Historic Nantucket, October 1955, Vol. 4 No. 2

Historic Nantucket

UPPER MAIN STREET, NANTUCKET From an original lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton

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

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

Enclosed is my check to the order of the Association in the amount of $

as my contribution to the special fund being raised to cover

the cost of essential structural and restoration work at the Whaling Mu­ seum.

Note: Counsel advises such a gift is an allowable deduction for Federal Income Tax purposes.

N. H. A.

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

VOLUME 4

OCTOBER 1955

No. 2

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.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information

2

Editorial

4

Local History Award Certificates

5

Nantucket Newspapers

6

Nantucket History

22

61st Annual Meeting

27

President's Annual Report

29

Ransom and Rewards

33

Treasure Hunting in Americana

35

History Making Events

39

In Memoriam

44

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

45

Membership Report

51

Whaling Museum Fund

53

Officers

55

3

4

EDITORIAL Fifteen years ago an editorial was published in an historical association quarterly about its "Island" home, which might well have been written today about our Island and our problem of preservation. We venture therefore to reprint extracts: "We talk and write a great deal about conservation of the natural beauties of the Island and of the preservation of its historical landmarks . . . The Island has a marvelous heritage, both of history and tradition and of scenic and cultural beauty. . . . Aside from their personal or historic significance, our local place names are one of our most precious posses­ sions. Many of them are sheer poetry, and all of them an asset, if only in the way of stimulation to a wider knowledge of the neighborhood in which we live.

"One of the healthiest signs in this era of stress and uncertainty is the rapidly growing interest in local history. An appreciation of the fact that our steps lead in pleasant places and an eagerness to know what has made them so. No one can deny that a sincere respect for one's own environment will make for better citizenship, in old and young.

"In the Island we stand in the shadow of a perpetual menace. Strang­ ers who 'know not the fathers' are continually coming among us; a change in transportation . . . , and even the oldest of us may see our dearest associations swept away as by a gust of wind. Witness the over night destruction of many of the choicest rural sections. . . . That is, unless we make every effort and at once to hold fast to the best that remains. It is our duty and our privilege.

"So far our appeal has been solely to the older generation, how often to be met only with stolid indifference or with the silly excuse that we must sell our birthright in the name of Progress. Progress? Indeed.

What is it that has given the charm to New England; brought thousands to dwell there and other thousands to visit, but respect and reverence for these very things. And how can we look for this respect and reverence unless the greatest number are informed as to the significance of their surroundings."

Fifteen years later it seems that we on Nantucket Island are facing the same urgent problem. We have experienced "the change in transportation". We see the influx of "strangers who knew not the fathers" and, it should be added with respect to many, are not interested in the fathers and the heritage they left. And so today facing the problem of preserving Nantucket's greatest asset— its heritage—we emphasize the concluding words of the editorial: "Our hope lies with the children. The first responsibility with the parents; the second with the schools. ... To interest the children is to interest the parents, to interest the parents is to interest and support the teachers. Who shall say that with such cooperation we will not be able to keep the Island always a lovelier and more distinctive place to live?"

*r3}

Q «5

-*14 |.iC

ilk

^l^ts g.

3 *3Is

ii3I ;

£* 2 ** 11

a

•«

^ ° ^

-1111 >:•

H

**SMI

31® j ifIif

rr>

5.3

>> rd

lid

IFRN M:I O

T3 <£ CD -M C r& 0) O ^ «i

jjr *8 "Pi *&»,&»** J? ^ •« ^ -2

05 O H CQ

I?!

F{ ^

J3-j :ss

|| (5 J la

•J C O O h-} J <5 £

o rQ O C S

- £

Id W ojO ^ C 03

£ o3 C eg ffi Q2 ^JC l| h *» |1 a <s

"E e <D O O !C s * S ® en O a° m

c2 ?-« <ft>C

fx Q

w w T3 ^ c ccS ^

3

*

§

M £ <u £ Eh <1

6

Nantucket Newspapers (1816-1955) Nantucket High School Prize Winning Essay

By WILLIAM HOADLEY In writing this short paper I am trying to sum up the history of Nantucket's newspapers from their early beginnings to the present day.

Very few of these publications ever survived any length of time. One of the many possible answers could be the fact that there was not the interest shown by the people and to the fact that "nothing of any importance ever happened on the island that wasn't already known by the time the paper was published1."

I shall try to present my story in historical sequence covering as many newspapers as possible.

"THE GAZETTE" This paper began its publication on May 6, 1816, and sold for $2.50 a year. It was issued once a week with Abraham G. Tannant and Hiram Tupper as publishers. Its pages measured 12 by 20 inches and contained five columns. Because a person by the name of Sylvanus Macy wished to be sure he had a copy of the first newspaper published on Nantucket, the first copy was sold to him for fifty cents.

The building where it was published was located on the corner of State (Main) Street and South Water Street. It survived only nine months because of lack of patrons. The last issue was printed on February 1, 1817.

The paper consisted of the usual advertising, an editorial column headed "Moniter" and several items of general interest.

It reported on all affairs, local, national, and international.

Several ads and articles follow: FOR SALE

NEW MILK

By the subscriber, a cow 4 yrs. old, bears the finest recommendations.

For further particulars enquire of present owner.

WILL be delivered at the door of those who may please to give the directions for the same once a day at 6d. per

REUBAN RUSSELL July 15

quart.

Obed Mitchell

PAGE ONE OF "THE GAZETTE" (MAY 6, 1816 - FEBRUARY 1, 1817)

8

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

FIFTY DOLLARS REWARD

NARRATIVE

Whereas some evil minded person or persons on the night of the 12th of December,

ROBBERY

instant. Sawed off the head of a certain image affixed to the sloop "Empress", whoever will give to the owners' of said sloop, such information as shall be sufficient to convict the perpetrators of this wicked infamous, and shameful deed, shall receive the above reward.

Nantucket, Dec. 13.

of the of the

NANTUCKET BANK Just published by H. Clapp and for sale at his book store.

A narrative of the robbery of the Nantucket Bank giving an account of the nefarious con­ duct of the robbers before and after the robbery was com­ mitted, as received by William Coffin and others, from differ­ ent places, and from respec­ table characters.

July 29

"English Jaundice pills with particulars" and ending with "All pills, not answering the expectations of the purchaser, will be taken back and the money refunded, if requested."

Also several articles written by an eye-witness about "The Battle of Waterloo" and an interesting "Miscellany" column.

"THE NANTUCKET WEEKLY MAGAZINE" Mr. Tannant, taking renewed courage, a few months later began publication of a sheet called "The Nantucket Weekly Maga­ zine", which was ten by twelve inches in size, four pages of three columns each, and was devoted to "literary and commercial reading".

The first issue appeared on June 28, 1817, and followed every Saturday evening until January 3, 1818, when poor Mr. Tannant gave up in despair. He, at the time, was probably the most mis­ understood man in Nantucket.

A pessimistic statement was printed by Tannant in the last issue, which stated that he and his staff had labored very hard to produce a well written newspaper and because of the lack of in­ terest and appreciation, there could never be any other paper published in Nantucket.

9

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The paper was very well written and certainly should have continued to the present day.

Several articles are of general interest and amusement: NOTICE A reward will be given for any part of the PIANOFORTE which came ashore at Siasconset some time since the wreck of the "Queen". Apply at this office.

News Item . . . "The Chief of the Independent Government of Pernambuco (Martins) is now a prisoner of the Royal Portu­ guese. Person committeed sui­ cide when the Revolution failed."

Also several rare ads, a "Marine List" containing items of general interest to merchants, captains, ship owners, etc., and various other items.

"THE INQUIRER" On June 23, 1821, Joseph C. Melcher began the foundation of the first permanent newspaper on Nantucket. Associated with him was Samuel Jenks as editor.

In the first issue the intentions and the policies of the pub­ lishers were outlined. The page was twelve by twenty inches with four columns per page.

Jenks, in 1823, took over full control and remained for two decades. He was a very brilliant man and was able to increase his circulation so that within a few years "The Inquirer" became a Nantucket institution. It became strong and managed to outlive any of its rivals.

"THE NANTUCKET JOURNAL" In 1826 a rival newspaper was established under the name of the first "Nantucket Journal", by William Bigelow of Boston.

The first issue appeared on September 14 and continued until June 1, 1827.

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

10

"THE INQUIRER" AND ITS WANDERINGS (1830 - 1840) During this time "The Inquirer" continued to thrive, not only as a weekly, but as a bi-weekly and a tri-weekly as well. It was one of those old Whig papers which very strongly opposed the election of Andrew Jackson. (Only fourteen people voted for Jackson, and probably were the most unpopular persons on the Island.)

Advertisements from "The Inquirer" during the 1830-1840 period: "For Consumption or Cough. Two quarts of strong ale, one of white honey. Two ounces of the leaves of long-wort, put in earthern pot, covered closely, and 'boil down to one half. Strain the liquor, bottle it, cork the bottles closely, and keep in a cool place."

"The Inquirer" moved to a three-story building owned by NOTICE Charles G. Stubbs, (where the Whereas certain scandalous present Ellis' Shoe Repair Shop stories are in circulation re­ is today) on South Water Street. specting a certain Roland It then moved to a building Gardener; such as keeping a owned by a certain Philip Foltent on Sundays, visiting a ger on the corner of Main and certain Mrs. S. . . .; frequent­ ing the brothel of a certain Federal Streets in 1833, but re­ Mrs. R. . . ., celebrated as a mained there only a short time. receptacle for dissipated Ne­ It again was moved to Union groes and equally dissipated Street, but, after a year or two, White men. This is to inform in 1836, the editor, having built the public that the subscriber a house on Union Street, moved has enough sins to answer for, without adopting those of the plant to Coffin Street at the any other R. Gardener. head of Commercial Wharf. This Roland Gardener was a fortunate move because almost white two days after it had gotten June 30 settled down at its new location, a fire broke out in its old head­ quarters and destroyed everything in its path. If the paper had remained there, one of Nantucket's institutions would have been lost.

