Tim O’Brien,
6 November 2008

I have a 19 by 23 inch metal sign with gold lettering saying;

Burlington City Directory information from 1930 and 1938: In the 1930's there was a hair salon at 47 Church Street near the S. S. Kresge store. It was run by Bessie A. O'Brien, the wife of Timothy P. O'Brien who lived at 230 Main Street; and Emily Sharpley Rich who lived at 102 North Winooski Ave. In 1930, Timothy P. O’Brien was a clerk at the Sherwood Hotel at Church & Cherry St and lived at 230 Main St. (Incredible! My grandfather, Joseph Poissant [now Fisher] was the night clerk at the Sherwood in 1930 also!!) Sadly, the Sherwood Hotel burned in 1939.

According to my house deed, Timothy and Bessie bought this house at 1595 North Ave (corner of West Road) in 1932 and sold it in 1944. I bought the house in 1968 and the sign has been in the garage for 40 years now. I hope that you would enjoy having this historical treasure.

1938 directory: Bessie and Timothy now live at 1595 North Ave, although Timothy is no longer employed at the Sherwood Hotel.

1944 directory: Bessie A. O’Brien, widow of Timothy, proprieter of “O’Brien’s Beauty Parlor” at 47 Church Street, her home was now 139 King Street (NW corner of King and Church Sts)

1948 directory: Bessie A. O’Brien, widow of Timothy, employed at Black’s Beauty Parlor on 142 Bank Street, home at 139 King Street.

1949 directory: No Bessie O’Brien listed No O’Brien’s at 139 King Street 139 King Street is now called “The Wilson Annex”

Note that in 1916, the following O’Brien’s were boarding at 139 King St.; William G. and Timothy P. (both of O’Brien and O’Brien Liquors 165 S. Champlains St.), Johanna, widow of Timothy C. O’Brien (owner of 139 King St), and Mary A. O’Brien.

Note: In the 1920 census, Timothy P. O’Brian was single and aged 43 and lodging on Main Street. In 1930 census he is 51 and Bessie is 38, both born in VT, no children. They were married at age 43 and 30; probably in 1922.

John Fisher