Historic Nantucket, July 1955, Vol. 3 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET'S WHALING MUSEUM

JULY,1955 WHALING MUSEUM TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY YEAR Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

Season Admission Schedule 1955 The various buildings and museums of the Association will be open officially to the public for the 1955 Season on the following schedules: Whaling Museum Oldest House Old Jail

Week Days and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historical Museum

Week Days

Friends Meeting House

Sundays

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2 to 5 p.m.

1800 House

Week Days Only

Old Mill

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission Fees

Admission fee to all Buildings and Museums, (except as noted) 50 cents 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.

All Association Members presenting 1955 and Life Member­ ship cards admitted free.

All children under 12 years of age admitted free.

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

VOLUME 3

JULY 1955

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 1955 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Season Admission Schedule

1

Factual Information

2

Editorial

4

The Nantucket Whaling Museum

6

Annual Reports >1 Admissions

35

Historical Museum

36

Old Mill

37

Oldest House

38

"1800 House"

39

Old Jail

40

Gifts and Donors

41

Membership

45

Publicity and Advertising

47

Finance Committee

49

Treasurer's Report

51

Nantucket's Colony in the Old World

53

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

62

History Making Events

66

Officers

70

Staff

71

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EDITORIAL This issue of our Quarterly marks the start of the Associa­ tion's fiscal year with every indication of continued growth in the Association's activities through which it can be a vital factor in the prosperity and economic growth of Nantucket. This is true because among Nantucket's most important assets for attracting and holding the right kind of people are the reminders of the Island's whaling days, its prosperity and gracious living to the preservation of which the Association is pledged.

The manner in which the Association can play its part is found in the eight accepted functions of an historical association quoted in last month's editorial, namely: 1. A program of monthly activity.

2. An historic items collecting program.

3. An active research program.

4. A planned publication program.

5. Promote teaching local history in the schools.

6. Encourage commemoration of historical events.

7. Cooperate with other societies in historic projects.

8. Mark historic sites.

Your Association, to successfully carry on these eight func­ tions, needs the active participation in its program of many of its over 1,000 members and certainly there is some part of the Association's program in which many a member can take an active, valued, and pleasurable part. We ask, therefore, that you think carefully over the eight functions and then volunteer for service in the one which will interest you the most by consulting with or writing an officer or member of the Council. Your help is needed and by actively joining in our work you will prove again: "It's part of our American tradition to work things out together".

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The Nantucket Whaling Museum Its twenty-fifth anniversary prompts thoughts of the past, present and future.

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON

PART 1 In Retrospect

For nearly two centuries Nantucket was engaged in whaling and for a considerable number of years was the leading whaling port of the world. Her hardy seamen scoured the seven seas and ventured to the uttermost ends of the earth in search of the great leviathan. Her seamen were familiar with the Atlantic Ocean from the Arctic to the Antarctic and 'tis said the Gulf Stream was as fa­ miliar to them as the harbor of their homeport. In fact history records that Captain Timothy Folger of Nantucket was the first man to describe the Gulf Stream on a chart.

Their voyages carried them subsequently to the Pacific where they discovered and chartered large numbers of unknown islands.

They explored it from South America to Japan, China and Aus­ tralia and thence through the Indian Ocean to the east coast of Africa.

They were not only producers but factors and their trade brought untold dollars to their little island. At home when peace reigned, the town was a scene of constant activity with ware­ houses, oil refineries, candle factories, coopers, crrpenters, black­ smiths, boat builders, rope walks, sail lofts, ship chandlers and other outfitting stores, all busy and prosperous, — a population which reached at one time approximately 10,000 persons.

At the height of its prosperity at least one whale ship arrived, or departed on an average each week in the year, with a number of ships always at the wharves discharging cargo or fitting for a voyage. Then, too, packets from other ports were arriving and de­ parting constantly, bringing supplies for the ships and towns­ people and carrying to the mainland and foreign ports the finished product of the whale. But tales of prosperity give only one side of the picture, for wars, fires, tragedies of the sea and other events brought great losses and periods of suffering and privation.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

This twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of our Whaling Museum seems an appropriate occasion to summarize briefly this chapter of Island history in comparison with which, as Wil­ liam F. Macy wrote—"There is perhaps nothing like it in all his­ tory—that a little community of a few thousand souls, located on a barren isle far from the centers of trade and commerce, should have sent their tiny wooden ships literally to the uttermost ends of the earth, to return laden with wealth, seized from the very ocean itself! Even the stories of Carthage, Rome and Venice are not more wonderful to recall; for those were great cities, nations in fact, while Nantucket, even at the height of her prosperity, was by com­ parison scarcely more than a hamlet. Moreover, much of the wealth of those famous cities of old was obtained, if not by actual plunder, at least by methods of which the less said the better, while the riches acquired by our ancestors were the result of hon­ est toil and hardship—by which no man suffered wrong and many profited much."

The Origin of Nantucket Whaling

The origin of whaling in Nantucket is obscure but Obed Macy in his "History of Nantucket" holds that the first whaling expedi­ tion in Nantucket was undertaken by some of the original pur­ chasers of the Island and that the circumstances as handed down by tradition are as follows; "A whale of the kind called 'scragg', came into the harbor and continued there three days. This ex­ cited the curiosity of the people, and led them to devise measures to prevent his return out of the harbor. They accordingly invented and caused to be wrought for them a harpoon, with which they at­ tacked and killed the whale. This first success encouraged them to undertake whaling as a permanent business, whales being at that time numerous in the vicinity of the shores". The date of this event is not recorded by Alexander Starbuck in his history says that in his judgment it was prior to 1672.

Off-Shore Whaling

The early stages of whaling in Nantucket being confined to off shore it was carried on with small boats and such "craft" for equipment as could be cheaply and easily made. The work, how­ ever, was well organized but carried on in "common" with the southern shore of the island arranged in four districts to each of which a crew was assigned. "Try works" were erected on the

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

8

beach and when a capture was made, the whale was towed ashore and the blubber, cut and sliced, was subject to the process of try­ ing- out.

The high water mark of shore whaling seems to have been reached about the year 1726 when eighty-six whales were said to have been taken by boats from the shore. From that time on shore whaling declined but the pursuit of whales by means of vessels steadily increased.

The Beginning of Foreign Trade

The year 1720 marked an important commercial milestone when Paul Starbuck, in the ship Hanover, William Chadder mas­ ter, made the first shipment of oil from Nantucket to England, the vessel sailing from Boston to London. In 1723 Straight Wharf was built to better accommodate the vessels engaged in trade, fishing and whaling. In 1745 Nantucketers loaded a vessel with oil and sent her direct to England, the beginning of a trade that be­ came world-wide in which even China contributed directly to the prosperity of Nantucket.

The Beginning of Deep Sea Whaling

While the first sperm whale known to Nantucket was found dead on shore, the discovery created quite a sensation, according to Macy's History, but it was not until about 1712 that Christopher Hussey, while cruising near the island for "right" whales, was 1

SPERM WHALING — THE CHASE AN OLD PRINT OF 1853

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

blown some distance off shore and fell in with a school of sperm whales, killed one and brought it home. This discovery gave a new turn to the business and small vessels of about thirty tons burden were fitted for deep-sea whaling, but only for cruises of about six weeks' duration.

SPERM WHALING — THE CAPTURE ANOTHER OLD PRINT

It was not long, however, before Nantucket whalemen were venturing further and further from home, despite numerous losses of ships and men from tragedies of the sea and capture by the French during the French and Indian Wars. By 1760 Nan­ tucket was producing more oil than all the other American whal­ ing ports combined. In that year England inaugurated its colonial policy which culminated in the Revolution. But even substantial bounty placed on oil obtained by whalers from American home ports proved only a temporary set back to the enterprising Nantucketers who then excelled all others in whaling.

New markets were developed. Larger vessels were built, some reaching one hundred tons or more, and new whaling grounds were discovered and opened. African waters were explored and the Guinea Coast proved a good cruising ground, as well as the waters around the Azores and eastward of the Newfoundland Banks. In 1774 one of the richest whaling grounds was located off the coast of Brazil.

Space does not permit a detailed story of the growth of whaling but it is proper to say it progressed favorably on the whole to the

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

10

beginning of the Revolution. At that time, according to Alexander Starbuck, Nantucket had a fleet of 150 vessels of an aggregate burden of 15,000 tons, manned by 2,025 men, producing 80,000 barrels of sperm and 4,000 barrels of whale oil.

The Revolutionary War Dark Days

Then came the American Revolution during which Nantucket was the only port from which any attempt was made to carry on the whale fishery. It was a case of self preservation despite the most adverse circumstances for no community in the colonies was so hard pressed as Nantucket. Due to its isolation at sea, the Co­ lonial Government was utterly powerless to protect the island which by itself was indefensible added to which by far the larger portion of the population were "Friends" whose religious faith prohibited participation in war. Everything that was needed for their sustenance had to be brought to the island. In procuring supplies from colonial ports the British proclaimed it trading with the rebels and seized their vessels. Likewise if they procured supplies from foreign markets, especially the British, they were smugglers and subject to seizure by colonial armed vessels and boats.

Thus they struggled through the seven terrible years of the Revolutionary War in which some 1,600 Nantucket men were captured, killed or lost at sea. It is doubtful if any other commu­ nity of the times sacrificed one third of its population in addition to which its shipping losses were appalling for at the beginning of the war, as previously stated, the island had 150 vessels whereas only two or three old hulks remained in 1784.

Slow Recovery: Migration: Opening the Pacific: The War of 1812

The indomitable spirit of Nantucketers was once again proven, for at the earliest moment after peace had been declared, the ship Bedford, Captain William Mooers, with four hundred eighty-seven butts of oil, was dispatched to London. It was the first vessel to hoist the American flag in any British port.

Recovery of the industry was slow due to various factors which led to the migration of large numbers of mariners and merchants with their families to mainland towns and ports and to foreign countries principally Nova Scotia, England, Wales and France. Despite many difficulties and the fact that Nantucket had

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

to make practically a new start after the war, in less than ten years the island was again on the road to prosperity with the manufacture of sperm candles developing rapidly soon to become an important industry.

In the 1791, the ship Beaver, Captain Paul Worth, doubled the Horn followed closely by five other ships from Nantucket, one from New Bedford, and a few English whalers, thus opening the Pacific, an epoch making step in the history of whaling.

The first ship built on Nantucket was launched at Brant Point m 1810. William F. Macy is the authority for this state­ ment and further that "In 1811 seventeen ships and seven schoon­ ers sailed from the port, and in the next year the total island fleet numbered one hundred and sixteen including forty-three ships, seven brigs, nineteen schooners, and four sloops."

Then came the war of 1812 with more than three quarters of Nantucket's vessels at sea. The Island suffered a repition of the struggle for existence and the losses incurred during the Revo­ lution. When peace was finally proclaimed in 1815, the fortune of years of toil had been wiped out, business was at a stand still and suffering and privation prevailed. With only twenty-three ships ot her fleet left Nantucket once again took up the task of rehabili­ tation.

The Golden Age of Whaling

The Nantucket spirit brought quick recovery for by December 1820 the fleet numbered seventy-two whale ships, besides brigs, schooners and sloops, which continued to increase in numbers. By that time ships of three hundred tons were found profitable. The Pacific now became the principal cruising grounds of which Obed acy s description cannot fail to arouse one's imagination "Most of our whale ships go into the Pacific by the way of Cape Hornsome by the eastern route south of New Holland and Van Dieman's Land; others, after cruising awhile in the Indian Ocean, in the neighborhood of Madagascar and the mouth of the Red Sea, pur­ sue their way into the Pacific through the straits of Trinor between New Guinea on the south, and the Peleco Islands on the north, touching at the Ladrone Islands, and then onward to the Japan coast. They there meet ships, which sailed from home about the same time with themselves, and came by the way of Cape Horn. Others to meet at the same place that came by the

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

route south of New Holland. It must appear obvious, that our whale ships are exploring in a more effectual manner than twenty national ships could, every part of the Pacific. They have dis­ covered many islands, reefs, and shoals, which navigators sent out expressly for exploring purposes had passed unseen."

Voyages now lasted from two to four years, for few turned for home unless their holds were well filled. Oft times shipments were made by cargo ships with empty space in their holds thus providing opportunity for added profit but also added length to a voyage.

William F. Macy aptly describes Nantucket's most prosperous period in words as follows: "There were not many millionaires, though the whale business did make a few such, but many indi­ vidual fortunes running into the hundreds of thousands were ac­ quired, and that was great wealth for the time. It was no unusual thing for a captain to retire with a competency after a few suc­ cessful voyages while still well under middle age; and ship-own­ ers who had several ships out at once often cleared enough to re­ tire on in a very few years when matters went well with their ventures."

