Historic Nantucket, July 1954, Vol. 2 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET TOWN From an original lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton.

JULY, 1954 SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information

2

Friends Meeting House (Exterior)

3

Editorial

4

Friends Meeting House (Interior)

5

Milestones of Sixty Years

7

Bay State Historical League

11

Northeast Airlines Exhibit

3

13

Fly to Nantucket

14

Scrimshaw

15

The Folk Art of the American Whaleman

16

History Making Events

24

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

33

Gifts and Donors

38

Finance Committee Report

44

Treasurer's Report

45

Membership Report

47

Number of Admissions Report

48

Admission Schedule 1954

48

Officers

49

Staff

50

Legacies and Bequests

51

1

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 2

JULY 1954

No. 1

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.

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

Copyright 1954 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

To Nantucket Historical Association Nantucket, Massachusetts

Date

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.

3

Friends Meeting House Shortly after purchase in 1895 and when, as the Association's only building, it was used as a museum.

4

EDITORIAL An anniversary arouses a variety of feelings depending upon the occasion and who is observing the event. Anniversary, as defined in the dictionary, is the "yearly return of a date". True enough but not with respect to a special anniversary which occurs but once and is entitled to some extra recognition. The Sixtieth Anniversary of the founding of our Association which we celebrate in 1954 is one of those.

During the past sixty years our Association has lived through three wars in which our country has fought, the Spanish-American and two World Wars. But still, today, it sees our country facing the greatest crisis of all time in the "Cold War" being waged for the preservation of the freedoms and simple faiths for which our forefathers fought. Throughout these sixty years, quietly but steadily, our Association has accumulated and located records and evidences of the past—not just of those sixty years but of 295 years, the span of the white man's life on our Island. Dating from 1659, when Thomas Macy and his family accompanied by Edward Starbuck and Isaac Coleman were the first white people to live on Nantucket, the history of our Island, though isolated, links closely into the history of the Commonwealth, our Nation and the world.

History is the continuous, methodical record of achievements of public events, the record of the growth of nations; the whole train of events connected with nations, persons, things; the aggregate of past events which have determined the course of human efforts. History begins at the local level in the small community.

EDITORIAL

6

History should teach us to speak the truth, and a sense of common duty to posterity should make us all careful to preserve facts which are calculated to make history. The real heart of history is found in personal expression which describes the truth without constraining influences and with a discerning eye that sees the drama without the confusion of the stage.

Two prominent men were talking, one ventured that the other understood Congress better than he allowed, saying with intensity "a few foolish and cunning managers ride the consciences of this great country with Texas or Tariff or Democracy or other mumbojumbo, and all give in and are verily persuaded that this is good".

To which the other replied — "Washington disregards facts; knowledge of the facts is not honestly pursued, and if it is, then biased minds twist and turn the facts." No! That is not a comment of today—which well it might be—it is a conversation of 1847 which took place in Nantucket between Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walter Folger, Jr., on the occasion of a visit after the latter had served as a Representative, as quoted in Will Gardner's latest book, "The Clock That Talks and What It Tells".

And so let us be thankful and proud that while still young at sixty we have at hand a local storehouse of history filled with a wealth of material of local, sectional, national, and even interna­ tional value. Let us resolve to keep our storehouse in order, to put its material to constructive use and with the right perspective constantly add to this material. With this Sixtieth Anniversary as an incentive let us all, as members, resolve to pull together in order that our Historical Association may make available by vital, energetic and intelligent effort the vast resources of our Associa­ tion and Community so that the experiences of the past may be readily available to help solve the problems of the future.

(Opposite Page)

Friends Meeting House The interior as it is today, restored as it was of old.

7

Milestones Of Sixty Years A Review of the past provides inspiration for the future

1894

MAY 9th: The Association was organized at a meeting held in the west parlor of the westernmost of the three brick (Starbuck) houses on Main Street, then the house of Mrs. Elizabeth Starbuck, "in accordance with the sentiment so widely spread and so deeply felt that a society should be formed at once for the purpose of collecting books, manuscripts, and articles of any sort, to illustrate the history of our Island".

JUNE 25th: Fourth organizational meeting held in The Friends Meeting House. Purchase of Friends Meeting House at cost of $1,000 approved as an old and valuable landmark which would serve as Association headquarters. Here were assembled the first ex­ hibits and here were held the association and council meetings.

JULY 9th: Incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Membership reported at over 130 and growing fast.

1897

AUGUST 4th: The Old Mill, together with the lot of land it stands on and about four acres to the east, was purchased by the Asso­ ciation for $885 at a public auction held, with a record attendance, on Main Street's lower square. As the Association did not have the total funds needed, liberal donations made up the full amount.

About this time the Association reported 289 members and over 1,115 exhibits donated and loaned.

1899

The need for a fireproof museum building was recognized and a fund was started to finance its erection but obtaining donations proved to be a slow and difficult project.

1904

JULY 21st: Cornerstone of the new two-story "fireproof building" was laid adjacent to the Friends Meeting House. Upon completion all the exhibits were moved into the new building and the Friends Meeting House was restored to its original status.

MILESTONES OF SIXTY YEARS

8

1906 Association publicly listed as one of 26 Historical societies which constituted total membership of Bay State Historical League newly organized in 1903.

1910 JUNE 20th: The George Gardner House, one of the oldest and a typical ancient " 'Sconset" fishing village cottage, having been purchased, fitted up, and furnished, was opened to the public.

1923 FEBRUARY 12th: The Association assumed responsibility for preserving as nearly to what it was in olden days the " 'Sconset Pump" — the old water pump of the Village of Siasconset, for on this date at the Annual Town Meeting the voters of Nantucket accepted an article in the warrant which provided "that the Town delegate to the Nantucket Historical Association care and custody of the Siasconset Pump and grounds immediately surrounding, subject to the supervision of the Selectmen".

AUGUST 14th: At a special Town Meeting it was voted "That the Town accept the provision of Section 18 of Chapter 114 of the General Laws and take charge of the Old North Cemetery and appoint the Nantucket Historical Association its agent to keep the same in order". Being the second oldest burial ground but without known custodian, the Association accepted the responsi­ bility, cleared, cleaned up the grounds, and reset the gravestones, following which inscriptions and epitaphs on all stones were copied and permanently recorded as of inestimable value to genealogists and Island historians.

OCTOBER 31st: The Oldest House, known also as the Horseshoe House and the Jethro Coffin House, was purchased on liberal terms for $3,500 from Mr. Tristram Coffin of Poughkeepsie, New York, who, through loyalty to his island ancestors, had saved it by purchase and had preserved it for many years.

1926 JANUARY: Winthrop Coffin of Boston, Mass., a descendant of Tristram Coffin, generously offered to finance restoration of Oldest House. The offer was accepted and the work of restoration started

9

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

under the close supervision of William Sumner Appleton, an official of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, and Mr. Alfred F. Shurrocks of Nantucket, another authority on ancient architecture.

1929 JULY 24th: The Whaling Museum was formally opened in the "Old Candle House" on Broad Street. The brick building and adja­ cent land had been acquired by Edward F. Sanderson for $35,000, which he turned over to the Association at cost waiving payment of taxes and interest. The unexcelled collection of whaling imple­ ments, books, papers, etc., assembled by Mr. Sanderson and asso­ ciates over a period of years and so generously donated to the Association by Mr. Sanderson had been fitted up by the late George A. Grant, who became the first custodian and whose whal­ ing experience and lore was invaluable in fitting up the Museum and exhibiting it to the public. To the late William F. Macy (President 1924-1935) the Association will always be greatly in­ debted for his active work over a period of years in raising the money to make possible the acquisition of this most outstanding historical attraction.

1935-36 The Old Mill was completely renovated at a cost of $5,000 to repair the ravages of age and weather and once again the old vanes turned with the wind, the wooden machinery functioned and the massive grindstones produced well ground corn as of old.

1939 The George Gardner House in Siasconset was sold to a direct descendant of the original owner who gave assurance for its preservation.

1946 AUGUST 16: The Association was deeded the "Old Gaol" built in 1805, and the House of Correction, built in 1826 at Quaise and moved in 1854 to the Vestal Street site. After an arduous and lengthy job of restoration, due to the unusually heavy construction, the "Old Gaol" was opened to the public in 1948.

MILESTONES OF SIXTY YEARS

10

1951 OCTOBER: The Association received as a free gift from Mr. and Mrs. Allan Melhado the old James House on Mill Street which, after extensive restoration aided by financial help from the donors, was opened in the summer of 1952 as "1800 House". Furnished and equipped, not with reproductions but originals, it is not a museum but a "house that lives" and presents to the summer visitor a picture of a family home of its age.

1953 JULY 1st: First edition of "Historic Nantucket" published by the Association as a quarterly magazine for free distribution to the members.

1954 APRIL 15th: The ever-present first hazard to the Whaling Museum and the irreplaceable collection it houses eliminated, in so far as possible, by installation of an automatic sprinkler system complying with the regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters.

JULY 1: Membership reported to number over 880 and still growing.

JULY 20th: Annual meeting of members scheduled to celebrate 60th anniversary year.

11

Bay State Historical League A Brief Historical Sketch

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON

The League dates from February 9th, 1903, when John F. Ayer, President of the Somerville Historical Society, addressed a letter to the Presidents of seven historical societies of Middlesex and Essex Counties to ascertain how they would regard forming a society of the forty or more local historical organizations located in the two counties. For its brevity and clarity of purpose the letter, which reads as follows, is worth noting: For the purpose of stimulating the interest in historical matters and to become better acquainted with local organizations and what they are doing in the way of historical work, I would ask your opinion as to the advisibility of forming a society composed of representatives from all the local organi­ zations within the limits of Middlesex and Essex Counties.

Such a society, holding meetings from time to time, first here, then there —discussing methods or hearing papers read by distinguished guests, would waken an interest in such community and result in great good to the cause of Historical Research, and incidentally add to the membership and efficiency of the several local societies.

