SWAMPSCOTT — After the Hawthorne by the Sea restaurant closed its doors on Nov. 15, Flannery’s Handymen, a company that focuses on debris removal service, was tasked by the Athanas family to remove all the signage and deliver the items that were auctioned off to patrons.
The restaurant — which opened in 1947 before moving to its current location in 1967 — hosted its final dinner service on Nov. 15 after the Athanas family announced that the establishment would not operate past the current agreement that’s in place.
The online auction, which was hosted by Stanley J. Paine Auctioneers, allowed people to bid on a wide range of memorabilia. They were able to choose from things like kitchen equipment, wall decor, bar stools, and even dinner plates.
Todd Flannery, owner of the company, spoke about the process of clearing out the restaurant and the significance it has for community members. He explained that his company aims to make the transition easier for businesses that are closing by moving equipment and removing any related signage.
“The Athanas family called us because they were closing their doors completely, and we went in, took the signs down from the building that had been up for literally 75 years… We’re also helping deliver the items that were auctioned off. Nothing went to waste,” Flannery said.
He noted that roughly 90% of the items listed in the auction have been sold.
Flannery added that Anthony Athanas Jr. has been a “gentleman” throughout the process.
“He’s a nice guy, and the whole thing was great,” he said.
He continued, “It’s kind of sad, but nothing lasts forever… The Athanas family has done 75 years of work with the community, and now it’s someone else’s turn. It’s going to be good — the community can use that site for something else because that building is very tired.”
Throughout the various items included in the auction, Flannery noted that one piece of memorabilia in particular stuck out to him: the bronze sea maiden that hung directly above the bar. He said the sea maiden sold for $13,000; according to Stanley J. Paine Auctioneers, the sea maiden was initially listed at $1,700.
Flannery said the company will be moving the items that did not sell off the property, as well as items the Athanas family chose to save, next week. He added that the family will be keeping the signage.
Flannery also said he expects the company’s work to be finished by the time the current agreement in place ends in early December.
The auction, which ended Nov. 18, was a last chance for longtime patrons to pick up a souvenir from the restaurant.
“It was really cool. They got rid of almost everything. I think that even the people who used to go there for dinner bought plates or a chair. Everything was pretty cheap,” he said. “I think this is a great thing, and it’s going to be good for the community all-around… Whatever goes on the site is going to be great.”
Anthony Athanas Jr. could not be reached for comment.