Costly and beautiful homes, such as still stand on Main Street today, were built by the more fortunate of these merchants and captains. Cultivated visitors to the islands in the early part of the second half of the nineteenth century frequently commented upon the fact that the island had evolved a type of society rarely to be found outside of a large city and one that would compare favorably with that of many larger centers.

The Decline and End of Whaling

The business of whaling from Nantucket is said to have reached its culmination in 1842 when 86 ships, 2 brigs and schoon­ ers belonged to the port, although as in many such instances in his­ tory, the turning point was not then recognized. From then on it steadily declined for a variety of reasons. The great fire of 1846 which consumed the center of town, warehouses, and docks with a loss of a million dollars; the 1849 stampede for the gold mines of California; the scarcity of whales; the expense of fitting; the in­ creased length of voyages; the dangers of Arctic fishery; the de­ cline in the value of the product; and finally the discovery of pe­ troleum all contributed to the down-fall of whaling in Nantucket

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

14

and other ports. In 1869 the last whaleship, the Oak, William B. Thompson, sailed from Nantucket and, so far as the island was concerned, whaling then became a part of the past.

Privation, suffering, yes, even starvation and survival was the fate of Nantucket. New and varied industries were tried with­ out success and when the David Thain House was built at 67 Main Street in 1870 it was quite generally said it would be the last house built in Nantucket. Migration from the island again became a necessity and by 1875 the population is said to have fallen to a bare three thousand. Real estate was practically unsalable, good houses with fair amounts of land could be purchased for a few hundred dollars. In fact many houses were taken down in sections, shipped to the mainland and sold. The wharves and all business pertaining to whaling met the same fate until they had all but disappeared. This was the low point of island life with no apparent outlook for the future.

A New Era Begins

About this time, however, the American people began to ac­ quire the vacation habit, discovered Nantucket and by slow stages rescued her from decay and oblivion and gave the Island a new lease on life. But the old days were not forgotten and it was realized that the reminders of the whaling days and its pros­ perity and gracious living which had survived were among the most important assets of Nantucket in attracting and holding the right kind of people.

Recognizing this, a group of devoted sons and daughters of the island founded in 1894 the Nantucket Historical Association.

Starting with a mere handful of members, it grew steadily. It ac­ quired the only remaining Friends Meeting House, the Oldest House, the last of the old mills and erected an Historical Museum Building. Naturally these buildings and exhibits included articles connected with whaling but how to provide an adequate memorial devoted exclusively to whaling, the industry which had made Nan­ tucket famous throughout the world, presented a problem appar­ ently without a seeable answer although such a project was ad­ mittedly fitting and appropriate. While they pondered, events, unrecognized at the time, were shaping to make such a hope a reality—and then—it happened—The Whaling Museum became a reality.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET PART II The Birth of the Whaling Museum

In the early 1920 s a summerite, Edward F. Sanderson of New York, purchased one of the old Nantucket estates—Moors End on Pleasant Street. In renovating and furnishing the large man­ sion so that each room would be authentically representative of a period in its history, he became interested in the island's his­ tory as a whaling port and began in a small way to collect im­ plements and material relating to whaling. His original pur­ pose was to make a simple collection as one of the features of his Nantucket home but as the idea developed his interest and enthu­ siasm increased, and as new opportunities for securing more and better material opened up he continued to add to his collection.

Collecting Material Directed by Experts

He was fortunate then in enlisting the services and coopera­ tion of several of the few real experts in this line at the time, in­ cluding Mr. Frank Wood, Curator of Old Dartmouth Historical Society's Whaling Museum at New Bedford, and Dr. Robert Cushman Murphy, Assistant Curator of the American Museum of Natural History of New York, a recognized authority on whaling and its history, and Mr. Clifford Ashley, the well known New Bed­ ford artist, whose paintings of whaling scenes were universally acclaimed and whose book "The Yankee Whaler" is a great classic of whaling.

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Acting under the advice and direction of these and local ex­ perts, a systematic and exhaustive search was made in this country and abroad for anything and everything which would add to the extent and value of the collection. Mr. Sanderson's emissaries bought lavishly, yet descriminately, and in a surprisingly short time succeeded in accomplishing what he had been told was im­ possible—the bringing together of a collection of whaling material, tools, implements, "gear" and "craft", models, scrimshaw work! paintings, engravings, books, documents etc. conceded then to be one of the best ever assembled by either a private collector or a museum. Among the interesting discoveries unearthed was a col­ lection of harpoons and lances found in Hull, England, which had been taken from Nantucket whaleships captured by British pri­ vateers during the American Revolution.

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

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An Unusual Collection Is Offered as a Gift

As the collection, which at the time was said to represent an actual investment of over fifty thousand dollars, had far out­ grown Mr. Sanderson's original plan and purpose and far beyond his hopes or anticipations, he decided that the extent and value of the collection warranted its permanent establishment as a public museum. Feeling rightly that Nantucket with its whaling his­ tory was the place above all others where it should be kept and displayed for all time he conceived the generous idea of presenting it in its entirety to the Nantucket Historical Association.

The gift was offered and accepted by the Association with due appreciation of the honor conferred and the responsibility to be assumed. As the quarters of the Association were overcrowded already and as the gift was made subject to suitable and adequate quarters being provided to house the collection the Association was faced with a serious problem. Another building, devoted solely to whaling, to house the new collection and the many ar­ ticles alreidy acquired and displayed by the Association, was agreed upon as the only answer, but—where in Nantucket was there an appropriate building and how could the money be raised to obtain it and set up such an extensive collection?

A Whaling-Day Building Is Acquired

In 1847, barely a year after the "Great Fire", Richard Mitch­ ell & Sons erected a large brick candle house at the head of "New North Wharf" now known as Steamboat Wharf. Subsequently it was purchased and operated and used as an office by Messrs. Wil­ liam Hadwen and Nathaniel Barney, successful oil merchants and candle makers. They were brothers-in-law, Hadwen's wife being Eunice Starbuck and Barney's wife Eliza Starbuck, daughters of Joseph Starbuck who lived on New Dollar Lane and who built the "Three Bricks" for his three sons. This substantial building about 40x90 feet in size and one of the few remaining commercial land marks of the whaling days, although passing through successive ownerships and uses, was unexpectedly offered for sale at just about the time the Association was seeking a building for a "Whal­ ing Museum".

Here was a building, by strange coincidence, built several years after whaling from Nantucket had reached its culmination but one of the few left to tell the tale, a building associated with

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Starbucks, Mitchells, Hadwens and Barneys, a building housing the one remaining spermaceti candle press and located at the very gateway to the town. What more natural edifice and site could be found for a "Whaling Museum" and what more suitable memorial could be established to the men and women who made this little island outpost the leader in a great industry in its day in the face of almost insuperable obstacles and difficulties than a Whaling Museum in which might be displayed everything that could be assembled in connection with the business of whaling?

Again the Association faced what seemed to be an unsolvable problem, for the building was about to be sold for conversion to commercial uses, and the Association had no funds with which to purchase it. Again Mr. Sanderson stepped forward and pur­ chased the building and adjacent land which he then offered to the Association at actual net cost under an option for a year in which to raise the money for its purchase.

A campaign for funds was started but it took over two years to raise the amount needed—approximately $35,000 to take title.

Mr. Sanderson generously extended the one year option and waived claim of interest on his investment and all taxes paid from the date of option. Finally in the summer of 1929 it was announced that the deed had been executed.

The Old Candle House Converted into a Museum

Alterations to the interior of the building and museum equip­ ment were needed so the campaign for funds continued but work was started promptly. Then came the problem of setting up the exhibits which were to include the Sanderson collection and all the various whaling items in the Association's buildings. George A. Grant, a whaler in his own right, and son of Charles Grant, one of Nantucket's most successful whaling captains, was given the task and that he did it with outstanding success is proven by the fact that many of the exhibits today are still shown as he placed them. The beginning of the summer season of 1930 found the work completed and the museum ready to be opened to the public.

Thus Nantucket's Whaling Museum was born with William F. Macy, an island descendant, presiding at the opening as Presi­ dent of the Association and with George Grant, ex-whaleman, serving as its first custodian. Today, twenty-five years later, it occupies one of the half dozen remaining commercial buildings

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM 18 of whaling days and the only one used as a monument to Nan­ tucket's historic past and a memorial to the men and women who made Nantucket famous throughout the world and left a remark­ able heritage.

GEORGE A. GRANT THE WHALEMAN WHO SET UP THE EXHIBITS

PART III Highlights of a Museum Tour

The Whaling Museum, now, is nationally and internationally famed. Its exhibit of whaling equipment, portraits, prints, log books, old documents, scrimshaw and mementos of many foreign lands is one of the rarest collections of its kind in the world. Even those who visit it frequently find that each such visit is the oc­ casion for discovering some item not seen before or recently added to the collection. Its steady growth is even now presenting a prob­ lem of additional space being needed for future acquisitions and their proper display. A complete description is impossible but a few highlights of a Museum Tour are offered, especially for the benefit of those who are making their first visit.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET The Building

This brick building 40x90 feet in size built, as previously stated, in 1847 by Richard Mitchell & Sons as a "candle house" and subsequently acquired by Hadwen & Barney for sperm oil candle manufacturing, a warehouse and office is, itself, a relic and exhibit of the golden days of Nantucket whaling. It is heavily timbered with beams and supports such as are no longer pro­ duced. Though simple in its lines, the proportions are excellent with a general effect of dignity and good taste, and hardly in­ dicative of the activity it was built to house. Indicative of the size and value of this building is the replacement value of $90,000, based upon a recent appraisal, agreed to by the insurance under­ writers.

A CORNER OF A WHALING MERCHANT'S COUNTING ROOM

Nantucket is famed for its beautiful and unusually dignified doorways but the Museum front doorway on Broad Street is one of the choice architectural bits among the many in the old town.

It has long been a favorite subject with artists and photographers.

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Another exterior feature is found on the easterly wall of the building. It is a large pictorial colored sign, in high relief, of a whale boat and its crew of six with the harpooner about to throw his harpoon at a whale, while sea gulls drift lazily in the sky waiting for the kill. Each whaleman, the gulls, the boat, the whale, oars and harpoon were carved individually by George Grant, the first custodian of the Museum. It is the first "whaling" welcome to the visitor who lands at Steamboat Wharf.

Whaling Merchants' Counting Room

Upon entering the building directly behind the reception desk, on the right, is a corner of a whaling merchant's counting room. The desk was in the office of William Henry Crosby of the firm Matthew Crosby & Son, ship owners and merchants. Along side stands Captain Charles M. Fisher's chair, the size of which is proof of the stories as to the huge build of the Captain. As Cap­ tain of the bark Alaska he took a sperm whale May 4, 1884, yield­ ing 162 bbl. and 22 gallons—length 74 feet, head 25 feet longsaid to be a record. On his return several of his friends had the

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

chair made for him as the holder of the record. Boxes, some let­ tered with the name of whale ships in which the ship's papers were held, stand in a corner. A barometer, a sextant used by Captain Richard Swain, a ship's bell, sea chests, ship models, spy glasses and wall charts are interesting items. The tall clock in the corner was made by Benjamin Bunker of Nantucket, who also had a reputation as a silversmith. The blue coat made on an Island loom from Nantucket sheep's wool and the high beaver hat are real relics of the past.

The Scrimshaw Room

To the left of the entrance is a splendid collection of "Scrim­ shaw" the name given to the fancy work on sperm whale's teeth of ivory or on bones of the right whale's jaw. Such work occu­ pied the spare time of whalemen. The only tools employed usually were a jack knife, small saws and files, contrived by the sailor, an awl or bodkin with red, black or blue India inks for coloring.

The art of scrimshaw has been considered the only important in­ digenous folk art, except that of the Indians, which has ever de­ veloped in America. "The Folk Art of the American Whaleman", a publication of the Association, can be purchased at the reception desk.

This room also contains a collection of etchings of whaling scenes by George Gale, lithographs, paintings and photographs of whale ships and whaling, worthy of study.

A large case contains the "Baby Trousseau" including a "mourning dress" of Mary Palmer Nye, daughter of Captain Jo­ seph Palmer and Mary Harris Nye, born Sept. 13th 1865 at Fayal, Western Islands, Azores, where her mother was left for the event while cruising with her husband on the bark Alto, a common event in whaling days.

A large collection of canes made of many kinds of wood, bone and ivory with a variety of carvings will certainly catch the vis­ itor's eye.

The Stairway and Second Floor Corridor

A short flight of steps leads to the second and main floor of of the building. The hand rail and stair banisters are evidence of a craftsman's work and the small ivory button inlaid in the

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

22

handrail at its first floor terminus is Nantucket's sign that the building is free and clear of any mortgage.

The walls of the stairway and the second floor corridor are hung with rare old whaling lithographs, prints and paintings.

One show case contains quadrants, sextants, octants and other old navigation instruments. Another case displays various articles including "blubber room lamps", the only light used in the space below decks where on some whalers the blubber was cut up. These lamps, some of them multiple wicks, were different from the "pet­ ticoat lamps" stuck on a peg, one for each seaman's bunk in the forecastle—sometimes called the "Black Hole of Calcutta" which was the home of as many as thirty or forty men for three or four years. Reached by a perpendicular ladder through a small hatch­ way, often the only means of ventilation, it held the men's bunks.

Arranged in tiers these bunks were in some whalers said to be about the size of a coffin and so narrow that one had to get out of them to turn over. A small table in the center of this "hole" and the seamen's chests comprised all the furnishings except possibly a few bottles of rum often labelled "Camphor". Samples of "petti­ coat lamps" are pegged to the walls opposite the "blubber room lamps."

The Captain's or Portrait Room

On the left of the corridor is the one time named "Captains" room where grand portraits of the old time ship-masters—com­ manders of both whaleships and merchant men—crowd the walls.

Familiar names, Coleman, Chase, Coffin, Swain, Davis, Brown, Hussey, Grant and Folger together with some of their wives are among the portraits.

Here also are sea chests of whalemen, a tea chest from China and interesting exhibits of ship "craft" tools, utensils and knots.

A medicine chest with an index to suit different complaints as evidenced by roughly described symptoms brings to mind an old sea yarn. Once a seaman was ill, and looking up the bottle to ad­ minister in his case, the captain found that No. 13 contained the cure for his patient. Unfortunately all the medicine in this bottle had been used, so, after careful deliberation, the captain mixed the contents of bottles 6 and 7, which he gave the seaman. His­ tory does not tell of the fate of the seaman.

23

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

In the center of the room are two ship models, one of the whaling bark "Morning Star" of New Bedford and the other of a merchant ship. An interesting story of the former is told in a news article mounted in the exhibit case.

•H

A VIEW OF THE SOUTH SEAS ROOM

South Seas Room

To the right of the corridor are two rooms containing a rare and interesting collection of weapons, implements and ceremonial articles brought back from the Pacific and South Sea Islands by the whalemen. Most were acquired from the natives a century be­ fore they learned to cheapen and commercialize their arts and crafts to meet the demands of collectors. Among the several models is that of a New Zealand war canoe—beautifully carved— brought home in 1850 by ship Nantucket which together with the exhibits of war masks, head dresses, shark teeth swords and stone headed war clubs are fair evidence of the type of reception with which the whaleman had to cope.

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

24

Sanderson Hall

At the corridor end, the visitor enters Sanderson Hall, the main exhibit hall of the building named in honor of the donor of many of the articles exhibited there. In the center of the hall a large model of the "Camels" meets the eye. The "Camels" were an ingenious pair of floating dry-docks or pontoons used to lift and float the loaded whaleships over the shallow "bar" at the mouth of the harbor over one hundred years ago. As the size of the ships was increased to meet competition of other ports, this handicap became steadily greater until it proved to be one of the big factors which caused the decline of Nantucket whaling.

THE CAMELS MODEL — THE SPERMACETI PRESS — THE WHALE BOAT

Directly beyond the camels and extending nearly across the width of the hall is the only known remaining "spermaceti press" used right where it stands. A similar press stood at the opposite end of the hall but was removed before the building was acquired by the Association. The purpose and operation of this press is worthy of special comment. A huge beam, sixteen inches square and over thirty feet in length was used as a timber lever. One end was held between two massive upright posts. Holes were bored in

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THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

26

these posts so that a stout iron pin could be thrust through a hole in the post, a hole in the end of the beam and a corresponding hole in the other post. Thus one end of the beam can be made fast at any desired height from the floor. The posts in turn are anchored and counterbalanced by large beams in the cellar below.

After the cleansing of crude oil from water and sediment by boiling in the try-works, it was bailed out of the kettles and car­ ried in buckets to the storeroom where in tubs or open casks it became in the winter cold a semi-solid mass called "black-cake".

THE TRY WORKS USED BOTH ON LAND AND SHIP DECK

Immediately in front of the posts of the press is the pressbox, where the bags of "black-cake" were placed, separated into layers by heavy wooden leaves, then the post end of the press beam was lowered until it rested on the leaves and the free end of the beam was weighted down. Then there gushed from the bags clear and limpid oil called "Winter strained Sperm Oil because it would not congeal in a lamp in the coldest weather.

27

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

By repetitive boiling, bailing and pressing of the mass of "black-cake" a "Spring" oil was produced dependable for use in all but the winter months and next a low grade oil usable only in warm summer months.

The residue remaining in the bags after the final pressing was "spermaceti" from which the finest candles were made. Can­ dle making was an important industry in itself and millions of candles are said to have been made in this building and exported throughout the world.

Directly under the spermaceti press arm, is a genuine old time whaleboat, veteran of several voyages, completely rigged and fully equipped, and ready to lower in pursuit of the whale upon the stirring call of "Thar blo-o-ows!" which one may well imagine as sounding from the replica of the whaleman's look-out at mast-head just beyond.

Returning to the entrance at the right is one of the outstand­ ing exhibits, the great jaw of a sperm whale, nearly 18 feet long with 23 teeth on each side. It came from a big bull whale eightyseven feet long and is said to be the largest whale's jaw ever ex­ hibited in a Museum. Other smaller jaws, slabs of whale bone as well as other interesting specimens of marine biology are shown around the hall.

Close by the jaw is a "deck chaser" type of steering wheel which, if not peculiar to whaleships, was a favorite—even though called by some—a "shin breaker". Close by is the binnacle, com­ pass, ship's bell and two "gamming" chairs used to hoist visiting captains' wives aboard ship for a "gam" when they met at sea.

Old style and modern logs to determine the ships' speed are at hand as well as leads for sounding. There is a story of a Nan­ tucket skipper who claimed that he could always tell where his ship was by the color and taste of the lead after sounding. Marden, his mate, on one trip determined to fool him, and for this purpose brought some dirt from a neighbor's garden in Nantucket.

He woke up the skipper one morning off Cape Horn and showed him the lead, which had been smeared with this dirt, whereupon, to quote the words of James Thomas Fields: "The Skipper stormed and tore his hair, Hauled on his boots and roared to Marden; Nantucket's sunk, and here we are Right over old Marm Hackett's garden!"

THE GREAT 18 FT. JAW OF A SPERM WHALE

29

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Behind the spermaceti press is the "mincing horse", where the blubber was sliced into "bible leaves" ready for boiling in the pots. Here, also, are shown the various gauges, testers, "oil thieves", etc., used in the refining processes.

To the left of the entrance are the brick "try works", exact copies of the kind used on whaleships, the brick built around two 150 gallon try'pots which have made voyages "round the horn". The bailers, skimmers, blubber forks, "rousing pole", cresset or "bug-light", as well as the cooler, deck pot funnel and casks, are all in proper places.

Around the side of the Hall and on the walls are shown hun­ dreds of harpoons, including most if not all of the many types of both hand and gun "irons" known to have been used from the earliest days. An exhibit of special interest shows the evolution or development of the whaling harpoons from the primitive forms to the so called "modern perfected types". Then there are lances of both hand and explosive bomb types, blubber spades, hooks, "waifs", blocks, falls and tackles and all the many implements, tools and utensils included in the general and far-reaching terms "whale-gear" and "whale craft".

In 1849 Henri Lepaute of France made a set of lenses for Sankaty Light which still stands guard over the eastern shore of Nantucket. These lenses were first installed in 1851. The first light was a 2 wick whale (sperm) oil lamp which was succeeded by a 5 wick kerosene lamp. This was replaced in 1855 by a kerosene vapor light which operated with various improvements until 1938 when a 1,000 watt electric light was installed. Finally in 1949 the ancient light lenses and clock winding mechanism were re­ placed by modern equipment. After much negotiation the old "Sankaty Light" was given to the Association in 1950, and today it stands assembled in Sanderson Hall. It is hard to believe but as a fixed light it was visible 15 miles to sea and as a flashing light carrying up to 25 miles with reports that it had been seen up to 45 miles. It is a worthy memorial to the many keepers, who daily kept the lenses polished, wound the clock-like mechanism nightly to keep it revolving and flashing and who climbed the many light­ house stairs twice nightly to refill the oil fed wick limps.

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

30

The Library

Leaving Sanderson Hall, the corridor leads the visitor at its opposite end to the library. Here is housed a growing collection of books on whaling, navigation, on piracy and exploration, and sea stories. There are several fine collections notably on the South Seas and there is even a corner for children with books suitable for their use.

The library also houses a priceless collection of whale ships' logbooks and journals many of which contain important documen­ tary evidence used on occasions by the United States in substant­ iating claims to various Islands in the Pacific Ocean. One of the outstanding but simple entries is found in the log of the ship Topaz—Mayhew Folger, Captain—sealing voyage, Feb. 6, 1808, which reports the discovery of Pitcairn Island and Alexander Smith the remaining survivor, and the descendants of the long lost muti­ neers of the "Bounty".

Many of the volumes in the library were secured as a result of the Association receiving a grant, in 1932, of $5,000 from the Carnegie Foundation, one of the last of such grants made by the Foundation.

One of the most barbarous mutinies at sea took place Jan. 25, 1.823, on the ship Globe, when led by Samuel Comstock, a notorious vicious seaman, Captain Thomas Worth, was murdered. George Comstock, 16 year old brother of the leader, finally escaped with a boat steerer and five others with the ship which they sailed to Val­ paraiso. A special exhibit of letters, maps, books and manuscripts on this mutiny is on public view, including "George Comstock s book" and a letter of record about the mutiny by Gorham Coffin of Christopher Mitchell & Sons of Nantucket, one of the owners.

Another unusual exhibit is that of pictures, books, records and manuscripts of the ship Essex, sunk by being rammed by a whale, resulting in one of the great sea tragedies from which five Nantucketers survived waves, weather, privation and even can­ nibalism for 93 days in open boats on the Pacific. Owen Chase of Nantucket, one of the survivors, was mate, and a small box, shaped like a trunk used by him for papers etc., is part of this exhibit.

31

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Today people complain of red tape but another exhibit "Red Tape of Whaling" proves there is little new in this line. Here can be seen a "slops list", a policy of insurance, outfit list, sailor's account, bill of lading and other interesting items.

Tables and comfortable chairs are provided for those who wish to do research work but a cordial welcome is extended also to the casual reader as well as to those who come just "to look."

Public Interest

Paid admissions is recognized as the best measure of public interest in any exhibit but in considering such a measure unusual local conditions may have a decided bearing on a comparison with similar exhibits enjoying ordinary conditions. At the Whaling Mu­ seum a short summer season has a very decided bearing. The open­ ing date is usually Memorial Day (May 30th) weekend and the closing date is never later than Columbus Day (October 12th) but in this period the first two weeks and the period after Labor Day to closing, show very low attendance except for the holidays when it varies depending upon how near a weekend the holiday falls.

It may be truly said that at best the season is limited to four months out of each year, which makes the paid admissions record quite outstanding.

The first year 1930 paid admissions amounted to approxi­ mately 10,000 persons. During the succeeding nine years they vaiied from 5,000 to 8,000 each year for an approximate total of 70,200 persons for the 10 years—1930-1939 inclusive.

The second ten years 1940-49 inclusive showed steady growth except for the war years 1942 and 1943. For this ten year period paid admissions varied from an estimated low of barely 5,000 in 1942 to a high of 13,651 in 1947 with an approximate total of 85,000 persons for the ten year period, a growth of 15,000 over the first ten years.

For the five years of 1950-54 inclusive we have the astounding total of 75,815 paid admissions, a gain of 10,000 in five years over the total for the previous ten years. In this five year period the low point was 1952 with 12,227, when the admission fee was raised from 25c plus Federal tax of 10c to 50c with no tax, as against an all time high of 16,367 in 1951. The judgment of the Council in retaining the higher admission fee was justified by

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

32

the jump in paid admissions in 1953 to 15,865. In 1954 the rec­ ord to August 31st indicated the previous year would be exceeded but then came hurricanes Carol and Edna which wrecked the mainland gateway to Nantucket with the result that September 1954 paid admissions were 1,000 less than in September 1953 with a total of 15,042 for the year.

