Mary Wade’s Essex renderings are legendary. Her rock painting of Rosslyn’s boathouse depicts Rosslyn’s boathouse as viewed from the Essex-Charlotte ferry dock, an enterprise originally owned by her grandfather, if memory serves. This gift from Mary immediately became a favorite in our collection of her Rosslyn inspired creations.
This certainly isn’t my first Mary Wade post, nor will it be my last. Her memory resonates as strong as ever. Each time I look up on one of her works of art I remember her smile, her delightful sense of humor, and her bottomless repository of old time Essex stories.
I originally shared these images of Mary’s “boathouse on the rock” a couple of years back on Instagram. What I failed to mention then is the way this stone feels when resting in the palm of my hand. Smooth to the touch and heftier than you would expect when you lift it from the shelf. Substantial. Familiar. Like a paperweight that has been lifted, and placed again and again over the years. It practically vibrates with the lively energy it illustrates. Waves crashing against the boathouse pier and rocky shore. Seagulls gossiping and Old Glory fluttering in the onshore breeze.
The coming and going of the ferry. The friendly toot-toot of a neighbor driving past. Laughter from family and friends swimming, waterskiing, and sailing.
As the painted stone begins to grow warm in my hands and my recollections reverberate with the lively, joy-filled souvenirs from seventeen years on Rosslyn’s waterfront, I find solace knowing that this artifact will keep alive these memories even when we pass Rosslyn on to future stewards. Thank you, Mary, for so many enduring time capsules, so many creative connections to our years as Rosslyn’s residents.
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