Historic Nantucket, October 1953, Vol. 1 No. 2

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET TOWN From an original lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton.

OCTOBER, 1953

Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information

2

Editorial

3

The Walter Folger Clock

.

5

The Annual Meeting

8

Edouard A. Stackpole Testimonial

8

History Making Events

9

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

13

Officers and Committees

15

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port.

VOLUME 1

OCTOBER 1953

No. 2

"SEATED

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association.

It is sent free to all members of the Association. Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00 Sustaining $10.00. Life—one payment $50.00.

It is sold also to the Public at $1.00 per copy or $3.00 per annum.

Entered as Second Class Matter July 1953 at the Postoffice Nantucket, Massachusetts, under Act of August. 24, 1912.

Copyright 1953, Nantucket Historical Association.

Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

2

Date To Nantucket Historical Association Nantucket, Massachusetts Application is hereby made for membership in the Association.

I enclose my check for the dues of - the class marked X, made payable to the Association. ( ) Life — $50.00 (one payment)* ( ) Sustaining — $10.00 — annual ( ) Active — $ 2.00 — annual Name Permanent Address Nantucket Address * Placed in "Permanent Fund" and used for capital purposes only.

EDITORIAL How to increase Nantucket's business and prosperity but still retain its stability and dignity is the Island's most discussed topic nowadays.

The Historical Association earnestly desires to emphasize how, throughout the United States, a constantly growing number of communities are following one plan that is bringing volume and quality business with permanent property improvements and pros­ perity. We refer to the "restoration of historic sites" and their dignified exploitation. Williamsburg, Virginia, the outstanding example today, boasts of a year-round business running into mil­ lions of dollars. Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts; Deerfield, Massachusetts, and New Castle, Delaware, are three other examples and now Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has begun a major res­ toration project to cost $2,500,000. The citizens of these commu­ nities, recognizing the current trend of interest in "historic sites" have acted cooperatively and with vision to accomplish what, to many, seemed impossible goals.

But what of Nantucket and the many suggestions for develop­ ing vacation business? Summer visitors are gone now and there is time to analyze what really attracts so many visitors, from steamboat excursionists staying a few hours to buyers of property.

Many possibilities have been named but when one examines news­ paper and magazine articles for year after year, Nantucket's antiquity is pre-eminently the leading topic. Fishing, bathing, sail­ ing and unusual climate are rightfully featured, too, but Nan­ tucket's remoteness from the mainland and its unspoiled historic island atmosphere are stressed as something not to be found elsewhere.

Unequalled in the number of its old buildings, its narrow streets and its points of historical interest, preservation and not restoration is all that is needed to secure Nantucket's individuality — different from anything 011 the mainland. It is just that indi­ viduality and atmosphere which prompts the picture-taking visitor to use the old houses as backdrops, to stroll and snoop about the streets and lanes, to sit on Main Street benches, to join in the 3

EDITORIAL

4

evening public sings, and to marvel at the friendliness of residents greeting each other with the well-known "Hi".

"Historic Nantucket", devoted to the preservation of Nan­ tucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port, is justifiably concerned over the future of Nan­ tucket. It is concerned over any plan or effort to develop facilities which will make Nantucket just like any mainland resort attracting only undesirable transients for even now, as one scribe has so aptly said, "A Coney Island atmosphere sweeps in like a fog, now and then". Islanders and summer residents should stand together to combat this growing trend and should work together to preserve Nantucket so that it may be known always as a gracious and hos­ pitable town, anxious to receive those who will appreciate and treat with decency and respect and help to preserve and enjoy its historic buildings, its rutted roads, moors, and beaches, and who will enter into and become a part of its healthful, friendly, and moral life. To this end "Historic Nantucket" pledges active support.

The first step is to strengthen this support by increasing the number of active members of the Nantucket Historical Association.

At least one active membership for each Island and summer resi­ dent family is a goal not beyond reason. Such a group should insure a cooperative working force who would exercise moral and active support for preserving Nantucket as a living, breathing, growing memorial and not just a stone monument to the past. Such support above all would insure vigilance for the maintenance of Island traditions and control over undesirable influences.