Thus we find that 241,014 persons have paid admissions in the twenty-five years the Whaling Museum has been open to see this famed Nantucket memorial. By the date of the 1955 Annual Meet­ ing in July we feel confident that the quarter million mark will have been not only reached but passed.

Paid admissions do not by any means tell the entire story for all members of the Association are admitted free as well as all children under twelve years of age with respect to both of which no tally has been kept in the past.

Public interest is also widened by the gifts and bequests of all sorts of articles to be added to the collections housed in the Museum. The steady growth in every way forces the Council and those directly responsible for the Whaling Museum to lay plans for the future which from every indication should show con­ tinued growth in size and public interest.

PART IV The Future

And what of the future? Surely our Whaling Museum must keep pace with the growing and widening interest in its exhibits and as a memorial to the past. It has been said that already we are pressed for space to house new gifts which is true in so far as the space which is being used, but how many realize that almost the entire first floor is unused and unfinished. True it would mean spending money but the space is available and idle so our thoughts should be turned as to how it can be used to advantage and eco­ nomically. But for what type of exhibits could such space be used?

Here are a few rambling thoughts.

This season marks the first attempt to present a replica in part of a unit of the commercial end of the whaling business— a corner of a whale merchant's counting room—and interest is already being evidenced in this innovation in our museum. Why

33

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

not carry this idea further and reproduce in part; a shipsmith or whale craft shop; a cooper shop; corner of a sail loft; a rigger's loft and even a whale boat shop. Few may know it but stored away in the ground floor rear, we have an old "dray" a simple contraption on wheels by which through proper balance, one horse could move a heavy load of casks. This is not beyond repair nor are four enormous oil barrels that are hidden away together with a lot of gear seldom inspected by the public all of which would fit into such exhibits. We may not have available all the equipment, gear, tools etc., needed to complete such exhibits but who can say that what is needed cannot be secured by prompt and diligent search when one considers Mr. Sanderson's successful effort in collecting most of the exhibits now in our Museum.

Opening up this first floor space also would permit the public to see the massive construction which anchors, balances and sup­ ports the big spermaceti press and the building itself. These are just a few rambling thoughts but the sooner they are started as projects the better the chances are of securing what is needed to make the exhibits complete.

The installation of the dry-pipe automatic fire sprinkler sys­ tem in 1954 was a major step forward in the plans to protect and preserve the Museum building and its exhibits. Some redecorat­ ing has been done but the major part is still to be completed but cannot be undertaken until the old brick walls are repointed and waterproofed. Heating and dehumidification systems are essential to preserve our exhibits, especially during the long cold and damp winter season. Nantucket experiences high humidity the year round but coupled with cold it crusts all metallic exhibits with rust, condenses in exhibition cases and leaves its mark on pic­ tures, books and the building itself. So coincident with this twentyfifth anniversary, a comprehensive plan for future development is being worked out to be put into effect as it can be financed.

Our Whaling Museum is a great memorial to generations of men and women who by their courage, faith and dogged deter­ mination settled and subdued this little island wilderness and dev eloped here from small beginnings a type of civilization which has 1 arely if ever been excelled in a like period of time in all history and through it all played well their part in the de­ velopment and historical growth of our country. Let us—members

THE NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM

34

present and future—never fail to recognize our responsibilty to preserve and develop this great memorial—the Nantucket Whal­ ing Museum for which in every sense we are the living trustees.

Bibliography

William F. Macy

The Story of Old Nantucket

Obed Macy

The History of Nantucket

Alexander Starbuck

History of Nantucket Three Bricks and Three Brothers

William E. Gardner Walter S. Tower Zephaniah W. Pease

A History of the American Whale Fishery A Visit to the Museum of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society

Whale Fishery of New England Allen Forbes and State Street Trust Company Boston, Mass.

35

Annual Reports The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 19th, 1955, and to insure orderly and prompt dispatch of the routine business the annual reports of the Chairmen of the various buildings, and committees and of the Treasurer are submitted herewith. Members having questions with respect to any of these reports may present them at the meeting. The President's report is omitted as it will be presented by the President at the meeting. The Whaling Museum report is the subject of a special article commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of the museum.

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

1954-55

1953-54

1952-53

3,010 3,245 4,933 15,042 2,481 1,391 30,102

3,493 3,127 4,895 15,865 2,995 1,654 32,029

2,459 1,997 5,122 11,801 807 700 22,886

The decline in admissions was due in large part to hurricanes Carol and Edna which wrecked the gateway on the mainland to Nantucket in September. In that month at the Whaling Museum alone, admissions declined 1,000 as compared with the same month in the previous year.

36

The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CHAIRMAN

In the year just passed much work has been accomplished by the Chairman of the building. The basement exhibits have been rearranged so that we now have an interesting display of Fire Department relics. The two fire engines have been moved so that visitors may walk around each, and a case has been arranged for display of fire horns, helmets, and for relics from the fire of 1846. Fire buckets and the old No. 8 engine house weather vane have been hung over this case.

The Walter Folger telescope traveled to America to receive professional labor in installing a new eye piece, through the kindness of Dr. Arthur Rawlings and the Bulova Research and Development Laboratories, Inc., and has been re-assembled by Earl S. Ray. Mrs. Alma Backus welcomed 3,010 visitors to the museum and we are grateful for her long years of devoted service. In the library Miss Alice Crocker answered queries about genealogy and rendered much assistance in filing papers and re-locating articles on display.

The building is in excellent condition with no major repairs having been done the past year.

For a two-week period last summer, through the kindness of Mr. David Gray, we had a very interesting exhibit of old Nantucket pictures which attracted much attention.

The Friends Meeting House was used last summer and will be again this season for a series of Tuesday afternoon lectures which calls attention to our important asset, the little old Meeting House. New window shades have been placed at all the windows.

The gallery is again being used for our summer office.

We are happy to report that the building is used by a group of summer residents to hold Sunday Meetings thus retaining its interest as a real Friends Meeting House.

37

Old Mill

BY EARL S. RAY, CHAIRMAN

It should be recalled that in 1953 the admission charge was removed and in its stead visitors were asked to make a voluntary contribution for the upkeep of the Old Mill. This was done to meet the financial problem it presented for, while the Mill is one of Nantucket's old landmarks, it proved most difficult to induce the visitor, who can see so much from the outside, to pay an admission fee to see the ancient wooden inner works.

We feel that the results for 1953 and 1954 prove the correct­ ness of this decision for the number of admissions has increased steadily and the gross earnings for both years were above those of 1952 although 1954 was lower than 1953. Comparison of ad­ missions and earnings shows as follows: 1952' 1953 1954

No. admissions

Gross earnings

1,997 3,127 3,245

$325.50 638.30 554.10

"

John Greene presided again as Custodian and, as usual, made visitors feel they are really welcome. His ready answers to the many questions about the mill and its ancient wooden mechanism stir the visitor's interest and make many a friend.

Hurricane Carol left the Old Mill unharmed but Hurricane Edna was not so considerate. Those who were near by watched with wonder the vibration of the vanes as gusts of wind struck them but there was nothing that could be done but watch. Finally one vane gave way when a terrific gust tore the twelve foot base board loose from the rest of the vane and carried it 100 feet across an adjacent field dropping it just short of a nearby residence.

The vane has been restored and the Old Mill once again Is receiving visitors with John Greene extending the hand of welcome.

38

The Oldest House

BY MILDRED C. EDGARTON, CHAIRMAN

The season of 1954 was again a busy one at the Oldest House, with more visitors than during the previous year, there being a total of 4,933.

The new subflooring, in the east chamber, laid with the old boards on top, was a real contribution in the restoration program, which is now going on in the house. As was the case on the west side of the dwelling, in our operations of the previous year, this structural work greatly strengthened the floor, to withstand the traffic load of the summer season, and also helped to restore the original appearance of the room, as it was, when in good repair, during its early years.

As in previous seasons, the regular custodian, Miss Ethel Clark, attired in a costume reminiscent of the Seventeenth Cen­ tury, helped to create an atmosphere of that period. Although it was impossible to secure as many volunteer hostesses as in former years, those who did assist her, among them Mrs. John J. Gardner, II, Mrs. Edouard Stackpole, and Miss Rena White, were charming guides for our many guests.

One of the innovations of the season was the very fine assistance given us by the newly-formed Garden Club of Nantucket, members of which undertook to supply the house with attractive flower arrangements throughout the summer months. This proj­ ect was of inestimable value, in adding to the homelike and colorful aspect of the lovely old house, and we anticipate continued support from this organization.

A change in furniture arrangement was made, when the high, four-post bed, originally used in the west chamber, was moved to the east room on the first floor, where the higher ceiling made it possible to attach the newly-made bed curtains and valance.

Having an extra bed in the parlor, or "foreroom", or "keeping room", was a common custom during the Seventeenth Century.

We are still hoping to acquire more of the authentic furniture and furnishings for that period, particularly a so-called hutch table, as well as "joint" stools, wooden trenchers, and more pieces of pewter.

39

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The fact that all of the original records of the restoration work, done on the Oldest House in 1927 and 1928, under the auspices of the Society for the Preservation of New England An­ tiquities, are on file in the office of that organization, in Boston, makes us eager to obtain copies of those records, for our use in continuing the authentic restoration work on this fine example of Seventeenth Century construction. We trust that another year will find us financially able to acquire at least a small portion of those valuable records for our files.

"1800 House"

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CHAIRMAN PRO TEM.

There were no material changes at 1800 House during the past year. The attendance was 1,391 as compared with 1,654 the previous year. Over one thousand new pamphlets were distributed to visitors through the season. Mrs. Marie Coffin very ably acted as Chairman last season but was unable to continue through the year. We regret very much losing her valuable assistance and appreciate her interested cooperation.

Mrs. Susan Cowden served as hostess for her second season and will serve again the coming year. She was ably assisted by volunteer hostesses and thanks and appreciation are extended to the following ladies: Mrs. J. B. Ashley, Mrs. Charles Amey, Mrs. George Clapp, Mrs. Seddon Legg, Sr., Mrs. William Mather, Mrs. Lucius Potter, and Mrs. Joseph Woodle.

As the new year opens we are fortunate to secure Mrs. William Voorneveld as Chairman and we feel sure that, as she takes up her new duties, she will have a successful season.

40

Old Jail

BY JAMES A. NORCROSS, CHAIRMAN

The remote and secluded location of the Old Jail probably is the principal reason for the marked variations in admissions and gross earnings. As in the case of the Old Mill it was decided, in 1953, to discontinue the fixed admission charge and in its stead to ask visitors to make a voluntary contribution for the upkeep of the Old Jail. We believe this was sound policy although the com­ parative results in 1953 and 1954 are variable and still inconclusive but in general warrant continuance of this policy. Comparative figures show: 1952 1953 1954

No. admissions

Gross earnings

807 2,995 2,481

$283.00 391.70 307.50

The removal of the condemned House of Correction in the early months of 1954 left us with a small piece of surplus land.

Faced with the problem of fencing it to complete the enclosure of the property, it was decided by the Council to sell this land if possible. Negotiations now under way, it is hoped, will provide a satisfactory answer to the Association and the abutting property owners.

The exhibition of old swords, cutlasses, and guns was re­ moved last fall and, during the winter months, has been under­ going restoration by the Chairman. Upon completion of the work they will be rehung and the life of these exhibits will have been considerably lengthened.

Old hand cuffs, leg chains, manacles, and other accessories used in the penal institutions of the early 1800's will be welcomed either as loans or gifts especially if they originated or were used on Nantucket.

41

Gifts and Donors 1954 - 1955 Arrivals and Locations

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CUSTODIAN OF COLLECTIONS

One of the functions of this Association is to receive, and properly care for, objects of a local historical value. The past year has brought many new donations of interest and value. We try to display all items that come to us, but necessarily papers and letters of great interest are filed away where not many people see them, but where they are available if called for. Among these are col­ lections from the late Charles E. Congdon, Walter Folger and Annie Alden Folger, and the Coffin family papers. All of these have been examined and classified by our friend and co-worker, Dr. William E. Gardner, to whom we extend our thanks and appreciation.

We hope that during the coming year period furniture for the Oldest House and "1800" House will be forthcoming. Both houses would be much more attractive and be better exhibits if we could add to the furnishings now exhibited.

Following is a list of donations which have come to us the past year, since July, 1954.

