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The heyday of Falmouth Heights was a legendary time in our local history. Each generation has their own catalog of stories, pictures, and memories to share. At the epicenter of those chapters of Falmouth’s past, at the core of the identity of the prime of the Heights was the Casino-By-the-Sea and its charismatic owner, Bill Sweeney. One of Falmouth’s iconic personalities, Bill was the primary author of those chapters and touched countless families and lives while he made a living and made us smile. One of my favorite memories was a Monday night vignette that repeated itself for a couple of years in the early to mid-90’s, just as the legendary Casino/Wharf was winding down its storied history. Still very much full of life and passion for the Heights, Bill would attend a meeting of the Board of Selectmen for his seasonal license renewal. The meeting would also be attended by an equally committed Heights mainstay, Grafton Inn owner Rudy Cvitan. Bill and Rudy would trade barbs and thoughts on how the previous season went; then Rudy would caution the licensing authority and suggest some restrictions on the license. Bill would invite Rudy to dinner to discuss how things could be improved, and another season would be launched. Two committed business people worked things out. The government did not need to intervene – it was local people being people and helping other local people succeed. Bill and Rudy are no longer with us, but their contributions to the Heights – and to our community – will live on forever. That’s really what the Casino was all about – community. At its height of activity, the Wharf Restaurant and Casino nightclub employed nearly 200 people. At the center of all of that activity and employment for the final decade or so in that storied history, was Mike Giery. As the chef, General Manager, stalwart employee, and senior advisor for Bill’s enterprise from 1982-1991, Mike oversaw what became the “good old days” for scores of young people who now look fondly back at the money and memories they made during their college summers. Now living in St. Thomas as a successful corporate attorney, but missing Falmouth very much, Mike is in contact with many of those former employees. The Facebook page for the Casino, started a few years ago for former employees has grown from just a handful to more than 200 members in recent weeks– indicative of the scope of its impact on many lives. He is frequently asked to organize a reunion, but his occasional visits back to Falmouth simply don’t afford him the time to take on such a task. Enter locals Donny Cross, Tim Smith, and Dutch Drolette. None of this trio of Falmouthites worked at the Casino, but they all spent some time there, and have been the driving forces, working tirelessly, behind a planned reunion and community concert. Billed the “Reunion of Summers Past,” many past patrons and employees will descend on the band shell on Falmouth Harbor next Saturday, as timeless performers John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band, as well as the ageless and enduring Steve Smith and the Nakeds, will delight attendees, play some memorable tunes from the heyday, and most certainly invoke some vivid memories. Also expected to attend is Mike “Nard” Nardella from Nard’s rock and roll to spin, a mainstay of the heyday. In keeping with the Casino’s community-centric theme, though, this event is not simply a summer concert. The ticket sales and net proceeds will benefit the Police Athletic League of Cape Cod. The event is family oriented, according to Mike, and designed to bring those “good old days” back for one more unforgettable afternoon. Tickets will be available at the event and more information is available on the Casino-by-the-Sea Facebook page. Like I often say – it takes a name to make a town, but people to make a community. Our community is richer and its history more full because of the legendary heyday of Falmouth Heights, the presence and passion of people like Bill Sweeney and Mike Giery, and the treasured Casino. Stop by next weekend and be part of one last extraordinary day.

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Otis M Porter They were sooo busy, especially late at night. Sgt Rodriques, later police chief, told us to only let traffic traveling west on Main St turn into the Tastee Tower. Those leaving could only turn right headed west on Main St. Traffic was too heavy. Off Pete Gonsalves was on duty until closing. 7 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1

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Paul Pendleton Sherrys right on the corner in front of town hall where real estate office is now, used to stop after school and play pinball, wasn't partaking in the Ripple yet. Seems there was another bar on main on the walk home from Mullen-Hall toward the green?? 11 hours ago via mobile · Like · 1 Chris Lango bali hai 10 hours ago · Like · 1 Paul Pendleton I think the bar was the 4 Seas but can't remember where it was 10 hours ago via mobile · Like Otis M Porter The town building department was in the front office with all the windows. There was a small courtroom in the back part of the main floor. The welfare dept was in the back err--- Community building

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Matthew Harlow Well...the Economedies go way back in the restaurant business. His Brother in Law and sister came over from Greece...Antigone and Ernest Halmas (sp?)..they owned the New York Restaurant by Peg Noonan Park. Ted came over from Greece a few years later and they set him up in the Little New Yorker (where the Quarterdeck is now) The big New York was a seasonal operation. The Little NY'er was year 'round. This was during/after WWII. After the NY'er Ted Married Joan LaRocca whose Father was from Chicago and Mother was from Mattapan. There was a connection to Serta Mattresses (?) On Joan's side. They opened the small restaurant on the old road that cut through the end of the plaza- Grand Avenue to Worcester Court. (Where Staples is) After Joan and Ted's Teddy got the concession at Old Silver.. then the concession at the Rink...Joan and Ted were quite involved with hockey- Their son Ernest was a player and was killed while in HS in a collision on Woods Hole Rd. A drunk Coast Guardsman tried to pass on a solid yellow and struck Ernie' s oncoming car. Joan and Ted had the license plate " EE-12" to memorialize him on their car to this day! They also sponsered a tournament and a scholarship in his name for years. After the concessions Ted opened up Eco's Landing on Palmer Ave (currently Seafood Sam's) . After Ted passed away Joan and John moved up over the bridge and now have the Seafood Shanty by the herring Run. Ted was a very good friend to my dad...and generous to the Hockey and High School students of Falmouth. 29 minutes ago via mobile · Unlike · 3

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Otis M Porter Actually, Ponzi Marks was Harold Marks, a retired police officer who I worked with in the 60's and early 70's. Harold "Ponzi" Marks' brother was George Marks who ran George's Liquors in Teaticket. Their father had had a junk yard and metal recycling place where the liquor store was later relocated. In the 50's, the Marks' had their junk/ metal recycling in what's now Town Hall Square. It was about where the bowling alley and the stamp and coin store are now. Former Selectman Eddie Marks and his brothers are a different family. 15 minutes ago via mobile · Like · 1

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Wasn't D'Angelos in this building before going across the street? 54 minutes ago via mobile · Like Patricia McIntyre Covel I think so... 54 minutes ago via mobile · Like Chris Lango thanks for the post 31 minutes ago · Like Melissa Rutledge Omg the best fried seafood...they had Popcorn shrimp my Mom loved them...was it later the Weathervane? 17 minutes ago via mobile · Like Matthew Harlow Yes...The sub shop was here before moving across the street.. but it was called "angelo's" sub shop.. the d' was added for DELICIOUS- and to avoid being sued by Angelo's Supermarket. .I think it may have been one of the first Angelo' s sub shops... not sure though. .. 3 minutes ago via mobile · Like Talking about Cosy cottage. Otis M Porter Cozy Cottage was across the street from d'Angelos on Main St. Arthur Ratsy owned Cozy Cottage and we would stop in on the midnight shift for breakfast. It was crazy busy there every night. Mary's Dream was a pyramid shaped restaurant where d'Angelos is now. It then became the House of Wong a great Chinese restaurant. Where Cozy Cottage was originally had been a little Tydol gas station. I think Larry Rose owned or operated it at one time. Not too sure of this though. 4 hours ago via mobile · Like · 3 Paula Roberts I would find it so, so difficult to move from Falmouth just because of views like this within minutes of where I live. 3 hours ago · Like Jan Freeman Otis before cozy cottage was it Bugerville? 3 hours ago · Like Christy Woollacott Having grown up in Falmouth heights Iwas spoiled with great veiws of the ocean 2 hours ago · Like · 1 Otis M Porter Jan Freeman, I'm not sure about Burgerville. I don't recall it. I about an hour ago via mobile · Like Joseph L. Pires Burgerville was to the left of the Surrey Room 40 minutes ago · Like Valorie Camarota How can you not love this view!!?

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This photo is the intersection of Main & Walker St. after Falmouth got hammered by a major Nor'easter on Feb. 27th, 1952. More than 20" of snow fell on Parts of Cape Cod with 4-8' drifts created by winds gusting over 70 mph. This location is now occupied by Headlines Salon and The Black Dog. On left side of photo you see a traffic light, which I was told was the first traffic light in Falmouth. Like · · Follow Post · Share · 3 hours ago 5 people like this. Otis M Porter I don't know if it was the first light or not, but for years it had a bird nest in a broken light unit. 2 hours ago via mobile · Like Charles Sheehan Also the New Bedford Standard Times office with Hugh and Kittie. Next door was a Photography studio that was owned by Jayne and Corey Green's father. Where is Jayne these days? 2 hours ago via mobile · Like Matthew Sheehan A summer rental, some liquor...and some insurance, just in case. about an hour ago · Like Mimi Zabek good question Charles. haven't heard anything about her in forever 31 minutes ago · Like

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This photo of the Leland estate is from the early 1900's. The home to the left is the Leland residence which still stands on Clinton Avenue. The large yellow home has since been converted into condos. The water in front is Deacons Pond which was dredged to create Falmouth Inner Harbor on Labor Day weekend 1908. The area of water seen in this photo was filled and is now Scranton Avenue.

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Terry Gasbarro-Preston Very cool pic tom. Thanks for sharing. 2 hours ago via mobile · Like Charles Sheehan I was eight also and living on Elm Arch Way. I recall the storm that buried the parking meters. Twenty years later I had a crafts shop just behind these two lovely gals called Ozone. And Dickie was cutting hair at the other end of the block. Remrmber the Wigwam Rest.? 2 hours ago via mobile · Like Leslie MacDougall Firestone As I read your posts, it is amazing to me how much I don't remember from my childhood. Dickie, I was 7 at that time and I don't remember the snow at all. 2 hours ago · Like Dickie Stone Wigwam was were the fire started and wiped out my mom's beauty salon for awhile My father had put some kind of and asbestos sheeting that mad the fire go around to the back have a picture in the shop my mom and dad looking at the clock that stopped at 5:00 a.m. 2 hours ago · Like Comments with a picture of two kids on Main street in a snow storm 1952. *************************************************************************************************************