I have asked the opinion of several Presidents of near-by Historical So­ cieties in Middlesex and Essex Counties and should favorable response be received, we can then invite all the societies to a conference to further con­ sider the matter.

Favorable response prompted a meeting held March 13, 1903, with delegates representing twelve societies present. The idea met with approval and six of the representatives were appointed a committee to consider organization, scope, and area to be covered by such a society.

The Committee quickly reached favorable conclusions which they presented to a meeting held April 3rd, 1903, at Quincy House, Boston, attended by delegates representing twelve societies. The Committee's report, presented in the form of By-Laws was dis­ cussed, amended, and adopted. The principal amendment was to enlarge the society to a statewide organization and to adopt its present name.

The objects of the League, briefly stated, are: (1) To encourage the formation of historical societies.

(2) To encourage the existing historical societies in prose­ cution of historical study and the dissemination of historical knowledge, in the institution and maintenance of historical memorials and anniversaries, the collection, preservation and

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE

12

publication of historical material, and to bring- such societies into a closer relation with one another; and (3) Otherwise to promote historical interests.

From this simple beginning the League has grown until it now has approximately 128 member societies throughout the state.

It exists because there is a need for an organization that brings together the local historical societies to acquaint them with each other, the results of methods adopted, and to strengthen and broaden the study of local history. A foremost reason for its suc­ cess lies in the fact that it does not seek or desire to have power over, or authority to bind local societies, or to do anything to lessen the local feeling on the strength of which their success depends. Its functions are advisory only.

Public meetings of the League are held quarterly at the invi­ tation of members in their various home localities. Unusually well attended by Society officers and members the meetings now feature a roll call of all present with a welcome to each by the President.

A bulletin, published quarterly, reports each meeting, mem­ bership news and items of historic interest. C. Nelson Bishop, the Editor, welcomes news items sent to 55 Lowell St., Reading, Mass.

The League was selected by the American Association for State and Local History for one of its annual Awards of Merit for 1952-53. It was selected in its area for the class A award which is given "To the provincial historical society or agency inaugurat­ ing programs of the greatest significance during the year." At the time of the award it was stated: "The 1952-53 program of the league has been a continuance of the work of past years and for bringing together more than 100 local societies, for stressing at each quarterly meeting the history of a specific area, for helping in the institution and growth of new societies, and in all of this the League is worthy of recognition." This award put a highlight on the League's colorful career being made in 1953 when it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In 1906-07, twenty-three societies, including the Nantucket Historical Society, Alexander Starbuck, Secretary, comprised the League so when laying plans for our sixtieth anniversary what could be more logical than for President Nancy S. Adams to invite the League to help us celebrate by holding their Annual Meeting at Nantucket as guests of our Association. We are more than happy that the invitation was accepted. A full account of the meeting and weekend visit of June 25th will be reported in our October issue.

13

Northeast Airlines Exhibit

14

Fly To Nantucket Association takes to the air to help advertise Nantucket

"Fly Northeast Airlines to Nantucket" was the message car­ ried during May to all who passed Northeast's office at 42nd Street, New York. A large oval front window located on 42nd Street directly opposite the Grand Central Station, one of New York's heaviest pedestrian traffic points, was the scene of a special and unusually appealing exhibit advertising the best our Island has to offer from both past and present times.

The Association loaned Northeast Airlines various exhibits from the Whaling Museum selected by Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, President, and W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman of the Museum, in consultation with Northeast's New York and Boston District Sales Managers, Messrs Douglas Hibbs and A. Swett, who made a special trip to the Island as arranged by the Public Relations Committee of the Town.

The exhibits included three whale models, scrimshaw, old sea chest, blubber lamp, log book, ship's bell, lance, and a harpoon bent by a whale, all identified by display signs. There were two special features—a picture of the Nantucket Whaling fleet flags 1788-1865 and an old print of a whaling scene.

Dick Williams' photographs of Nantucket told the modern day story through a well-planned arrangement with the relics of the past. A port and starboard light, at each side of the window, added seafaring color together with the white sand which covered the floor. Mounting guard over the exhibit and looking all window gazers straight in the eye was the colorful and well-preserved ship's figurehead of Richard Mitchell loaned by Mr. A. M. Craig.

Northeast Airlines showed its appreciation through a sign reading: "Antiques from Nantucket Whaling Museum, Courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association".

The Council of the Historical Association was glad to cooperate with Northeast and the Nantucket Public Relations Committee in presenting this unusually well-planned and dignified advertising of our Island. "Fly Northeast Airlines to Nantucket", the slogan carried by a large sign which topped the exhibit, should help Nan­ tucket's summer business and keep it one of Northeast's most heavily traveled passenger traffic airports.

15

Scrimshaw A few articles in our collection.

«

16

The Folk Art Of The American W haleman His Handiwork Oft Betrayed a Sailor's Thoughts.

BY MISS HELEN L. WINSLOW

The art of scrimshaw has been considered the only important indigenous folk art, except that of the Indians, which has ever developed in America. At the same time it has become one of the mysteries of the history of handicrafts. This term once applied to all forms of carving or decorating of whales' teeth, walrus' tusks, or bone, but nowadays usually refers specifically to the teeth engraved by the whalemen. Obscured by the more colorful aspects of pursuing the whale, this subject has been given scant notice by literate whalemen and the historians of whaling. In recent years, however, an increase in collecting antiques has focused attention on these miracles of whale ivory sculpture achieved with the crude, scanty tools available to the sailor of the whaling era.

Added to the secrets of scrimshaw is the unknown origin of the word. Several dictionaries attempt to derive it from the surname Scrimshaw. This is doubtless in error, since Scrimshaw is the more recent of the several forms of the name. Others tracing the word to Nantucket surmise it to be of Indian origin. Another theory, advanced on the basis of skimshander and skrimshander, offers a possible analogy between these forms and the words "skimp" and "scrimp", meaning "scant" or, in verb form, "to economize".

There was always a dearth of good material, for large pieces of whale ivory were rare. Thus the nature of the material commonly made scrimping necessary. However, considering the term scrimshant, an early form, others believe that scrimshaw comes from an old word "scrimshander" or "scrimshanker"—an idle, worth­ less fellow. Gradually the term may have come to mean the artistic results of a sailor's idle hours at sea. This would seem to be the most satisfactory derivation, but it is no more conclusive.

The earliest reference to the art of scrimshaw, by name, may be found in the logbook of the brig "By Chance" of Dartmouth, Mass., preserved in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Under the date, May 20, 1826, it reads, "All these 24 hours small breezes and thick foggy weather, made no sale [sic].

So ends this day, all hands employed Scrimshonting." However, the true beginnings of the art must be found in the eighteenth century.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Soon after Nantucket's first sperm whaling venture in 1712 longer voyages left considerable time at the disposal of the whale­ men. To Nantucketers indocrinated with the belief that idleness was a "most heinous sin" and trained in the cooper's trade what­ ever their future occupation might be, wood carving was second nature. St. John de Crevecoeur, visiting the Island during the lat­ ter part of the century, observed: "I must confess, that I have never seen more ingenuity in the use of the knife; thus the many idle moments of their lives become usefully employed. In the many hours of leisure which their long cruises afford them, they cut and carve a variety of boxes and pretty toys, in wood, adapted to different uses which they bring home as testimonies of remembrance to their wives or sweethearts.

They have showed me a variety of little bowls and other implements executed cooper-wise, with the greatest neatness and elegance. . . . almost every man in this island has always two knives in his pocket, one much larger than the other; and though they hold every thing that is called fashion, in the utmost contempt, yet they are as difficult to please, and as extravagant in the choice and price of their knives, as any young buck in Boston would be about his hat, buckles, or coat."

Although at first wood was used more than ivory, whalemen must soon have discovered the possibilities of the choicer material.

Certainly, despite its lack of publicity, the art of scrimshaw played a major role in the everyday life of the whaleman. On some ships every man from, captain to cabin-boy had an article of scrim­ shaw under way. Men swapped tobacco—the universal currency aboard whalers—washed clothes or did other menial tasks in order to gain coveted pieces of ivory. New Bedford owners once fiercely debated whether the engrossing interest of the whaleman in his scrimshaw was not seriously detrimental to the success of voyages.

Men had even been known to sight whales then fail to report them rather than interrupt some particularly fascinating stage of their artistry. For captains to forbid scrimshaw altogether was unusual but not known. On some vessels scrimshaw was limited to the forecastle and was subject to confiscation if brought on deck.

Scrimshaw was so widespread that it may be said to have become universal. In fact, if one considers the global scope of the whaling industry, no other art has been so universal.

THE FOLK ART OF THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN

18

The materials of scrimshaw were drawn from all parts of the world—bone and ivory from these "denizens of the deep" captured in the waters off Peru, Australia, Japan, and Mozambique; tropic wood; tortoise shell and mother-of-pearl.

Clifford Ashley, a foremost student of technique, summarized the requirements of the ambitious fashioner of scrimshaw as in­ cluding proficiency alike in joinery, turning, carving, inlay, cooper­ ing, and engraving. That the sailor's tools in no way met the most meager requirements of any of these trades is further tribute to his artistry. Herman Melville records: "Some of them have little boxes of dentistical-looking implements especially intended for the scrimshandering business, but in general they toil with their jackknives alone." Sail knives were sometimes substituted. Improvised files, converted chisels, and gimlets fashioned from nails were also employed. Green whalebone was soft enough to be planed or otherwise worked, but the harder whale tooth required sharp cut­ ting tools.

Some ships had jig saws or homemade turning lathes—most often owned by mates in their more spacious quarters—for use in attaining lace-like effects in the pieces of more intricate design.

However, the majority of the examples of fine turning and execu­ tion resembling scroll-saw work were actually produced by the use of makeshift files. For the American whaleman pioneered in a form of art which required that he must first fashion the very tools he would use.