Historical Museum Abbott, Miss Florence L. James—Letter of 1798 from Jethro Mitchell to Israel Turner.

Anderson, Mrs. Florence Bennett—20 copies of the last edition of the book, "A Grandfather for Benjamin Franklin".

Barnard, Mr. Arthur W.—Book containing Barnard Genealogy and other Nantucket history—belonged to grandfather of donor. Also old wrought iron hammer, used in the building of the steamer "Clarmont".

Bohannon, Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner—Gardner Genealogy, the Wm. Jenkins Gardner branch.

Cape Cod Savings Bank—Brochure "Through Time and Tides", being the 100th anniversary number.

Chase, Benson C.—Powder Horn, formerly belonged to Capt.

Thomas Hiller; to Peter Folger in 1835; to Edward Coleman

GIFTS AND DONORS

42

1843; to Peter Folger 1882; to Warren B. Chase 1890; (father of the donor). These names are marked on the horn.

Coffin, Mr. and Mrs. C. Clark—Silver Back High Comb.

Cornell University—Book, "Pre Cornell and Early Cornell V", studies in History No. 19.

Forbes, Miss Mary Bowditch—Cast of Abraham Lincoln's Hand.

Forbes, Mrs. Rose Ring—Collection containing: Old Song Books; 3 old wooden pegs; plate with picture of a slave girl; Piece Book, belonged to Miss Susan E. Brock; Small Book, belonged to Anne Mitchell, 1845; Book of Poems, belonged to Harriet Coleman, 1848; German Dictionary, belonged to Miss Gulielma Folger; Photographs of Moses Joy and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Trott. Also a loan of two beautiful Sandwich Glass Compotes.

Friebus, Mrs. Beatrice F.—Small Sterling Silver Spoon, bowl has Old Mill engraved, handle has goldenrod design.

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown—Comprehensive index of subjects contained in 48 scrap books made by her on Nantucket history, people, events, and miscellaneous data.

Gardner, Dr. William E.—Small Wooden Table, made by Oliver Gardner for Anna Swain in 1810; Box of Shells; Pack of Old Playing Cards; Article on History of Cards.

Girardet, G. S.—Poem about Nantucket written by donor.

Gray, David—Nine Photographs of Nantucket Scenes; reprints from old glasa negatives belonging to Nantucket Historical Association.

Haverford College—Bulletin of Friends Historical Association, Vol. 43, No. 2, 1954.

Hutchinson, Mr. and Mrs. Miller R.—Autograph Album; Wedding Dress worn by Mrs. Jennie Starbuck Emery.

King, Mrs. Charlotte G.—Cap Basket and Chatelaine Pin-cushion used by Mary (Polly) Coffin Chase.

LaFarge, L. Bancel—Bath Tub brought from Japan to Tuckernuck by the late Dr. William Sturgis Bigelow and used by him in a specially-built bath house at the west Head establishment he maintained at Tuckernuck. Also copy of "Poet's Corner"

by Elisha P. F. Gardner.

Lewis, Dr. Rrank—Brochuse published by the Pacific National Bank in commemoration of their 100th Anniversary.

Lowrie, John H.—Copy from the Portage Sentinel of July 22, 1846, of Ravenna, Ohio, pertaining to Nantucket Fire of 1846.

43

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Manuscript Society of Chicago—Handwritten Copy of the Orig­ inal "Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia" written April 10, 1865, by Gen. Robert E. Lee and received by Brig.

General W. H. Stevens, Chief Engineer—A. N. Va. Called Lee's General Order Number Nine with text of close of war, or surrender of Army of South.

McCann, Kenneth S.—Alley Family Genealogy and McCann-Gilman Genealogy. Both typed and bound in covers, compiled by donor.

Miller, Mrs. Warren B.—Book, "The Life of Elijah Coffin", with a reminiscence by his son Charles F. Coffin. Also a wallet be­ longing to Bethuel Coffin who died in 1839.

Pitman, Mrs. Charlotte W. Estate—17 Benjamin Bunker Silver Spoons.

Pope, Miss Adrienne—Hair Ornament in box, belonging to GreatGreat-Grandmother of donor.

Post, Mrs. Martie—Quilted Quaker Bonnet.

Richmond, Mrs. Dorothy S.—Old Photographic Plates of Interior of Historical Museum; Pair Gold Spectacles belonged to grand­ mother of donor; Pictured Sewing Box used by grandmother of donor; Photograph of William Hosier.

Snelling, Mrs. Samuel—2 Silver Forks, marked Coffin.

Spring, Mrs. John—Old Secretary made in Nantucket, formerly belonged to Robert and Gertrude King. Finally the property of Mrs. Edwin Atkins.

Warbasse, James Peter—Book, "Warbasse History", a study of the "Sociology of Heredity".

Whaling Museum Adams, Mrs. Nancy S.—Typed Copy of Extracts from Journal of Ship "Alpha", kept by Capt. Joseph Coffin, 1838-1850. Joseph Coffin, Master. Alexander Coffin lived in Vesper Lane. This copy was made through the kindness of Mrs. Ruth Hoag of Reading, Mass. Excerpts from the Log of the Ship "Lexing­ ton", 1853, kept by the Captain's wife, Mrs. Peter Brock.

Record books of the Nantucket Oyster Company of Nan­ tucket, Schooner "Lucy Church"; Blue Fishing Record; all the property of Capt. Alden Hammond Adams of Nantucket.

Beinice Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii—Paper Cover Book, The Hawaiian Chain", by E. H. Bryan, Jr. Gardner, Grace Brown—5 Scrap Books of Whaling Material.

GIFTS AND DONORS

44

Hussey, Mrs. Peter M.—2 old and interesting Letters.

Pitman, Mrs. Charlotte W. Estate—Benjamin Bunker Tall Clock; Collection of Scrimshaw including a small bureau.

Purchased—Books: "Whaling", by Frank Crisp; "California Gold Rush Voyages", by Pomfret.

Selectmen of Nantucket—Book, "Moby Dick", written in German, illustrated and interesting binding. Sent by the author.

Tripp, William H.—3 Letters from Capt. Seabury of New Bedford; Power of Attorney of William S. Beebe to Mrs. Elizabeth Beebe; Abandonment of Ship "Herald, 2nd", by William S. Beebe.

"1800" House

Crosby, Mrs. Everett U.—3 pieces Pewter; Pitcher, Sugar Bowl, and Bowl. Framed Sampler worked by Lydia G. Carey, aged 10 years, March 16, 1845, of Nantucket.

Glidden, Mrs. Eleanor—Framed "Mourning Piece" belonged in a Coffin House in Maine.

Johnson, Mrs. Pauline M.—Exquisite Red Beaded Pin Cushion for Bureau.

McCleary, Miss Helen C.—Fine Old Mirror.

Mitchell, Misses Josephine and Florence—Towel Bar and News­ paper Holder, both needlepoint worked.

Snelling, Mrs. Samuel—Exquisite Blue Beaded Pin Cushion for Bureau.

Wallace, Mrs. William—2 Beautiful Counterpanes.

45

Membership Report

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CHAIRMAN

Those who are members of the Nantucket Historical Asso­ ciation find satisfaction from their membership in many ways such as: 1. Cooperating in the Association's program for preserving our Island's unique history, its rare buildings, and its tales of men and women who, possessed of great courage and daring took such an active part in the building of our country.

2. Enjoying free admission to our houses, museums, and exhibits.

3. Receiving, free, the Association's illustrated quarterly mag­ azine, "Historic Nantucket", which presents articles on varied subjects of historical and antiquarian interest, proceedings of the annual meeting, and reports on new acquisitions, special ex­ hibits, activities, and lectures.

4. Participating in our "Winter Gam" when we give answers to many questions but particularly to the one most frequently asked: "What do you do in the winter?"

We are much pleased to report a new member this year from far away Colombo, Ceylon. It is Mr. Gayer Starbuck, an English­ man, who was born in Milford Haven, Wales, and who has Nan­ tucket ancestors. We welcome him as one of our family.

New members and changes in classification since the April, 1954, report are: LIFE MEMBERS Mr. Robert Deeley Mrs. Robert Deeley Mrs. Winthrop Williams ANNUAL ACTIVE MEMBERS Mrs. Mabel Alden Miss Blanche Rogers Mr. Stokeley Morgan Mr. Harper Robinson Mrs. Stokeley Morgan Mr. Edward Weeks Mrs. Sarah Morris Mr. Edward Weeks Mr. Gayer Starbuck

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

46

We have been saddened by the loss through death of the following: Mr. Frederic Boynton Mr. Allen L. Lemair Mrs. George Eversole Mrs. Wendell Miller Miss Fannie Wilbur Our membership totals 1,007 divided into classes as follows: Life members — 152 Annual Active — 794 Sustaining — 61 It is gratifying to be able to report that our membership at the fiscal year end numbers over 1,000 and is still growing, but to have more Nantucket residents as members is our sincere and earnest desire. To them and to all others who feel that Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port should be preserved for their historical, educational and in­ spirational values, a cordial invitation is extended to become a member of the Association. All members of the Association are urged to consider themselves as active members of the Membership Committee and to assist in extending this invitation.

Membership is divided into three classes: ANNUAL Active — $2.00

Sustaining — $10.00 LIFE

$50.00 in any one year and exemption from dues thereafter.

Annual memberships run from June 1st each year. A mem­ bership taken after January 1st is good for the ensuing fiscal year and the unexpired portion of the current fiscal year.

47

Publicity and Advertising Inauguration of a plan to publish and sell, from time to time, bulletins on subjects pertaining to Nantucket and its historic past, was an important milestone and a revival of a practice so successfully carried out during the early years of the life of the Association until 1910. The first such bulletin was the "Folk Art of the American Whaleman", an article on "Scrimshaw", by Helen L. Winslow. This was followed shortly thereafter by "Quakerism on Nantucket", an article by Burnham N. Dell. These bulletins sell for 50c apiece and can be purchased at any of our buildings or by writing the Association.

Special folders were published for the visit of the Bay State Historical League when, as a guest of the Association, it held its Annual Meeting at Nantucket in June of last year. A similar folder was produced as a welcome to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association when the members assembled in September for their 1954 summer round-up flight. A third folder was issued especially in celebration of the Association's "Sixtieth Anniver­ sary Year", with respect to the eight informal lectures which were given during the summer.

Paid advertisements in the two Nantucket newspapers covered these activities and the annual meeting. Advertising also was placed regularly in the two weekly publications "Nantucket Holi­ day" and "This Week in Nantucket".

News releases were distributed almost weekly to the two Nantucket papers, and some to off-island newspapers, which re­ sulted in a very considerable volume of favorable free publicity about the Association and the Island of Nantucket. In addition to oui own releases the two Nantucket papers published stories of their own on our exhibits, buildings, and activities with the result that, figured at the per column inch advertising rate of each paper, the free publicity of all these news stories had a value of $843.50, which does not include the two weekly magazines and off-Island newspapers and magazines which, if added, would bring the total value well in excess of the paid advertising. ^our Association took part in the publication and distribution o t e new pamphlet, Main Street", which gave concise and ac­ curate historical data about Main Street and its homes—from the bank to the monument. The research was done and the text writ-

PUBLICITY AND ADVERTISING

48

ten and copyrighted by the Association. The pamphlet was pub­ lished and distributed under the auspices of four organizations: Nantucket Civic League, Rotary Club of Nantucket, Public Rela­ tions Committee, Town of Nantucket, and our Association. These pamphlets were distributed to the hotels, guest houses, businesses, and various civic organizations at cost for redistribution by them —free to the public. The need for such literature was evidenced by the demand. These pamphlets will be available again during the 1955 season.

Publicity and advertising for an historic association must be historically instructive and presented in a dignified manner but in such form as to create public interest in competition with ad­ vertising of the modern day form of entertainment. It has been our effort to maintain such a standard and we believe the results prove the soundness of this policy and the manner in which the advertising appropriation has been spent.

49

Finance Committee

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The Committee has been active throughout the year holding its meetings, as heretofore, usually once a month prior to the Council meetings so its recommendations could be acted upon promptly by the Council. The subjects to which the committee devoted much thought and time are specifically mentioned.

1. Insurance coverage for museum exhibits is one of the most important but difficult subjects, for to carry proper coverage en­ tails premium costs which more often than not are prohibitive when compared to earnings. Our Association has been no exception to the general rule but a good start has been made towards finding an answer to at least some of our problems.