"The Inquirer" remained on Coffin Street a few years and again moved to Main Street.

11

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

In 1841, the paper changed hands, being sold to a Mr. Hiram B. Dennis in December, and continued until August 12, 1843, when the editorship passed on to John Morrissey.

"THE ISLANDER" Nantucket's fifth newspaper, "The Islander", and "The In­ quirer's" second rival appeared in 1840. It was a Democratic news­ paper which was financed by island Democrats, who were quite strong in number at that time. Mr. Charles C. Hazwell, from the "Boston Post", a young man who won considerable fame for his writings later, was editor of the sheet.

He was a vigorous writer and, as Harry B. Turner states in his history of the Nantucket newspapers, "did yeoman's work for the Democratic Party during the campaign of 1840".

Surprisingly enough, it was an Abolitionist newspaper and did a wonderful job in stopping those who tried to break up the meetings of the Nantucket Anti-Slavery men. It was located on the corner of Cambridge Street and Coal Lane until it was dis­ continued in March of 1843.

Two ads follow: UMBRELLAS

TOOTHACHE DROPS

Now selling at RAND and ALLEN'S from 75c to $6.50

These drops do not contain creosote or other delecterious substance, and will give im­ mediate relief in the toothache.

"THE WEEKLY TELEGRAPH" "The Islander's" equipment was sold to Woodbury Bradford and Alexander B. Robinson, who continued to publish "The Weekly Telegraph" in place of "The Islander" at the same location until 1845.

Beginning as a weekly it soon graduated into a daily, putting up stiff competition with "The Inquirer", which soon began issu­ ing dailies, too. For a while both were issued as dailies with neither a paying proposition. "The Weekly Telegraph" was edited by

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

12

Arthur H. Gardner until 1845, when it along with "The Inquirer" was purchased by Edward Cobb. He disbanded "The Telegraph", but continued to publish "The Inquirer".

"THE MIRROR" In 1845 John Morrissey, former editor of "The Inquirer", returned to Nantucket to start a rival newspaper which was named "The Mirror". It met with a tremendous success, putting up stiff competition with its rival.

The building to the left was occupied by "The Mirror" after the Great Fire until it merged with "The Inquirer" in 1865. Originally two buildings, it was added to, about 1860, and joined by a walk from the upper stories.

Also, on December 27, 1845, a third paper, "The Weekly Warder", was established, and all three found it rather difficult to scrape for a living. "The Warder" was published by William C.

13

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Starbuck, another former editor of "The Inquirer". (Apparently some dispute arose in "The Inquirer" as the two former editors both started rivals.)

All three were running business on high when the Great Fire of 1846 occurred.

J. E. C. Farnum, in his "Brief Historical Data and Memories of My Boyhood Days in Nantucket", states that "The Mirror" was located on Main Street, where the water company is now, and was the scene of activity especially at printing time on Friday. He entered "The Mirror" staff in 1863 as a printer's devil. Also he says that beneath the title, "The Nantucket Weekly Mirror", in roman type, was the following statement: "A Family Newspaper — Neutral in Politics — Devoted to Sound Morals, Literature, Instruction, Amusement, Foreign, Do­ mestic, and Marine News."

The editors and proprietors were, at that time, Hussey and Robinson.

THE GREAT FIRE OF 1846 This awful conflagration destroyed both plants of "The In­ quirer" and "The Mirror", while "The Weekly Warder" went untouched. (Although it was undamaged, it only survived a few years afterwards, while the other two continued to prosper.) "The Inquirer" managed to get its edition out on time through the efforts of Mrs. Cobb, who reported the fire as she witnessed it, and rushed over to "The Warder's" office, where she set up type and got the paper out herself.

After the fire Cobb, going bankrupt from the fire's damage, borrowed enough money to get his plant set up and his paper rolling again; soon he was on the road to success. Cobb struggled to maintain his position for the next ten years, and, in 1858, the control passed into the hands of John Morrissey and Alexander P. Moore under the firm name of Morrissey & Moore.

Morrissey, after the fire, got his shop put together temporar­ ily over the store of a Frederick Chase on Union Street. He issued his paper for a while on a seven by nine sheet, following the ex­ ample of "The Inquirer", until he could get set up permanently, but he joined the "Exodus for California", in 1849, for the Gold Rush and sold his paper to Hussey and Robinson.

15

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

However, he returned to the island six years later and pur­ chased his old rival, "The Inquirer", from Edward Cobb. He went into partnership with Alexander P. Moore and continued to publish the paper until 1858, when he retired from the business.

During the period from 1858 to 1865 "The Inquirer" passed into many hands, while "The Mirror" remained under the firm of Hussey & Robinson.

"The Inquirer" was published by Moore for three years after Morrissey's retirement, serving as editor and publisher. The paper then, in 1861, passed on to William H. Beckman, publisher, and Edward M. Gardner, editor.(*) In 1863 the editor's chair was filled

by Alfred Macy, but only for two years.

On April 7, 1865, Hussey and Robinson of "The Mirror" pur­ chased "The Inquirer" and merged it with "The Mirror" under the joint name of "The Inquirer and Mirror". J. E. C. Farnum states: "As the 'Inquirer' was the older sheet, and the new proprietors desired to retain the names of the two in combination, they de­ ferred to age and so called the new publication, 'The Inquirer and Mirror'."

Add in the first issue of "The Inquirer and Mirror": News Item Dr. Dow, since 1845 having confined his whole attention to an office practice for the cure of Private diseases and Fe­ male complaints, acknowledges no superior in U. S. A. All letters must contain $1.00 or they will not be answered.

"On Friday morning, Mrs. Mary Johnson, an Irish-woman aged about 65 years was foundlying on the sidewalk in North Water Street, where she had probably laid all night in a pour­ ing rain. She was taken to her home and died soon after.

(*) Is is interesting to note that Alexander Moore relinquished "The Inquirer" and enlisted in the Civil War. But he only got as far as Yarmouth on Cape Cod, where he had left the train for a few minutes.

He attempted to board after it had started, mistook his calculation and fell between the wheels of a car. Both his legs were severed and he died shortly afterwards.

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

16

"THE ISLAND REVIEW" For nine years "The Inquirer and Mirror" was the only news­ paper in the field on Nantucket. In 1874, however, another paper graced the field, "The Island Review". It was started by an Isaac H. Folger on the west corner of Main and Federal Streets where the Eleanor Royal Shop is at present.

It was published weekly, semi-weekly, and, for a while, even daily. When Folger removed his plant to Centre Street, he was joined by a Mr. S. Heath Rich from the Brockton Enterprise as his associate. They continued to publish until the fall of 1878, when "The Advance" of Brockton was purchased by them.

"THE NANTUCKET JOURNAL" (2nd) The field having been cleared open for another newspaper, a graduate of "The Inquirer and Mirror", Arthur H. Gardner, entered and began publishing "The Nantucket Journal" in the ante-rooms of Parthenon Hall, over what is "Congdon's Pharmacy", on September 26, 1878. He later moved over Jernegan's Periodical Store (Roger's).

The venture was a success, lasting for over two decades; con­ taining general news, poetry, ads, etc., and was the size of its rival. On November 23, 1899, it was discontinued.

Samples of ads are quoted here: GET YOUR Hair Cutting & Shaving done at BRADY'S HAIRDRESSING SALOON We make a specialty of Ladies' & Children's Haircutting & Curling a Specialty Also a fine line of Imported and Domestic

C I G A R S

J. W. BRADY, Proprietor MAIN STREET just above Post Office

VOTE FOR Wm. E. Russell!

FOR GOVERNOR and others of his sort down to Wm. H. C. Lawrence FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT — and — LAURISTON BUNKER — For Register of Deeds —

17

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"The Inquirer and Mirror" was published by Hussey & Rob­ inson until 1877 when the former retired, turning his end of the business over to his son Roland B. Hussey, but still remained under the same firm name. However, in 1887 Robinson retired and Hussey assumed control of the paper and it remained under his control until 1907.

The first typesetting machine used by "The Inquirer and Mirror" was installed in March, 1901. It was a "Simplex", setting movable type, but operating from a keyboard. Quite different from the linotype of today!

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

18

The plant was moved to the rooms in the upper floors of the "Brick Block" on the East Corner of Main and Orange Streets in June of 1887. It continued publication until May of 1890 when a building was erected for its use on Milk Street and moved to the location. This building was later moved after the paper found newer location to Steamboat Wharf which is the present location of "The Skipper" (dining room). Also in the same year (1890) the present newspaper press was purchased and put into operation.

It was first steam driven and later it was converted to electricity.

In 1900 "The Inquirer and Mirror" was moved to its present headquarters, a building on Orange Street, built especially for its use. It is not now owned by the publishers which makes it rather difficult to operate.

From 1887 until his retirement in 1907, Roland B. Hussey brought the newspaper up to a high standard and left it in "good times" upon his retirement.

Arthur B. Cook and Harry B. Turner took over where Hussey left off, under the firm of Turner & Cook, Publishers, a partnership lasting until 1925 when Cook was forced into retirement by ill health caused by blood poisoning.

(He got this condition while working as a young man in the print shop.)

Both of the editors labored to produce a well-written paper.

When Cook retired in No­ vember of 1925, Turner took over the complete management, serv­ ing as editor and publisher. He inaugurated many new ideas, placed new machinery into oper­ ation, like linotype machines and job presses. He also began pub­ lishing a yearly calendar.

Upon his death in Novem­ ber, 1948, he was well known to the larger city newspapers who felt they had lost an old and dear The present modern linotypes were friend. He willed the editorship installed at "The Inquirer and Mir­ to Merle Turner Blackshaw and ror" in 1950 and continue to give Gordon Baker Turner, its pres­ satisfactory service even if the operators cuss them all the time. ent publishers.