The sailor's needle was the most versatile element in the paraphernalia of scrimshaw. From it were contrived a variety of files, fine saws, and the piercing and boring instruments used in executing the openwork patterns found in rings, bracelets, brooches, needlesheaths, etc. These awl-like tools were also used to trace the outlines of a future design by a series of pricked or punched holes. Ivory or bone parts entered into a large proportion of these handmade implements. Bone handles were standard. It would seem that the tools themselves could be placed in the cate­ gory of scrimshaw.

The technique of scrimshaw was well adapted to the long hours aboard a whaler. The polishing process has been given credit for much of the mastery of the pioneers. This is due no less to the preliminary grinding, filing, smoothing, or sandpapering neces-

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

sary to reduce the ribbed whale's tooth to a more workable surface than to the finishing done with wood ashes and the labor­ ious hand polishing. The more skillful, on occasion, even used the skin of the shark, in lieu of sandpaper, as a smoothing agent.

Ashes, pumice, and whiting were usually employed for conditioning the whale teeth. In this as in every other stage of scrimshaw evolution, patience was the price of perfection. Whalemen put the fresh teeth in brine to soften them; for, as they grew older, the teeth became harder and correspondingly more difficult to work.

Even so, it was possible by the use of hot water to get a surface that would respond to their tools.

The scrimshaw creators were cautioned by the knowledge that a slip of the knife, or a cut too deep with the bodkin, would force them to discard a literal labor of love which occupied months or even years. Some of the men became very expert in carving and decorating the teeth and produced marvelously delicate and beautiful handwork despite the crudeness of their tools. In deco­ rating the design was scratched upon the surface. The inking or coloring of these scrimshaw etchings or engravings was a detail that is in no small degree responsible for the elusive characteristics of old scrimshaw. Indeed, it is the inability of most of the present practitioners of the art to simulate this subtle quality which has been responsible for the criticism that contemporary pieces look "too new". The supposition has been that India ink alone was used to emphasize the engraved designs, while in actuality ink was not always as available as paint, tar, or even soot from the try-works.

In most cases, black pigment was depended upon to obtain contrast for the incised lines. Occasionally red was introduced in conjunction with the black. In rare instances other colors—notably green, blue, or orange—were used in combination. By this laborious and crude method results equalling the finest steel engravings were often produced, although the majority of scrimshawed teeth show little evidence of artistic talent.

This countersinking for inlay of shell, mother-of-pearl, or pre­ cious metal was scraped out with a knife assisted perhaps with a chisel. That in this, as in other phases of scrimshaw execution, the craftsman was unhurried, may be surmised from the fact that metal for inlay was obtained by shaving gold and silver coins pro­ vided in advance for this purpose. From the preliminary prepara-

THE FOLK ART OF THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN

20

tion of the bone and ivory to the completed decoration the pre­ requisites of the art of scrimshaw were time, patience, care, and extreme caution.

In scrimshaw there is little reminiscent of other arts. Despite attempts of writers to seek the origin of scrimshaw in the prim­ itive art of the Esquimo or of the South-Sea Islander, it is well established that the sources of inspiration were to be found in the environment of the whaleman—either in the home surround­ ings he had left or in his life at sea. Certainly a trophy of the whale-hunt, the symbol of the whaleman's success—a huge tooth taken from the gigantic sea mammal whose capture held his life in constant danger—was a most natural gift to distant friend or loved one. A gift made even more meaningful with its carefully etched pictures of the ship under full sail, incidents of the chase and capture of whales or other maritime scene. There are no choicer bits of Americana to be collected than these records of heroic deeds.

In his choice of scrimshaw designs the sailor expressed great in­ dividuality although, on occasion, a man of artistic talent might influence the output of a whole ship. Life around him constituted his dictionary of ornament—the knots in the rigging; the stars in the heavens above him; the figurehead and sternboard of his ship; the fish of the sea; whale, birds, sails, boats, casks, bells; the wheel, the anchor and similar symbols. Some of the best and most elaborate work was traced or transferred from books, maga­ zines, or illustrated papers which found their way into the fore­ castles of the whaling ship. His pictures of women were frankly copied, primarily from Godey's Book. In all his other work, however, there is a marked and sturdy originality in selection.

The earliest dated piece of scrimshaw in the collection of the Nantucket Historical Association is a tooth decorated "off the coast of Japan" on the first voyage of the ship "Susan" of Nan­ tucket in 1829. On the reverse one can read the following couplet: "Death to the Living, Long live the Killers, Success to Sailors' wives, and Greasy Luck to Whalers."

There is also a whaling scene, and the name of the master, Captain Frederick Swain.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Although his graphics on whale teeth were the most familiar fruit of his craft, it was on the busk, made of planed whalebone, that the whaleman etched his most inspired pictures and waxed most sentimental. To the uninformed, a busk was a flat ruler­ like "stay" about two inches wide, which milady of the nineteenth century thrust into an open slit at the front of her corset. It has been said, as much in truth as in jest, that any woman so fortified was bound to remain true to her sailor. Frequently these functional ornaments bore appropriate and tender verse. One could ill afford to omit this oft-quoted tribute to the charms of a loved one and to the lure of the sea: "Accept, dear Girl this busk from me; Carved by my humble hand.

I took it from a Sparm Whale's Jaw, One thousand miles from land!

In many a gale, Has been the Whale, In which this bone did rest, His time is past, His bone at last Must now support thy brest.

More ambitious and skillful whalemen fashioned articles from the teeth as delicately carved, as well finished, and as intricate in design as any work of the Orient. The majority of these items had their function either in the home or on board ship; others were designed for human adornment; still others provided recreation after as well as at the time of their execution; while a few must be classified purely as objets d'art.

Among the extensive scrimshaw collection of the Nantucket Historical Association one can find numerous items which were commonly found in Island kitchens—chopping knives, a cork screw, butter stamps and butter paddles, dippers, dish mops, spoons and forks, a corn skewer, lamp picks, napkin rings, and rolling pins.

More numerous than all such articles are the odd "jagging wheels", elaborate implements for cutting, piercing and crimping the edges of pies. No one seems to know just why the whalemen were so fond of making these. Perhaps it was the challenge they offered in craftsmanship. Perhaps they were a natural tribute to the delicious pies, baked in New England kitchens, which for years at a time

THE FOLK ART OF THE AMERICAN WHALEMAN

22

were but memories of the past or expectations of the future. What­ ever the reason, these carved pastry wheels, produced in vast numbers, were most ingeniously constructed and most beautifully wrought. The best collection of these in existence is that of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society of New Bedford, Mass. Many of the wheels were highly ornamented with inlay of mother-of-pearl or metal. Others are intricately carved. Nearly every one bears a fork at one end for piercing the pie crust, and in some instances the fork is so arranged as to fold down. Two, three, or perhaps as many as five or seven wheels of varying sizes might be combined on one instrument—mute tribute to the patience and skill of the carver.

Nor did the sailor ignore the housewife's responsibilities for the family wardrobe and linens. In his leisure time he fashioned clothespins, spool racks, thimble and needle cases. The Nantucket collection contains several swifts or reels which were used for unwinding yarn from a skein. One such reel is believed to have been made on the Bark "Afton" during the 1850's. A swift box marked "C. P. K." was made on the Ship "Java" in 1838 by Captain Randall Kelley for his wife, Charlotte (Plaskett) Kelley.

Other subjects of the whaleman's craft were door knobs, hooks, boxes, baskets, birdcages, paper knives, yardsticks, and rulers, seals, and stilettos. The latter items frequently found their way into the captain's desk on board ship. Still others served practical purposes in the equipment of navigation, such as blocks, cleats, and fids and handles of the marlin spikes used in ropemaking. Handles were also made for gimlets, hammers, knives, etc.

Common recreational activities of the nineteenth century were games of cribbage, checkers, chess, and dominoes. To these leisuretime pursuits the craftsmanship of the sailor contributed cribbage boards of whale ivory or walrus tusks, checker and chess boards, chessmen, and dominoes. Strangely enough few ship models were made. Perhaps quarters were too cramped or perhaps the whaler failed to offer the artistic inspiration of the faster clipper ship.

Thus the whalebone model of the Bark "Lagoda" in the Nantucket Whaling Museum is indeed a rarity.

Another feature of scrimshaw art were the articles made for adornment. For himself the sailor carved collar buttons, cufflinks, and rings; for his wife, decorative combs, beads, earrings, pins,

23

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

and brooches. Outstanding in this phase of scrimshaw were the handsomely wrought canes and cane heads which the whaleman treated with great individuality, selecting his designs from all areas of his nautical experience. The collection of whale bone and ivory canes in the Nantucket Whaling Museum provides ample illustration of the variety in subjects—innumerable geometric de­ signs, clenched fists, Turk's head knots, sea bird heads, dogs, snakes, and antique editions of "cheesecake" in high-button shoes.

Another valuable item in the Nantucket collection, which may be seen at the Fair Street Museum, is a dressing case inlaid with 1,900 small pieces of ivory and ebony, made at sea by Captain James Archer on the Bark "Afton" during the cruise which began in 1853.

These articles are but a few of the many which occupied the idle hours aboard ship as the whaleman tried to overcome the extreme boredom of numberless days at sea. He went to work at the task he liked best, one that taxed his ingenuity and required great craftsmanship. For, perhaps, the only time in his life he gave free expression to whatever beauty he felt within. The student of the whaling industry would wonder to find that so much feeling actually existed. As Clifford Ashley has so aptly expressed it: "If part of his work is clumsy and impractical, and misses its intent, nevertheless the beauty of the material imparts to it some degree of charm, so that the least successful of it is not to be passed over lightly, and the best of it ranks among the Fine Arts."

24

History Making Events The call for the annual meeting of the members of the Asso­ ciation has been received, no doubt, by all the members but this is to remind one and all that it will be held July 20th, 1954, at 3 p.m. at Bennett Hall, Centre Street. This being the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Association, President Nancy S. Adams plans that the meeting shall not be limited to the routine business of electing officers and hearing reports, but as this edition goes to press she still refuses to divulge what special plans she may have preferring to keep them as a surprise until the meeting convenes.