The Nantucket Historical Association is not a private organ­ ization run by and for the benefit of a few persons. It is a "Public Trust" in which every resident has a vital interest. Let us make it even more than that, in short let us make it a "Nantucket Family Trust" run by and for the benefit of all.

Nantucket's problem compared with that of other communities is relatively simple for it is "Preservation" and not "Restoration".

Community spirit and cooperation is all that is needed and the Nantucket Historical Association is a logical channel through which both can be constructively developed and guided. It is ready to do its part.

The Walter Folger Clock

By WILLIAM E. GARDNER

One may understand some of the features of this unusual timepiece by applying the following facts to the picture of the face on the opposite page.

1.

The year — 1953 seen above XII o'clock.

•2.

Day of the month — Sept. 17th seen in circle above center pivot.

3.

Time of Day — five minutes past four.

4.

Time sun is above horizon each day.

Sun is in the sun-pathway seen between 1 and 2 o'clock.

White shutters will be low showing long days in summer.

White shutters will be high showing short days in winter.

The figures, 30-0-30 between the left shutters show the degrees of declination of sun and moon — the upper edge of each is the indicator.

5.

Time moon is above the horizon.

Moon is in the moon pathway (Sept. 17) three-quarters full and seen opposite ten o'clock.

As the moon takes about 28 days to encircle the earth, the time it is above the horizon changes rapidly. Therefore the shutters go from high to low in 14 days. The moon revolves on a spindle, showing the new quarter, half, and full phases.

The moon mechanism is the most complicated of the clock; no other clock-maker is known to have devised and con­ structed such a mechanism.

6.

The clock shows other features difficult to explain briefly: The sign of the Zodiac where the sun is located; High tide at 'Sconset when the moon is full; Harvest moon and Hunters' moon.

6

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Walter Folger, Jr., built this clock for his own satisfaction.

He had no interest in expecting commercial orders. He desired to demonstrate to himself that the moon's motions could be rep­ resented mechanically. At the time of building he was absorbed in the problem of "luna distance" and the use of the moon in navi­ gation.

The clock was built in the front room of No. 8 Pleasant Street about 1788-90. It was in this house that Walter Folger, Jr., spenthis entire married life and where his ten children were born.

After Walter's death in 1849 the astronomical works ceased to operate for the want of an astronomical clock maker. It was pre­ sented to the Historical Association in 1942 by Miss Annie Alden Folger, great-granddaughter of Walter as a memorial to her father, John B. Folger.

In 1952, after many years of inquiry, Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings was discovered and he volunteered to undertake the work of re­ storing the clock. Dr. Rawlings is the author of "The Science of Clocks and Watches", and consulting engineer of the Bulova Re­ search and Development Laboratories.

In 1953 the clock, fully restored, began another term of service to the Island.

We are indebted to Miss Margaret Harwood at the Maria Mitchell Observatory and Mr. Grenville Curtis, the "Caretaker" of the clock, for aid in formulating and presenting the facts about the clock given on the previous page.

Correspondence about the clock may be addressed to Dr. William E. Gardner, 33 Orange Street, Nantucket.

Annual Meeting 1953 The fifty-ninth Annual Meeting of the Association was held July 15th, 1953, in the Friends Meeting House. Dr. William E. Gardner presided as Edouard A. Stackpole, the retiring president, failed to reach the Island due to bad weather. An overflow crowd attended to see the famous Walter Folger astronomical clock recently restored and to hear Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, noted horologist, tell how he made the clock run for the first time in a century.

Mrs. Walton H. Adams was elected President, the first woman to serve in that capacity. Howard U. Chase was elected VicePresident. Mrs. C. Clark Coffin and Earl Ray were elected to the Council. Other officers were re-elected.

"Historic Nantucket", the Association's new quarterly, was introduced as a magazine that would fill the growing need of keeping members better informed of Association activities.

