up. How many points did you earn? You are on the honor system. Be truthful. If you scored between 1-20, you’re a relative newbie. A score of 21-40, you’re starting to get the picture, 41-60, you’re an Island veteran. If you scored 60 or more, it means that we have spent plenty of time together.
Send your score to the Vineyard Gazette, Box 66 Edgartown, MA 02539, att: Ken Goldberg. I will notify the winner. A most memorable prize will be awarded.
Disclaimer: This test was not necessarily endorsed by the Department of Education, even if we still have one.
Ken Goldberg is a regular contributor to the Vineyard Gazette. He lives in Edgartown.




Comments
Comment policy »