It is our opinion, however, that attendance will be well rewarded and so we urge as many members as possible to be present to help celebrate the anniversary and to hear, first hand, the plans for the future.

George W. Jones, who was elected a Councillor in March, was elected Secretary of the Association at a meeting of the Council held April 20th, 1954. Mr. Jones is a birthright Nantucketer with parents and grandparents of Nantucket origin. Active in Town and Civic affairs, he has evidenced always a keen interest in the pres­ ervation of old Nantucket. The Association is fortunate in having secured his consent to serve as its secretary thus insuring his ac­ tive participation in its management.

Mrs. Cyril C. Ross and Mr. James A. Norcross were elected Coun­ cillors at a meeting of the Council held April 20th, 1954. The Asso­ ciation is strengthened by the addition of Mrs. Ross and Mr. Nor­ cross to the Council as both are actively interested in preserving Nantucket's historic sites, traditions, and atmosphere. Mrs. Ross, a resident of Nantucket since her marriage into an old Nantucket family has been active in church, charitable, and other local ac­ tivities. Mr. Norcross is a birthright Nantucketer and by direct descent, through parents and grandparents, of Nantucket origin.

Active in the construction business he is recognized as an author­ ity on old Nantucket buildings, their construction and restoration.

Working for many years with his father, Arthur Norcross, recog­ nized in his time as an authority on old Nantucket construction, James A. Norcross gained enviable knowledge and experience, which will prove of great value to the Association.

In special greeting to members of the Appalachian Club and other Memorial Day holiday week-end visitors, the Association ar-

25

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

ranged a special opening of its various buildings and exhibits, in addition to the formal opening for the season of the Whaling Museum. The Historical Museum, Friends Meeting House, 1800 House, the Old Mill and the Old Jail were open to visitors Sunday afternoon, May 30th from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Over sixty Appalachian Club members and an equal number of other visitors were welcomed at the Whaling Museum and many also took advantage of the special Sunday opening of the other buildings. The Council were happy to open these buildings so as to afford the pre-season holiday weekend visitors an opportunity to see these memorable exhibits of old Nantucket.

The Whaling Museum opened for the season on Saturday May 29th. Throughout the summer the building and its exhibits will be open week days and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wallace Long, known to many as "Cap", is on deck again this year to steer the visitors through the varied exhibits and to tell them many an exciting tale and amusing anecdote. Mrs. Bernice W. Foye is again welcoming visitors at the door. Her pre-tour suggestions of fea­ tures not to be missed are always gratefully received by visitors.

The library is presided over by Miss Helen Winslow who had charge last year. In addition she is engaged in research to develop the story of each person of whom a picture hangs in the portrait room, which when completed will augment the public's interest in these por­ traits and provide the answers to many questions asked. She also plans to do special research on "Scrimshaw" which we hope will result in some interesting articles for publication. W. Ripley Nelson continues as Chairman.

The large pictorial sign of a whale boat and its crew of six men with the harpooner about to throw his harpoon at a whale, displayed for many years on the east outside wall of the Museum but missing last year, again occupies that vantage point arousing much interest and favorable comment richly deserved because of an exceptionally fine bit of restoration work. "Os" Small, a Nantucketer and one of our new members, after much scraping, sand­ papering, and painting provided a fine background for sea and sky, outlined by a redecorated frame. At the same time Earl Ray, our Councilman and a master craftsman, worked on the six whalemen to restore hands, arms, oars, etc., which had gone with the winds of Nantucket. Next came the most ticklish job of all, repainting each whaleman—no mean job for each wears a different costume

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

26

of varying colors and each has facial characteristics and expres­ sions to be preserved. In addition, repainting eleven sea gulls in flight, tinting sea and sky and producing puffy white clouds took time and patience so that when reassembled all elements would blend to a perfect picture. To Mrs. Robert A. Ritchie we owe a debt of gratitude for this part of the work, although at times it seemed our whalemen might refuse to return to their home port because of the lure of the "Seven Seas", Mrs. Ritchie's domain where she conducts a gift shop and performs miracles such as this restoration, but home ties proved too strong. Finally through the combined ef­ forts of Earl, Ray, Mrs. Ritchie, Chairman Nelson, and James Norcross, another Councilman, together with a crew of his men, the whalemen, whale boats, oars, harpoon, ocean, clouds, sea gulls, and the whale were all assembled within the frame which was then raised and firmly secured in its accustomed place in time to wel­ come friends and strangers to the Association's sixtieth birthday celebration.

The formal opening for the 1954 season of the Association's buildings and exhibits took place on Monday, June 14th, except for the Whaling Museum which opened May 29th. The weekly and hourly schedule and admission fees is given in detail in this issue under "Admission schedule for 1954".

The Oldest House is presided over by Miss Ethel C. Clark who is being assisted by a volunteer group of hostesses. All are wearing early Island costumes, as was done last year, which adds so much to the atmosphere. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton, Chairman, restoration work has been carried on in the first and second floor east rooms as described in our April issue.

At 1800 House, Mrs. Susan M. Cowden is welcoming visitors again. Through the efforts of Mr. Crosby, Chairman, an old hand loom has been installed as described in another paragraph. The exhibit of old fashion clothes has been removed to the second floor.

It is expected that as the season advances Mrs. Cowden will be assisted in welcoming visitors by a volunteer group as was done last year.

Mr. John E. Greene serves as he did last year as the "miller" at the Old Mill. Interested and experienced in the wonders of me­ chanics, the mystery of how the old wooden machinery and massive mill stones work when explained by him becomes fascinatingly clear to even a novice. Joe Senecal, responsible for the restoration of

27

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the massive shaft, arms, and vanes after the 1952 winter storm catastrophe, when resetting the vanes this year also put on the sales and once again the vanes and grindstones revolved and the machinery worked so Chairman Earl Ray is now assured all is in readiness for the 60th Anniversary.

Chairman Burnham N. Dell is responsible for the reconstruc­ tion of the cell bunks at the Old Jail which this year is under the Custodianship of Mrs. Eliza King, who reaps the honor of being our first Woman Jailor". A native born Nantucketer who knows stories of the Old Jail she will make the visitors appreciate the hardships as well as the uniqueness of prison life in a four-cell jail built of logs.

At Historical Museum and the Friends Meeting House, Mrs. Alma F. Backus began another season of greeting visitors. Over twenty years of experience together with her knowledge gained from her family and being a native born Nantucketer insures prompt answers to the many questions put to her by interested visitors. Upstairs Mrs. Bessie G. Winslow, who for twenty years or more has helped many a visitor with their genealogies, is sadly missed but her many friends will be glad to learn that though health and advancing years prompted her relief from scheduled duties she still keeps up her interest in Nantucket genealogy. Miss Alice Crocker is filling the position of Librarian this year. Chair­ man Nancy S. Adams has ransacked the archives this spring and has resurrected a number of interesting items which are being prepared for exhibition.

Miss Bertha M. Eckert returns to serve as she did last year as a Relief for the various custodians, receptionists, and librar­ ians so that each may have one day off a week during the summer.

Her knowledge of Island history and experience in meeting people qualifies her well for this work.

The installation of the automatic dry pipe sprinkler system in the Whaling Museum has been completed. The Rockwood Sprinkler Company of Worcester completed the work in two weeks except foi a few minor details handled by sub-contractors which were completed shortly thereafter. The required pressure tests of pip­ ing, valves, etc., and tests as to the operation of the automatic alarms having been satisfactorily passed, the system was accepted officially by the Association at the end of April subject only to

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

28

final inspection and approval by representatives of the New Eng­ land Fire Insurance Rating Association. The necessary regular in­ spection, to insure the maintenance of the required air pressure in the system, will be made by Mr. John Gaspie, Jr. This is a most fortunate arrangement for Mr. Gaspie is superintendent of the Nantucket Fire Alarm system and whenever he is not on duty or available his alternate at fire department headquarters will act in his place. Mr. Ernest Reed of Nantucket, experienced in maintain­ ing Rockwood sprinkler systems, was recommended by the company to service the system when needed. We are fortunate to have obtained Mr. Reed's acceptance to act in that capacity.

Members can now rest easy as to safety and preservation of one of the Association's and Nantucket's most valuable historic sites and collections against the hazard of fire but funds are still needed to cover the cost of this installation. It is hoped that members will show their appreciation through contributions of money which should be sent to the Association where they will be gratefully received. Such gifts to the Association are deductible from federal income tax by individuals by virtue of United States code annotated, title 26, section 23 (o) (2).

The old work shop on Vestal Street owned for many years by the late Lincoln J. Ceely and before him by his father was the birth­ place of many a treasure, as could be produced only by craftsmen such as the owners were recognized to be, although the modern generation may recall it best by the wooden sailorman holding oars in each hand which rotated with the wind.

Hidden away in the old building and inactive for many years but a graphic reminder of one of Nantucket's leading activities of olden days was a hand loom used for weaving woolen garments which adorned the bodies of many Nantucketers. This loom stand­ ing over six feet high was given by Mrs. Lincoln J. Ceely after her husband's death, to the Nantucket Historical Association. When the loom was removed from its location of several generations, relics of a predecessor industry were found, that of the cooperage which for many years was such a vital part of the whaling industry.

The loom, taken apart, was carefully stored until this spring when restoration work planned and carried out at 1800 House

by Everett U. Crosby, its chairman, made space available for ex-

29

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

hibiting the loom. Reassembled by Clarence H. Swift on the first floor in the small room adjacent to the "keeping room", the old loom is again ready for use. After the opening of 1800 House for this season it is hoped to have the old loom in operation so that its woven products may create additional life to that already so much in evidence in the "House that Lives" the story of the past.

"Main Street", the eight page leaflet giving brief historic de­ scriptions of the houses on Main Street from the bank to the Monument, has met with a warm reception as evidenced by re­ quests received up to June fifteenth for over 8,000 copies for distribution. Announcement of the pamphlets' availability was made in May by the four sponsoring organizations, Nantucket Civic League, Rotary Club of Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association and the Public Relations Committee Town of Nan­ tucket. The announcement mailed to hotels, guest houses, and oth­ ers who might be interested read in part as follows: A New Idea Main Street, from the Bank to the Monument, is one of Nan­ tucket's most widely publicized historic attractions.