The installation of the fire prevention sprinkler system at the Whaling Museum made possible the first big step in reorganiz­ ing our insurance coverage. Three authoritative valuations estab­ lished a replacement value for this over 100 year old building at 891,000 which was accepted by the insurance underwriters as a fair value for insurance purposes. As a result we now carry on the building fire and extended coverage insurance of $82,000 with 90 per cent co-insurance clause on a 5-year budget plan at an approximate annual cost of $125 premium as against $12,000 flat rate no co-insurance previously carried at an annual cost of approximately $60. Now we are working on the placing of a Fine Art's policy on the exhibits within the building which would be an all-risk policy. Authoritative valuation of a complete inventory is the first step. We hope to have this problem solved before the next fiscal year end.

Two other forward steps have been made with respect to our general coverage, (a) Reclassification of employees under the workmen's compensation insurance has resulted in lower premiums, (b) A primary commercial blanket bond was written which covers all paid employees and the officers who handle the Association's funds.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, of which we are a member, has undertaken a study and analysis of the insur­ ance coverage carried on the historic houses and exhibits of their member organizations. To this end a questionnaire was sent to

FINANCE COMMITTEE

50

members and the replies are being examined by recognized author­ ities in the insurance field. Believing that at least some of the many questions faced by historical associations will be answered with savings on this costly but vital protection we are cooperating fully with the Trust in this survey.

2. The appointment of Mr. Ormonde Ingall, an experienced ac­ countant, as Auditor was approved. Not only are the books now audited by a competent authority, as should be done with every public trust, but the auditor's advice sought from time to time on accounting problems has proved most helpful.

3. Requests for approval for capital expenditures, reconstruc­ tion and restoration work have been passed upon again by the committee. Recommendations of the committee have been based upon necessity and financial ability to pay and when approvals have been granted by the Council, reserves have been promptly established so that the tight control established last year has been maintained on such charges.

51

Treasurer's Report Statement of Income and Expenses 1954-55

OPERATING

Gross Income $ 7,901.73

Operating Expenses $ 3,915.89

Net Income $ 3,985.84

1,841.00 2,738.10 554.10 695.05 307.50 $14,037.48

1,462.58 1,124.74 693.46 904.06 505.74 $ 8,606.47

378.42 1,613.36

$ 5,431.01

2,994.49 $17,031.97

4,262.33 $12,868.80

$ 4,163.17

SPECIAL PROJECTS Whaling Museum Sprinkler System $ 5,792.90 1800 House Restoration 695.89 Memorial Book 'Heroes of the Sea' 50.00 Total Special Projects $ 6,538.79

$ 6,913.61 569 38 7^80 $ 7,490.79

Museums

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

139.36 209.01 198.21

General Annual Dues $2,041.00 Interest and Dividend 650.67 'Miscellaneous 302.82 Total Operating

1,267.81

1,120.71*

126.51 42.20 952.00

ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS 1954-1955 Balance May 31, 1954 Credits: Net Operating Income 1954-55

^ y 957 36 4 403.17

Debits: Whaling Museum Extraordinary Repairs Old Jail Extraordinary Repairs Old Mill Extraordinary Repairs Inventory—Furniture & Fixtures Balance May 31, 1955

^ 575.00 150.00 140.00 154.00

1 019 00 $ll'l01 53

Italic figures denote deficits. "Deficit covered by advance from Permanent Fund pending receipt further donations. (See'Balance Sheet.)

52

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1955 ASSETS FREE FUNDS Cash Pacific National Bank Savings Bank Deposits Bonds Stocks Prepaid Insurance Inventories — items for re-sale DESIGNATED FUNDS Cash — Pacific National Bank Savings Bank Deposits RESTRICTED FUNDS Savings Banks Deposits LAND AND BUILDINGS* Whaling Museum Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Oldest House Old Mill 1800 House Old Jail COLLECTIONS —• all buildings (nominal value) INVENTORIES — Furniture and Fixtures

$

738.92 9,589.45 30(h00 7.50

169.47 296.19

$11,101.53

448.06 5,154.12

5,602.18 11

10,000.00 8,800.00 4,000.00 5,000.00 5,350.00 1,834.00

LIABILITIES DESIGNATED FUNDS Permanent Fund (Life Memberships) 5,258.22 Advance for Whaling (Museum Sprinkler System Fund 1,120.71 $ 4,137.51 Spinning Room 1800 House 126.51 "Main Street" Sponsors' Account 250.44 Memorial Book 'Heroes of the iSea' 42.20 Reserve for Whaling Museum Extraordinary Repairs 361.04 Reserve for Fair Street Extraordinary Repairs 52.63 Reserve for Oldest House Restoration 250.00 Reserve for Old Mill Extraordinary Repairs 140.00 Reserve for Old Jail Extraordinary Repairs 25.89 President's Discretionary Purchasing Fund 187.05 Employee Withheld Taxes 28.91 RESTRICTED FUNDS Will Gardner Fund 566.99 Emma F. Hayward Fund 2,000.00 Ella M. Starbuck Fund 3,000.00 William Swift Fund 5,000.00 Susan E. Brock Fund 1,000.00 CAPITAL ACCOUNT Invested in Land and Buildings 34,984.00 Invested in Collections 10,000.00 Invested in Inventory—Furniture & Fixtures 154.00 SURPLUS Total *Assessed Value of Property

566 99

34,984.00 10,000.00 154.00 $73,408770

$ 5,602.18

11,566.99

45,138.00 11,101.53 $73,408.70

53

Nantucket's Colony In The Old World The historical link betiveen Milford Haven and Nantucket renewed.

BY BURN HAM N. DELL

The historical link between Milford Haven, Wales, and Nan­ tucket is well known to all who have even a slight acquaintance with the history of the island. This interest has been stimulated recently by the discovery of a diary in the Nantucket attic of Mrs. Rozelle Jones, and reviewed in the April, 1955 issue of "Historic Nantucket". The fact that a substantial migration of Nantucket whaling masters and their families took place in the last decade of the eighteenth century is also well-known to the inhabitants of Milford Haven. And yet there has been vary little communication between the inhabitants of the two towns. Nantucketers know very little about the character and development of the little town their ancestors helped to build, and the residents of Milford Haven know almost nothing about Nantucket. My visit to Milford Haven last winter, in the company of my wife, was for us and our new found friends in Milford, a voyage of mutual discovery.

The Founders

One of the greatest days in the history of the little Welsh town dawned on August 1st, 1802. It pointed to the fact that the town, barely ten years old, was fairly launched on its career, and it is important to this narrative because it introduces to us the full cast of characters who played the leading roles in the estab­ lishment of the town. The celebration included a fair, a cattle show, and a regatta as outdoor spectacles. The regatta, incidentally, is held to this day on August 1st. In the evening, a dinner was given in the new Inn, completed two years before, doubtless served in the spacious and dignified ballroom, attended by the local gentry and the guests of honor. The occasion was in celebration of the victory of the Battle of the Nile, fought in 1798 off Alexandria in Egypt, which resulted in the destruction of the French fleet and the cutting of the communications between Napoleon's army in Egypt and the mother country. The national hero of that famous en­ gagement was the guest of honor at the dinner in Milford. Lord Nelson came over land from Surrey in the company of Sir William Hamilton and Lady Hamilton. Everywhere he was met with de­ lirious enthusiasm. The mere presence of England's greatest sailor

NANTUCKET'S COLONY IN THE OLD WORLD

54

must have seemed to the citizens of the little town a guarantee of its future, and when Lord Nelson addressed the dinner guests, and stated that Milford Haven was the finest harbor he had ever seen, and the only seaport for commerce on the west coast of Britain, their cup must have been full. No modern public relations tycoon could have asked for better publicity.

Supporting these stars of the drama were a curiously incon­ gruous group of actors. Jean-Louis Barrellier was a royalist Frenchman who had joined the British from Toulon when it was occupied by the British. For sixteen years he lived in England and served the British Government, not returning to France until the restoration of the Bourbons in 1815. He was an engineer of high attainments, placed in charge of ship-building activities for the government in Milford, and given direction over the planning of the new town. And then there were Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger, Nantucket whaling masters and Quakers, induced to settle in Milford as the leaders of the Nantucket colony from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, already first citizens of the town. And last, but not least, there was Charles Francis Greville, the founder and architect of the town, whose imagination, energy and en­ thusiasm had enlisted these diverse characters in the common task. Here were associated English aristocrats and men of fashion, the grandson of a Duke and the nephew of an Earl, a French counter-revolutionary, a famous man of war, the daughter of a blacksmith who had been successively the mistress of three of the main characters present, and the sober Nantucket Quakers. Was it the genius of Greville, or the product of the leviathan of the deep that provided the lubricant that enabled these diverse elements to work together without friction?

The Founding of the Town

Sir William, the grandson of the third Duke of Hamilton, had married, as his first wife, Catherine Barlow, who had inherited the manor of Hubbertson and Pill. At her death in 1782, Sir Wil­ liam came into full possession of his wife's property including the manor in Pembrokeshire. He evidently had some intention of developing it, but action was postponed by his appointment as ambassador to the court of Naples. During his incumbency of this office, he married the celebrated Emma Hart, who had previously been under the protection of his nephew Greville. He appointed the latter as his agent for the development of his estate. He was childless and looked upon Greville as his heir.

55

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Charles Francis Greville was a complex character. He had the reputation of a spendthrift and man of fashion. But he was also a man of intellectual attainments and showed considerable ability •as an astronomer, a botanist, and a mineralogist. He was the second son of the Earl of Warwick, and so was descended from one of the great families of England. In his relations with the Nantucket whalers he showed the best side of his character. He was keenly interested in their welfare, and carried out faithfully all commit­ ments made in the course of the negotiations that finally brought the island colony to Milford.

The first step in the plan for the town was the passage of an Act of Parliament in 1790 to authorize Sir William Hamilton, his heirs and assigns "to make and provide quays, docks, and piers and other erections and to establish a market with proper roads and avenues thereto respectively, within the manor of Hubbertson and Pill in the County of Pembroke". This amounted to what may be called a "proprietary town", built on land owned by the Ham­ ilton estate, and gave Greville full authority, subject to his uncle's approval, to undertake whatever was necessary for putting the Act into effect.

The old Barlow Estate extended along the north shore of Milford Haven from Hubbertson or Priory Pill to Castle Pill, on land situated above a bluff to the extent of about two miles. The Haven is a magnificent estuary, perhaps twenty miles long. Its northern shore is indented with narrow bodies of water running in­ land, and flanked on either side by steep hills or bluffs. These bodies are known locally as Pills. The scenery recalls the fjords of Norway.

In 1790 the bluff between the two Pills was open country without a single building. By 1802 Greville had built, at the expense of the Estate, a quay, a custom house, houses for revenue officers, an inn and a market, and was planning to build a parish church (com­ pleted in 1808). Residences were being built by individual initiative on land rented from the estate. But other problems faced this energetic builder; he must attract a larger population, and find employment for them. Should he succeed in inducing a number of Nantucket whalemen to settle at Milford, he could at one stroke solve both these problems, and open an era of rapid growth and prosperity for the struggling settlement.

NANTUCKET'S COLONY IN THE OLD WORLD

56

The Nantucket Colony

Greville was familiar with the unsuccessful efforts of William Rotch to gain a foothold in England from which to conduct the business of the whale fisheries. Rotch had visited England with his son Benjamin, in 1785, and, upon failing to find support in England, had established his headquarters at Dunkirk where he was wel­ comed by the French government. Greville was forced to look elsewhere for his whaling colony. He knew of the settlement of Nantucketers at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, under the leadership of Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger. Through his influence an agent from the office of the Secretary of State was sent to Dart­ mouth to interview the whalemen, with a generous proposal to pay them the full value of their Dartmouth property, and to cover the cost of the transfer to Milford Haven. Evidently the gov­ ernment had quickly repented its cavalier treatment of William Rotch, and was now determined to make a serious bid for the establishment of a whaling port in England. Greville himself fol­ lowed up this opening move by inviting Samuel Starbuck, Jr., to a meeting at Milford Haven, in 1791, promising land leases on favorable terms, and the free use of the two Pills for the whaling vessels. These ships, based on a British port, and sailing under British registry, could sell their cargo duty free in London, and so enjoy an overwhelming competitive advantage over the New England whaling fleet.

The Dartmouth colony assented to these tempting proposals, and in 1792 the movement of goods, families, ships, and crews began. The fleet consisted of thirteen ships, manned by 182 men.

The fifteen families embarking at this time, led by Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger, represented five ship masters, five owners, and the remainder coopers, sailmakers, and boat builders to the number of 161 persons. This was the domiciled group of the new colony in Milford Haven. Others were added later, accord­ ing to a later statement of Greville that nineteen of the twenty-two ships at Dartmouth had transferred to Milford Haven, and the number of families had risen to twenty-five.