19

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"The Inquirer and Mirror" has established itself as the oldest newspaper in Massachusetts, and the largest paper in America and, possibly, the world.

OTHER NEWSPAPERS "The 'Sconset Pump", issued from the office of "The Inquirer and Mirror" during the summer of 1888, and "The 'Sconset Visi­ tor", issued from the office of "The Journal" during the summer of 1889, were the last dailies published on Nantucket, neither a success.

"The Cobbles" "The Cobbles" was issued in 1919 in an "Anti-cover the Cob­ bles" movement. An idea to hard surface Main Street with bitumin­ ous concrete brought cries of protest, not only from Nantucketers, but from summer residents as well.

"The Nantucket Beacon" A tabloid newspaper was published weekly from August 7, 1930, to December 4, 1930.

"Madaket Free Press" "The Madaket Free Press" was published by Arthur C. Hayden.

Nantucket High School Publications "The Sea Chest" was published by the students as a sort of year book prior to 1940. It was replaced in about 1940 by "The Islander", the present paper. It concerns the activities of the school in the way of sports, classes, music, and gossip. It is published triyearly by the staff under the guidance of Mrs. J. W. Williams and two English teachers.

"The Town Crier" The present rival of "The Inquirer and Mirror" was estab­ lished in 1946, and was first printed on the mainland. Later in the year the owners bought the present location and installed modern machinery in it. It continues today as a vigorous sheet "in the best interests of Nantucket". It also puts out an excellent guide to the island during the summer. The editors and owners are Joseph and Constance Indio.

NANTUCKET NEWSPAPERS

20

MISCELLANEOUS

In 1899 "The Inquirer and Mirror" became a nine-column sheet (May 20).

"The Inquirer and Mirror" was printed on pink wrapping paper owing to the shortage of regular news stock caused by World War I on October 5, 1918.

"The Inquirer and Mirror" was the only paper in the world to print the story of the "Deutschland" five months in advance. The issue of January 29, 1916, contained information and an exclusive story of the "Deutschland" that the city papers ridiculed at the time, but praised when the submarine showed up off Norfolk, as predicted on July 9. The reason given is that a Nantucket insurance firm had insured the vessel and would know about the craft's maneuvers.

German Submarines Coming to New York Through its special correspondent who has, upon several occa­ sions during the past year, given Nantucket accurate and exclusive information pertaining to naval happenings of the present European war, "The Inquirer and Mirror" is, this week, able to state for the interest of its readers a few interesting facts. Germany has, under construction and all nearing completion, ten submarines of enormous size. These craft will be cargo carriers and they will render them­ selves ineffective to the Allies' blockade.

On leaving port they will run under water until the danger zone of the blockaded area is passed. Rising to the surface they will then pursue their voyage in the same manner as an ordinary cargo carrier, only submerging on the approach of a hostile warship. In nearing the the American coast they will submerge and run under water until well within the three-mile limit; then rising to the surface they will make port like any other surface craft.

These German submarine vessels will have cargo space sufficient to take care of large quantities of copper, munitions, rubber, or other merchandise, and thus will Germany supply herself with vital mili­ tary necessities. The arrival of the first of these craft in port (of New York) may be expected any day." — The Inquirer and Mirror, January 29, 1916.

A centennial number of "The Inquirer and Mirror" was issued on June 25, 1921, entitled "One Hundred Years on Nantucket".

"The Inquirer and Mirror" was published by students of the Nantucket High School on March 9, 1934, and March 30, 1935.

The largest edition of "The Inquirer and Mirror", 11,600 copies of eight pages, was published on June 12, 1942. It was a mail-away edition sponsored by local businessmen.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

21

On the wall of the editors' office at "The Inquirer ana Mirror" is a sign which was made for its hundredth anniversary and ends the story of Nantucket's newspapers on a cryptic note.

NOTICE We have been in business since 1821 — We have been pleasing and dis-pleasing the public ever since — We have been cussed and dis-cussed, talked about, lied to, hung up, held up, robbed, etc. The only reason we are staying in business is to see — WHAT THE HELL IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT !!!

BIBLIOGRAPHY R. A. Douglas-Lithgow Harry B. Turner

"Nantucket, A History" "Nantucket Argument Settlers"

J. E. C. Farnham .... "Brief Historical Data and Memories of My Boyhood Days in Nantucket"

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Miss Clara Parker, Librarian

Mrs. J. W. Williams

"The Inquirer and Mirror"

Two inserts had to be omitted from this article. (1) A facsimile of page 1 of the "Nantucket Inquirer", No. 1, Vol. 1, published Saturday June 23, 1831, as the cut is too large for this publication and (2) the story published upon the death of Harry B. Turner in 1948. Space does not permit inclusion of this life history and the accompanying picture is too large to be printed in this publica­ tion. Both inserts are available for inspection at "The Inquirer and Mirror" office. (Editor's note)

22

Nantucket History Vocational School Prize Winning Summary

BY KENNETH DUCE

Chapter I: Early Explorers In many localities Indian stories told the history of early ex­ plorers. Often this was not accurate information, but on Nantucket we did not even have this to go on, except in a very few cases.

There is a legend which seems to indicate that a Norwegian, Eric the Red, born about 950, probably landed here. Some even say that he gave it the name Nautican, others think that the name Nautican was first used by Sir Ferdinand Gorges. It might have been similar to an Indian or Norse name meaning "far away land".

Some people think that the Cabots were the first ones to land and claim this section for England. Others that Gosnold, who landed at Sankaty in 1602, was the first.

Chapter II: Early Settlers It is said that Wanackmamack, chief Sachem of Nantucket, sold unto Mr. Tristram Coffin and Thomas Macy their heirs and as­ signed the whole lot of land called by the Indian Pacunmmokguah, "being at the east end of Nantucket, for and in consideration of five pounds to be paid to me in English goods, or otherwise, to my content by the same Tristram Coffin aforesaid at convenient time as shall be demanded. It witness, Peter Folger and Wawinnisit and his English name is Amos. It recorded for Mr. Tristram Coffin and Mr. Thomas Macy, the 29th of 1671 aforesaid."

"These present witness, I, Wanackmamack, Head Sachem of the island of Nantucket, have bargained and sold, and do by these present bargain and sell to Tristram Coffin, Thomas Barnard, John Swain, Mr. Thomas Mayhew, Edward Starbuck, Peter Coffin, James Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, Tristram Coffin Jerm, Thomas Coleman, Robert Barnard, Christopher Hussey, Robert Pyke, John Smith, and John Bishop, this island of Nantucket, namely all west end of afore island unto Pard commonly called Waquittaguay and from head of that pond to northside of island Monomoy."

23

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Chapter III: Ownership It was said that the King of England based his claim on Cabot's exploration and gave it to Lord Sterling in payment for debts. Sterling turned around and sold it to Thomas Mayhew of Watertown.

Mayhew sold it to nine others and kept one-tenth for himself.

He sold this for thirty pounds and two beaver hats.

They also had to buy out the Indian rights, but the Indians thought they could go fishing and hunting after they had sold it and that caused trouble.

Each purchaser had a partner, this making twenty full shares; later fourteen half shares were issued.

Later difficulty over ownership arose, when for a time it ap­ peared that Nantucket came under the state of New York.

Notice was issued that all persons claiming land on Nantucket appear before the Governor of New York within four months from May 16, 1670, and prove his title.

Although the notice was received by the Nantucket inhabi­ tants, they seem to have paid no attention to it until May 16, 1671, when Tristram Coffin and Thomas Macy were appealed to act for the Nantucket owners.

They proceeded to New York and their mission resulted in a new patent from Lovelace for both Nantucket and Tuckernuck, dated June 28, 1671, confirming what had already been done by Forrett, Lord Sterling's agent.

This conveyance was to Tristram Coffin and Thomas Macy as patent for and on behalf of themselves and their associates inhabi­ tants of Nantucket. Under this, Nantucket was created and em­ phasized township, independent of every other town.

Chapter IV: Early Industries Corn was a very important product in the early days, oats and rye were very important, too. They made a gristmill to grind the corn. It was built in back of the Lily Pond.

They brought a man down to run the mill, he was an Indian interpretor, surveyor, and recorder. His name was Peter Folger.

He became a famous man, through his grandson, who was Benja­ min Franklin. There were four mills at one time, where the Old Mill now stands. All used to grind corn.

NANTUCKET HISTORY

24

Each shareholder chose a spot to live with twenty-two and a half acres of land.

Another product was fish, a lot of fishing was done at 'Sconset. There were plenty of shellfish around the shores in those days. They used to salt the fish to save it, because they didn't have refrigeration.

Sheep raising was good at one time. There were almost fifteen thousand on the island. In the month of June they had shearing.

They washed the sheep off in some pond and then would shear them. This shearing was a very big occasion. The women would furnish a big dinner and everyone was in a gay mood, it was like a Fair.

Chapter V: Quakers It is said that the Quakers started about 1700, and lasted until 1900. We also know that at the peak, only half of the people were Quakers. Chalkey, Story, and Richardson were famous Quakers, that came to the island from England. Mary Starbuck was the best known Nantucket Quaker. She had a big house out at the western part of the island, and they used to have their meeting in the parlor, so they call it the Parliament House. Part of it still remains on the corners of School and Pine Street.

The first real meeting house was built out by the water tower in 1711 and then in 1731 they built another by the Quaker Ceme­ tery. They still have remains of some of their meeting houses; the movie hall, the Roberts House, and the Historical Museum. The Quakers believe in simple, plain living and "inner light . They consider themselves in the world, but not part of it. The other people were called worldly people. They wore plain cloth, had simple pleasures, and had no music. They were honest in business, had very strict discipline, and were read out of meeting for pota­ tion, as was Maria Mitchell for playing the piano. They didn t be­ lieve in war.

