Mike, Newport, Rhode Island

Around 2004 my late friend and house guest Barry Cowsill came home after a Taste of Rhode Island thing, highly excited with a huge grin (I'm sure you who knew Barry can picture it). Barry met Salty and Mrs. Brine at the function and he asked for an autograph. Salty at first, according to Barry, didn't wish to bother as I think he must have been tired, but Barry said he pulled the "I'm Barry Cowsill and have always brushed my teeth and said my prayers" ploy. At that point Mrs. Brine pulled a picture out of her pocket book and Salty signed it. We would often speak about growing up in Newport and always remembered the carnivals that used to be held at King Park featuring Salty and Jeff. Barry jokingly busted my chops over that photo until a short time later while serving as a member of a cannon crew during the Gaspee Days Parade I saw Salty in a convertible and asked for an autograph, which he gave with a big smile. Guess he couldn't resist one of his "kids" dressed in a 1790s uniform. Later that day we placed both [photos] on the living room wall. I miss both those guys.

Received via email, January 11, 2009.