Summer visitors stroll up and down its length gazing at its houses and wondering about their history.

Barely a day goes by but what at least several artists tran­ scribe in paint, crayon, charcoal, and pencil its charm and unmatchable atmosphere.

The majority of visitors at one time or another spend many hours in photographing the houses and streets to say nothing of photographing each other with the old houses as backdrops.

What could be better advertising and publicity for the town than a pamphlet, giving concise and accurate historical data about Main Street, that could be given free by the hotels, guest houses, businesses, clubs, etc. to the summer visitors? Such a pamphlet is now available and a copy is enclosed for examina­ tion. The text, prepared by the Nantucket Historical Asso­ ciation is the result of careful research with special emphasis on historical accuracy.

The pamphlets can be obtained in lots of 100 at a cost of $1.50 or 11/2 cents apiece, with the understanding that the purchaser will distribute them free to the public. Quantity distribution is handled during the summer at the Whaling Museum by the Asso-

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

30

ciation where applications and payments are made in person. The Association is glad to handle this pamphlet, which has been copyrighted in its name. The response of the public more than justifies the hope and belief of the four sponsoring organizations that the pamphlet will fill a long felt community need.

The Walter Folger telescope on April 29th traveled safely by Northeast Airlines air freight from Nantucket to La Guardia field where Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, a life member of our Association and Consulting Engineer of the Bulova Research & Development Laboratories, picked it up and personally transported it to his laboratories in Flushing. Through his interest and generosity the lens of the instrument will be restored.

A group of Girl Scouts and their three leaders from Revere, Mass., visited the Island on June 4th and 5th as guests of the Nantucket Girl Scouts Organization. On the day of their arrival they toured the Whaling Museum as guests of the Association.

Capt. Long, Mrs. Foye, Receptionist, Mrs. Ellen Chace, acting li­ brarian, and Chairman W. Ripley Nelson greeted the visitors whose many questions showed their interest in the various exhibits.

The third grade pupils from Cyrus Peirce School with Mrs. Grace Ramsdell, their teacher, and the fourth grade from the same school with Mrs. Clara Caton, teacher, made a tour of the Fair Street Museum under the guidance of Mrs. Adams on Monday, June 7th. A great show of enthusiasm was exhibited as the pupils walked around the building. The Folger clock was especially of interest and the fire engines, the cherry stone with 300 silver spoons, the Malay fiddle, etc. Mrs. Adams said it was a pleasure to guide such well behaved and enthusiastic pupils on the tour.

President Adams represented our Association as a delegate to the spring meeting of the Bay State Historical League held at Concord, Massachusetts, April twenty-fourth. Also answering the roll call from Nantucket was Colonel Laurence Bunker, a member of our Association. A very cordial welcome was extended to all delegates. Mrs. Adams was asked to speak about holding the League's Annual Meeting in Nantucket as guests of our associa­ tion. The invitation, extended by her at the winter meeting in Boston was accepted and June 25th and 26th were set as the dates for the meeting.

31

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Annual Meeting of Old Dartmouth Historical Society of New Bedford was held April 22nd. Mrs. Adams attended and ex­ tended the greetings of our association to the members assembled.

Replying to Mr. Tripp's invitation Mrs. Adams said a few words about our 60th Anniversary with special reference to our growing family of 850 members which now exceeds that of Old Dartmouth.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Miss Helen L. Winslow and Mr. Burnham N. Dell as Associate Editors of Historic Nantucket. These two additions to the editorial staff will make it possible to broaden the scope of this magazine as contemplated for the future and we are very fortunate in having obtained their consent to serve. Miss Winslow is a native born Nantucketer who served as a member of the Council of the Association for three years until 1952, when she resigned in view of her acceptance of a teaching assignment in the High School at Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In addition to teaching American History, Miss Winslow is taking her masters degree at the University of Wisconsin and during the summer months continues her active interest in Nantucket by serving as Librarian at the Whaling Museum, doing research work and helping the Association in many other ways. Mr. Dell, a summer resident of Nantucket for 27 years, became a year round resident of Nantucket in 1946. Ex­ tensive research and writing during the 20 years he served as a faculty member of Princeton University and since his retirement coupled with his keen interest in history, local, national, and world and his 8 years of activity as Councilman and Vice President of the Association and 7 years Chairman of its Old Jail are just a few reasons why we are fortunate in having Mr. Dell join actively in the development of "Historic Nantucket".

James A. Norcross recently elected to the Council has been appointed Chairman of the Old Jail succeeding Mr. Burnham N. Dell, who has served faithfully and successfully for the past seven years. Taking the chairmanship shortly after the Old Jail and House of Correction were deeded to the Association, Mr. Dell had charge of the restoration of the Old Jail which required hours of careful application to match and refit rotted timbers but it was completed in the spring of 1948 following which the grounds were enclosed and improved. During the past year he supervised the removal of the condemned House of Correction and with some of the old timbers made available reconstructed the bunks in the cell

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

32

rooms of the Old Jail. Mr. Dell requested that he be released from the chairmanship so thaf he might have time to help develop "Historic Nantucket" as an Associate Editor, a task he had been asked to assume. The Association is grateful to Mr. Dell for his excellent work as chairman and while reluctant to relieve him, feels that with Mr. Norcross appointed as his successor the chair­ manship passes into the hands of one who will prove equally com­ petent and interested in one of Nantucket's outstanding landmarks and one which represents the oldest type of New England penal institutions.

At a meeting of the Council held June 15th the resignation of Mrs. Stacy Knopf as a member of the Council was presented and accepted with regret. As former chairman of the membership committee Mrs. Knopf laid the ground work for the Anniversary Membership Campaign and was responsible for securing many new members for the Association.

At the same meeting, the Council appointed Mr. Albert Egan, Jr., to serve until 1955, the expiration date of Mrs. Knopf's unex­ pired term of office. Mr. Egan, known to all his friends as "Bud", adds another Nantucketer by birth to the Council. In addition he enjoys the Coffin heritage being the son of Mrs. Albert Egan, the daughter of the late James Coffin a much-beloved and well-known citizen of 'Sconset. While "Bud" now resides in Nantucket it may be said truly that " 'Sconset" will have direct representation in the Council.

The business office of the Association, located during the winter months in the Folger Building, 58 Main Street has been moved to the Association's Fair Street property for the summer months. It will occupy the second floor space in the Friends Meeting House but with no regular open hours. When not open inquiries will be handled by Mrs. Backus at the Historical Museum.

From all of the foregoing reports, the steady increase in the Association's activity, scope of interests and beneficial influence is very apparent. While President Adams' plans are still to be announced we believe that as the year progresses members will find many new developments to capture and hold their interest and support and that the year will prove a gala one in which all members will be able to exercise justifiable pride.

33

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

BY NANCY S. ADAMS (1776 Continued)

Sept. 4—Stephen Coleman here relating his adventures too num­ erous to relate he says 16 thousand Regulars landed last week on L. Island others daily expected—A grand battle would ensue— there had been several schurmages & men killed on both sides.

Sept. 5—Abishai Barnard & Phebe Swain (Tristram's daughter) married to-day in the meeting.

Sept. 8—Barney Coleman & Abiel Clark married last eve.

Sept. 9—Mr. Crocker came to-day from Falmouth in his own vessel she is bound with a load of lumber to the West Indies.

Sept. 10—Mr. Crocker went to Falmouth this afternoon—the gen­ eral court in this Province have resolved that no Lumber should be waterborne after the 9th. of this month and he continued 2 months under Penalty of 300 pounds. Crocker knew not of this till since he came here.

Sept. 14—"we have the news this morn the regulars have con­ quered all L. Island. It is not believed by some although it has come in hand Bills—Now let the sons of exult, they hardly deserve pity—Abagail Pinkham died yesterday an aged woman upwards of 80, was buried to-day was mother to Daniel Pinkham.

Sept. 17—Mrs. Downs & Kitty Bangs, Jethro Hussey's son & Brown Folger's son (5 years old) were riding in a calash very fast in turning a corner the Calash overset and killed Folger's child instantly.

Oct. 4—Henry Gardner (son to Uriah) died last night he came home lately from the W. Indies sick.

Oct. 7—Kitty & Olive Graham came to the Island with Jonathan Folger. David Rand also came with Folger he came out of Halifax bound somewhere but don't know where, was taken by an American Privateer & carried into some E. Port.

Oct. 13—A Long Island man (brother to Reuben Gardner's wife) came to the Island to-day, he heard lately from Mr. Fanning's Father &c. Brown (his brother) moved from Shelter Isld. after the troops landed. Mr. Hall came here, he had just come to the

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIAKY

34

Island. He is published to Kitty (Gorham), was out a privateering when she came to the Island.

Oct. Sunday—Stranger woman preached, words very good, de­ livery poor.

November 2—Saturday. Uriah Swain came this evening to the Island from Saratoga and tells that they are all well there & that Burgoyne and Clinton have taken and destroyed the American vessel in the Lakes and that they are now in possession of Crown Point and it is thought they would soon lay siege to Ticonderoga.

Nov. 3—Mr. & Mrs. Shaw & Betsey came to the Island this morn.

Mrs. Shaw went off last summer to lie in, she had a still born child in August.

Nov. 7—Thaddeus Swain & Ruth Hussey married to-day in meet­ ing.

Nov. 13—Wm. Swain Sr. & Solomon Gardner came to the Island to-day, left Saratoga the 3rd of this mo. tells no news. Afternoon, Robinson Crocker came here he lives in Boston with Duncan Ingraham, is bound to Falmouth put in here for a harbor. (P. F. shoots geese, Teal, Coot, Duck, Bluebill, Red head, Broad Bill.)