Chapter VI: Whaling Whaling started in 1670 and lasted to 1870. It made the is­ land famous. They built a lot of houses and some of the chuiches, with the money they made from whaling. Whaling started on the island when one was killed in the harbor, and dragged onto the

25

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

beach. They then got the oil out of him and became anxious to catch others. Soon they put up look-out towers and tryworks on the beach, and chased the whales in small boats.

People from Nantucket established other whaling ports in Nova Scotia, England, and France, but none were very successful.

Nantucket Captain Hussey captured the first whales, and soon all Nantucket ships were following. With twenty-five boats whaling, this increased very fast, until the Revolutionary War. In 1773 there were three ships that carried oil to England, and were in the Boston Tea Party. They were, "The Dartmouth", "Eleanor", and "Beaver" all Nantucket ships. By the time the Revolutionary War had started we had one hundred and fifty ships, the population was four thousand five hundred. They lost a lot in the revolution. Ships were sunk and men were killed. Wil­ liam Rotch and others moved their whaling business to Dunkirk, France; Milford Haven, England, and other places. They came back after it was all over, especially after the ships entered the Pacific. At the beginning of the War of 1812, there were one hun­ dred and sixteen ships and seven thousand people, by the end of the war we had twenty-four ships left. 1842 when we reached the peak, there were ninety ships and ten thousand people. The last ship arrived in 1,870, the population was four thousand.

Nantucket men discovered the Antarctic and many islands in the Pacific.

Four things stopped whaling, the coming of kerosene, fire of 1846, gold rush of '49, and a poor entrance to the harbor.

Chapter VII: Wars The French and Indian War affected us, both England and France raided our ships; the privateers especially. People esti­ mated our loss at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

After the French and Indian War, came the Revolutionary War. Nantucket was sharply divided in this. Many people accused us of being unpatriotic. Terrible suffering was here on the island, because of lack of food and fuel. They had a rule that no ships could come in and no ships could go out. One hundred and fortynine ships with cargoes and men were lost, sunk, or captured.

NANTUCKET HISTORY

26

Some estimate as high as sixteen hundred men were lost at sea and killed. Women and children were without income and nobody to look after them.

On May 1, 1775 British ships landed men on the island. They took food, boats and clothing. April 6, 1779 one hundred armed British troops landed, burned warehouses, and took food. Men from Nantucket served under John Paul Jones; twenty-one out of one hundred and thirty-six on the Ranger came from Nan­ tucket.

The War of 1812 was against Great Britain again. Before the war we were suffering because of embargo. Conditions were bad, people were leaving again, because they were so difficult.

World War I and II were just the opposite. In both Wars, Nantucket contributed more than its share of money and men. In World War I. Nantucket averaged five hundred and fifty dollars per person in Liberty Bonds. Probably the best record in the whole United States. Crews from ships that were sunk by submarines were brought here and cared for during World War II.

27

61st Annual Meeting Minutes as Recorded by George W. Jones, Secretary.

The regular meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association was held in Bennett Hall at 3 p.m. on July 19, 1955. The meeting was attended by approximately one hundred members. Records of the last annual meeting were read and approved.

Mr. Dell moved that the reading of the annual reports of com­ mittees be dispensed with, they having appeared in the July issue of Historic Nantucket. This motion was duly seconded and voted.

President Nancy S. Adams then read her annual report (a copy of which is presented herein) on the accomplishments, and activi­ ties of the Association during the past year. This report indicated a strong, growing and active organization which through the presi­ dent's endeavors was becoming increasingly known and affiliated with other important historical societies throughout the New Eng­ land district. Membership of 1,015 was the largest ever reported at an annual meeting and seems to show an increase of public in­ terest in the things which this association is trying to preserve.

Following the president's address the nominating committee's report was presented by Mrs. Rozelle C. Jones, a member of that committee, as follows: To the members of the Nantucket Historical Association, we present the following slate of officers for your consideration: President: Vice-Presidents:

Mrs. Nancy S. Adams Howard U. Chase Everett U. Crosby Miss Grace Brown Gardner George W. Jones Burnham N. Dell W. Ripley Nelson Secretary: George W. Jones Treasurer: Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth Auditor: Ormonde F. Ingall Two Councillors to serve until 1959 : Albert F. Egan, Jr. Mrs. Cyril C. Ross

61ST ANNUAL MEETING

28

One Councillor to serve until 1958: Stokeley W. Morgan Respectfully submitted, Alcon Chadwick Rozelle C. Jones Robert D. Congdon Nominating Committee Motion was made, seconded and voted: That further nomina­ tions be dispensed with and that the secretary be instructed to cast one ballot for the election of the slate of officers and council members as presented by the nominating committee. The secre­ tary reported one ballot cast as instructed and these officers and councillors were duly elected.

Mr. Gordon Harris, a resident of Milford Haven, England, and a guest at the meeting, was next introduced and welcomed by Pres­ ident Adams.

President Nancy Adams introduced the principal speaker, Col. Laurence Eliot Bunker, whose topic was "Ransom and Re­ wards" and which touched on experiences of several Nantucket whaling masters related to the Bunker family and some of Col. Bunker's personal experiences in Australia during the last World War. The talk was rather informal and given in such a manner as to hold the interest of all present which was indicated by the ap­ plause given at the conclusion of his remarks.

Meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.

29

President's Annual Report Presented to Annual Meeting July 19th, 1955

Members and Friends: At this time your President renders her second annual report of the activities of the Association. From time to time, through the pages of Historic Nantucket, our quarterly publication, you have been informed of our history making events, so that much that I may report at this time is not new.

The Meetings of the Council have been held monthly through­ out the year, with good attendance. Many plans have been talked over and problems solved.

The mass of correspondence which has been handled is diffi­ cult to comprehend. Much of it is for genealogical information and many friendly letters are received. I have replied to most of the letters and some have been handled by the Publicity Committee.

The Publicity Committee Chairman, Mr. W. Ripley Nelson, has had a busy year with the weekly news release for the papers and as Editor of Historic Nantucket, in spite of a very serious illness in the winter which did not deter him from his duties as editor.

I would like, at this time, to express appreciation of the Council to the editors of The Inquirer and Mirror and to the Town Crier for their courteous assistance and generous space they have given to the publicity of our Association. Two new publications, "Folk Art of the American Whaleman" and "Quakerism on Nan­ tucket", have been printed the past year and are on sale at each of our buildings.

Last September free publications were distributed to all visit­ ing members and guests of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Asso­ ciation at the Annual Air Meet which were much appreciated.

Our Association is making steady progress in extending its influence, not only on the island but on the mainland. Your Presi­ dent represented the Association at the fall meeting of the Bay State Historical League at New Bedford, Mass., and the spring meeting at Springfield, Mass. As a Director at large of the League I attended one Directors' meeting in Boston. I have also had the privilege of speaking for the newly formed Historical Society in Harwich, Mass., in the early spring. At this meeting I told the members about the milestones in our Association.

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT

30

One of our vice-presidents, Mr. George W. Jones, was appointed a member of a preliminary committee to consider legislation for a Planning Board, or other controlling measures to protect the historical assets of our town. Your President and Mr. Jones repre­ sented the Association at the hearing at the State House in Boston together with others, who have the welfare of Nantucket at heart.

At this time, I am happy to say, legislation has been passed by the Senate and the approval of the Supreme Court has been given. The Bill establishes two historic districts, one in Nantucket in an area surrounding Main Street and the other in the village of Siasconset.

Again we have an active finance committee whose members have been most conscientious in handling our financial affairs and to them we extend our grateful appreciation and thanks for all their labor.

The winter office was maintained at the Red Cross head­ quarters on Main Street where our office worker Mrs. Arthur Vincent has been kept busy.

Our membership campaign was most successful and we went over the top, reaching over 1,000 members and have been slowly increasing through the year. We have had to drop about 50 mem­ bers for nonpayment of dues. Many of these were transient visitors who failed to keep us informed of their home address. We regret the loss by death of several of our members and extend our sym­ pathy to their families at this time. A few resignations have been recorded. The membership at the close of our fiscal years was 1,007 in classes as follows: 152 Life Members; 61 Annual Sustaining Members, and 794 Annual Active Members. Since the first of June we have added 21 new Annual Members and one new Life Member, but have lost four through death and 10 through resignation, so our total membership today is 1,015.

In February of this year we gave the fourth in the series of Winter Gams which was well attended and much enjoyed.

Many new accessions have been received this year and our thanks are extended to all donors for their thoughtful interest.

Last July we began a series of weekly Tuesday afternoon Informal Talks on Old Nantucket and it was most gratifying to note the eager interest shown in this project and we feel certain that all who attended were well rewarded. The attendance averaged about 100 and well filled the Meeting House where they were held.

31

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

We are repeating the series again this year and already two talks have been given and we hope you will avail yourselves of the op­ portunity we offer you, to attend, free, this quiet hour of informal entertainment.

At the Meeting House last summer we were privileged to have an exhibit of old Nantucket photographs which were loaned for the occasion by Mr. David Gray. There was much interest shown by those who viewed them.

Our cordial welcome and approval is extended the group of Friends who meet each Sunday through the summer months in our old Meeting House.

Through the efforts of a committee of Council members we have renewed the custom of giving History Prizes to high school pupils, and it was our privilege to award two very beautifully inscribed certificates to two pupils for their scholastic ability in writing papers on Nantucket History. One, from the High School, was awarded to William Hoadley for his essay on "Nantucket Newspapers" and the other to Kenneth Duce from the Vocational School for his Summary of Nantucket History. To these and other students whose essays were selected for consideration, two from High School and three from Vocational School, the Council voted to give one year free membership in the Association as a stimulus to their interest in local history.

As we observe the quarter century of the opening of the Whaling Museum we are reminded of William F. Macy and, in his memory, we once more recall his masterful contribution to the growth of our Association in laboring mentally and physically to obtain the finances which made it possible to acquire the building and the Sanderson Collection. I am glad that I, too, had a part in that opening and the museum will ever be a memorial to Mr. Macy and to my father, George A. Grant, who was its first cus­ todian.

No more suitable person could be secured than Archie Cartwright to fill the vacancy caused by the leave of absence extended to Wallace Long at the Whaling Museum. We miss Wallace and our thoughts are with him now and we trust that courage and faith will give him restored health.

May I express whole-hearted praise to the staff of Custodians and Hostesses for their devoted service. It is through them that we maintain cordial relations with our visitors to the various

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT

32

buildings and especially do we extend thanks to the Chairmen of Committees on Buildings who in every case have given time and energy to their duties.

As we enter the new year we are aware that there are many responsibilities and problems ahead of us. We were never more certain that the future of our fine Association must be guarded by a younger generation of workers. How grand it would be to have half a dozen volunteers come along and say: "We are here to pledge our allegiance to the future of the Nantucket Historical Association"? Where are those young people? Can we depend on them? Will they have the feeling of a great and deep sense of the debt that they owe to the founders of this Association and will they carry on where we left off? We sincerely hope so for the future grows out of the past. The past was rich and inspiring and gives us the right to believe that the future will be the same.

Thank you.

Nancy S. Adams, President

33

Ransom And Rewards Address by Colonel Laurence E. Bunker at the Annual Meeting

BY HELEN M. WINSLOW

In introducing Colonel Bunker, the speaker of the afternoon, President Adams said, "We are most happy to have with us this afternoon a gentleman who has many ties with Nantucket although he does not live on the Island. His ancestors assisted in making this Island a goodly place in which to live. He has had a very active life and before World War II he was legal assistant to Hon. John W. Davis of New York who, as you know, was Ambassador to London. During the war he had an active career as personal aide-de-camp to General MacArthur in Tokyo and through the occupation of Japan and the first 10 months of the Korean War. Since retiring from active duty with the General he has been practicing law and lecturing. He is President of the Wellesley His­ torical Society and a Counselor of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, and a life member of our own Association. He is not going to talk about the war, but will tell us some dramatic incidents in the fortunes of two Nantucket Cap­ tains. He uses as a title for his talk, 'Ransom and Rewards'. May I introduce Col. Laurence Eliot Bunker."

Colonel Bunker termed his talk of his Nantucket cousins on the subject of "Ransom and Rewards" a one-sided gam about two Nantucket whaling captains in the Bunker family, Paul West and Ebor Bunker.

He named among the recent famous Bunkers: Ellsworth Bunker, former ambassador to Argentina and Italy and now head of the American Red Cross; Arthur Bunker, president of the Climax Molybdenum; Dennis Miller Bunker, American artist, and Gen. Matthew Bunker Ridgeway.

The speaker traced the descent of Capt. Paul West through five generations from Elizabeth Bunker, who came to Nantucket in the first group of settlers in 1659 with her mother, Jane Godfrey Bunker Swain, and her step-father, Richard Swain. Paul West advanced from cabin boy at 15 to captain in seven years with more than the usual measure of success.

RANSOM AND REWARDS

34

Colonel Bunker told of West's experience as mate of the ship "Cyrus", one of the Rotch vessels commanded by Capt. Archaeleus Mammond. Captured by the British and then the French, he was released through the efforts of Capt. William Moers, then the Rotch representative at Dunkirk, in time to be given command of the "Cyrus" then under new ownership in London.

The fortune which enabled Paul West to retire at 34 was gained through successful whaling voyages despite family tradition that much of his wealth was obtained by having ransomed an important personage aboard a French ship which he is believed to have captured.

In 1815, Colonel Bunker said, Paul West came to Nantucket with his wife Phebe, daughter of Benjamin Hussey of Dunkirk, and purchased the Uriah Swain House, 5 Liberty Street, where he lived and took an active part in community affairs for the next 50 years.

Among the collection of the Historical Museum on Fair Street, the speaker said, is a reproduction, made by Moses Joy, of the famous cherry stone, hollowed out to contain a number of tiny silver spoons. The original was Paul West's gift to his bride in London in 1812.

Colonel Bunker said that during his World War II assign­ ment in Australia he became curious about the group of Bunker Islands off the east coast, and about Bunker Hill in Sydney. In tracing the origin of their name, he learned about Captain Ebor Bunker of Nantucket, who became the first whaler in New Zealand waters and made a number of successful voyages. Captain Bunker brought the first pair of black swans to England as a gift to George III. He later received lands in Tasmania and at Sydney by royal grant.

Colonel Bunker then told, briefly, of some personal experiences while stationed in Australia, including a dinner party attended by a young lieutenant in the Royal Navy who is now Prince Philip of England.

The meeting closed with the audience giving the speaker a rising vote of thanks.

35

Treasure Hunting In Americana A Lecture by Roland Wells Robbins

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON

A man who prefers to be known as a "pick and shovel histor­ ian" rather than an archaeologist told, at an illustrated lecture sponsored by the Association on August 30, some of the procedures and techniques he has used to locate, unearth, and reconstruct some famous American historical sites.

He prefaced his talk with words of caution to would-be archeologists advising that before any digging is undertaken extensive research must be done. This includes reading historical records, studying newspaper reports of the territory, gathering folk tales and rumors, and then weighing, sifting, and sorting hearsay, legend, and documentary facts into tangible evidence.

As an example, Mr. Robbins told of running down a legend of human winter hibernation in the hills of Vermont. His investi­ gation led him to a person who had preserved a yellowing news­ paper clipping which described how six old people had been packed in a box, buried in the snow for the winter and then revived in the spring.

Tracking down the newspaper article Mr. Robbins found it had been written in 1887. He then found that the granddaughter of the man, who was credited with the origin of the story, had worked for the now defunct newspaper and, to please her grand­ father on one of his birthdays, had incorporated this tall tale of his, one of many, into a story and had it printed on the front page of the paper. This, said Mr. Robbins, is a good example of how a tall tale becomes a legend apparently" substantiated by printed fact. But as Mr. Robbins emphasized, even the vaguest rumors must be run down, for you never know when you are going to find a bit of information which will prove to be the key to a buried historical treasure.

Having done some historical research on his own, in and about Concord, where he lives, curiosity led him in 1945 to nearby Walden Pond for a picnic celebrating the centennial of Henry David Thoreau's retreat to woodland seclusion. Despite the cairn erected to mark the supposed site of Thoreau's cabin, Robbins found himself involved in the age-old argument as to the exact

TREASURE HUNTING IN AMERICANA

36

original location upon which students of Thoreau have neveragreed. This seemed to be a case calling for the type of sleuthing Robbins enjoyed, so he was easily talked into trying — without payment — to settle the issue.

Extensive reading of old journals, newspapers, and archive records confirmed that Thoreau's original cabin had been moved several miles away shortly after the builder vacated in 1847.

Reading Thoreau's "Walden" again and again and comparing the description of the cabin location with Thoreau's notes and diary, Mr. Robbins created a picture of the site where the cabin had stood which did not jibe with the site as marked. Carrying the picture in his mind to Walden Pond, he finally located the spot which he thought fitted the picture. Then he started digging and his first clue was three pieces of old brick imbedded in a path which, with other brick, were identified as a century and a half old and fitted Thoreau's description. Careful probing and digging developed many clues which finally led him to the stump of an old tree as the spot where the cabin's chimney foundation might be located.

While digging around this spot he noticed two army sergeants watching him. One introduced himself as a direct descendent of the famous naturalist and produced his army dog tag reading "Henry David Thoreau, Jr." As Robbins said, this was a coinci­ dence that had to mean something.

Examination of the tree stump by conservationists indicated its age to be such that it had been seeded and grown after the hut had been moved away. Removal of the stump and further excava­ tion revealed the answer to the true location of Thoreau's house and the re-marking of the site.

Another and much more extensive project described by Mr. Robbins was the unearthing and reconstruction of the first iron works in America. Built about 1646 at Saugus, the water-powered plant was abandoned 100 years before the Revolution and lay buried under many feet of dirt and fill in and two of the main highways of the town of Saugus. The project was first sponsored by the First Iron Works Association of Saugus which owned the ancient iron master's house in which some relics were displayed.

Initial probings were so successful the Iron Works Association reported the findings to the American Iron and Steel Institute with

37

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the result that the latter agreed to finance the search and recon­ struction which developed from a project of perhaps a few weeks into one of five years and the complete restoration of the old works.

Mr. Robbins traced the work as it progressed with colored pictures. Especially interesting was the finding of the remains of the old water wheel 221/2 feet below the surface of Central Street which had been rerouted, with much misgiving, to permit exca­ vation work. To everyone's amazement a large segment of the 16-foot water wheel was found intact. Buried for 300 years the segment had been miraculously preserved by an underground water table. How the Saugus River was held back and rerouted by dams was explained and picturized showing how the timbers of the old docks and adjacent buildings were located, all of which produced factual evidence for reconstruction work. Another interesting story dealt with the finding and restoration of the blast furnace for which the heat required to melt ore had to be produced by tre­ mendous old-fashioned bellows.

Today one finds in Saugus, in addition to the iron master's house, the iron works reconstructed, which includes the blast furnace, forge building, slitting mill, wharf, and other buildings to say nothing of the giant water wheels authentically recon­ structed from the buried bits from 21 feet below the surface.

As a result of the excavation work there is now, next to the iron master's house, a museum containing tons of artifacts—every­ thing from calipers to a 500-pound hammer used for refining redhot iron, all of which had been buried for over 250 years.

Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is well known to the many who have visited it and marvelled at its beauty and unusual features, but the birthplace of Jefferson at Shadwell, about a mile and a half away, where he lived from about 1725 to 1750 and which was later burned, has been a plowed field for many years. Commissioned to locate the exact site of the house, Mr. Robbins described how, illustrated by pictures, he had the field laid out in ten-foot square plots and then took borings in each one in search of a filled-in cellar. Finding none, each plot was dug down in turn about ten inches. All the earth was sifted for artifacts, such as broken glass, kitchen utensils, bricks, nails, etc., and these were placed in bags in the center of each area from which they came.

By their increasing and decreasing numbers and other evidence found, the actual outline of the various buildings were found or de-

TREASURE HUNTING IN AMERICANA

38

termined. Mr. Robbins says the work is being continued and he feels confident that within a comparatively few years, a recon­ structed Shadwell, the birthplace of Thomas Jefferson, will be a great attraction to many persons at the same time they visit famous Monticello.

A question and answer period followed which developed the interesting fact that Mr. Robbins is currently engaged in the super­ vision of excavation work to locate and restore, in Delaware, the first American powder mills built by the duPont family. Asked about Nantucket, Mr. Robbins expressed great admiration for the preservation of so many historic dwellings and streets and ex­ pressed the opinion that there should be a good chance of locating the sites of the ancient homes and other buildings of the first settlers, even though lost to the eye for a period of two to three centuries.

It was an enlightening as well as entertaining lecture and those who heard it were impressed by the sincerity and interest of Mr. Robbins in his work and the great possibilities of successful results from research and excavation by a "pick and shovel histor­ ian" such as Mr. Robbins has proved himself to be.

39

History Making Events The bill presented to the State Legislature to create an Historic District Commission for Nantucket and to designate his­ toric areas for Nantucket and Siasconset has been passed by the General Court and was signed by the Governor, July 22, 1955, thus becoming Chapter 601 of the Acts of 1955 of the Common­ wealth of Massachusetts. Prior to its enactment, the proposed bill was ordered submitted to the Supreme Judicial Court of the Com­ monwealth which rendered a favorable opinion as to constitution­ ality. The Act, to become effective, must be voted upon favorably at a Town Meeting and it is now planned to have it submitted to the Annual Town Meeting in February. It is interesting to note that a somewhat similar bill covering the Beacon Hill area in Boston was subsequently passed as Chapter 605, thus giving to Nantucket the distinction of being the first to provide this type of legislation in the Commonwealth. Adoption of the Historic District Act to­ gether with the protection provided by the Planning Board which was accepted at Town Meeting last February, should, it is believed, go a long way towards insuring Nantucket's future which lies in the preservation of its past.

A series of "Old Time Nantucket" informal talks, free to mem­ bers and the public, was conducted again this season. Held in the Friends Meeting House on Tuesday afternoons during July and August, their popularity was again evidenced by the attendance which averaged over 75 persons for each meeting. The speakers and subjects of their talks were: Dr. William E. Gardner: "Nantucket Heroes of the Sea—They saved Life; They Gave Life".

Burnham N. Dell: "Nantucket Plants a Colony in the Old World".

Paul Whitten: "Nantucket's Sheep Festivals—'T'was tu I Can't, and tu I Can' ".

Mrs. Elias J. Lyon: "The Romance of Old Nantucket Houses."

Louis S. Davidson: "Nantucket and Photography".

Edouard A. Stackpole: "Adventures with the Nantucket Whale­ man".

Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews: "An Old-Time Nantucket Shooting Journal".

Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Wilson: "My Childhood Days in 'Sconset".

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

40

The interest shown during the past two years in this form of entertainment has been most rewarding and good reason for continuing such talks during future years as a regular summer activity of the Association. President Adams, who has arranged the talks, is to be congratulated on the results.

For over a year George W. Jones, a Vice-President of the Association, has been serving also as Secretary. During that period the activities of the Association have grown steadily with a corresponding increase in office work and that of the secretary.

To meet the situation, Mr. Jones presented to a recent meeting of the Council a constructive suggestion, to wit: Being cognizant of the fact that the increase in typing and other stenographic work of the Association requires the services of a person having the time and qualifications for this work and that such a person could fulfill the duties of recording and corresponding secretary as well, I herewith tender my resignation as secretary to become effective as soon as the services of such a suitable person can be obtained.

The Council acted promptly and, at a meeting held July 29, elected Miss Ethel Anderson a member of the Council and Secre­ tary of the Association accepting at the same time, with grateful appreciation for the services he has rendered, Mr. Jones' resigna­ tion as secretary. Mr. Jones continues as a member of the Council and as a Vice-President. Miss Anderson promptly took over the work now assigned, as recommended by Mr. Jones, to the secre­ tary of the Association.

Stokeley W. Morgan, who was elected a member of the Council at the Annual Meeting, has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Publicity Committee to which post he was elected by the Council, July 22. Thus the Association benefits by adding to its offi­ cial family, not only a man with national and international exper­ ience through years of service in the State Department and, most recently, with the Hoover Commission, but a representative of an old Nantucket family who, upon retirement, has elected to make Nantucket his year-round home.

The winter office of the Association this year has been set up in the residence of President Nancy S. Adams at 17 Fair Street, where records, supplies, files, and equipment have been moved to a room provided by Mrs. Adams. The telephone number will be Nantucket 190.

41

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"The Nantucket Whaling Museum", an article published in the July issue of Historic Nantucket commemorating the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Museum, has been published in Bulletin form and placed on sale at 50 cents a copy.

Preservation of the leather covers of log and account books, as well as other leather bound books in the Whaling Museum Library, has given us some concern, so when Mr. Thomas Hallowell vounteered to start preservation work gratis, his offer was more than welcome. Mr. Hallowell has been successful in preserv­ ing rare volumes in his private library using a method employed by one of the leading dealers in old books. Mr. Hallowed not only made a good start himself but so interested Mrs. Ellen Chace, who serves as Librarian from September first until closing date, that she is continuing the work as time permits.

For some time past Dr. William E. Gardner has been working on a Memorial book, "Nantucket Heroes of the Sea", consisting of letters, clippings, and notes which so truly prove his descriptive heading, "They Saved Life; They Gave Life". The first volume, in beautifully bound scrap book form, has been presented to the Association and gratefully accepted by the Council. It is planned to carry on Dr. Gardner's work as a continuing research project, for which a committee of members is to be chosen. If any member has material which seems suitable for inclusion in this work its sub­ mission to President Adams for review will be greatly appreciated.

The past three months have brought many new and interest­ ing accessions. Among them are: Historical Museum—oil portraits of Capt. Edward Coffin and Mrs. Lydia (Wyer) Coffin. Four cups and saucers said to have belonged to Benjamin Franklin; these came from a direct descendant. An old hatchet with wooden handle marked C. G. Coffin, and the branding iron which marked the hatchet. Two pewter whale oil lamps. Eleven photographs of 2nd. District Light House Service buildings on Nantucket. A col­ lection of silver spoons belonging in the Barnard-Cartwright family.

A fine collection has been loaned by Mr. Franklin Folger Web­ ster consisting of about 80 decoys with bags for carrying same. A fine old shot gun with samples of shots used, and eight powder horns, a collapsible telescope, and other articles all of which were owned and used by Mr. Franklin Folger, grandfather of the donor.

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

42

At the Whaling Museum we have received a very fine whale tooth and two framed etchings of whaling scenes, a fine old sex­ tant, and an Indenture for an apprentice to learn the art, trade, and mystery of a mariner, all of which belonged to Capt. William C. Fuller. Also a whale bone toothpick and string of beads made of whale bone formerly belonging to Mr. Moses Joy and probably made by him. A special case has been made and properly marked to keep a fine collection of Nantucket books given by Mrs. Richard Lederer in memory of her late husband.

Among other articles donated to the Oldest House are a candle mold with nine sections and a pewter plate.

A loan of a pair of nice old brass andirons has been received at "1800" House, and a high post bed. The committee in charge of "1800" House would welcome loans or donations of furniture suitable for the two second floor bedrooms. These rooms are sparsely furnished and need chairs, rugs, bureaus, and commodes of the period.

One of our loyal and interested members has sent to us a copy of a heretofore unpublished poem composed by her husband, a direct descendent of Tristram Coffin. Written in long hand about 1901, it was found among his papers after his death. Today the original hangs framed in his former home, a proud though un­ spoken lifetime tribute to a noble family and its forebears. With our member's permission we are privileged to print the twoversed poem.

Deep rooted in the sandy shore Of old Nantucket, once there grew Shapely of limb, of blood so blue A sturdy tree, in days of yore.

With its arms outstretched upon the sea It sought fair fame upon the tide Now in our country, far and wide, Its twigs are scattered—such are we.

The classes in Nantucket local history given at the High School and the Vocational School started again with the opening of the fall semester. Visits by both classes have been made to the Oldest House where they were received by Mrs. Edgarton, Chairman. The high school class also visited the Historical Museum

43

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

and the Vocational School visited the "1800" House. Mrs. Adams received the visitors at both buildings. For most of the students it proved to be their first visit to the buildings, and it appears that direct contact with the historic past stimulates their interest in their course. Other buildings will be visited as the work of the classes progress.

Another summer season has come to an end but it has been an active and successful one for the Association which is most gratifying when one considers the unfortunate factors which so adversely affected the vacation business in many places throughout New England but especially in Massachusetts. Final reports cn admissions and receipts are not yet available for, as we go to press, the Oldest House and Whaling Museum are still open with admission to the former almost equal to last year and the latter ahead of last year. "Historic Nantucket" will endeavor, during the off-season months ahead, to make all members, no matter how distant resident, feel they are still closely tied to the Association, the work it is carrying on, and its special off-season activities.

44

In Memoriam Wallace N. Long The Association lost a valued and faithful member of its staff when Wallace N. Long died at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital on Saturday, September 3, 1955, after a long illness. "Cap'ir Long", as he was popularly known, had been the custodian of the Whaling Museum since 1942 where he made thousands of friends among the summer visitors who enjoyed his varied stories of life at sea and his comments on and explanations of the museum exhibits.