Brief reference was made to the drive to increase the mem­ bership to 1,000 by July, 1954, the Association's 60th anniversary, so as to widen the interest and work of the Association.

Edouard A. Stackpole Testimonial Two hundred and forty people paid tribute to the retired President at a meeting held August 11th at the Unitarian Church, when they heard Mr. Stackpole simply but movingly trace Island history from earliest days to contemporary times; and then issue a call for every Islander and summer resident to rededicate him­ self to the preservation of the Island. A representative cross sec­ tion of Nantucketers, islanders, and friends went home with a new feeling of reverence and affection for a town — one of the country's greatest relics of the past.

In appreciation for his many years of service, Mr. Stackpole was presented with a handsome brief case by the Historical Asso­ ciation and he and Mrs. Stackpole were given certificates of Life Membership. In conclusion a testimonial was read and presented to Mr. Stackpole covering his valued work for the Association.

8

History Making Events Summer is past, and many of our members have returned to their mainland homes, so during the months to come "Historic Nan­ tucket" will endeavor to make all members feel they are still closely tied to the Association, the work it is performing and its off-season activities. This issue and the two which follow in January and April will be small in size compared with the first issue but that is as planned for the July issue is the Association's annual number for special use for the Annual Meeting and for summer visitors.

The election of Mrs. Walton H. Adams, as President of the Association, is a most momentous event for she is the first woman to serve as President. Her election climaxes 28 years of loyal and devoted service in almost every conceivable capacity. Not daunted by her new duties she will continue to serve as Custodian of Col­ lections and Chairman of the Quaker Meeting House and Fair Street Museum. Her experience with the Association, other histori­ cal, charitable and civic organizations together with the heritage of being a granddaughter of Capt. Charles Grant, Nantucket's most successful whaling Captain and daughter of George A. Grant, also a whaler and the man who set up the exhibits for and became the first custodian of our Whaling Museum, more than eminently fits her to lead our Association.

The three officers' names now on our letterhead are all women: President, Mrs. Adams; Secretary, Mrs. Eger; Treasurer, Mrs. Worth. The male members of the official family seem to be taking a back seat but perhaps they think they'll be good back seat drivers for their sex is strongly represented in the Council and operating committees which originate, guide, and control the affairs of the Association.

Winter office space has been secured and Mrs. Florence Vincent has been employed as Secretary to the President, the Chairman of the Council, and the various committees. This will insure prompt and efficient centralized handling of the Association's work and ever-growing activity.

9

J HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

10

Attendance records have soared at all museums and buildings, total paid admissions to August 31, 1953, numbering 25,521 com­ pared with 19,324 for 1952. The weekly news items and the adver­ tising, handled by Will Gardner, are acclaimed generally as the best planned and carried out publicity we have ever enjoyed and the results confirm it.

Fair Street Museum's outstanding attraction has been the re­ stored Folger clock which was returned to the Folger corner after the Annual Meeting. Its most distinguished visitor was Brooks Palmer, President of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, who, on August 31, during a short stay on the Island, called especially to inspect this notable timepiece.

Quaker Meeting House was chosen for the Annual Meeting.

The Folger clock and its restorer, Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, who spoke on the clock and its restoration, drew such a crowd that many could not be admitted.

At the Oldest House, Miss Ethel Clark has again greeted visi­ tors but this year assisted by five volunteer hostesses, Mrs. C. L. Sibley, Miss Rena White, Mrs. John J. Gardner, Miss Grace Hilliard, and Mrs. William Berry. All have worn colonial costumes adding great charm to the picture. Other members have donated flowers regularly adding a real homey atmosphere. Interior restoration work under the guidance of Mrs. Edgarton is truly an outstanding accomplishment. The refinishing and rearrangement of furniture and equipment has brought the realization that we never knew we had so much and that we never knew much about what we have.

An ancient maple highboy, loaned by C. L. Sibley, and a Hutch table, loaned by Mrs. Harold Tinker, have added greatly to the restored first floor west room. The Oldest House is really coming into its own, described of old, "as a residence of elegance and comfort".