Nov. 17—P. F. went this morn to the S. E. of the Island to see a whale that was killed yesterday by Uriah Bunker & others. Happy Shroud (Happy Pinkham's daughter) died last night.

Dec. 5—Sampson shot the old mare to-day. She was so old she could not eat—her teeth were worn out. She was 32 years old last Spring.

Dec. 16—Dinah Worth died yesterday.

Dec. 20—Zac Bunker's wife had twins born this week, they both died last night.

Dec. 27—St. John's Day. Masons dine at Esq. Hussey's.

Dec. 29—Peter Barnard came to-day Dartmouth and tells that the British Army is at Burlington in the Jerseys and that they lately took General Lee by surprise while he was at dinner.

1777 Mon. Jan. 13—"Deborah Coffin & Mary Gardner came here (I sup­ pose as a committee from the Meeting) to advise me not to be courted by a Presbyterian & to consider well the matter before I

35

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

entered the marriage state. Some of their advice was good but I thing quite needless, at this time—they advised me not to dress so fashionable."

Thurs. Jan. 16—Barney Starbuck arr'd from W. Indies last night with 19 hundred bushels Salt on board.

Tues. Jan. 28—Last night was the first night I ever lodged out of my father's house on the Island.

Sun. Feb. 2—Matthew Beard sailed to-day for Dartmouth with 30-40 or 50 of our young men. They are going to sea from Dart­ mouth. Peter Barnard arr'd to-day from Dartmouth tells that Sally Gray (Fitch that was) died lately in bed in Boston.

Thurs. Feb. 6—Thomas Starbuck (old gent) died yesterday.

Sat. Feb. 8—Micajah Coffin & Benjamin Folger arr'd from Phila­ delphia loaded with flour.

Tues. Feb. 11—Uriah Gardner arr'd from Philadelphia loaded with flour.

Wed. Feb. 12—Matthew Beard arr'd Dartmouth—no news.

Mon. Feb. 17—Stephen Gardner arr'd S. Carolina. Uriah Swain went with him.

Feb. 18—About two months ago an American Privateer took a ship of 260 tons that was bound from Jamaica to London. She was loaded with rum, sugar, cotton, pimento, coffee, &c, &c. The Cap­ tain's name Peacock, his wife on board, they fought six hours The Captain's wife loaded and fired her pistol off the quarter deck for some time at the Privateer; but at length the ship was obliged to strike. The Privateer put thirteen of their men on board, and left eight of the ship's people on board. Yesterday noon this same ship struck on the great shoal E. from this island and bilged. The people at 2 in the afternoon were obliged to leave her. They could just discern land from the ship; twenty one of them got into a moses boat and headed for the shore. Five o'clock the next morning they landed at the E. end of the island.

Wed. Feb. 19—"Debby came here afternoon. She & I went to Mary Binkers to see the Castaway People. The Capt. his wife & brother had a fire up Chamber—they appeared civil people— young folks.

Mrs. Peacock & her brother went home with me. She appears very

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

36

lively, is about 20 years old. She says her maiden name was Har­ riet Lamb. Her parents died when she was young and left her with an Uncle about two years ago she ran away to Scotland with one Smith & was married to him (she couldn't be married in England being under age) before she left with him she made him agree not to bed with her till their return to England—the day she arrived an intimate friend of her advised her that her husband was a very abandoned man & altho she lived with him 3 months she knew him not from another man, he going constantly after bad women & treating her very ill she sued for a Bill of divorcement which was granted her, it cost her 4 hundred pounds sterling—she had a pretty fortune when Smith married her but he spent most of it, her Uncle being dead & she having no near relative in England, was her own mistress, she was educated at a boarding school & learnt millenary & mantua making—She was told something hand­ some might be made in Jamaica by her trade, took what little she had & her brother & went on Board. Capt. Peacock took a fancy to her and courted and married her in Janeiro, he did not choose to leave her there & she was bound home with him when they were taken by these merciless wretches, this is the purpose of her story—Her husband came up at tea time, he is not handsome but is well looking.

Thurs. Feb. 20—Several vessells have attempted to go to the shoal to try to save something out of the ship but their attempts proved abortive, it being very blustering.

Tues. Feb. 26—Old Andrew Myrick left his family this morn, they knew not what had become of him till just at night one of his sons went into his bank & found him hanging by a rope end—the Jury brought in that he hung himself. Sally Jenkins had a daughter born to-day.

Fri. Feb. 28—Capt. Peacock wife & brother dined here—have hired a room & furniture in Martha Gardner's house.

Sun. Mar. 2—Capt. Waterman has arrived as far as the Clifft from Phila.

Thurs. Mar. 6—Uncle Jonathan Folger departed this life at 5 o'clock this morning; he is grandmother Pinkham's brother.

Fri. Mar. 7—Mehitable Pollard died this week at Bass River. Silv.

Hussey came to the island this day week from Lynn.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Tues. Mar. 11—Edmund Gardner married Juda Hussey's daughter three or four months ago. Peacock & family leave for England.

Sat. Mar. 15—Eliza Bailey, Eben's wife had a son born to-day.

Sun. Mar. 16—Joseph Mitchell preached a weak instrument. Abiel Swain's child (Frederick) died last night, one year old last June.

Fri. Mar. 21—Rebecca Coffin (Nat's wife) died last eve at 10 o'clock.

Sun. Mar. 23—Intentions of Marriage Between P.F. & K.C. pub­ lished.

(Note: P.F. is Phineas Fanning of Long Island, N. Y., K.C. in Kezia Coffin only child of Kezia Folger and John Coffin, all of Nantucket, Mass.)

Tues. Mar. 25—Barzillai Folger came to the Bar to-day from France. He sailed last August. Joseph Nicolls has been with him.

Fri. Mar. 28—Mrs. Proctor (Ben's wife) had a daughter last night.

Silv. Hussey gone to Saratoga via N. Bedford. Dinah Jenkins (William's wife) had a son born this eve.

Mon. Mar. 31—Stephen Coffin's youngest child died to-day. Peggy Coffin (Bartlett's wife) had a daughter born to-day.

Sat. Apr. 5—Phineas Fanning and Kezia Coffin married by Mr. Shaw at his house.

Mon. Apr. 7—One Mr. Peeker came here he lives down East, he was persecuted for his political principles (being what is called a Tory) he was obliged to leave his home, has left his wife (but no child) behind, went to the Vineyard hoping to reach N. York in a war vessell thence to Nantucket.

Thurs. Apr. 10—Benj. Barney & Loris Long married in meeting.

Mon. Apr. 21. Dr. Tupper came from Falmouth last week.

Wed. Apr. 30—Fire was cried last night. Stephen Hussey's black­ smiths shop got on fire, burnt the West roof some but it was soon extinguished.

Fri. May 2—Charles Coleman's wife had a son born last night.

Sat. May 3—Batchelder Swain's wife had 3 children born last night, all well. 2 girls & a boy, they live in Polpis.

(To Be Continued)

38

Gifts and Donors 1953 - 1954 Arrivals and Locations

BY MRS. NANCY S. ADAMS, CUSTODIAN

The accessions the past year for the various exhibits have been numerous. Many books and papers make up the large part of the list. To all the donors and to those who have made temporary loans, the Nantucket Historical Association expresses most sincere thanks and grateful appreciation.

We are still hoping that early American furniture, or period furniture for the Oldest House and the "1800" House will be forthcoming. Both houses would be much more attractive if we could have a fine display of suitable furnishings.

The following is a list of donations since the last report in July 1953.

Historical Museum Ashley, Mrs. Lucy C.—Carpet Stretcher—used when homes were carpeted from wall to wall. Framed etching of Brant Point Light by C. F. W. Mielatz.

Blackburn, Miss Elizabeth M.—Black Silk Carriage Parasol.

Boyer, Mrs. Maurice—Seal used by Collector of Customs of Nan­ tucket, Mass.

Bunker, Mrs. Malcolm—Collection of Papers and pictures from Estate of George Parker.

Candle Light Guild of St. Paul's Church—Doll and Chair, over 100 years old formerly belonging to Mary E. Starbuck.

Ceely, Mrs. Lincoln—Old Sickle and Snaith.

Chambliss, Mrs. Anne Scott—George Washington design Liverpool Pitcher. Framed appointment of Stephen Hussey as Inspector of the Revenue for the Ports of Nantucket and Sherburne, 1793, signed by G. Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Clark, Mr. Robert—Portrait of Charles Colesworthy. Topaz shirt brooch with Colesworthy Crest engraved on it. Glass Wine Goblett, said to be a golden wedding gift. Two ladder back chairs, rush bottom, from Harriet Dunham house, Nantucket.

Set of white china with green grape design. These donations given in memory of Helen (Colesworthy) Clark.

39

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Coffin, Mrs. Edward—Four ivory handled, three tine forks.

Conable, Col. Morris E.—Large collection of books and papers from estate of Mrs. Florence Easton Conable.

Crosby, Mr. Everett U.—Collection of papers and articles from the former Seth Coffin house on Orange Street, Nantucket, in­ cluding letter from Thomas E. Coffin to Seth B. Coffin dated 1855 telling about wreck of Ship Manchester and an account about Joseph C. Hart, author of Miriam Coffin.

Forbes, Mr. Allan—Two volumes of brochure "Taverns and Stage Coaches of New England."

Fosdick, Mr. Raymond B.—Book—"Annals of the Fosdick Family."

Gardner, Mrs. Grace Brown—Newspaper article about grandmother of donor, "A Woman's View of Pioneer Days on the Pacific Coast."

Gardner, Mrs. Frank Crosby—Photograph of six Nantucket Gen­ tlemen. Three daguerreatypes of Nantucket people.

Gardner, Dr. William E.—Photostat copy of George Hussey's Ex­ pulsion from Harvard College—1711. Genealogy of the Gard­ ner Family.

Harwood, Miss Margaret—Collection of articles, among which is a caliper belonging to David G. Hussey. Also collection of old iron tools formerly belonging to the late Mr. Alvin E. Paddock.