Born in Nantucket, March 10, 1891, the son of William and Elizabeth Long, he attended Nantucket Schools and then embarked on a seafaring career which carried him to numerous ports of the United States and foreign countries. His sea career was inter­ rupted by service with the U. S. Army in World War I during which he was wounded in action in France and was awarded the Purple Heart.

He first became associated with the Whaling Museum as assistant to the late George Grant, the first custodian of the Museum. Upon the latter's death in 1942 he was appointed custo­ dian which position he held until May, 1955, when, because of ill health he was granted a leave of absence.

Surviving Mr. Long are his widow, Emilie Faas Long; two sisters, Mrs. Thomas Rodman of South Sutton, N. H., and Mrs. Nat Rockwell of Milford, N. H.; a brother, Frank Long, of Westwood, Mass., and two half-brothers, Leland S. Topham of Nan­ tucket and Alvin Topham of Fairhaven, Mass.

The Council of the Nantucket Historical Association extended to Mrs. Long its sympathy and sorrow in the loss she had suffered in the death of her husband and formally expressed its apprecia­ tion of the loss suffered by the Association through the death of a valued employee who had served faithfully and loyally for many years.

45

Keziah Coffin Farming's Diary

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

1782 June 15—The New York Privateer went out of the harbor some­ time in the night past, and are nowhere in sight to-day. Hannah Gage came last night with Sears; they were taken by the Priva­ teers, treated very handsomely and let go. They took several small vessels but set them all at liberty. Maj. Brown's son of Sandwich was First Lieut, on Board. He was on shore in our shop yesterday. Barlow and his people crawled out of their holes one after another to-day, and before night got on board a little vessel, and set out for the Main, but I hope they will meet with better success than to reach there very soon. The Refugees found Bar­ low's swivels and sails yesterday and carried them off.

June 18—10 o'clock Mama and myself, John & Billy went up to the West Shore Pen to see them shear, a great number of people there. The York Privateer that was in the Harbor last week, was off the South side yesterday, chased Silas Paddock on shore South side, (he was from the West Indies). They were on board the vessel and fired her. The people went down and attempted to get on board to put out the fire, but the Privateer fired on them and kept them off for some time, but after awhile the Privateer left her. The people went on board and put out the fire and got most of the cargo ashore; a few hogheads of molasses were burnt.

The vessels stern was most wholly burnt and her main deck mostly burnt. The Privateer chased several vessels off, that were bound here.

June 19—Doc't. Gelston and two of his sons sailed a Flagg 3 or 4 weeks ago for N. Y. the Doc't. went to have an operation performed for stone in the bladder, ret'd, this morn & a Doc't. with him. "I hear he is very ill."

June 21—George Hussey the old man died this morn.

June 22—Lot Dimick in an American Privateer came to the bar.

Dimick took a small sloop and went off, showing only two men on deck. They ran alongside the Schooner, the Schooner fired on them, slightly wounding Levi Barlow, who came here with Dimick.

Dimick and his people rose and fired on the schooner, ran along-

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

46

side and rushed on board and took her without further resistance.

Both vessels came into the harbor. The Captain of the Schooner is thought to be mortally wounded and one more. Several slightly wounded. Dimick went away before night with his prize and the prisoners, all but the Captain. The Capt. died next day the 23rd.

June 25—Cos. Stephen Hussey's wife had a son born this morn.

June 26—Sally Jenkins, Jonathan's wife, had a son born this morn.

July 6—Doct. Samuel Gelston died last night.

July 8—Cos. Swain (Cos. Hawley's mother) died last night.

July 12—A daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Fanning. (Hitty, who later married Daniel Wood.)

July 24—Jemima Jenkin's son (a lad of 12 yrs.) was drowned off the Flats this morn in attempting to scull a small boat to a fishing vessel that had been out fishing and he had been with them.

Aug. 15—Levi Barlow, with several armed men, came to this island two or three days ago in search of prey. This afternoon went with his crew from here; not meeting with any success on his way. Not far from this Island they met a boat which they pretend they thought to be a Refugee. They chased her, she supposing them to be Refugees endeavored to make her escape, but finding that impossible, hove to. They ran alongside, fired several guns. They own they discovered them to be Americans immediately after the boats were alongside and Barlow in his supposed enemy's boat demanded of the Captain his papers. One Swift, one of Barlow's pirates, put up his gun and fired at the Captain, wounding him in the belly. Swift owns that he knew them to be Americans before he fired and the only excuse he pretends to make for himself is that he heard some one say fire. (Gives an account of the wound and of the surgical procedure to return the protruding intestines.)

Dr. Field, a British doctor who is here from York for his health, dressed his wounds. (The unfortunate man was named Wood; he was coming to the Island with flour on a venture) when the pirates met him.

Aug. 16—The poor wounded man died to-day. The coroner's jury brought in that he was killed, etc. Every one is ready to give sentence against the murderer; the body was interred this after­ noon, the vessel's colours at the wharf were hoisted half way up.

47

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Aug. 17—Barlow came in last night and took McFarlan's vessel which was in the harbor. McFarlan came in here in a Flagg. He sailed last May from Bermuda a Flagg for this place with prisoners for the East and West. The eastern prisoners rose just before they got in and carried the vessel down to Portsmouth. From there she was sent to Boston and has been detained until the week before last when she was set at liberty, and was a Flagg to some British port. He put in here in distress, his vessel not being fit to go to sea, got leave here of the Selectmen to heave down and fit his vessel.

Last night he was bound out when Barlow and his Banditti stopped him, and was carried to Falmouth this morning. His pretence for taking her is that she being a Flagg had no right to go into the harbor and heave down.

Aug. 17—Elizabeth Paddock, Benjamin's wife, died this afternoon.

Aug. 26—John Gardner's wife (North Shore) died to-day.

Sept. 1—An American Shaveing Mill came into the harbor this afternoon. Powel and several of the same class came on the Island last night.

Sept. 2—After 12 o'clock Absalum came up here on horseback for to desire Mr. Fanning, to go immediately to town. Barlow being at my father's seizing the goods, etc. Mr. F. set out on horseback.

I followed as soon as I could in the calash. Levi Barlow and two others went into my father's shop and there pretended in the name of the Commonwealth of the State to seize all the goods in the shop as British property. People began to gather and in a short time our street was lined with men, women, and children. Barlow began immediately to pull down the goods off the shelves and to throw them onto the counter, taking an inventory of them. Perseval, who is Barlow's Capt. soon came in after him and a number of others. Barlow went away to dinner and when he returned was not suffered to come into the house again, the house being fastened. Three of the thieves in the house and a number of in­ habitants, indoors and out. When Mr. Fanning came down he endeavored to make peace and offered Perseval to give bonds for the goods, which offer was accepted. When I got into town, people had generally dispersed out of the streets, Perseval and one of the crew in the shop and Roland Gelston taking the inventory of the goods at Mother's request. A number of people in the house.

Mr. Fanning demanded of Perseval his Commission before they had finished taking the inventory and he with reluctance showed it to

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

48

him. Mr. F. on reading it found he had no power to take any thing above the high water mark. P. F. told him he would advise Perseval to stop and proceed no farther. He seemed all at once to recollect himself. He told P. F. he would not take any bonds and on leaving the shop desired the people present to bear witness that he did not seize the goods; while they were in the shop they were insulted as much as it was possible for people to be. They went in to Mr. Bean's and Timo. Folger's and demanded goods in the name of the Commonwealth. Timo. Folger poled them out of doors and fastened the doors upon them. They were served the same at Bean's. Many of the inhabitants shewed by their countenances the joy they had on the occasion and things were pretty peaceable after they left the shop. Mr. Butler armed his house.

Sept. 3—Perseval and his crew went off to-day carried a small lum­ ber vessel with them, that came into the harbor a few nights ago.

Sept. 7—McFarlen came on last Wednesday, his vessel has not come to trial yet. Mrs. Sampson had a son born last night. Abiel Swain had a daughter born last night.

Sept. 10—Jocelin went off the Island this afternoon, was harassed from his family by these wicked times.

Sept. 15—John Ramsdell departed this life this afternoon. One day last week he was getting on his forebuck, driving his horse and he was taken suddenly faint and fell off his calash, the calash went over him just below the belly, the doctor says he was in­ wardly hurt and it mortified.

Sept. 16—The thief Perseval came on the Island to-day.

Sept. 17—Richard Folger, grandmother's brother died yesterday.

Sept. 28—Cousin Happy Barnard died to-day. Judith Coffin, Uncle William Starbuck's daughter had a daughter born this morn.

Oct. 2—A York Privateer Brig anchored at the Bar this morn.

Young Husband commands her, he has been here before. A number of whale vessels came in to-day. Jethro Macy's wife died yesterday.

Oct. 5—The Privateer that has been at the Bar for some days past went from there to-day. She has taken several little vessels some have ransomed for a small matter, others she has taken some trifle from & let go. She has not carried off one—tis said she fired a vessel after she sailed at a great distance but just discernable.

49

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Oct. 6 Peter Macy's child died last night, a little over a year old.

Joseph Coffin (painter) lost one under a week. David Ray & Hime Coffin came home to-day from Boston have lately been taken.

Oct. 12—Gideon Gardner was coming through Miscecit yesterday in a Brig loaded with sugar and molasses, etc., & was chased ashoar by a Privateer, he does not know whether an American or British as she quitted her chase after she struck the shore—he came to the Island in his boat last night a number of boats went away this morn to take his load.

Oct. 13—Thaddeus Swain came in this afternoon with a load of salt, 25 days from Turk's Island—the night before last the vessel was under full sail with a quick breeze & she shipped an unlucky sea. One Parker of Falmouth on the Quarter Deck fell as the vessel creened over the Quarter Rail & was drowned. They could not see or hear anything after he went over.