This migration was a great accession of strength to the in­ fant community. The transplanted Nantucketers wielded an in­ fluence on the growth of the town greater than their numbers could suggest. They brought with them a new industry, which fostered the development of auxiliary activities necessary to its

57

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

support, such as services of supply of food stuffs, sail making, ship chandleries, rope-walks, and so forth; nor did these energetic colonists confine themselves to the business of the sea. They were soon engaged in various mercantile pursuits, such as bakeries, general stores, a bank, and a brewery. Doubtless one of their first preoccupations was with the building of their homes. Greville housed the older and more prominent members of the colony in Robeston Hall, some two miles back from the site of the town, once an imposing house, and at the present time a farm-stead.

Their houses were built of the native stone since wood was relatively scarce and expensive.

Reminders of Nantucket

A walk through the streets of the town will soon reveal to the visitor from Nantucket several reminders of the early settlers.

His map of the town will show a Dartmouth Street, a Starbuck Road, and a Nantucket Avenue. As he strolls along a wide pleas­ ant street that climbs the bluff from the modern docks, he will find a small and modest building set in a small plot of land and almost hidden by an ancient wall of the native stone. There the Nantucketers secured a plot of ground as a burial place. The first recorded death among the settlers was that of Abigail Barney, wife of Samuel Starbuck. She was the first Nantucketer to be laid to rest in 1801 in the little graveyard. There is no record of where the meetings were held at this time, but in 1811 a Meeting House was built beside the graveyard. It is to this day carefully tended by a venerable old gentleman of 91 who exhibits it with great pride. The single room is a plain square, with a raised plat­ form at one end, and simple pine benches filling the floor space.

A glance at the head stones in the graveyard reveals that mark­ ings are limited to the date of death, and the initials of the de­ ceased — S. S. 1803 for Samuel Starbuck, T. F. 1814 and A. F. 1816 for Timothy Folger and his wife Abiel. These two families only seem to be buried on this site.

Further back from the waterfront, and at the end of Priory Land, stands Priory Lodge, the Starbuck residence. Its site must have been lovely at the time of its building. It stands on the edge of a steep wooded decline dropping down to Hubbertson Pill, with a view of rising hills beyond. Encroaching buildings have hemmed it in, and it has fallen from its high estate into a condition of gentle decline. Tradition says that it was built "by a Captain Bunker".

NANTUCKET'S COLONY IN THE OLD WORLD

58

How it came to be identified with the Starbucks is not known. It is built of the local stone, but apart from the materials of con­ struction, it might have been placed on Nantucket's Main Street, where it would have fitted perfectly with the pattern of local archi­ tecture, a two-story house with chimney at each gable end, and a simple classical doorway flanked by Doric columns.

In 1804 Benjamin Rotch, the son of William, came to Milford Haven and remained until 1819. He had been in charge of his father's operations at Dunkirk, and had remained there through­ out the turmoil of the French Revolution. He was by far the wealthiest representative of the Nantucket colony, with mercantile connections in London, and a ship owned in his own right. He planned to build a mansion on the bluff overlooking the Haven, but he changed his plans when a residence known as Castle Hall became available, situated to the east of town beyond Castle Pill. It was without doubt the finest private residence in the town. A visitor in 1807 describes it as "not large, but commodiously elegant", with grounds laid out with great taste. The same informant tells us that, although he had not met the owner on this occasion, Ben­ jamin was said not to observe the rigorous formality of the Quak­ ers, either in dress or manners. The house was sold to Robert Fulke Greville, the younger brother of Charles Francis, in 1819, who transformed it by building an Italian Renaissance front with a tall tower. No trace of it remains today.

The Struggle for Whaling Supremacy

The story of the whaling enterprises carried on by the Nan­ tucket whalers of Milford Haven is part of the larger history of the struggle of the British to wrest the whaling industry from the seamen of New England, and to establish it as a British monopoly. When the efforts of the British ended in failure, the whaling activities of Milford Haven entered into a decline, and the town was forced to find other economic activities as a basis for the prosperity of the town.

Edouard A. Stackpole, in his book, "The Sea-Hunters", points to an interesting characteristic of this bitter competition. Al­ though on its face a struggle between Great Britain and the young Republic overseas, it was in reality a struggle of Yankee whalemen against Yankee whalemen, and, more particularly, of Nantucket seamen in ships of British registry against Nantucket seamen sail­ ing under American registry. In the period between the Revolu-

59

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

tionary War and the War of 1812, Great Britain had wisely em­ ployed its great power to build up its whaling fleet. It possessed command of the seas, good harbors, investment capital, and, most important of all, the greatest market for whale oil. Through its navigation laws and the weapon of import duties, it could favor its own ships and exclude vessels of foreign registry from its markets. True it was at the time referred to, that whale ships could be built more cheaply in American shipyards than in British but this seemed a relatively slight advantage on the American side.

The decisive factor in this struggle was the skill, enterprise, and thrift of the American whaling masters and crews. The British whaling enterprise, while challenging the supremacy of New England, was forced to employ Nantucket captains and mates to man their ships. This was the underlying cause for the effort to establish whaling colonies at Dartmouth and then at Milford Haven. During this period between wars, more than one hundred and fifty Nantucket shipmasters alone and some five hundred sea­ men sailed in ships of British registry. Why was it then that the industry in New England was not wholly destroyed? According to Edouard Stackpole, it was because the British "had not reckoned with the strongest factor of all. These Nantucket whale­ men were the greatest in the world, the chief exponents of their calling. But, as whalemen, they were men of the sea, and they were bound to Nantucket — their home — by the same mystic chords which they always felt tugging at their hearts no matter how far away from their island the winds of fate might carry them".

These same chords also bound William Rotch to his island home, and he set himself the task of preserving Nantucket as a whaling port when others despaired of success. Through his master stroke of securing the port of Dunkirk as his headquarters through negotiation with the French government, he provided a loop hole through which American shipmasters found a market for their oil, when the British market was hedged about with crippling restrictions, and so made it possible for whaling masters based on Nantucket to continue in business. When peace finally came, the port of Nantucket and New England ports generally showed a surprising capacity for recovery. By 1819, there were belonging to the island 57 ships and four brigs in the whaling industry, and smaller vessels in the coastal trade, with a tonnage of 23,565 tons. By 1821, Nantucket had a fleet of 78 ships and six

NANTUCKET'S COLONY IN THE OLD WORLD

60

brigs which, with the coastal vessels, reached a tonnage of 27,495.

All the ships and three of the brigs were engaged in whaling.

The growth of population kept pace with the recovery of whaling.

In spite of sizable losses through emigration, the town in 1820 had a population of 7,266.

The Decline of Milford Haven as a Whaling Port

In contrast with Nantucket in this period, Milford Haven had fallen on evil days. The population in 1831 was estimated to be in the neighborhood of 2,372. In 1814 the government abandoned its lease of the town docks and moved elsewhere. It had built several vessels for the British fleet, including a ship of seventy-four guns.

This enterprise, together with the whaling activities, had given rise to extravagant hopes for the development of the town. The loss of the government lease coincided with the beginning of the decline in the British whaling enterprise, and these two events introduced a period of stagnation from which the town did not recover until later in the century. The struggle for whaling su­ premacy had been won, and Nantucket was the victor.

At the time of the visit of Lord Nelson in 1802, Greville boasted that five Milford whalers were at sea in the South Atlantic fisheries. At a later date, eight ships were recorded at sea. As late as 1821, there is a record of a Milford Haven whaler being spoken in the South Atlantic. Samuel Starbuck, Sr., died in 1803, Timothy Folger in 1814, and Greville in 1809. Following his death, Benjamin Rotch became the first citizen of Milford Haven. He sold his home on Castle Pill and retired to London in 1819. Greville's younger brother and his nephew, who in turn succeeded to the estate, failed to show the same interest in the town that marked the career of Charles Francis. With the passing of these outstand­ ing figures, and the decline of the British whaling industry, the influence of the Nantucket colony became of secondary importance after the second decade of the nineteenth century. The descendents of Samuel Starbuck continued to reside in Milford Haven, and to be buried in the little graveyard of their faith. But it is safe to say that many others must have returned to their native shores.

Adjustment and Recovery

In spite of the years that have passed since the Yankee whalers brought their ships into the Haven the aspect of the town, as you approach it by water, has changed very little. It was laid out,

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

probably by the engineer Barrellier, in three parallel streets run­ ning the length of the Bluff. Front Street, or Hamilton Terrace, as it is now called, runs from the docks to St. Catherine's Parish Church that dominates the landscape. This long avenue is built with a wide promenade on the edge of the bluff, separated from the highway by strips of tree-planted lawn and flower beds. Along the highway, the finest buildings of the town look out across the Haven. This street was the finest residential part of the town.

To the westward, filling Hubbertson Pill, lie the docks. Here ex­ tensive changes have taken place since the days of the whalemen, for Milford Haven, unlike Nantucket, still relies for its main source of livelihood on the sea. Here are dry-docks, soon to be enlarged to handle the repair of the largest oil tankers now afloat, machine shops, warehouses, shipways, and cranes. And below the bluff at its western end stretches the trawler fish market, an enclosed wharf 1,200 feet long where trawlers discharge their catch for sorting, cleaning, and packing. Spur railroad tracks run alongside the market on the land side that carry an average of a thousand tons of fish a week, and deliver their loads to the cities of the United Kingdom the morning after unloading at the piers.

The growth of population of the British Isles and the rapid urbanization provided the solution of the economic problems of the town. In the course of the twentieth century its population increased to 12,000, and it enjoys today a modest prosperity. The Nantucket whalemen and their descendents may be gone, but their contribution to the early history of the town has never been forgotten. Its citizens recall the presence of the Nantucket men and women with pride, and the people of Nantucket should not forget how their ancestors reversed the course of history by planting a colony of the New World in the Old.

62

Keziah Coffin Farming's Diary

BY NANCY S. ADAMS (Continued)

1782 Jan. 1-2—Briggs anchored at the Bar last night from Boston bound to sea. The Capt. of one was Robert Barker & some of the people came ashore last night. This morn Robert Barker, Christopher Worth, Jr., Jethro Coffin, Jr., Job Myrick, and Samuel Ray and Joseph Chadwick sot off in a whale boat to go to one of the vessels (the wind fresh at N.) just as they got on the Bar the boat overset & all 7 men were drowned. 2 boats attempted to go from shore to their assistance. But it was impossible to yield them any assistance.

Jan. 3—Neither body found up to date.

Jan. 4— Boat's searching found Sam'l Ray's body.

Jan. 5—Job Myrick's body found.

Jan. 7—Robert Barker's body found.

Jan. 13—Just at day, blew extreme hard at E. for several minutes & instantly, as quick as thought, from blowing it was an entire calm never before knew such a sudden alteration. Had been windy all night but was calm all day after the sudden change.

Jan. 29—Reuben Macy sailed for Turks' lid. in Brig.

Jan. 30—Water frozen out to Bar. Geo. Bunker arrived at E. end from Baltimore with flour—cannot get in brings news of Barker Burnell's death.

Feb. 2—No water to be seen at North.

Feb. 3—Bunker sailed supposed for a harbor.

Feb. 10—He anchored S. of Sconset. Left again about noon.

Mar. 20—Capt. Nash's wife died to-day about noon.

Mar. 25—Several Refugees in the sound—have taken Riddell coming from Connecticut with provisions & Crosby also—Ben Russell came in to-day & brought the news they chased him but he escaped.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mar. 26—Jethro Coffin's body (one of the drowned ones) found on Coatue.

Mar. 28—William Rotch and some women were bound off to meet­ ing yesterday & were taken by a Shaving Mill and carried under Gay Head and anchored. Dimick went over from Falmouth just before the squall yesterday took the Mill and retook Rotch. The Shavers robbed the women's pockets, took the Buckles and abused them much.

Mar. 31—Reuben Macy was lately taken with 3,000 bushels of salt on board & carried into N. York.

Apr. 5—Peleg Easton came to the Bar yesterday from Turk's Island with a load of salt; he has been gone six weeks to-day. Soon after she came to the Bar a Privateer Schooner out of New York came to the Bar, took the Brig into possession. Wm. Rotch, Jr.; Samuel Rodman, owners of the Brig, went on board and ransomed her for a small consideration, this morning the Brig came into the harbor. The Privateer has taken this morning a schooner from Boston belonging to John Bean loaded with lumber. He purchased the vessel in Boston and her load. Several persons have been off trying to get them to give up the vessel but they will not consent. The Privateer and Prize went round the end. The Privateer took several woodmen on board but released them.

