“MEMORIES OF THE RIVER”

Being editor of Thousandislandslife.com has its perks—especially meeting wonderful people. Over 19 years, I’ve met many, including just last month, when Mike Brick commented on Mark Russel’s article "Where Everything Holds". Pleased by the header photo of the Frontenac Post Office on Round Island, Mike shared how the image revived memories of the River.

When people write a comment, I usually ask where they are from or where on the River they live, and Mike responded. This simple question often leads to wonderful stories and connections.

Of course, I asked him to send us his memories, and I am pleased to share them here.

Growing up on "The River” in the 50's

I was born and raised in Watertown, NY, in 1940. In the mid-50s, my parents bought a cottage on Steele Point in Clayton. This was the beginning of my love for “THE RIVER”. When I hear people refer to The Saint Lawrence River, A-Bay, Cape Vincent, etc, I know they aren’t real lovers of the area. It is and always will be The River, The Bay, and The Cape.

Steele Point is located on the mainland, across from Round Island. My first boat was a rowboat, then I graduated to a 14’ outboard. With it, I often took a short ride to Round Island, where a family from Watertown had a cottage, and I was friends with the kids. Their father was the High School Athletic Director and, in the summer, a fishing guide.

The Frontenac Post Office was still on the other side of Round Island, and their mother was in charge at that time. I remember the Mail Boat dropping off and picking up mail for summer residents.

My first job was working at Reinman’s News Stand on Riverside Dr in Clayton, owned by Charlie Reinman. There were no credit cards at the time, and he insisted that the money in the cash drawer face the same direction. Today, at age 86, I still face all the money in my wallet the same way.

Five years after I worked there, my brother, Cary Brick, started his first job there. Next door to the News Stand was Reinman’s Furniture Store, owned by Murray Reinman, Charlie's son. I became friends with Jimmy Reinman, Murray’s son, and I believe he still lives in Clayton.

Other prominent family members in Clayton were the Bertrands. Various members owned the movie theatre, the golf course, served as police chief, and the Postmaster. Harold Bertrand owned the Hubbard Hotel. My parents occasionally took the family there for dinner. One of the waitresses always took our order without writing it down and made no mistakes while serving. I am still amazed at that skill.

As I became a teenager and started driving, I had more fond memories of The River, McCormick's Restaurant, owned by Vince Dee, who also promoted the area, Tiffy’s, and Foxy’s.

Fourth of July weekend, there were outboard motor boat races from The Bay to Clayton and back. Lots of fun !

All of these are enough “MEMORIES OF THE RIVER” which are everlasting.

by Michael Brick

Mike Brick entered the US Postal Service as a clerk in 1965 and he explained, "sorting mail one letter at a time and unloading tractor trailers of mail manually! He held various positions, retiring after 32 years as Director, Human Resources where he was responsible for 400 post offices! Mike still remembers those early summers on the River. He wrote, "Of course it was a girl friend who spent summers on Round Island that brought me to visit the island so often. Her family had a cottage on the opposite side of the island from the Post Office. For a time, her mother was in charge of the Post Office. Many happy memories."