Horner, Mrs. Charles—Pewter Shaving Mug used by Capt. Paul Worth who was one of the men with John Paul Jones on his flagship and who used this mug all through the war of 1812.

This mug came to donor through the great-great grandson of Paul Worth.

Jewett, Mr. Walter—Old copper cod-fish weather vane taken from old Nantucket Hotel.

Jones, Mrs. Frank M.—Collection of papers formerly belonging to the William Randall family.

King, Mrs. Kent.—Photograph of Misses Rachel and Lizzie Swain standing in the doorway of their home on Milk Street.

Marshall, Mrs. Albert E.—Letter written to Lady Hamilton from Isaac Coffin, dated March, 1799. An original, a photostatic copy and a typed copy. Letter written 1733 by James Coffin to Mr. Daniel Wooster of Haverhill, re: shipment of wool.

McConnell, Mrs. Jane Tompkins—Old Nantucket Census of 1855.

Miller, Miss Carrie E.—Framed Wax Flower Ornament said to be one hundred years old.

Pease, Mrs. Byron E.—Copper Lustre Pitcher with delft blue band and pictures; two matching goblets. Belonged to Peter Pease,

GIFTS AND DONORS

40

great-great grandfather of Mr. Byron E. Pease. Collection of Nantucket newspapers and photograph of G.A.R. members.

Rawlings, Dr. Arthur L.—Directions for the care of the Walter Folger Clock.

Richmond, Mrs. George D.—Large basket used for holding wool.

Photographs of Nantucket people.

Roys, Miss Margaret—Photograph of Main Street at corner of Ray's Court showing old tree, later destroyed by storm. Copy of poem written by Henry S. Wyer.

Runk, Dr. B. F. D.—Article in the Virginia Peninsula, 1862-69, from the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography en­ titled, "Contrabands" and Quakers.

Scudder, Mr. Benjamin—Old umbrella with ivory handle and tips, from an old Nantucket house.

Snelling, Mrs. Samuel—Story of the Wednesday Reading Club, 1916 to 1952, prepared by Mrs. Charles A. Ratcliff.

Simms, Mr. Herbert L.—Old Ivory Swift made by Barzilla Weeks.

Stone, Hon. Edward C.—Booklet "James Otis, Jr.", an address given by donor in June, 1952.

Strong, Mrs. Austin—Blue frock coat made for a Nantucket gen­ tleman from wool woven on the Island. This coat and a tall gray hat were worn by the late Austin Strong at the Main Street fetes for the benefit of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital on several occasions. Also a tall black beaver hat.

Tallant, Dr. Alice Weld—Oil painting of Ray's Court. Deed to George Ray from John Ray 1802. Copy of will of George Ray, 1807.

Tracy, Mrs. William H.—Large American Flag.

Vail, Mrs. Elsie Ashley—Hand Loom belonged to and given in memory of Miss Marjorie Ashley.

Wakefield, Mrs. Lyman E.—Letter dated 1844 to Miss Elizabeth B. Chase from G. B. Folger, Jr. 20 photostatic copies of letters from the Folger Family.

Welsh, Dr. G. W.—4 stereoscope views of Nantucket.

Weeks Estate—Photographs of Arthur Weeks, his brother, and father. Medal to Arthur Weeks for gallantry in saving life.

Whaling Museum Almeida, Mrs. Mary M.—Showcase.

Barnes, Cyrus—Acts and Resolves of General Court, 1952; Bible Starbuck Family.

41

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Carlisle, Henry—Four installments of a serial story from a maga­ zine, "A Reporter at Large and There Was a Whale."

Cook, Mrs. Kelly—Book: James Douglas Jerrold Kelley, Com­ mander U. S. N. Crocker, Miss Alice—Log book of the Brig Nancy S. Coffin.

Crosby, Mr. Everett U.—1825 edition of Biographia Americana; Marking Iron (C. Pitman).

Gardner, Dr. William E.—Books: Two Steps Down; Diligence in Love; The Lost Discovery; Nantucket, by Nellie S. Simms.

Dorsett, Dr. Edward Lee—Article, "Hawaiian Whaling Days".

Harwood, Miss Margaret—Eskimo Hook.

Moolman, Mr. Henry M.—South African-American Survey, 19531954, of the South African Embassy.

Morse, Mrs. Elizabeth W. (Estate)—Portrait Captain James Gwynn. Letters regarding Gwynn family and Liberty Street house.

Purchased—"The Sea-Hunters"; "Whaling Wives".

Rice, Mrs. Thomas G.—3 books.

Ross, Mrs. Harriet—Insurance Paper of Ship Nautilus. Bell used on Ship Nautilus.

Gardner, Mr. George Peabody through Mr. Jenkins of Salem— Book: "Harbors in Nova Scotia".

Short, Mr. Vincent—Book: "Steamboat Bill of Facts."

Short, Mr. Vincent and Mr. Edwin Sears—Loan: Oil Painting Steamer Eagle and Steamer Lafayette.

Tallant, Dr. Alice Weld—Log book of Whaler Cortes of New Bed­ ford ; Copy book in writing of Eben Coleman.

Peabody Museum—Book: "E l/2" by G. Peabody Gardner.

Torjesen, Elizabeth—Book: "Capt. Ramsay's Daughter".

Urann, Mrs. Carl B.—Books; "Chasing the Bow Head" and "Herman Melville".

Walling, Mrs. Georgie—Books: "Thorn's Practical Navigator"; American Nautical Magazine for 1931; Bowditch Practical Navigator, 3rd. edition. Given in memory of John Franklin Walling to whom these books belonged.

Winslow, Mrs. Helena Guest—Books: "The Great Whales" and "Seabird".

Youell, Mr. George—Book: "Lower Class".

"1800" House.

Ashley, Mrs. Lucy C.—10 old wooden clothes pins.

Brown, Miss Pauline—8 old books.

GIFTS AND DONORS

42

Boyer, Mrs. Zetta F.—Counterpane made in Nantucket.

Ceely, Mrs. Lincoln—2 hand woven Blankets. 2 Feather Beds.

Cowden, Mrs. Susan M.—Red Table Cloth for kitchen table.

Crosby, Mr. and Mrs. Everett U.—Large Hooked Rug. Chair made of fruit wood, of Portuguese or Italian make, about 125 years old.

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown—Stand for Wash Bowl and Pitcher.

Fulton, Miss Elizabeth—Rochingham Teapot, brown with design of "Rebecca at the Well".

Hutaff, Mrs. Grace Elkins—Bombazine Dress and Quaker dress worn by Grandmother of donor. Pumpkin Hood. Bonnett in old Hat Box. Parasol of brown plaid.

Johnson, Mrs. Pauline M.—Old carpet bag.

Jones, Mrs. Frank M.—Black Taffeta Dress. Quaker bonnett. Black beaded mantle. Mantle of encrusted gilt on cloth. Hand made linen sheet. Two pillow slips, marked Mary Coffin. Fine old quilt. Black silk carriage parasol.

Old Peoples Home Trustees—Collection of kitchen articles.

Sellick, Mrs. George—Complete crockery chamber set.

Sibley, Mr. Clarence—Feather bed. Child's chair. Pair andirons, Chippendale chair, light wood. Arrow back chair. Four post bed (loan).

Oldest House.

Blair, Mrs. Robert—Old Hearth Broom. Ancient Floor Scraper.

Latch String.

Barber, Mrs. Howard—3 Hand woven Coverlets. Patchwork Quilt.

Bolster and 2 Pillows. (Loans.)

Duprey, Mr. Kenneth and Mr. Marshall Shelden—2 Sheep skin Rugs (loans).

Edgarton, Mrs. Lewis S.—5 Bed Pillows. 3 Sofa Pillows. Crib Quilt.

2 Pairs Yellow Print Curtains. 3 Dark Brown Crocks. 2 Tan Crocks. Blue Spice Box (loans).

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown—Large Wooden Cannikin. Deer Skin Trunk—1709 (loan).

Hailes, Mrs. Charlotte—Small Black Doll's Trunk. Egg Basket.

Child's Basket. Short handled Fire Place Shovel. Old Quilt (loan).

Hutaff, Mrs. Grace Elkins—Old Beanpot. Chair Cushions. Piece of Old Coverlet. Fireplace Broiler.

Klingelfuss, Mr. and Mrs. Paul—Wooden Settle.

MacDougall, Mrs. Hugh—Old Pierced Tin Lantern (loan).

43

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Miller, Mr. Lawrence—Bed Wrench.

Riddell, Mrs. Isabel W.—Old Pierced Tin Lantern.

Ruley, Mrs. Robert E.—Set of Cookie Cutters,used by Descendants of Jethro and Mary Coffin.

Shelden, Mr. Marshall—Old Quilt.

Sibley, Mr. C. L.—Chippendale Mirror. Corner Chair. Child's Rock­ ing Chair. Old Hooked Rug (loans).

Stackpole, Mrs. Edouard A.—2 Linen Sheets. 2 Bolster Cases. 1 Pillow Case (donations). Wooden Trencher. 3 Bone Handled Knives. 4 Bone Handled Forks. 2 Baby Dresses. 1 Blouse or Guimpe. 1 Night Cap. 2 Wooden Spice Boxes. Tin Candle Stick (loans).

Straight Wharf Theatre Management—Costumes.

Sylvia, Mr. Frank—Joint Stool (loan).

Taylor, Mrs. W. C.—Second hand joists and wood laths for use in restoration work in house.

Tinker, Mrs. Harold—Hutch Table (loan).

Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Fawcett—Large Wooden Trencher (loan).

44

Finance Committee Report 1953 - 1954 The Committee has been active throughout the year holding meetings usually once a month so that its recommendations could be acted upon promptly by the Council. Five subjects to which the Committee devoted much thought and time are specifically men­ tioned. t. The reorganization of the accounting system approved by the Council at the end of the 1952 fiscal year so as to reflect cor­ rectly earnings, surplus, and a balance sheet of assets and liabil­ ities on recognized corporate finance principals has been further refined and has proved most beneficial in handling the finances.

