This spring I was contacted by Bethany Kosmider, Raymond's daughter. Below is our correspondence and photos that she sent me. - Peter
Correspondence from Bethany, April 23, 2022:
My father, Raymond Dudley, worked on your farm and tended the animals on Pudding Island Road in the late 1940's. We lived in the house your Dad provided on the main road above Pudding Island Road and there was a tennis court close to it. I was but a toddler but remember Jack and Dot. I remember there were concrete stairs that went from the main road above the barn down to Pudding Island Road. Sadly, both my parents are gone now. I have thousands of photos to go through, but there is a photo of a college age girl, rather pretty, sitting on the horse (the horses are standing together outside the barn). Mother used to refer to her as 'the Parlin girl'. If I can locate that photo I will send it to you. My parents spoke highly of your parents, especially noting what a brilliant lawyer Mr. Parlin was. You all must have had a wonderful life. Bethany Ann Dudley Kosmider.
Raymond was born January 21, 1922 and died November 4, 1997. This picture was taken around 1951.
Raymond and Bethany, Christmas 1990.
Correspondence from Bethany, May 9, 2022:
Hi Peter,
I have finally written down some memories about my father and am sending them on to you. You may not wish to use them all as some are about incidents at Silvery Bay. I can send a photo of Dad in his young years if you wish. I am continuing my search for the photo of Jack and Dot. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I very much appreciate your willingness to give tribute to Dad.
The following are the memories, some of which may not be printed, but to relay the memories I have as a child and for what my parents and Grandmother have told me before they passed.
Dad worked with Dr. Raymond Pierce as a veterinary assistant prior to his marriage to my mother (Lorraine Ruth Bevins) in 1945. He handled the large animals (everyone called Dr. Pierce “Doc”) while Doc treated them. Doc used to tend to the animals that the Parlin’s owned. I do believe it was Doc who gave Dad a good word to Mr. Parlin for Dad’s employment. (Doc and his wife, Mildred, were friends of Dad and when he married my mother, Doc and Mildred ‘stood up’ for them at the small wedding. They remained friends throughout life). When Dad accepted the job at the Parlin’s farm he was given a house to live in rent free. He was also given a farm truck to drive.
Memories of Silver Bay: One day while we were on the back porch pigs came running into the back yard and soon ran into the woods, later to reach the beach somewhere near. The beachgoers were soon scattered in fear of the pigs. I didn’t hear much else about it.
The house interior was, to me, large. The living room had a stone fireplace. We spent much time in the kitchen. Dad used to bring animals home that were injured. He had a large cage in the kitchen (it seemed a large kitchen to a toddler) and he had a crow in it at one time and also an owl. When their wounds healed, he took them outside and set them free.
I believed he loved the farm work. There was at least one other employee. I have heard the name Buck Denno but cannot remember the other name. Buck was from Hague and had a large family.
While employed at the farm in the spring of 1950 Dad needed heart surgery and Dr. Gross in Boston operated on him. It was a new procedure and Dad was cured of his heart problem. I remember my parent’s absence while they were in Boston and it was then (I was 2 or 3 years old) that I burned my fingers badly on an oil heater and was rushed to Dr. Tom’s office in Ticonderoga by neighbors across the road (Jim and Lena Maloney) with my grandmother, Bertha Bevins. I know mother had a stressful time and more such news when she arrived home with Dad.
I remember riding in the truck with my father and one day he drove down a short set of stairs. I was standing on the seat and hanging onto Dad. I don’t know why he chose this route of travel but by today’s standards, it would be totally unacceptable. I have been corrected regarding ‘stairs’ on the farm but I can say I clearly remember this incident.
Dad was a happy man. He was always smiling and seemed to know people wherever he went. He loved dogs and he had a dog named Berry while we lived in Silver Bay. Mother wouldn’t let any animal into the house so poor Barry lived in a doghouse on a chain. I used to visit him and sit in his doghouse!
Dad talked about Jack and Dot and said they were the best trained horses he had worked with. One day he had them harnessed up and I thought it funny that he kept saying ‘gee and haw’ to them (language to horses for go and stop). I don’t know how he used Jack and Dot, but I’ll bet he treated them well. I remember seeing a photo of a young woman on one of horses but so far, I have not found it and hope I can locate this photo and forward it to you. I have a photo of Dad during that time if you would like it. I received an email from Blackie and I am sure he could tell stories he remembers as he used to spend a fair amount of time with Dad. I would like to hear his stories so I can learn more about my father and Silver Bay. Blackie said he used to come up in the spring of the year and stay with us to help Dad with maple sugaring and I am sure they used Jack and Dot for that work.
My father continued to work on the farm and then I remember we moved to Crown Point as he had been hired by International Paper Company. I don’t know why he left the farm but I know he did not like the change. He enjoyed his job at the farm and loved being outdoors. He loved gardening and always had a large garden while I was growing up.
Dad’s life changed when he moved to Crown Point and the new job was demanding and he had health conditions that eventually took his life at 75 years. As we all miss our parents when they are gone, I miss my father immensely. He was certainly a free spirit who loved animals and the great outdoors. I am thankful that the Parlins gave my Father the opportunity to work with enjoyment on Pudding Island (farm).
Mom, Bethany, and sister Darlene on stairs behind the home they stayed in (which the Parlins refer to as Opo, just across 9N from Post Office).
Parlin family photo that was in Bethany's photo collection.
Newspaper clipping found among Ray's photos.
And....who was Doc Pierce?
Dr. & Mrs. Pierce (Mildred)
Dr. & Mrs. Pierce (Mildred), Darlene Dudley, Raymond Dudley.
From Bethany Kosmider (Ray's Daughter):
I have two pictures for you of Dr. & Mrs. Pierce (Mildred) and the other is Dad and my sister, Darlene in the photo with the Pierce's. (I remember that day and I wouldn't have my photo taken - I was pouting).
Doc was a very happy man, always smiling and laughing and even in a serious moment, he'd say something humorous that would make you laugh. He had Dad work with him when he had to tend to large animals as Doc was intimidated by them but Dad wasn't. Dad would open a horses mouth while Doc looked inside! He was an excellent vet though. He was a graduate of Cornell College. He attended a one room schoolhouse in Westport, NY before going on to college. Doc and Mildred were my parents friends and neighbors for their lifetimes. Perhaps Dad learned a lot from Doc too. Doc had a pet crow that would sit on his arm and talk. Doc and Dad used to hunt together and years ago, when it was acceptable, Doc would take his "hunting hounds". My parents and the Pierce's spent every New Years Eve together, at our house. Doc and Mildred would dress up and drive over is his big, brand new Buick. They would have a couple 'toddy's' and play cards. At midnight, I would hear them wish each other "Happy New Year" and Doc and Mildred would go home. Such good times!
Doc died at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, Vt. right after Dad died. (late 90's)
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