Oct. 19—At 2 o'clck by Ever-to-be-honored Mama came home from Boston. But how can I be thankful enough to that Providence which screened her in the hour of danger for let it be ever re­ membered that my dear Mama was in imminent danger this morn­ ing of being drowned. It happened thus: She got into a little boat at Hyannis (one man only in the boat) to go on board the vessel to come away, the vessel about 30 rods from shore, with a quick wind and a good deal of sea. The boat had lain sometime so that the ocum had got out of her upper works and the water soon began to shower into her very fast. There was a vessel in the boat so Mama went to bailing with all her strength & for her life. When the boat reached the vessel she was filled to within two or three inches. The people from the shore and vessel kept hallowing all the time to the man in the boat. Some said, "Put for the shore," others said, "Keep steady on". They say if the man had put for the shore, they certainly would have sunk, and there was no boat near nor nothing near to have saved my dear Mother. 0! that I may have a thankful heart to All-wise Providence! Mama left Boston last Tuesday; she came across the bay with Sturges Gorham.

Oct. 27—Peleg Easton arrived to-day from Turk's Island with a load of salt. Bartlett Coffin taken & retaken & carried into Salem.

Oct. 31—Stephen Hussey building house for Cary at Squam. Rich­ ard Mitchell & Sarah Hussey—George & Gardner were mar­ ried to-day at meeting.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

50

Nov. 3—A Flag (of truce?) came into the Harbor to-day from New York. One Hazard commands her. Seth Perry is on board with his family, he is bound to Sandwich to leave his family.

Nov. 7—Joseph Clasby & Miriam Coffin were married in meeting to-day.

Nov. 16—Capt. Nash arrived on the Island to-day. He was lately taken by a Salem Privateer, in the vessel he sailed from here in; he was bound for Halifax and lost all but his clothes.

Nov. 19—Doct. Spillard who married Deacon Barrett's daughter in Boston is lately from N. York is bound for to Boston to see his wife., if he can get permission from the Court.

Nov. 17—Juda & Isaiah published.

Nov. 24—Margaret Jenkins (Charles' wife) died at noon, taken ill at 2 o'clock last night, 6 months pregnant.

Dec. 2—An armed schooner & 2 unarmed sloops arrived from New York, anchored at the Bar this forenoon. Common Frame says they are loaded with goods, several of the people are on the shoar.

Dec. 3—The 4 British vessels came into the harbor last night— the famous Goldsberry is on board, one Eben Coffin (originally from Boston) came in one of the vessels—was in here this fore­ noon—One Putnam & George Gracy was in also. Andrew Myrick departed this life this forenoon.

Dec. 5—Mary Neazer, Thomas Neazer's wife, departed this life to-day.

Dec. 8—Mr. Shaw joined Macxy & Juda in the holy bonds of Wed­ lock.

Dec. 10—The York vessels sailed this afternoon have carried away some oyl.

Dec. 14—P. F. came from town before night and says Dimick took a vessel at Old Town last Thursday. She was from New York, Hazard, Commander, with some goods on board. The greatest part of the goods were landed at Old Town on Wednesday. After capture of Hazard, Dimick and his men went on to the Vineyard, ran back and carried off most of the goods that were landed there.

No lives lost although each fired a broadside. Dimick has two vessels and 100 men. Hazard, 40 men.

(To be continued)

51

Membership Report

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

The membership continues to grow and we have been happy to welcome 64 new members since the July report. Again we are sorry to report the loss by death of seven of our members and ten by resignation. The total membership September 15th, is 1070, di­ vided as follows: Life Members 150 Annual Sustaining 63 Annual Active 857 New members and changes in classes since July issue: LIFE MEMBERS Miss Florence Schepp

ANNUAL SUSTAINING MEMBERS Mrs. George W. Danforth Mrs. Edgar Ellinger

Mrs. Margery Kelley Mr. Shelton Martin

ANNUAL ACTIVE MEMBERS Mr. J. S. Appleby Miss Jane Ashman Mr. Robert Block Mrs. Emma C. Boody Mrs. T. P. Brennan Mrs. Austin Bunker Mr. Paul West Bunker Mr. and Mrs. Alden Buttrick Mrs. Paul Cassaday Mr. Ralph W. Chadbourn Dr. Howard C. Coggeshall Dr. Lawrence S. Carleton Mrs. Henry J. Diotte Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Dougan Mr. J. Passmore Elkington Mrs. Walter D. Fletcher Mrs. Robert Gilbreth Mrs. Mary Giles Mr. Robert L. Gruen Mrs. Charles M. Hall Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Halpern Mr. Edward M. Harris, Jr. Rev. and Mrs. John Harris

Miss Margaret Healy Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hoadley Mrs. Lordner Howell Mrs. Robert K. Humphrey Miss Edith Johnson Dr. Abraham Kroll Mr. L. Baneel LaFarge Mr. John C. Lathrop Mr. Leland F. Leland Miss Lucille Leinert Mr. Morgan J. Levine Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Lombard Mr. Harold C. Lovell, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Martin Mr. Robert E. McCann Rev. Carlyle H. Meacham "Model Ship Yard" Mr. Frederick W. Monckmeyer Mr. and Mrs. John Murdoch Dr. Catherine Neill Rev. John A. North Mr. Robert Page Mr. Grover Palmer

MEMBERSHIP REPORT Mr. Winfleld H. Perdun Mr. and Mrs. William D. Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Porter Mr. Nathaniel Pousette-Dart Mr. and Mrs. W. Marland Rounsville Mrs. D. B. Ruggles Mr. John W. Sanborn Dr. and Mrs. William A. Sawyer Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Shepard Mrs. Randolph Sharp Mr. Richard S. Shuman Mrs. William A. Smith

52

Mrs. Richard Soderberg Miss Georgia R. Squires Mr. Gerald H. Tabor Mr. E. F. Grant Taff Mrs. Walter F. Walden Mr. John Weeks Mrs. Paul Whitten Miss Helen Wright Mr. David Worth Mr. Peter Von Zumbusch Miss Martha Bradley Weeden

DECEASED MEMBERS Mr. Lee Anderson (Life) Mr. Edward C. Coffin Mr. Walter S. Hinchman Miss Margaretta Hinchman (Life)

Mr. Carleton D. Morse Mr. Henry A. L. Sand (Life) Mr. Harold S. Wolley

RESIGNATIONS Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.

and Mrs. E. F. Dow Frank Congdon Edgar Ellinger George E. Eversole

Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Hecker, Jr. Mrs. Eliza M. Kelley Mrs. Carleton D. Morse Mr. W. Reginald Wheeler

MEMBERSHIP DUES 1955-56 The prompt payment of a large per cent of the current mem­ bership dues is most gratifying and we believe reflects the interest and desire of the members to cooperate in the work of the Asso­ ciation.

Now that the summer season with its many distractions is over, we are hopeful that the few, who have not yet paid their dues, will do so promptly. As a reminder—Dues are—Annual Ac­ tive Membership $2.00; Annual Sustaining Membership $10.00; Life Membership — one payment — $50.00.

53

Nantucket Whaling Museum Reconstruction Fund In August a letter was addressed to all members of the Asso­ ciation on the situation which today exists at the Whaling Mu­ seum. The situation is so serious we take this opportunity of bring­ ing it again to the attention of members by printing the letter in full.

Emphasis is placed upon the statement that a careful survey by competent authorities indicates that if the Museum is to be opened to the public for the 1956 season a major restoration job must be completed before the season begins. The letter read as follows: "Nantucket's Whaling Museum this year is celebrating its 25th birthday but the building in which it is housed was built 108 years ago. Is it small wonder, therefore, that today its supporting tim­ bers, flooring, and brick walls have finally succumbed to the ravages of age?

"A careful survey by competent authorities proves this to be true and that if the Museum is to be opened to the public for the 1956 season a major restoration job must be completed before that date.

"Restoration and redecoration of interior walls, trim, and ceilings which have stood untouched for 25 years is also an im­ perative job.

"Finally, we are faced with the fact that available finished space for exhibits has reached the saturation point. Fortunately three-quarters of the street level floor has never been used and can be finished readily at the same time the restoration work is done.

"A summary of what must be done and what would add ma­ terially to the drawing power of the Museum follows: (a) Replace second floor flooring, timbers, and supports of which a very large percent are now affected beyond repair by age, moisture, rot, and insect destruction. (b) Restore 4 exterior walls by replacing crumbling bricks, cut­ ting out and repointing cement, and water proofing entire surface.

WHALING MUSEUM FUND

54

(c) Refinish walls to provide proper covering and background for exhibits, and redecorate trim and ceilings of portrait and South Sea Rooms, hallway, and library. (d) Relay linoleum flooring throughout. (e) Install heating and/or dehumidiflcation system to preserve building and exhibits, especially against winter moisture. (f) Finish off about one half of rear ground floor area to pro­ vide space for additional exhibits.

"The cost of this program is estimated conservatively at $20,000 which is admittedly not out of line when one considers that for insurance purposes a replacement value for the building alone has been agreed upon as over $90,000.

"The Council of the Association, having decided that this is an essential program and one that must be started at the earliest possible date, authorized and instructed that this appeal for funds should be made to both members and especially interested nonmembers.

"All those who are interested in saving and developing Nantucket's Whaling Museum, the greatest single drawing asset of all island exhibits, are asked to donate liberally to the restora­ tion fund. Success in raising the fund is a noteworthy, but above all, an essential way of celebrating the Museum's 25th anniversary.

"Please help all you can.

"Very sincerely, "Nancy S. Adams, President" The Whaling Museum is Nantucket's greatest single drawing attraction and the Association's largest source of revenue. These two reasons alone warrant our plea for liberal contributions for this fund. For your convenience a contribution blank is enclosed.

Officers 1955 - 1956

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

Miss Ethel Anderson

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth

Auditor Ormonde F. Ingall

Councillors Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Chairman Term Expires

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

1956 1956 1957 1957 1958 1958 1959 1959

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

Miss Helen L. Winslow

Associate Editor

Associate Editor

Publicity Committee Stokeley W. Morgan, Chairman