Apr. 7—The Privateer that was at the Bar last Thursday & Friday was up the Chord of the Bay middle of the afternoon headed for the Point toward night.

Apr. 10—George Coleman's wife died.

Apr. 12—Hathaway & Meader sailed 7 weeks ago today for Phila­ delphia with a load of oyl, were taken & carried into New York they have both got home. Meader had the small pox in New York.

Apri. 14—The body of a man identified as that of Christopher Worth was found on Quaise shore a little to the westward of the middle Quaise water fence. Ichabod Plaisted, Timo. Fitch's wife's son died yesterday.

Apr. 28—Before sunset yesterday Levi Barlow with 10 men in a boat from the other side came here. Capt. Nash had hired a vessel of my father to carry him to some British Port (Silv, or Wm.) Coffin was bound master, they were near ready to sail, this Bar-

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

64

low having a Commission & supposing her to be Capt. Nash's property seized her & carried her off, 11 o'clock last night. The Selectmen & a number of the principal men used all their endeav­ ors to prevent his carrying her away, but to no effect. James rown died Yesterday.

Apr. 29—Last night 2 fellows that belonged to Penobscot that was here stole a little schooner that belonged to Falmouth & went off to Penobscot in her.

Apr. 30—Peter Joy & Phebe Coleman (Uncle Christopher's daugh­ ter) married to-day in meeting.

May 1—Capt. Nash & Mr. Butler went off this morn to the main.

Nash is bound to Boston to get his Parole enlarged. Butler is bound after the vessel that Barlow ran off with.

May 5—An American Privateer came into the harbor at noon one Carver commands her, she belongs at Bedford—the Privateer went out of the harbor before noon May 6, met with no encourage­ ment 'tis said she came after South Sea men & thier property.

May 12—Capt. Nash & Mr. Butler returned this day from Boston.

Barlow has libeled the vessel & is determined to stand Trial.

May 21—20 people dined here today, Mr. Johnson's wife had a daughter born to-day.

May 24—P. F. (Phineus Fanning) & the children & myself set out with the mare & chaise for the Shear Pen, we made a little stop there—the Starbuck's were marking lambs there—from there we went to Saml. Starbuck's house, viewed his Territories (one Luce lives there) his house stands on a butiful spot of ground, he"1 has got barns, cribs, yards & enclosures to make it convenient—but the soil he cannot alter, it is barren looking country. Hezekiah Starbuck's daughter (& oldest child) died this morn about 9 years sick a week of the pleurisy.

June 3—Betsey Delano, Thomas' wife had a son born this morning.

June 4—William Chadwick came to-day from whaling has got— bbls. In a few days after he went from here Amos Gardner, Elisha's son fell from the mast head on the deck, bounded over­ board & they saw him no more.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

June 8 Obed Bunker came in this morning from whaling with 40 bbls. and Giles with 40 bbls. & the vessel that Giles went out in with bbls. Giles was carried away the 29th of last month with a toe line. Lot Cottle his mate was very much hurt the 20th. of the month but is somewhat better than he was. Levi Barlow went up the harbor in his Mill this afternoon (he was in the harbor and about the island 8 or 10 days) they anchored by William Hussey's house when we got up. James Whippey came in to-day from whaling with — bbls. sailed last March. june 9—News is that there is a large fleet of Britians at the Vineyard taking off sheep and cattle promising pay for them.

June 12—There is a schooner at the Bar, came there since noon and is said to be a York Privateer. Imagine Barlow is shaking in his shoes. George Folger, Jr.'s wife had a daughter born last night.

June 14—Middle of the afternoon the Privateer came over the Bar and came into the harbor and anchored near Long Wharf.

Barlow on seeing them enter the Harbor unrigged his Mill, stove a hole in her and retreated with his people to the head of Long Wharf where he made a breast work with wood in order, he pre­ tended, to defend himself; but the inhabitants instantly destroyed it, on which he and his people wisely took to their heels out of town, not letting grass grow under their feet. The people out of the New York Privateer landed on the S. Wharf and immediately destroyed Barlow's Mill and then pursued him and his party, out of town with all speed. They got sight of Barlow and several of his people, but they having so much start, they dodged into the swamps where they hid and were not any of them found. It is said that some of Barlow's men hid under houses, some in swamps and some got onto Tuckanuck. Washed sheep to-day.

(To be Continued)

66

History Making Events The call for the annual meeting of the members of the As­ sociation has been received, no doubt, by all members but this is to remind one and all that it will be held Tuesday, July 19th, 1955, at 3 p.m. at Bennett Hall, Centre Street. In addition to the election of officers and handling routine business, President Nancy S. Adams will present her annual report. There also will be a speaker well known to many Islanders but whose identity is not being disclosed until the meeting is called. It is our opinion, how­ ever, that attendance will be well rewarded and so we urge as many members as possible to be present. The meeting will also be open to guests of members who will be cordially welcomed by the Council and officers of the Association.

Memorial Day brought its usual holiday weekend visitors which included more than 100 members of the Appalachian Club, so in greeting the Association arranged a special opening of its various buildings, in addition to the formal opening for the season of the Whaling Museum. The Historical Museum, Friends Meet­ ing House, "1800" House, and the Old Mill were open to visitors Sunday afternoon, May 29th, from 2 to 5 p.m. 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 Nantucket. That it was appreciated is evidenced by the fact that there were about 175 visitors at the Whaling Museum alone.

The formal opening for the 1955 season of the Association's buildings and exhibits took place on Monday, June 13th, except for the Whaling Museum which opened May 28th. The weekly and hourly schedule and admission fees is given in detail in this issue under the heading "Admission Schedule for 1955".

At the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House, Mrs. Alma F. Backus again is greeting visitors and Miss Alice Crocker is presiding as Librarian. Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Chairman, with the able assistance and suggestions of "Archie" Cartwright, Nantucket's retired Fire Department chief, has rearranged the basement exhibits so that the old fire apparatus, with various additions of ancient fire fighting equipment, not only have taken on a "new look" but make a most interesting exhibit.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

At the Old Mill, John E. Greene is serving, as he has done for several years, as the "Miller", ready as always to explain the mystery of how the old wooden machinery and massive millstones operate. The one vane wrecked by "Hurricane Edna" has been repaired and new posts and rails have restored the old fashioned fence which surrounds the Mill.

The Oldest House is presided over again by Miss Ethel C. Clark, who, dressed in an early Island costume, extends her usual cordial and warm welcome to visitors. Under the guidance of Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton, who continues as Chairman, further restoration work has been carried on. It is hoped that a volunteer group of hostesses will be available again this year to assist in greeting visitors and showing the old house and its exhibits.

"1800 House" has a new chairman this year, Mrs. William Voorneveld. While her plans for the year have not been announced at this writing, she does emphasize that "1800 House" will con­ tinue to be shown, not as a museum but as a home as it might have been lived in by some half a dozen generations beginning at a time between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Mrs. Susan M. Cowden will welcome visitors again.

The Whaling Museum opened for the season Saturday, May 28th. Throughout the summer the building and its exhibits will be open week days and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the library which, on Sundays, will not open until 12 noon. Wallace Long, known to many as "Cap", we are sorry to say, will not be on deck this season because of ill health. He has been granted a leave of absence in the hope that a complete rest will help to restore him to good health for he will be greatly missed by his many friends.

"Archie" Cartwright, the last Nantucket man who has shipped out as a whaler, fortunately was available and agreed to serve as Custodian. He is now on deck steering visitors on a steady course through the intricate phases of whaling and the many exhibits.

It will not be surprising if once again the walls will echo with "Thar Blo-o-ows" as they did when George A. Grant served as the first custodian.

Mrs. Bernice Foye is serving, as usual, at the reception desk welcoming visitors and helping them to enjoy the exhibits by her pre-tour suggestions and features not to be missed. Mrs. Ellen D. Chace opened the Library this year and served as Librarian until the arrival of Miss Helen M. Winslow who took over Monday,

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

68

June 13th. She is planning some interesting exhibits. The scrim­ shaw room has been redecorated and much needed new lighting has been installed throughout the first floor. The new exhibit, a corner of a ship owner's counting room, located behind the recep­ tion desk, is an added feature which seems to draw the public's attention.

Albert Egan, Jr., and George W. Jones are now serving as members of the Whaling Museum committee of which W. Ripley Nelson continues as Chairman. We are fortunate in having ob­ tained their consent to serve and already their knowledge of the Island and cooperation is being felt in rearranging exhibits and planning for the future.

The Bay State Historical League held its spring meeting Saturday, May 7th, at Springfield, Massachusetts, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum being the host. Mrs. Walton H. Adams, our President and a Director-at-Large of the League attended.

One hundred and twenty-eight persons representing many socie­ ties answered the roll call. Col. Lawrence Eliot Bunker and Miss Florence Torr, in addition to Mrs. Adams, stood for Roll Call rep­ resenting Nantucket.

Dr. A. Warren Stearn, President of the League, presided. The welcome was extended by Dr. William B. Kirkham, President of the City Library Association. Miss Juliette Tomlinson, Director of the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, was the speaker.

Her subject was "An Outsider Looks at Springfield History".

The meeting was held in the auditorium of the Museum of Natural History, one of a number of buildings which surround the Museum quadrangle. Previous to the meeting the delegates visited the various buildings which surround the quadrangle, namely: The City Library, The George Walter Smith Art Museum, Museum of Natural History, Springfield Museum of Fine Arts, and the William Pynchon Memorial Buildings of the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum. These five buildings surround a spacious lawn and make a handsome and imposing appearance.

In the Pynchon Memorial Building there are various period rooms such as the 17th century room panelled in pine with fireplace and period furniture, dating from 1690 to 1720, and the Chapin Room which dates about 1750. The basement, light and airy, ex­ hibits two old fire engines, an old chaise and a collection of guns

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

and swords. It also contains an unusual exhibit called the Con­ temporary Room in which there is installed what the Museum believes is the best of today's furniture which will be collector's pieces of the future. One hundred years hence will be seen this 1955 style of furnishing now called extremely modern.

The competition for the Association's two annual local history awards resulted in three essays being submitted from the High School and four summaries of Nantucket history from the Vo­ cational School. The awards committee, Mrs. George W. Jones, Mrs. Joseph King, and W. Ripley Nelson, awarded the High School prize to William Hoadley for his essay "Nantucket Newspapers (1816-1955)", an outstanding piece of work. The Vocational School prize was awarded to Kenneth Duce for his summary of Nantucket history.

The awards were two handsome engrossed certificates bear­ ing the name of the winner and a description of the nature of the awards. The certificates, in gold frames, were presented at the graduation exercises.

The other two essays selected by the High School for con­ sideration were written by Erna Richard and Veronica Perry. The other three summaries of Nantucket history selected by the Vo­ cational School for consideration were written by Donald Cahoon, James A. Duarte, and Richard Correia.

To further stimulate the interest of the High School and Vocational School students in local history, the Council decided at its June meeting to award to each student, whose essay or summary of history is selected for consideration by the Committee for the prize award, one year's membership free in the Asso­ ciation. Letters to this effect have been written by President Adams to the seven aforementioned students. We are glad to wel­ come them as members and hope they will continue their mem­ berships for many years to come.

The Inquirer and Mirror Press

Staff HISTORICAL MUSEUM and FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE Chairman Custodian Librarian

Mrs. Walton H. Adams Mrs. Alma Backus Miss Alice Crocker OLD MILL

Chairman Custodian

Earl S. Ray John Greene OLDEST HOUSE

Chairman Custodian

Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton Miss Ethel Clark THE WHALING MUSEUM

Chairman Committeemen Custodian Receptionist Librarian

W. Ripley Nelson Albert Egan Jr. George W. Jones Archibald Cartwright Mrs. Herbert W. Foye Miss Helen L. Winslow OLD JAIL

Chairman Custodian

James A. Norcross George T. King T800" HOUSE

Chairman Custodian

Mrs. William Voorneveld Mrs. Susan M. Cowden

Officers 1954 - 1955

President Mrs. Walton H. Adams

Vice Presidents Howard U. Chase Burnham N. Dell George W. Jones

Everett U. Crosby Miss Grace Brown Gardner W. Ripley Nelson

Secretary

Treasurer

George W. Jones

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth

Auditor Ormonde F. Ingall

Councillors Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Chairman Term Expires

Albert Egan, Jr. Mrs. Cyril C. Ross Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton John W. Grout Earl S. Ray James A. Norcross Mrs. Joseph King

1955 1955 1956 1956 1957 1957 1958

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