Public Faces, Private Lives
Text from Improper Bostonians

"A lonely petunia" Jim McGrath worked as a bartender at Playland for 38 years. McGrath's contributions included elaborate decorating schemes for Independence Day, Halloween, and other holidays. McGrath also helped institute a Thanksgiving dinner for patrons and neighbors, a tradition that continued until Playland closed in 1999. Photo: Bartender Jim McGrath (center) with Ray Kennard (left) and a singer named Harold. Ray played piano at Playland in the 1950s and 1960s. Harold sang to Ray's accompaniment; his signature songs were "Always" and "The More I See You." He was murdered leaving Napoleon's in 1966.