Markanthony Izzo Recalls Cotter And Poncho


These are photos I took at a press conference at a major fire at the former Hull Dye factory in the mid-1980s. 

It attracted media from all over and how I got inside I don’t remember. Though I was not media connected, many emergency personnel knew I took pictures.

Once inside I knew not to leave besides there was a threat that PCBs were released into the area and they wanted to contain all who may have been affected. 

At one point I looked out the window and there was a commotion. A national news organization wanted access upstairs but was being denied. 

Then, I don’t know where he came from but suddenly Poncho, Ed Cotter’s dog appeared and was allowed upstairs and I could hear one of the news people question why they were denied but that dog was allowed up. 

And the reply was because the dog belongs to Eddie Cotter. 

Photographer’s Note: These were from the film days” and I remembered I had them in a photo album. I was able to find and scan them.

Markanthony Izzo is a resident of Derby.

More on the life of Edward Cotter Jr.:

A Derby Legend Passes

The Valley Remembers Edward J. Cotter, Jr.

Some of Ed Cotter’s Flood of 1955 photos

Ed Cotter’s indirect influence on the Valley Independent Sentinel

Obituary for Edward J. Cotter, Jr.

Remembering One Shot’ Cotter

Give It To The Kids’

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