The Old Jail has been in charge of Harvey G. Laprade, a retired Sergeant of the Massachusetts State Police. Contributions from visitors made in lieu of an admission fee have increased noticeably. No doubt ex-Sergeant Laprade's years of experience has helped him to add much atmosphere and interest to the usual

11

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

tale and description of the old building and its former inmates.

The ultimate fate of the House of Correction has not been de­ termined as yet but a Committee has the problem in hand.

At "1800 House", Mrs. Susan Cowden has been the regular custodian in charge, loyally assisted by volunteer workers in­ cluding Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Mrs. J. B. Ashley, Mrs. William L. Mather, Mrs. Charles Amey, Mrs. George A. Clapp, and Mrs. Alice Crocker. Thanks to the loyalty and perseverance of Everett Crosby, two second floor bedrooms have been restored and par­ tially furnished and the summer kitchen was opened to visitors whose increase in numbers proves the growing interest in this most recent acquisition.

The Old Mill has welcomed visitors through a new sign on its door reading: WALK IN ADMISSION FREE Donations for Upkeep Welcome

The sign, a product of Chairman Earl Ray's brain, no doubt has helped to increase the number of admissions but custodian John Greene's knowledge and story of the Old Mill and his friendliness to all visitors is responsible for the increased donations.

Whaling Museum paid admissions to September 1 of 12,534 top last year's by 2,630. In addition approximately 1,400 children under 12 years of age signed their own guest book for free ad­ mission. Teen agers and many much younger find the scrimshaw, pictures, and various exhibits absorbing and instructive. General James A. Van Fleet was one of our distinguished visitors. His identity was not learned until the register was examined after his departure. The library is a port of call and study for many re­ searchers among whom we have welcomed Colonel Lawrence

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

12

Bunker, a new life member, a descendant of the Nantucket Bunk­ ers. Fate and Wallace Long's memory and unlimited knowledge of sea faring folk turned a vacationer into an ardent researcher which resulted in finding the record of a sea captain grandfather who had disappeared from his family over 60 years ago. The Library and files have been reorganized completely by Miss Helen Winslow. She has also drawn many descriptive signs and prepared instructive exhibits giving valuable data on the whaling industry.

Waterproofing the inside walls of the South Pacific Rooms and the entrance office was completed and appears to have corrected the problem of water seepage in these locations. The entrance office was repainted and now presents an excellent appearance to the entering visitors.

"Operation 1,000", or the plan to raise the Association mem­ bership to 1,000 by the 60th birthday, July 9, 1954, is making progress through diligent follow up by the Membership Commit­ tee. Since the beginning of the campaign to September 15, 201 new members in all classes have been secured. At the same time the membership list has been reviewed and all names of questionable validity removed. Total membership as of September 15 numbers 709 of which 557 are active; 24 sustaining, and 128 Life. Every member is urged to assist by securing at least one new member.

New memberships should be sent to Mr. John W. Grout, Main Street, Nantucket. Membership data and an application blank will be found as an insert.

An old fashioned "Gam" is planned for some evening after the turn of the new year. Each member attending will be asked to bring a non-member guest and a limited number of the at­ tending members will be asked to bring one really historic Nan­ tucket article from his home and to deliver a short talk on the history of the article. A general "Gam" of members and nonmembers will follow.

The Council at a meeting held August 18th re-elected Dr. Wil­ liam E. Gardner Chairman. Reappointments included the Chairmen of the buildings and museums; Membership committee; Editor, "Historic Nantucket". Finance Committee appointments were W. Ripley Nelson, Earl Ray, and Howard U. Chase.

Keziah Coffin Farming's Diary

By NANCY S. ADAMS

Keziah Coffin Fanning, the daughter of Keziah Folger and John Coffin, married Phineas Fanning of Long Island, a young lawyer. She began a diary at the age of sixteen in 1775, and con­ tinued to her death in 1820.

