Cap Perkins, Avalon resident for over 60 years, was memorialized this week with a commemorative plaque installed on the sea-wall on what was locally referred to as his “Office” just West of the base of the Green pleasure pier.
For roughly 63 years, Cap and other islanders like George McElroy (also deceased) and Bruce Gelker could be found with their morning cups of coffee hashing out Avalon’s various political issues. The joke often being told was that most of Avalon’s concerns had been “sorted out” right there on the wall.
Cap Perkins, Avalon resident for over 60 years, was memorialized this week with a commemorative plaque installed on the sea-wall on what was locally referred to as his “Office” just West of the base of the Green pleasure pier.
For roughly 63 years, Cap and other islanders like George McElroy (also deceased) and Bruce Gelker could be found with their morning cups of coffee hashing out Avalon’s various political issues. The joke often being told was that most of Avalon’s concerns had been “sorted out” right there on the wall.
Today, Gelker carries on the wall tradition with a host of newer office members.
Cap passed away one year ago on December 10th and the plaque installation was scheduled to coincide with that date. While there is a city restriction regarding such memorials, Mayor Kennedy, along with all Avalon city council members and upper city management personnel agreed that a variance was warranted in Cap’s case due to the longevity of his presence on the wall and how he had become such a community fixture and common sight there for both locals and visitors for over six decades.
Islander Vern Morand said that just this past summer a few longtime Avalon visitors were shocked and saddened to learn of Cap’s passing as they traditionally returned each year to visit the island and to drop by and give Cap an annual flower. This year, Morand graciously accepted the flower on Cap’s behalf.
The Plaque was funded through the “Captain’s Foundation” a scholastic fund established by Perkins to aid Avalon youth in continuing education efforts.
The Foundation is now championed by twCap’s loving and longtime friends Lil Stone and Jay Guion.
The plaque reads: “Cap Perkins 1926-2012”
“For over 60 years this location on the wall was locally known as ‘Cap’s office’ where he sat each morning and spoke with friends and visitors alike. WWII Veteran, Scuba Diving pioneer, adventurer, humorist and friend to many…
“All we have in this world is our friends, and a little bit of time” – Cap Perkins