2. The installation of a budget system for expenses for each ex­ hibit and for general account has operated successfully and been a great help to the chairman of each exhibit and to the Council in controlling expenses.

3. Recommendations for capital expenditures, reconstruction, and restoration have been made and accepted for which reserves have been promptly established with the result a tight control has been maintained on such charges.

4. The completion of the installation of the fire prevention Sprinkler System in the Whaling Museum is an accomplished fact.

The approval of the Council to proceed at once with this most important project resulted from the work of this Committee in obtaining bids, contracting for the work, and recommendations as to methods for financing. Funds are still needed to pay the entire cost but the Committee is still confident that special donations will be received during the coming summer in sufficient amount.

5. Reorganization of the Association's insurance coverage has been started and will be completed during the fiscal year 1954-1955.

The outstanding factor will be the greatly increased fire coverage for the Whaling Museum at only slightly additional cost due to the large reduction in premium from $1.72 per $100 to an antici­ pated premium of $.118 (cents) per $100 as a result of the sprinkler system installation.

The Committee has been greatly helped by the unselfish cooperation and work of the treasurer, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth, and the confidence evidenced by the officers and the Council.

45

Treasurer's Report Statement of Income and Expenses 1953-54 Gross Income

Operating Expenses

Net Income

$ 8 321.71

$ 3 562.46

$ 4 759.25

1 809.83 2 692.20 638.30 831.00 391.70

1 487.12 1 111.03 645.35 847.41 358.25

322.71 1 581.17

$14 684.74

$ 8 011.62

$ 6 673.12

OPERATING Museums Whaling Museum Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Oldest House Old Mill 1800 House Old Jail Total for Museums

General Annual Dues 1 551.00 Interest and Dividends 616.29 Miscellaneous 215.42 Total for General 2 382.71 Total Operating $17 067.45

7.05 16.41

33.45

5 131.84

2 749.13

$18 143.46

$ 3 923.99

$ 6 860.29 569.38

$ 2 536.35'

$ 7 429.67

$

SPECIAL PROJECTS Whaling Museum Sprinkler System 1800 House Restoration Total Special Projects

$ 4 323.94 695.89 $ 5 019.83

126.51 2 409.84

ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS 1953-1954 Balance May 31, 1953 Credits: Net Operating Earnings 1953-1954 Total Credits Debits: Oldest House Restoration $ 1800 House Restoration Old Jail Restoration Old Mill Extraordinary Repairs President's Discretionary Purchasing Fund Total Debits Balance May 31, 1954

$ 5 700.92 3 923.99 $ 9 624.91

688.90 99.76 445.00 233.89 200.00

$ 1 667.55

1 667.55 $ 7 957.36

Italic figures denote deficits. *Deficit covered by advance from Permanent Fund pending receipt further donation (see Balance Sheet).

46

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1954 ASSETS FREE FUNDS Cash Pacific National Bank Cash Whaling Museum Prepaid Insurance Savings Bank Deposits U. S. Government Bonds Corporation Bonds Stocks DESIGNATED FUNDS Cash — Pacific National Bank Savings Bank Deposits U. S. Government Bonds RESTRICTED FUNDS Savings Bank Deposits LAND AND BUILDINGS* Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Old Mill Whaling Museum Old Jail 1800 House COLLECTIONS- -all buildings (nominal value) Total LIABILITIES DESIGNATED FUNDS Permanent Fund (Life Memberships) 4 458.22 Advance for Whaling Museum Sprinkler System Fund 2 536.35 Spinning Room 1800 House "Main Street" Sponsors' Account Reserve for Oldest House Restoration Reserve for Fair Street Extra Repairs President's Discretionary Purchasing Fund Employee Withheld Taxes Dues Paid in Advance RESTRICTED FUNDS Will Gardner Fund Emma F. Hayward Fund Ella M. Starbuck Fund William Swift Fund Susan E. Brock Fund CAPITAL ACCOUNT Invested in Land and Buildings Invested in Collections SURPLUS Total *Assessed value of property.

460.05 25.00 338.94 825.87 000.00 300.00 7.50

f 7 957.36

461.49 451.39 2 000.00

2 912.88

11 547.63

11 547.63

5 10 1 5 10

800.00 000.00 000.00 834.00 350.00 000.00

34 984.00 10 000.00 $67 401.87

1 921.87 126.51 120.80 250.00 79.52 200.00 22.18

192.00

2 3 5 1

547.63 000.00 000.00 000.00 OOO.OO

34 984.00 10 000.00

2 912.i

11 547.63.

44 984.00 7 957.36 $67 401.87

47

Membership Report

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

The goal of 1,000 members which we hoped to reach before June 1st, the beginning of our 60th Anniversary year, was not attained. We are confident that by the date of our annual meeting in July many additions to our family will be reported and still are hopeful that our goal may be reached by that date.

Membership now stands at 858, a net increase of 85 members since January 1st, 1954. Life members 133, 24 of whom are new including 5 honorary elections. Sustaining members number 36. of whom 27 are new. Annual active members number 689 of whom 375 are new.

New members since the April report are: ACTIVE MEMBERS (annual) Brady, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Guptill, Mrs. Leon C. Bohannon, Mrs. Elizabeth G. Haines, Mr. and Mrs. Wilder H. Coggins, Mrs. Byron L. Harvey, Dr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Crocker, Mrs. Edmund P. Lindstrom, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar T. Cole, Mr. M. Douglas Lindstrom, Miss Alida Linda Duprey, Mr. G. Kenneth Norton, Mrs. Helen S. Everett, Mr. Henry C. Jr. Norcross, Mr. Allen E. Sheldon, Mr. Marshall H. Everett, Mr. Julian Everett, Mr. Richard M. Silva, Mr. Albert L. Waine, Mr. Gilbert F.

We have been saddened by many deaths during the past fiscal year and have received with regret resignations from several members living at some distance from Nantucket.

Deceased Members—1953-1954

Barrett, Miss Anna E. C. (A) Chambliss, Mrs. Anne Scott (A) Coffin, Mr. Frank Mitchell (A) Colt, Mrs. Jeanne N. (A) Henry, Mrs. Frank F. (A) Morse, Mrs. Elizabeth W. (L) Paddock, Mr. Alvin E. (A) Pitman, Mrs. Charlotte W, (A)

Potter, Mr. Lucius D. (A) Ring, Miss Anne (A) Swain, Mr. Frank King (A) Taber, Mrs. Elizabeth F. (A) Todd, Mrs. Helen Mitchell (A) Wildman, Mrs. Maud B. (A) Wellington, Mr. Alfred (L) Zabriski, F. C. (A)

Resignations

Daly, Miss Beatrice Daly, Mr. J. Austin

Drake, Mrs. Pearl E. Harris, Mrs. Edward

48

Number Of Admissions Report Whaling Museum Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Oldest House 1800 House Old Jail Old Mill Total

1953-54

1952-53

1951-52

15,865

11,801

16,053

3,493 4,895 1,654 2,995 3,127

2,459 5,122 700 807 1,997

4,340 5,368 1,132 856

32,029

22,886

27,749

Admission Schedule for 1954 Weekly and Hourly

Week Days and Sundays

Whaling Museum

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oldest House Historical Museum and

Weekdays

Sundays

Friends Meeting House

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2 to 5 p.m.

1800 House Old Mill

Week Days Only 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Old Jail Admission Fees

To all Buildings and Museums (except as noted) 50c per person.

To Old Mill and Old Jail—Admission free but every visitor is asked to make a donation toward the upkeep of these old buildings.

Association Members presenting 1954 and Life Membership Cards admitted free.

Children under 12 years of age admitted free.

49

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 W. Ripley Nelson

Secretary

Treasurer

George W. Jones

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth

Councillors Term Expires

Henry B. Coleman Robert M. Waggaman Albert Egan Jr Mrs. Cyril C. Ross Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton John W. Grout Earl S. Ray James A. Norcross

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. Walton H. Adams, Chairman

Historic Nantucket W. Ripley Nelson, Editor Burnham N. Dell Associate Editor

Miss Helen L. Winslow Associate Editor

50

Staff THE WHALING MUSEUM W. Ripley Nelson Wallace Long Mrs. Herbert W. Foye Miss Helen L. Winslow

Chairman Custodian Receptionist Librarian

FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE

and HISTORICAL MUSEUM Mrs. Walton H. Adams Mrs. Alma Backus Miss Alice Crocker

Chairman Custodian Librarian

OLDEST HOUSE Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton Miss Ethel Clark

Chairman Custodian

OLD MILL Earl S. Ray John Greene

Chairman Custodian

OLD JAIL James A. Norcross Mrs. Eliza King

Chairman Custodian

"1800" HOUSE Chairman Associate Chairman Custodian

Everett U. Crosby Mrs. C. Clark Coffin Mrs. Susan M. Cowden

Legacies, Bequests and Gifts The Treasurer's report published in this issue shows that income from operations exceeded expenses by a small margin in the past year but it is made equally clear that this margin is not sufficient to finance any major special project such as was com­ pleted this spring to protect the Whaling Museum and its collection against fire. This major project is being financed by generous donations made in response to a special appeal but funds are still needed to cover the entire cost of this project. Counsel has rendered the opinion that gifts to the Nantucket Historical Asso­ ciation are deductible from federal income tax by virtue of United States Code, Annotated, Title 26, Section 23 (0) (2). Your help in the form of a donation to the "Sprinkler Fund" is earnestly so­ licited.

Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program. You can perpetuate that interest by naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future. Coun­ sel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nantucket Historical Association are deducted from federal estate tax by virtue of Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, Section 812(d).

Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as di­ rected by the donor. A sample form of bequest may read as follows: FORM OF BEQUEST "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket His­ torical Association, a corporation duly incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of .... dollars."

Bequests may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paintings or any objects having historical value in which event a brief description of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

The officers and members of the Council will be glad to discuss the Association's need for an Endowment Fund of $500,000. What better occasion than the 60th birthday of the Association for a member to arrange a legacy to its benefit?