This diary came into the possession of her youngest son, Phin­ eas Wines Fanning. He guarded it, loaning it with reluctance to his great nephew, Thomas Fanning Wood, who made abstracts from it, used in Alexander Starbuck's History of Nantucket.

The original diary of about 50 booklets, after passing through various kinsman's hands, was lost. A few pages, however, were pur­ loined by one of Mr. Wood's daughters who kept its existence a secret for forty years, during which time all those who could object had died. These few pages and a copy of the original diary are in the possession of the Nantucket Historical Association.

Interesting items in this diary are presented and will be con­ tinued in later numbers of this magazine.

1775 Jan. 1—Went to meeting. Nat & Elihu preached. Nat prayd & preached again fine sermons. Robert Hussey's child was buried forenoon. Nat Starbuck's wife afternoon—she died last eve.

Jan. 5th. 16 years old to-day. Uncle David Coffin married to Elizabeth Clasby. Abishai Bunker to Alerib Swain. Court this afternoon. Capt. Waterman sued for striking Isaac Myrick in de­ fense of his negro-verdict for Waterman.

Jan. 10th. Robert Meader sailed for West Indies.

Feb. 5th. John Pinkman arrived from Salem. Brought news cf death of Stephen Macy and Robert Coffin.

March 6th. In the eve a number of boys tarred & feathered one boy, put him into a little calash & drew him through the town throwing mud at people's windows as they passed, etc. Peter Jen­ nings at the head. Men pursued & dispersed them washing Jennings well at the pump.

13

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

14

March 17th. Very severe storm. Vessell came in last night from Connecticut loaded with corn etc. Cargo wet & much damaged.

March 26th. Goldsmith arr'd this afternoon from Long Island.

Robert Folger came with him "he cast away a Brigg the 21 of March in the even on L Island belonging to Adam Babcock of New Haven. Barnabus Swain was bound of jee (?) Master of her."

Wm. Swain Jr. came from Saratoga says his wife had a daughter up country.

March 31st. Been remarked by a number of aged people that there never was such a moderate winter since their memory but past fortnight more bad weather than all winter months.

April 5th. "Dogs made sad havoc with the sheep. Father & sev­ eral others have offered a bounty on dogs head a 10 for small ones & 9/ for large ones, boy brought 5 heads today." Negro Fear an aged woman died today.

April 29th. Vessel arr'd last night from Salem brings a number of women & children. One woman that belongs in Boston, Mercy Coffin, Charles Coffin's daughter. Uncle Peter Barnard a child of Frances Swain's Junior and a child of one of the Joys were carried into meeting & entered.

May 4th. One Goldsmith & McClur, Long Island men from Salem arr'd last night. Report that a 20 gun ship is to be stationed at the bar. A Salem family with them.

May 5th. Vessel from Salem. Brought 50 or 60 passengers several Boston families & some from Salem. Mr. Gyer & his family Robert Calif's family, Josh Gardner & family, Mr. Goodale and family of Salem on the island.

May 11th. Capt. Downs & wife (married Lydia Bangs last Sab­ bath) and Nathan Stone came to the island—report that Lucy Stone died, last week.

To be continued

Officers 1953 - 1954

President Mrs. Walton H. Adams

Vice Presidents Howard U. Chase Burnham N. Dell Dr. William E. Gardner

Everett U. Crosby Miss Grace Brown Gardner Bassett Jones

Secretary Mrs. Oscar B. Eger

Treasurer Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth

Councillors Term Expires

Henry B. Coleman Robert M. Waggaman Mrs. Stacy Knopf W. Ripley Nelson Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton John W. Grout Earl S. Ray Mrs. C. Clark Coffin

1954 1954 1955 1955 1956 1956 1957 1957

Chairman of the Council Dr. William E. Gardner

Custodian of Collections Mrs. Walton H. Adams

Finance Committee W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman Earl S. Ray

Howard U. Chase

Membership Committee Mrs. Stacy Knopf, Chairman

Editor "Historic Nantucket" W. Ripley Nelson

John W. Grout