For longtime Mattapoisett residents, the recent display of blue and white lights adorning the Wayside Shrine at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 6 may stir up some old memories.
That is because for the first time in more than 10 years, the shrine is lit up again, thanks to the efforts of one family to resurrect an old tradition.
When he was a boy, Mattapoisett resident Anthony Days spent every weekend after Thanksgiving with his father, Edward Days, decorating the shrine. Under the direction of craftsman Ray Fleurent, the shrine was built in 1960 – and as a member of the Knights of Columbus, his father spent 30 years decorating it.
“I remember no matter if it was snowing, raining, or if there were gale force winds, we’d be out there putting up the lights,” Mr. Days. He said it was just “my father and I”, although occasionally friends would come and help out.
“I was raised decorating it with my father until 1991. After that he passed away, and I continued with his grandchildren,” he said. But the responsibilities of raising a young family and other distractions unceremoniously ended the longtime tradition – until this year.
“We just decided that with the 20th anniversary of him being gone – it would be appropriate to light it up again,” Mr. Days explained. “It was great doing it for him.”
The family also jumpstarted the tradition in honor of the original craftsman, Mr. Fleurent of Fairhaven, who passed away this year. Along with Mr. Days’ father, he was among the group of Knights of Columbus members who was a part of its ceremonial opening in 1960. The younger Mr. Days recalls that that the group invited President John F. Kennedy to the opening, but received a letter from the White House declining the invitation.
On the Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving this year, Mr. Days brought together his children, siblings and grandchildren to bring the shrine out of the dark again. This time, things were a bit different, he said.
“I can remember [in the past] we used big blue light bulbs, the kind that broke when you bumped into them… This time we had fun with the technology with the LED lights because you don’t have to worry about tapping glass,” Mr. Days said.
He also said long ago, you could see Buzzards Bay and the islands from on top of the shrine – but now the trees have all grown and obstructed the view.
Mr. Days’ wife, Meredith, said the children were delighted to partake in the old tradition. “It was great!” She said people have been commenting on how they remember the shrine lit up in the past.
For now, the family hopes to illuminate the shrine in future years.
“We’ll try to start the tradition again,” Mr. Days said.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli