Historic Nantucket, July 1956, Vol. 4 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET TOWN From a lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton

JULY, 1956

Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET . •

"

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

VOLUME 4

JULY 1956

No. 1

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent free to all members of the Association.

Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00 ; Sustaining $10.00. Life—one payment $50.00.

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

Copyright 1956 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

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.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information

3

Editorial

5

Our President Retires

7

Annual Reports Admissions Record

9

Historical Museum

10

The Oldest House

11

Whaling Museum

—

"1800 House"

12

- 13

Old Mill

14

Old Jail

14

Gifts and Donors

15

Membership

19

Publicity and Advertising

20

Finance Committee

21

Treasurer

22

Annual Local History Awards

24

Nantucket Lighthouses

25

Historical Nantucket Buildings

30

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

35

History Making Events

40

Season Admission Schedule

44

Map with Location of Museums and Buildings

45

Officers

46

Staff

47

4

5

EDITORIAL This issue of our Quarterly marks the beginning of the fiscal year of the Association. This year will be marked by the retire­ ment of our President, and the election of a new incumbent at the annual meeting of the members. Even though this means a change in regime, there is every reason to believe there will be continued growth in the Association's activities through which it can be a vital factor in promoting the prosperity of Nantucket. This is true because the most prominent and unmatched of Nantucket's as­ sets for attracting and holding a desirable type of business are the reminders of the Island's whaling days, its prosperity and gracious living to the preservation of which the Association is pledged.

The manner in which the Association can play its part is found in nine of the generally accepted functions of an historical association, namely: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

7.

8.

9.

A program of monthly activity.

An historic items collecting program.

An active research program.

A planned publication program.

Promote teaching local history in the schools.

Cooperate with other societies in historic projects.

Mark historic sites.

Work for the preservation and protection cf historic buildings, places, and districts through cooperation with Historic Districts Commission.

Again we emphasize that to successfully carry on these func­ tions your Association needs the active support of all its members and the active participation of many of them. We ask, therefore, that you review thoughtfully the nine functions named and then volunteer for service in the one which will interest you the most.

Your help is needed and by actively joining in the Association's work you will prove again — "It's part of our American tradition to work things out together".

MRS. WALTON H. ADAMS

7

Our President Retires Our President, Mrs. Walton H. Adams, best known to her host of friends as "Nancy", announced to the Council at its May 22nd meeting that she had decided reluctantly to retire from all active duty with the Association. To those present the announcement was akin to a bomb explosion and left them speechless. Mrs. Adams explained that there were four reasons for her decision, namely: she has passed the generally recognized business retire­ ment age; she plans to spend future winters in Florida with rela­ tives; she wants to finish the book started some years ago about her seafaring family; to work on genealogy and to do some paint­ ing. The Council, with genuine regret, agreed to respect her de­ cision.

Mrs. Adams became a member of the Association in 1925.

She served as Assistant Curator and Librarian from 1926 to 1928 when she became Curator and Librarian, resigning in 1942 due to illness, but accepted appointment as Vice-President. In 1952 she was appointed Chairman of the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House and, in the same year Custodian of Collections, continuing as a Vice-President. In 1953 she was elected President, being the first woman so honored. She continued, how­ ever, to serve as Custodian of Collections, Chairman of the His­ torical Museum and Friends Meeting House, and subsequently also as Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the Membership Committee. Her retirement thus marks the end of 31 years of unusual and faithful service.

Granddaughter of Charles Grant, one of Nantucket's most successful whaling Captains, daughter of George A. Grant, a whaler in his own right, and a direct descendant through her grandparents from the early Nantucket settlers, Mrs. Adams has a true Nantucket background. Bu her unusual wealth of knowl­ edge of Nantucket history was not derived solely from her in­ heritance and Historical Association work, for her other Town activities have been equally responsible and outstanding. These include her services as Regent of the Abiah Folger Franklin Chap­ ter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Trustee of the Nan­ tucket Atheneum Library; Vice-President and member of the Ex­ ecutive Committee Nantucket Civic League; President Nantucket Relief Association; member Executive Committee Nantucket Chap-

8

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

ter American Red Cross; member Republican Party Committee; Director-at-Large Bay State Historical League, and member of the Finance Committee Town of Nantucket, being the only woman ever to have served in that capacity.

It, therefore, is easy to understand why, when some one is unable to find the answer to an historical question, the suggestion is invariably made "ask Nancy Adams". Likewise it is under­ standable why the Council was shocked by the news as will the members of the Association also be, especially those who have been privileged to know Mrs. Adams and enjoy her friendship.

We are happy to say, even though it is small recompense, that Mrs. Adams has given her assurance she will never lose her interest in the Association to which she has devoted over 30 years of service and will always be ready to assist her successors in any way she can. The Council expressed deep concern and regret at the retiring of Mrs. Adams but best wishes for happiness and success in her new life of retirement.

9

Annual Reports The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 17th, 1956, and to insure orderly and prompt dispatch of the routine business the annual reports of the Chairmen of the various buildings, and committees and of the Treasurer are submitted herewith. Members having questions with respect to any of these reports may present them at the meeting. The President's report is omitted as it will be presented by the President at the meeting.

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

1955-56

1954-55

1953-54

2,728 2,704 4,770 15,631 3,313 1,218

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

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

30,364

30,102

32,029

Last summer hurricanes and floods again wrecked the gateway on the mainland to Nantucket. Although the Island escaped any real damage, travel to the Island was curtailed which, from midAugust on, was reflected in our admissions. The Whaling Museum and the Old Jail, however, showed encouraging increases for the season which placed our total admissions for the current year ahead of its predecessor.

10

The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CHAIRMAN

It is gratifying to know that there are many visitors to our Historical Museum who thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the fine exhibits housed in this building. Family relics, portraits and pic­ tures, Indian artifacts, furniture and particularly the famous Walter Folger clock.

Mrs. Alma Backus has welcomed 2,728 visitors with the aid of Miss Bertha Eckert, who graciously serves as substitute on the days when both regular receptionists are off duty. Miss Alice Crocker, the librarian, helps visitors with genealogical material and tells the story of the clock, and calls attention to the Folger family china.

Two new cases were prepared this past year in which are displayed the family china and glass and miscellaneous items which were donated by the late Miss Helen C. McCleary. No major repairs were made this past year except removing ivy from the east side of the Museum.

Much filing of papers and documents has been done. The vault and filing cases are full of interesting material about schools, churches, Quakers, Indians, Civil War, and personal papers and diaries. We are also fortunate in owning valuable genealogical records compiled by William C. Folger, George Howland Folger, the Barney papers and complete Coffin family records. A vast amount of miscellaneous material on families who lived in Nan­ tucket, as well as the Henry B. Worth collection. All this material is available during the summer months for research.

The Meeting House was used again last summer for the Sunday services held by an interested group of Friends. Also the Tuesday afternoon talks were held in this building during the months of July and August.

We are looking forward to a successful season the coming year and are hoping that more and more people will take the time to visit our Historical Museum.

11

The Oldest House

BY MRS. WILLIAM PERKINS, CHAIRMAN

The season of 1955 was a busy one. The opening and closing dates were May 29 and September 29, respectively. Between those dates a total of 4,770 visitors took advantage of this opportunity to visit the house. This number, it should be noted, does not in­ clude members, children, or guests at the open house.

As in previous seasons, the regular custodian, Miss Ethel Clark, attired in a costume reminiscent of the seventeenth cen­ tury, helped to create an atmosphere of that period. Thanks should be extended to the hostess, Miss Rena White, who voluntarily assisted Miss Clark. Thanks should also be extended to the Gar­ den Club of Nantucket whose members again undertook to supply the house with attractive flower arrangements throughout the summer months.

We are looking forward to a busy season again this year.

The opening date will be June 4th and the closing date September 30th.

Since I assumed the duties as chairman after the closing of the 1955-1956 season, this report is submitted with the real­ ization that it is neither as detailed nor inclusive as might rightly be.

12

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

So much has been written about the reconstruction work at the Museum some might say that further talk is boring, but inas­ much as the successful carrying out of this work meant life or death to the building which, together with its exhibits, is the Is­ land's and the Association's greatest drawing card for visitors, it is felt our members are entitled to an up-to-date report.

The usual opening date of May 29th could not quite be met, for inclement weather held up the repointing of the brick on the front of the building. But on June 2nd the scaffolding had been removed and the front door was opened to receive visitors. All exhibits were in place and open to the public except for the South Seas Room, but, as this issue goes to press, thanks to our President, Nancy S. Adams, and Committeeman George W. Jones, these ex­ hibits are now in place and the room open to the public. This alone was a stupendous job for over 100 separate items had to be fastened to the walls, with each spear, paddle, ceremonial article, etc., requiring at least two fastenings. Making this into one large room adds greatly to the visibility and presentation of the ex­ hibits. The new sand-colored cloth wall covering in this room, the second floor hall and the portrait room proves an excellent back­ ground for the various exhibits and pictures.

Much work still remains to be done, such as waterproofing the exterior of the east and south brick walls which will be done at an early date and certain other repairs in the fall which will com­ plete the "compulsory" reconstruction. Further restoration, which includes the Library, flooring of the first floor, lighting Sanderson Hall, laying cement flooring, on the ground floor under Sander­ son Hall, repointing and waterproofing the north and west brick walls will be delayed until contributions to the "Reconstruction Fund" cover the last of the compulsory reconstruction work. At the present writing the total cost is estimated at $13,500 against which special contribution of $7,000 have been received, leav­ ing a balance of $6,500 to be raised. The help of every member is needed to raise this sum.

THE WHALING MUSEUM

13

Too much praise cannot be given to the contractors who handled this work. Restoring Sanderson Hall with the try-works, Sankaty Light, and the spermaceti press involved real engineering skill for all flooring, supporting columns and bases had to be replaced. That it was accomplished without damage to the ex­ hibits speaks for itself. As the work progressed, the urgency for it proved far greater than the most pessimistic prediction, but today our Whaling Museum is again safe and sound for the re­ ception of visitors.

"1800 House"

BY GRACE DU BOIS BARTLETT, CHAIRMAN

Mrs. William Voorneveld acted as Chairman last season and Mrs. Susan Cowden served as hostess for her third season. Mrs. Cowden will again act as hostess this summer and we hope that she will again be assisted by the same volunteer hostesses who so ably and charmingly served during the 1955 season. Our thanks and grateful appreciation are given to these ladies.

Although no major changes are planned for the year, it is hoped that the old carpet loom will be in operation during the summer. The two heddles for this loom have been re-conditioned by the painstaking work of Mr. Clarence Swift this past winter.

The west parlor will be refurnished with some very interesting Nantucket pieces of furniture bequeathed to the Nantucket His­ torical Association by Miss Helen Cartwright McCleary.

Possibly a little more attention can be given to the outside premises. The Chairman and her committee trust that a small herb garden may be started near the the kitchen door, as a beginning.

14

Old Mill

BY EARL S. RAY, CHAIRMAN

During the past season the policy of making no admission charge and asking instead that visitors make a voluntary contribu­ tion for the upkeep of the Old Mill, was continued. This policy was adopted in 1958.

The results again seem to justify this policy for while there was a considerable drop in the number of visitors, which was likewise experienced in other buildings, there was only a very small drop in earnings. Comparison of admissions and earnings follows: No. Admissions 1952 1953 1954 1955

1,997 3,127 3,245 2,704

Gross Earnings $325.50 $638.30 $554.10 $537.35

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

Old Jail

BY JAMES A. NORCROSS, CHAIRMAN

Admissions increased from 2,481 in 1954 to 3,313 in 1955 and we are glad to say gross earnings also increased from $307.50 to $359.49. This is further justification of the policy of relying upon contributions, as at the Old Mill, rather than having a fixed admission charge.

George T. King served as the "Jail Keeper" through the sea­ son and we are glad to say he will be with us again this season in the same capacity.

15

Gifts and Donors 1955 - 1956 Arrivals and Locations

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, CUSTODIAN OF COLLECTIONS

The year has brought us a large miscellaneous collection of donations. We were remembered in the wills of two of our Life Members. Miss Margaretta Hinchman left us three lovely framed illustrations, copies of which appeared in her mother's book, "Early Settlers of Nantucket". The subjects are "Mary Starbuck and others at an early Friends Meeting" ; "Nantucket House Tops"; and "Sheep Shearing Festival". These pictures are beautifully executed in gouache tempora.

The other bequest is $1,000 from the estate of Miss Helen Cartwright McCleary. Miss MeCieary had given the Association a large collection of family relics and books which are already shown in our exhibits. The Committee of 1800 House are contemplating using these family relics to furnish the west parlor which has been formerly furnished with loans from Mr. Frank Sylvia.

Listed below are the donations which have come to us the past year.

Historical Museum Adams, Mrs. Nancy S.—Old scrap book. Photograph of Capt. Alden Hammond Adams.

Amey, Mr. William Mitchell—Two magazines containing articles about Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard railroads.

Backus, Mrs. Alma F.—Post card views of Life Saving Stations.

Bagley, Marion Miller—Booklet, "Our Forefathers", written by donor.

Boston Humane Society—Report of the Historical Association of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Bostonian Society—Proceedings for 1955.

Brownell, Herbert—Photograph of Lt. Theodore J. Prindiville.

Cook, Mrs. Adin Phillips—Photograph and Daguerreotype of Seth Mitchell and baby curl of Seth Mitchell; bead purse marked "S. M."

16

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Everett, Mrs. Henry C.—Baby high chair with rush bottom seat, (loan) Folger, Mrs. Rupert—Old Terry clock with wooden works; Silver Plate inscribed to Samuel Swain; two framed silhouettes of Uriah and Jedidiah Folger; Old Town and Agricultural So­ ciety reports; Old butler's side-board formerly belonging to Mrs. Jedidiah (Ma) Folger.

Fuller, Mrs. Frederick V.—Two pewter oil lamps, date of 1801.

Friends Historical Society—Bulletin, Vol. 44, No. 2.

Gardner, Dr. and Mrs. William E.—Collection of ladies' clothing, quilted petticoats, sacques, shoes, fans, and other items; pho­ tograph of Miss Mary E. Starbuck; two copies Confession of Faith of First Congregational Church, 1767 to 1906. Collection of papers from the Peter Folger house, re: Samuel Swain and Uriah Folger.

Gray, Mr. David—Four photographs and stereoscopic views of Nantucket.

Greene, Mr. Norman Joy—Old hatchet with C. G. Coffin marked on handle; Branding iron which marked the name C. G. Coffin; small silver spoons in cherry stones, heart, and capsules, made by the late Moses Joy. Gruen, Mrs. Robert—Pcem called "Greetings" written by the late John Ring.

Grout, Mr. John—Framed picture of the Old 'Sconset Pump show­ ing horse drinking from trough.

Guba, Dr. Emil F.—Blue print of genealogy of Cyrus Peirce.

Hussey, Mrs. Peter M.—Four old letters dated 1799 and 1801.

Hyde, Mrs. Louise Marston—Small doll's bed.

Kenney, Mr. Gordon—Eleven photographs of 2nd District Light­ house Service; 8 views of Great Point; 2 of Sankaty; 2 of Cliff Breakwater and Beacons.

LeMassura, Mrs. Harriet B.—Small photograph of Phebe Ramsdell Cottle; old coin silver spoon marked Susan Folger Cottle.

Manley, Mr. J. Alden—Old hand saw found in house on Union St. McCleary, Miss Helen C.—Collection of old coin silver spoons.

O'Loughlin, Miss Kathleen—Two books written by donor: "Llyr Dediath", "Yarmouth Stone".

GIFTS AND DONORS

17

Pond, Mrs. Effie L.—Photographs of Obed Joy, Thankful and Love (Smith) Joy; Pamphlet, "Ancestry and Royal Descent of the Joy Family in America"; maritime record of Obed Joy. Ray, Mr. Earl S.—Old Bonnet and a blank five hundred dollar cer­ tificate of the Confederate States of America, 1864, found in an old Nantucket house.

Richmond, Mrs. George D.—Old papers formerly belonging to George B. Upton.

Smith, Mr. Earl E.—Two maps of Philadelphia, Pa., 1950, served by the Philadelphia Electric Co. Shurcliff, Mr. Arthur—Photographs of Nantucket scenes.

Sutton, Miss Ruth Haviland—Five pastel portraits of Wallace N. Adams, Annie Alden Folger, George A. Grant, William Rus­ sell, Mitchell Ray. Frames were made for these portraits by the Association.

Tripp, Mr. William H.—Letters from William Mitchell to Thomas A. Green, 1856; Joseph B. Macy to Capt. Humphrey Seabury, 1864; Commonwealth of Massachusetts to John P. Barker, Esq., 1846, re: banking; Two receipts, 1870-71, signed by Lydia Hull.

Warwick, Mrs. Maurice—Five cups and four saucers said to have belonged to Benjamin Franklin; Ben. Franklin fifty cent piece dated 1948.

Webster, Mr. Franklin Folger—(loan) Collection of about 83 de­ coys ; 3 bags for carrying same; 2 shot guns; 8 powder horns; 3 shot bags; book entitled, "Field Cover and Trap Shooting",

by A. M. Bogardus; book, "Wild Fowl Shooting", by Leffingwell.

Welch, Mrs. Wilbur H.—Oil paintings of Capt. Edward Coffin and wife, Mrs. Lydia Wyer Coffin.

Williams, Mrs. Winthrop—Photograph of the Folger House on Centre Street, three decker.

Oldest House Everett, Mrs. Henry—Old tin candle mold, nine molds.

Whaling Museum Barnes, Mr. Landon—Three Commercial Wharf record books; 2 treasurer's books, 1852-55; 1 account book, 1833 to 1840.

18

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Dorsett, Dr. E. Lee—Magazine, "Down East", containing article written by donor, "Maine Whalers".

Gardner, Dr. and Mrs. William E.—Journal kept by Lewis P. Tracy on Bark "Oak", 1869-71; Journal of voyage from Bos­ ton to Jeramie in 1867.

Gray, Mr. David—By exchange, Jaw Pan of whale etched with whaling scene, large piece of scrimshaw done on board ship.

Crosby, Everett U. and Clarence Swift—Case especially made to hold scrimshaw, jaw pan of whale.

Lewis, Mrs. R. V.—Old bailer for whale oil.

Greene, Norman Joy—String of beads and tooth pick made of whale ivory.

Drake, Prof. Thomas—Photostat of Memorial to William Swain, lost over on the "Christopher Mitchell".

Folger, Mrs. Rupert—String of beads made of whale ivory and brass lantern with chimney etched with name of ship and a ship.

Nantucket Lodge, I.O.O.F.—Citation of Walter Chase for "Heroes of the Sea".

Stackpole, Mr. Edouard A.—Book, "Voyage of Huron and the Huntress".

Strong, Mr. Austin—Collection of whaling irons (bequest).

Purchased—Book by Everett U. Crosby—"Susan's Teeth".

Mariner's Museum—Sheet from Newport News Daily Press of display of ship models.

Gardner, Dr. William E.—Sailor's valentine made of shells by Capt.

Jared Wentworth Tracy in the Pacific, for his young wife.

1800 House Sibley, Mr. C. S.—Pair brass andirons (loan).

Milliken, Mrs. Mary—Linen sheet marked M. J.

19

Membership Report

BY NANCY S. ADAMS, Chairman

At the close of the fiscal year on May 31st, we are glad to announce that the membership in our Association can be recorded as "healthy in numbers". A total of 1,043 members is recorded.

It would be a most gratifying event if we could report at the end of the coming year that every member had proposed a new member. Shall we make that our slogan? "Every member get a member."

Since the last report in April we are glad to announce the following new members: Miss Mattie Empson Miss Ethel M. Folger Mrs. Graham F. Thompson One death has occurred since last report. We are sorry to lose an old member of long standing.

Mrs. Charles Pancoast Our membership is divided as follows: Life Members 146 Annual Sustaining 63 Annual Active 834 To all who feel that Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port should be preserved fcr their historical, educational, and inspirational values, a cordial invitation is extended to become a member of the Association.

All members of the Association are urged to consider themselves as active members of the Membership Committee and to assist in extending this invitation.

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

Sustaining — $10.00

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

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

20

Publicity and Advertising

BY STOKELEY W. MORGAN, CHAIRMAN

Activities in this field were largely directed towards stimulat­ ing interest in the eight informal talks oil Old-Time Nantucket given during July and August at the Friends Meeting House. A general invitation to the Members and the Public was extended by a folder published early in the season which listed the speakers for the talks and also described the various exhibits of the Histor­ ical Association which the public was invited to visit. Paid ad­ vertisements were inserted in both "The Inquirer and Mirror" and the "Town Crier" in advance of each talk. In addition a report was prepared following each talk and distributed as a news release to these two papers and the "New Bedford Standard". The talks aroused great interest and were well attended.

The usual advertisements were inserted in the two weekly pub­ lications, "Nantucket Holiday" and "This Week in Nantucket," to aquaint visitors with the exhibits which the Historical Association has to offer.

One special Bulletin was issued during the year, on the "Nan­ tucket Whaling Museum" a reprint of an article written for the July issue of "Historic Nantucket", by Vice President W. Ripley Nelson. This Bulletin, sold at the Whaling Museum and other Ex­ hibits, was in great demand.

Paid advertisements and news releases also covered the An­ nual Meeting in July and a Special Meeting called on April 10th.

21

Finance Committee

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

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

Additional fire protection, which will result in further reduc­ tion in fire and extended coverage insurance premiums, is being worked out with the Whaling Museum Committee for that build­ ing. This is to be accomplished by connecting the sprinkler system alarms directly to the Town fire alarm system through the in­ stallation of a master fire alarm box directly adjacent to the Whaling Museum. The cost will be shared by the Town and the Association.

Estimates received from several leading appraisal companies for making an appraisal of the exhibits within the building were obtained but in view of the cost and the large expense which had to be incurred for restoring the building, the Council concurred in the Committee's recommendation that no action should be taken at present. The placing of a Fine Arts Policy on the exhibit, there­ fore, is necessarily postponed.

As usual just prior to the end of the fiscal year, budget recom­ mendations for 1956-1957 operating expenses were obtained from the chairmen of the various building committees, revised and combined with budgets for general operating expenses. The com­ bined figures, or expense budget for the fiscal year of 1956-1957 was submitted to the Council and after discussion was approved as submitted.

In closing the books for the year, the Treasurer, Auditor, and Finance Committee are working towards a simplification of the accounting system which also will provide a monthly balanc­ ing and auditing control of the accounts. The changes planned will reduce the work but provide tighter controls and make currently and readily available reports on operating results.

22

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1956 ASSETS Free Funds Pacific National Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Sidney Mitchell Fund Mary E. Macy Fund Total Less—Unexpended Appropriations and iSpecial Funds Total Available Cash Inventories — Pamphlets and Books Land, Buildings and Collections Fair Street Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail Mill Street—1800 House West York Street—Land Collections Furniture and Fixtures

$ 1,139.82 4,165.42 3,000.00 500.00 8,805.24 887.94 |7,917.30 296.19 8,800.00 4,500.00 4,000.00 10,000.00 1,834.00 5,350.00 500.00 10,000.00 407.92

45,391.92

5,358.22 1,007.50

6,365.72

3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00

10,000.00

1,000.00 566.99

1,566.99

Restricted Funds (Resolution) Life Memberships—Permanent Old Mill Preservation Restricted Funds (Principal) Ella Starbuck Emma F. Hayward William Swift Restricted Funds—Principal and Interest Susan E. Brock Will Gardner

$71,538.12

T0TAL

LIABILITIES Capital

Earned Surplus T0TAL

$61,690.97 9 347.15 $71,538.12

28

Treasurer's Report Income and Expense Statement for Year ending May 31, 1956 Department Whaling Museum Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House Miscellaneous: Annual Dues Sustaining Members Interest and Dividends Donations All Others

$ 1.517.00 610.00 603.06 28.75 73.10

Income

Expenses

Net Income or Loss *

$ 8,211.33 1,567.00 2,620.45 537.35 359.49 607.40

$ 4,096.39 1,601.10 1,110.12 730.26 521.50 776.38

$ 4,114.94 34.10* 1,510.33 192.91* 162.01* 168.98*

2,831.91

5,842.25

• 3.010.34*

$16,734.93

$14,678.00

$ 2,056.93

$11,537.75

$ 4,711.75^

SPECIAL PROJECT Whaling Museum Restoration

$ 6,826.00

ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS Balance, May 31, 1955 Additions: Operating profit Capital adjustments due to balance realignment and elimi­ nation of Reserve Accounts

$11,101.53 $ 2,056.63

1,400.44

3,457.37 $15,558.90

Deduct: Excess of expenditures over donations for Whaling Museum Restoration Adjusted Surplus, May 31, 1956

4,711.75 "$ 9,847.15

The foregoing Balance Sheet and Summary Statement of Income and Expenses have been prepared after an audit of the Treasurer s Books of Account and certification of Bank Balances. It is my opinion that they refleet the true financial condition of the Association.

Ormonde F. Ingall, Accountant

24

Annual Local History Awards The Competition for the Nantucket Association's two annual local history awards resulted in four essays being selected by the High School and four sketches, "Historical Nantucket Buildings", which described the Association's building, being selected by the Vocational School for consideration by the Historical Association's Award Committee.

The essay "Nantucket Lighthouses" by Gerald E. Eldridge was awarded the High School prize. The sketch written by Fred­ erick Chase describing the Historical Association's buildings was awarded the Vocational School prize. The awards are handsome gold framed certificates engraved in color bearing the name of the winner and a description of the nature of the award. The certi­ ficates were presented at the school graduation exercises.

The other three essays selected by the High School for con­ sideration were "The School System from 1720 to the Present"

by Bernard Russell; "Famous People of Nantucket" by Maybelle Petumenos; and "The Glacial History of Nantucket" by Karl Richard. The other three sketches selected by the Vocationl School for consideration were written by Richard Minstrell, Robert Allen, and Philip Marks.

To further stimulate the interest of the High School and Vo­ cational School students in local history, the Council of the Asso­ ciation decided at a regular meeting held June 19th to award each student whose essay or sketch was considered by the Committee for the prize awards, one year free membership in the Association, Letters to this effect were written by Mrs. Walton H. Adams, President, to the eight students welcoming them as members of the Association. These memberships entitle the recipients to free admission to the Association's buildings and museums, to re­ ceive the quarterly magazine—Historic Nantucket, and to parti­ cipate in the general activities of the Association.

Believing our members will be interested, the two winning papers follow. The Vocational School sketches were written after study and visits to the buildings. Unfortunately, the Whaling Mu­ seum could not be included as the reconstruction work had not been completed, making it necessary to bar all visitors.

25

Nantucket Lighthouses Nantucket High School Winning Essay.

BY GERALD E. ELDRIDGE BRANT POINT

Nantucket was one of the first places to erect a lighthouse in America. It was preceded only by the city of Boston, where a light­ house was built earlier. On January 24, 1746, the sea captains had a town meeting and it was voted to have a lighthous erected at Brant Point. The first light was built there in the winter of 1746 and was first lighted on April 28 in the same year. At a town meeting held that night it was stated that the ship owners should maintain the upkeep of the light built by the town for the total of two hundred English pounds. It was built by Ebenezer Calef, Obed Hussey, and Jabez Bunker. The light gleamed nightly for the next twelve years until it was destroyed by fire.

When another town meeting was held, the people of Nantucket agreed that the light should be rebuilt at once, and within a short time it was replaced. The first two lights were beacons suspended between two poles.

From all available records Brant Point seems to have been rebuilt more times than any other light in New England. In dif­ ferent books I found that there was a total of seven lights built on Brant Point.

On March 9, 1774, a small tornado hit the island and many small houses were destroyed at Brant Point, but the worst loss was that of Brant Point Light. The citizens helcf a town meeting two weeks later and voted to build another light as high as the last one that had been destroyed. The town was to pay all the expenses.

Many of the captains who visited Nantucket, were not used to the system of lighthouse dues collected from each ship that entered the harbor for the up-keep of the light. So, to be on the safe side, the people asked the General Court of Massachusetts for permission to collect "Light Money". The Court passed a bill that stated each ship over 15 tons must pay 16 shillings the first time it entered Nantucket Harbor each year.

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

In 17,82 this light was destroyed by fire and another rebuilt in its place. Then eight years later when the U. S. Government took over all lighthouses, this light was among those ceded.

During the War of 1,812 it was demanded that all lighthouses were to be extinguished.

In 1825 it was decided the light was no longer suitable for its purpose, so a small tower framework was built on the lighthouse keeper's dwellings.

In 1831 the aged keeper David Coffin had to retire, so his son David Coffin II, took over as keeper of this light.

I would like to state that, at this time there were many other navigation lights located around Nantucket Harbor about which not much information is available.

There were two ordinary oil lamps near the Brant Point Light that could be lined up to direct ships over the bar. This was called The Nantucket Beacon. This system was given up in June 1869.

But in 1870 it was rearranged in its present location.

There were also two lights on the Jetties Beach area about 300 feet apart. They were called the Cliff Range lights or the Bug Lights. These lights are located at the present Gilbreth Cot­ tage, "The Shoe."

In 1856 a brick tower was built at Brant Point. This light was visible for fifteen miles. F. B. Smith was in charge in 1882. The last keeper was Mr. Gerald Reed, who is in charge of a lighthouse in Maine at this time.

The present tower was erected in 1901. It was lighted for the first time on January 31, 1901. It is the lowest light in New Eng­ land, only twenty-six feet above high water. The fixed beam of 490 candle power lights the approach to our harbor.

GREAT POINT LIGHT The first mention of a light on the Great or Sandy Point was in 1770 when the "Town-fathers" picked a committee to ask the General Coourt to erect a light on Sandy Point. An agreement was reached and the Nantucket Representative was asked to superin­ tend the project. The General Court on February 5, 1784, passed a

NANTUCKET LIGHTHOUSES

27

bill for the erection of a light on Great Point, which was soon com­ pleted at a cost of 1,389 pounds, 15 shillings and 5 pence for the erection of the lighthouse.

In 1812 the keeper at Great Point was in charge of one of the most difficult light stations in New England. There was no dwelling at the light for Keeper Jonathan Coffin, so this meant that he had a long walk or ride from his home at Wauwinet each evening. On account of this, his salary was raised to $166.67 a year.

In November 1816 this light was destroyed by fire. It was claimed that it was purposely set on fire, but nothing was ever proved either way. A new light was built at this critical spot. In 1818 masons completed a handsome stone edifice, which still stands. It is seventy feet above the sea, giving its 12,000 candlepower a fourteen mile visibility range.

In 1829 a petition was sent to Washington to have Keeper Captain Bunker removed because of intemperate habits. The pe­ tition suggested George Swain as a new keeper. This report proved false and Captain Bunker was left in charge of the light.

The report of 1838 on Great Point Light follows: "On the northern side of the island stands the great light of Nantucket. This light is 70 feet above the level of the sea, in a stone tower 60 feet high. It consists of 14 lamps, three with 15, and eleven with 16-inch reflectors, arranged in the usual way, in two circles parallel to each other and to the horizon. The lantern is eight and one half feet high and 9 in diameter."

Finally in 1874 the tower was fitted with a Fresnal Lens.

Whale oil was used as fuel for the lamps for many years at Great Point. Colza lard oil and mineral oil were also used to light the beacon. The present light is produced by incandescent oil-vapor apparatus, in which kerosene, in vaporized form, is burned under a mantle.

A large number of vessels mistook Great Point Light for the Cross Rip Light Ship and found themselves in difficulty. A red, or danger, sector was added to the beam of the light to eliminate this danger.

SANKATY HEAD LIGHTHOUSE

When Lieutenant Charles Davis was conducting sounding operations off Nantucket in 1847, he located a newer and more

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

dangerous reef of shoals farther out than any previous reef dis­ covered. These shoals were named in his honor, the Davis South Shoals. Sankaty Head, the most southeastern head land in New England, was chosen for a new light to warn shipping of this newly discovered danger.

Erected in 1849 the tower was built under the direction of Benjamin R. Isherwood at a cost of $10,333. A Fresnal lens was installed at Sankaty Head Light in 1850. In the summer of 1850 Sankaty Head Light was superior to every other American light, according to Lieutenant John N. Maffit, who was conducting oper­ ations off the coast. For three months that year he found Sankaty brighter than Boston Light and more than forty other beacons.

Captain Alexander Bunker was the first keeper at Sankaty, lighting the temporary beacon February 1, 1850. He and his two assistants, both of whom lived some distance from Sankaty Head, took their turns at standing a four-hour watch apiece each evening.

While the tower itself was of brick laid in cement, the lower tur­ ret just below the lantern was built of granite.

In the lighthouse report book we find the following statement about the Sankaty Head Light: January 30, 1852 "Apparatus constructed in Paris by Henry Lepaute, under direction of Mr. Isherwood."

"Tower is placed on an elevation point on Island of Nantucket upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of the Coast Survey based upon the then recent discovery of the Davis South Shoals."

"The present keeper at this time took charge of the light the night it was lighted, without previous knowledge or instruction."

Journal of Expenditure: "370 gallons of oil consumed for 11 months and 7 days, or about 395 gallons a year."

Samuel Adams Drake visited Sankaty in the year 1875. Com­ menting on the light, Drake says: "When built, this light was unsurpassed in brilliancy by any on the coast and was considered equal to the magnificent beacon of the Mirro. Fish­ ermen call it the blazing star. Its flashes are very full, vivid, and striking, and it's important. Seven miles at sea, the white flash takes a reddish hue."

In 1950 the lenses were changed. The old lenses are in the Nantucket Whaling Museum, but before they were changed the

NANTUCKET LIGHTHOUSES

29

light had a power of 720,000 candle power, making it the second strongest in New England. It stands one hundred and sixty-six feet above the ocean. It is easily distinguished in daytime, its white tower identified by a single wide band of red around the middle of the lighthouse. The last keeper to live there with his family was Archford V. Haskins, who left in 1947. Since 1952 Chief Boatswain Mate Gordon Kenney and three assistants have maintained the light.

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. "Most of the material contained in this topic was obtained from Edward Rowe Snow's book 'Famous Lighthouses of New England.'

2. Douglas Lithgow 'A History of Nantucket',"

30

Historical Nantucket Buildings Vocational School Prize Winning Sketch

BY FREDERICK CHASE THE OLDEST HOUSE

The Oldest House was built in 1686 as a wedding- gift to Jethro Coffin and Mary Gardner by their fathers. Jethro's father gave the lunmber and Mary's father gave the land. It is known as the horseshoe house because of the raised bricks on the chimney which form a horseshoe. It is located on Sunset Hill and was built with oak timbers.

The main portion of the building is about 18 by 35 feet. It had been restored about two times. When the Nantucket Historical Association took it over, they rebuilt it gain and today it is about 50 per cent original. When they began restoring it, someone said it had diamond shaped windows. People didn't believe it, but they found a piece. All the beams in the house were brought from New Hampshire.

As you walk in there are stairs going upstairs. You turn left and are in the dining room. At the right is a large fireplace which has a timber 14 x 14 feet. The bricks in it are mostly old but some are new. They hold these bricks together with mortar made from shells. Part of the wall is torn out so you can see what kind of insulation they had.

In the bedroom they have a bed, a cradle and a candle. As you go into the kitchen there is another fireplace, but not so big.

In it are kettles, pans waffle makers and toasters. At the other end of the room is a table with many dishes on it and right be­ sides it is an old tub made of wood.

There is a closet known as the Indian closet because an In­ dian hid there and badly frightened Mary Coffin.

THE 1800 HOUSE

The 1800 house was built in the year 1800. Jeremiah Law­ rence was the first owner of this two-story house. The house sets on a high foundation of stone. It is several steps up with a small porch.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET BUILDINGS

31

The front door is a six-paneled colonial style door. As you walk in you enter a hall with a stairway going up. Also, in the hall there is a door that goes under the steps and behind the chim­ ney where you can see clear to the attic. All the doors have thin panels and glass above. All the walls are papered if they aren't paneled.

On each side of the hall there is a room. As you enter the East room you see a desk made of camphor wood and a picture above it.

Also in the room is a fireplace with the whole side of the wall paneled. The panel above the fireplace is thirty-one inches wide.

In the room are two mournings which are needle-work. They made them when a member of the family died. There also is a very old piano in the room and a grandfather clock.

In the West room there is an old chair made of applewood.

There is also a picture of three Nantucket women, but they are all unknown to us. Also in the West room there is a washing table used to wash up in.

In the keeping room there is a large mahogany table with old antique dishes on it and an old bench along the wall. Down by the fireplace there is a low cradle. The reason for it being low and by the fireplace was to keep the baby warm. There are also three ladder-back chairs in the room and a rocking chair. The one chair that impressed me the most was the one that came from the ship BEAVER. There is a very large cabinet in there with a book case on top.

The summer kitchen has a wooden sink and a few implements.

There is a stairway going down cellar from the kitchen and the cellar is round. In another room they have a large weaving room.

There is a room called the Borning Room where babies are born.

Upstairs is a bedroom with a bed which has a canvas mattress and ropes to tighten it up if necessary. In the closet they have many clothes, such as old shoes and gowns. There even are old hats.

Out in back they have an old pump made of wood. It is the last original wooden pump made on Nantucket.

They also have an outside bathroom with a moon shape cut out of the door, which is facing the house.

32

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Inside is an engraving, in one room of the house, of Franklin at the Court of France. It was engraved in 1853.

All the windows have shutters instead of curtains.

OLD JAIL

The Old Jail was built in 1806 with oak logs and timbers. It is 16' x 26' and has two floors with two cells on each floor. The cells are 11' x 14' and made of wood reinforced with iron straps. The cell doors are two inches thick and made of oak with a barred win­ dow in each door.

The jail is one of the few in the United States with fireplaces in two cells. The lock on the front door is 8" x 16" and weighs twenty pounds and the key to it is nine and a half inches long.

Not many people have escaped from the jail. The last was in 1933 when a man named Freeman hit the jailer over the head with a stick and then made his escape.

One cell was used for the dangerous and insane people if nec­ essary. The jail was used for a century and a quarter for all kinds and sizes of criminals.

The jail is also the oldest type of a jail in New England. There are no stairs inside the building. To get upstairs, the steps are outdoors and to get in the first floor, you go through a big oak door.

The building was given to the Historical Association on May 29, 1946.

Today the building is still capable of holding criminals and insane people.

THE OLD MILL

The Old Mill was built in 1746 by Nathan Wilbur for the purpose of grinding corn for the townspeople. Strangely enough most of the corn was used for corn muffins rather for bread.

The oak beams were probably picked up on the shores of the Island where parts of shipwrecks were washed in. Each of the stones which were used to grind the corn weighed about 1% tons

HISTORIC NANTUCKET BUILDINGS

33

and was 6 feet in diameter. The top stone is turned by a shaft connected to wooden cog wheels.

The top of the building is turned by a 50-foot shaft which runs from the top to an upright wheel on the ground. The wheel revolved when two horses pulled it and enabled the vanes to be moved into and away from the wind. The keepers in recent years have hooked their cars to the wheel to move it.

There were four other mills in use on the Island but they have not been preserved.

During the Revolutionary War the mill was used as a warning device for whalers. When an enemy ship was blocking the har­ bor, Nantucketers would turn the vanes in a pre-determined di­ rection to warn returning whalers not to enter the harbor.

The building itself is an octagon and is built on a stone foun­ dation. The drive wheel is nine feet in diameter and has sixty spokes. The wheel is not the original, but an exact replica from England is in there now.

In about one hour ten bushels of corn could be ground, so with twenty-four hours a day and five mills an awful lot of corn must have been ground.

THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

People enter through the north door into the main office where there are old and valuable maps and pictures. There are three cabinets that are full of data and documents on old places and things.

As you enter into the exhibit room you find three cabinets with Indian relics in them and up against the wall are spears and bows. There are over one thousand arrow heads there.

Right around the corner is a display of old tools and decoys.

Downstairs, at the foot of the stairs, there is a square piece of stone about 4' x 4' with a dog inlaid in it and the words "Cave Dog" which means "Beware of Dog". The first thing you see when you go down is the two old town fire engines. One was pulled by hand and the other by horses. They have hoses on them that are wider on one end than on the other, which produced a pressure.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

34

In back there are two sleighs and two sleds that were used about one hundred years ago.

On the other side is an old pair of ice skates and an old Jap­ anese bath tub that heated the water while it was in the tub by a heater inside. The tub was on Tuckernuck for quite a while and then brought back and put in the museum. They have many old buckets that were used in the old days for putting out fires. Most of them have the owners' names on the sides so that the people could find their own buckets after the fire.

A small part of the building on the right just before you go out the door is an old Quaker meeting-house. This was the last one on the Island and in the summer it is still used. This building used to be a school with the boys downstairs and the girls upstairs.

When the Quakers used it the men sat on the right and the women on the left. The women's seats are a little smaller than the men's.

When the building was first built the only part of it was the school building and then they put the other part of the building on and used it for the exhibition rooms. The building today is quite large and has three floors that are full of paintings and interesting objects. Even as large as the building is, it is not large enough for all exhibitions that they have.

The thing that interested me the most was the smallest dic­ tionary in the world but everything was very interesting and was enjoyed by everyone. If you get the chance to visit the Fair Street Museum do it and see what I mean. I'm sure you will not be sorry after you have done it.

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35

Keziah Coffin Farming's Diary

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

(Continued,)

1787 Jan. 7—Fire cried after 9 p.m., soon out, Jo Marshall's house.

Feb. 5—Hathaway died last eve (Molly's husband).

Feb. 28—Cos. Elizabeth Starbuck died 9 a.m.

March 20—Mrs. Butler died last eve. Benjamin Cartwright's wife died this morn.

March 21—Chase eldest son died very suddenly, he had been sub­ ject to a pain in his side for several months past, was seized with one of his former spells, but not so bad but he went out of doors to-day—died at dusk.

March 29—Benjamin Rotch & Eliza Barker married in meeting to-day.

April 29—Barclay T. Delano, etc., went up to Long Pond with large seine to seine herring, small catch not over barrell.

April 23—Some "Shaking Quakers" at Pease's talking on religious matters told the precepts of their religion which was very good, there was a number of people there.

April 27—Account from Boston of a large fire, 100 houses burnt at the S. E. end. Catched in a malt house, the unhappy accident happened this day week at dusk.

April 28—Mother been gone 12 months.

June 10—Letter from Mother, she is in prison, put there for debt, by butcher, baker, he supplying her while keeping house in Halifax. Has been very sick, neither chair, table or other furniture in her cell—bed on the floor.

June 20—Esquire Hussey & family sailed for Kennebunk.

July 27—P. F. & myself, Heppy Bunker, Prisa, & Sara Pinkham walked down on the ends of the 3 south wharfs.

August 4—Long Island men went to Boston to-day, Doctor Gard­ ner. Mr. Isaacs etc. they brought a load of oil here to dispose of.

Abagail Coffin, Zephaniahs widow died to-day.

36

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

August 4—"Old Burridge" died this eve.

August 30—Capt. Delano now owns Esquire Hussey's house at Squam.

August 31—Mrs. Coffin's child died to-day. new baby called Tommy.

October 6—Richard Mitchell, Sr., was buried this afternoon. Daniel Starbuck's mother died at his house to-day.

October 17—Old lady Macy (Mazcey) died this morn. 2 weeks ago she fell on her arm & broke it very bad & fever sot in & carried her off.

Doctor Bartlett lives at Esq. Hussey's house Nov. 5—Samuel Rodman's wife & Eben Coleman's wife were de­ livered of daughters to-day.

Nov. 21—Grandmother breathed her last at sunset.

Nov. 26—Spent afternoon at Mrs. Coggeshalls, she lately had a child.

Dec. 13—Yesterday Marshall sot out alone on foot to come to town from Polpis where she had been several days on a visit. This morn she was found about half way down lying on her face across the road breathless, no one could give any account of her death.

Dec. 27—St. John's day. Masons dined at Mrs. Peggy Coffun's.

1788 Jan. 5—Very cold, 6 degrees colder than at any time this winter.

Jan. 20—Last Thursday night a large Brigg from the West Indies loaded with molasses ran ashore near the end of Great Point, she is now almost in pieces, but very little left of her cargo will be saved, she belongs to the Clark & Nightingale's of Providence.

April 9—Lightning struck the south end of Richard Mitchell's house and shattered it considerable, the same clap struck a house more than V2 a mile to the No. West of Mitchell's & killed a black woman as she stood by the window, her name was Ester Pompey (George Pompey's wife).

May 1—Mrs. Johnson had a daughter born to-day, her fifth daughter.

May 8—Merib Gardner, Granston Gardner's wife died to-day, she lay in 6 or 7 weeks ago, but she died of consumption.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

37

May 25—Benjamin & Eliza Rotch & their child sailed from here to Bedford with Capt. Crocker; from there they expect to take passage for Dunkirk in France where they expect to tarry some years.

May 28—Had a large double tooth punched out by Doc. Pease, early this morn.

May 29—James Mitchell (son of Richard, deceased) died since noon.

June 13—Mrs. Johnson's child died to-day, it was sick about a week. (P. F. caught 6 bass—probably off Great Point.)

July 17—Went to Sarah Chase's to wedding George Chase & Re­ becca Coffin were married at 6 o'clock, Mr. Shaw tied the knot, there were upwards of 30 persons.

July 19—Father died at sunrise (a lengthy and loving notice of his sickness and death.

Aug. 5—Mr. Beane & family and Barclay (Fanning) & family sailed with Capt. Crocker for Boston—they intend to settle in Boston, B— has sold his house to John Cartwright—Mrs. Coffin (Peggy) and myself rode out to Westward, went to see Elihu Cole­ man. he has been a house keeper some time, is as sensible & as conversible as he ever was.

Aug. 14—Betsy Binker (John's wife) had a son born this morn.

Uncle Starbuck has sold his house that he lived in a number of years & bought Stephen Paddack's where he now lives.

Aug. 29—Spencer moved yesterday to house next west to J. Bar­ ker's he has bought it.

Sept. 21—Mrs. Sampson had a daughter born last Thursday.

Sept. 30—David Whitney of Boston & Sally Coffin (Timo's daugh­ ter) married this eve.

Oct. 3—Mrs. Coffin returned from Halifax.

Njov. 1—William Coffin (Coopers) wife had a son born to-day.

Nov. 7—David Coleman sailed to-day for Halifax in whom went passengers Silas Paddack & family Jonathan & Libni Barnards & Family.

Nov. 13—Began to move into North part of Esq. Hussey's house.

Doc. Bartlett lives in South.

38

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Nov. 17—Shubael Coffin has bought the house of Uncle Folger.

Dec. 12—Billinghurst & his family went off to-day to Stonington.

Dec. 25—Zaccheus Coffin's wife & Judith Gardner, an aged woman died last night.

1789 Jan. 12—Timo. Russell' s daughter (only child) died Saturday, aged 23, consumption.

Feb. 3—Cousin Daniel's wife had a daughter 2 weeks ago.

Feb. 7—P. M. went to meeting to hear singers sing.

Feb. 13—One Croker (Crocker) of Barnstable that keeps school at Polpis lodges at Maxcys, he is learning Maxcy, Thankful, Ruth to sing, they perform very well.

March 14—Cos. Juda Macy died this evening. (Uncle Calebs daughter).

April 14—Henry Riddle & Sally Coffin married to-day.

May 20—Rebecca Chase (George's wife) had a son born to-day.

May 24—Mr. Willis came home to-day from W. Indies with I. Morris.

June 13—Two Presbyterian ministers arrived Mr. Allen of Yar­ mouth the other (with his wife) from Connecticut (both preached Sunday).

June 21—Samuel Hussey & Charlotte Bartlett married in meeting a.m. after service Mr. Shaw spoke to them & they came out into the broad alley & stood while Mr. Shaw performed the ceremony-it being noval there was a large congregation, the whole was conduted with the utmost decorum.

June 2—Thunder storm. Lightning struck corner of widow Gelston's house and chimney of Jethro Starbuck's house, not much damage.

July 5—Charly Hussey (Bartlett) sailed this forenoon with Capt. Norcross for Kennebunk.

July 5—Eben & Kezia Jenkins. Juda Coffin & her child came to the island to-day from Hudson.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

39

July 18—Went to see Cos, Elihu Coleman-he is wholly confined to his room endures a great deal of pain, is very helpless "he says he is waiting for the hour of his dissolution trusting & believing the change will be a happy one."

July 19—Blackler Ohrn & Sally Osborn published to-day.

Aug. 2—Wordsworth Crocker & Heppy Bunker published to-day, Blackler Ohrn & Sally Osborn were married by the Rev. Mr. Shaw after public worship in the meeting house, very full meeting.

Aug. 13—Went to Joseph Chace's to a wedding (eve) William Chace (Charles Chace's son) & Merrib Gardner, (Jo. Gardner's daughter) were married by Peleg Coffin. Doc. Gelston & wife, Mrs. Swain & Coffin, Reuben Chace's wife, Annie Chase and we were there by Mrs. Chace's invitation. Mr. Whitney & Sally & a large number of young people, as many as 50, we had cake & Cheese, wine and birch beer, etc.

Aug. 30—Mr. Crocker & Heppy Bunker were married this eve by Rev. Mr. Shaw-they made no wedding.

Sept. 5—Rebecca Barrett (wife of Francis) died of consumption.

Sept. 27—Henry Dow's wife died night before last.

Oct. 19—Began to move to New Town little below Aunt Coffin's into the Francis Coffin house as it is called, belongs to Jethro Starbuck's wife & her children.

Nov. 4—Flin was drowned off the bar yesterday was bound to Brazels with James Chace, he got into the boat to bail her out, it being very blustering, the boat filled & he was drowned.

Nov. 30—Uncle Tristram Starbuck died suddenly, Sat. night.

Dev. 1—Charles Russell & Hepza. Coffin married this eve.

Dec. 28—Mr. Crocker began to keep school in Aunt Coffin's cham­ bers to-day.

(To Be Continued)

40

History Making Events The call for the annual meeting of the members of the As­ sociation has been received, no doubt, by all members but this is to remind one and all that it will be held Tuesday, July 17th, 1956, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, Orange Street, as a result of an offer made by the church to use their edifice. President Nancy S. Adams will present her annual report, which we are sorry to say, will be for the last time because of her decision to retire. The election of officers and the transaction of routine business will be followed by a speaker well known to many members. The meeting will be open also to guests of members who will be cordially wel­ comed by the Council and Officers of the Association. We look forward to a large attendance as a tribute to our President for her many years of constructive, unselfish and loyal service.

The formal opening for the 1956 season of the Association's buildings started with the opening of the Whaling Museum on Saturday, June 2nd, followed closely by that of the Oldest House on Monday, June 4th, with the Historical Museum, Friends Meet­ ing House, 1800 House, the Old Mill and Old Jail opening Monday, June 11th. The weekly and hourly schedule and admission fees is given in detail in this issue under "Season Admission Schedule".

The Oldest House is presided over again by Miss Ethel C. Clark whose cordial welcome to visitors has made us many friends.

Mrs. William Perkins is the new Chairman succeeding Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton, who resigned due to a change in her husband's busi­ ness which necessitated their living on the mainland much of the year. Mrs. Perkins and her husband are ardent students of Island history, so we are fortunate to have her succeed Mrs. Edgarton as Chairman.

The Old Mill weathered all storms last year without damage, and the old vanes in good condition were a welcome sight on Mill Hill when their re-erection was completed by Joseph Senecal after winter storage. John E. Greene is serving again as the "Miller", ready to explain the mystery of how the old wooden machinery and the massive millstones work. Our members will be interested to know that Mr. and Mrs. Greene, on Wednesday, June 20th, cele­ brated their 54th wedding anniversary.

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

41

At the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House, Mrs. Alma F. Backus again is greeting visitors and Miss Alice Crocker is presiding as Librarian. Despite the painstaking, in fact almost pa­ ternal care, by Grenville Curtis, the sun and moon on the clock dial acted up and got out of step with the Almanac. Dr. Arthur L. Rawlings, who has given so generously of his time, made a flying trip to the Island and, with Mr. Curtis, located a part worn out from age. A replacement was contrived and once again the moon and sun operate on schedule. While on the Island, Dr. Rawlings also reassembled and mounted the Folger telescope. Words fail to ex­ press our gratitude to Dr. Rawlings, a life member of the Asso­ ciation, for his continued interest. In recognition of the many hours spent on the clock throughout the past several years, and his voluntary assumption of the responsibility of keeping it going, the Council, at its meeting held May 22, 1956, voted to make Mr. Grenville Curtis a life member of the Association. The summer office of the Association has been established again in the gallery of the Friends Meeting House with Miss Ethel Anderson, Secre­ tary and Treasurer of the Association, in charge. '"1800 House" has a new Chairman as Mrs. William Voorneveld found it impossible, because of other duties, to give the time she felt necessary to this building. We are very fortunate in having secured Mrs. John H. Bartlett, Jr., as her successor. As will be noted in her report, Mrs. Bartlett has plans for improving the grounds. Additions to the furnishings as a result of recent acqui­ sitions will make it possible to return a number of items which have been generously loaned to us for several years. Mrs. Susan M. Cowden will welcome visitors again this summer.

At the Whaling Museum, which opened June 2, "Archie" Cartwright, the last Nantucket man who has shipped out as a whaler, is again serving as Custodian. Judging from the attentive interest of the visitors, who follow Archie in groups from one exhibit to another, he has lost none of his ability to tell, step by step, an interesting story about the exhibits.

Mrs. Bernice Foye is serving, as usual, at the reception desk, welcoming visitors. She has rearranged some of the scrimshaw ex­ hibits to good advantage. Two outstanding new pieces have been added to our collection: "A Sailor's Valentine", presented by Dr. William E. Gardner, and the jaw pan of a whale, beautifully etched

42

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

to show three ships, which came to us through the interest of Mr. David Gray.

Mrs. Ellen D. Chace is serving this year as Librarian succeed­ ing Miss Helen M. Winslow who plans to divide her time this sum­ mer between well-earned recreation and some research work.

The restoration of the second floor, except for the library, and the rearrangement of the exhibits in the portrait, South Seas room and hallway are the subject of much favorable comment, and the new wall covering provides an unusually good background which sets off the exhibits to much better advantage. For this and a number of other suggestions adopted in the restoration we are indebted to Miss Faith Dennis, Associate Curator, the Metropoli­ tan Museum of Art, of New York, who, with her associates, made recommendations with respect to our redecorating and display problems.

Summer activities of the Association will include a series of informal talks. It is planned to have eight in all, six in the after­ noons at the Friends Meeting House, and two in the evening at Bennett Hall. The first talk will take place Tuesday afternoon, July 3rd. The schedule of speakers and subjects will be announced through the Nantucket papers at an early date. The popularity of this type of activity evidenced by the attendance in past years will be increased, it is believed, by the two evening talks.

The Bay State Historical League held its spring meeting on April 21st at Wellesley, Mass., and its annual meeting at West Bridgewater in June. Our President, Mrs. Adams, attended both meetings, being re-elected a director-at-large at the annual meet­ ing. She also attended the premier of "Moby Dick" at New Bedford on June 29th for which she received a special invitation to attend as a guest of honor as the descendant of one of Nantucket's fore­ most whaling captains.

Rambles in Historic Nantucket District", recently published

by Will Gardner, is an interesting leaflet, especially for newcomers to the Island. It takes the reader on six rambles describing in a most informal but interesting manner the points of interest and anecdotes about them and persons connected with them. Our leaders are reminded also of the leaflet, "Main Street", describing

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

43

the building's from the head of the Square to the monument.

Both leaflets can be obtained free by visitors at the Association's buildings, the Chamber of Commerce, the Nantucket Public Rela­ tions Committee office, hotels, and guest houses.

"Island Epic", a play in six episodes and interludes had an interesting try-out on April 25 and 26, at Straight Wharf Theatre attended by capacity audiences. Subsequently, representatives of the Island Epic Committee and the four sponsoring civic organi­ zations headed by our Association met to decide upon the practica­ bility of producing the play this summer. While each organization was sympathetic to the idea as an excellent Island summer proj­ ect, it was agreed that there would not be sufficient time to work out all the problems involved in such a large undertaking. It was, therefore, decided to postpone the production to some future time with the suggestion that the tercentenary celebration in 1959 would be a most appropriate occasion.

Through error, the October, 1955, January and April, 1956, issues of Historic Nantucket were listed as Volume 4, Numbers 2, 3, and 4, respectively, instead of Volume 3. As shown on page 3, Volume 4 begins with this issue.

And now, as we start the new fiscal year, we are reminded that sometimes historical societies are made fun of because they don't seem to do anything except talk about long dead things. On the other hand think of the mother whale who, in sending her young one out to sea for the first time, cautioned: "Just remember that the only time you'll get harpooned is when you're spouting".

But then we have the turtle who never gets anywhere without sticking his neck out. Bearing in mind all three we shall try to steer a middle course in telling our members throughout the year of the Association's activities and plans.

Season Admission Schedule The various buildings and museums of the Association will be open officially to the public for the 1956 Season on the following schedules: Whaling Museum

Week Days and Sundays

Oldest House

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historical Museum

Week Days

Friends Meeting House

Sundays

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

1800 House Old Mill Old Jail

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

Admission Fees

The admission fee is 50 cents to each building except for the Old Mill and Old Jail where visitors are asked to give a donation.

All Association Members presenting 1956 and Life Member­ ship cards and all children under 12 years of age are admitted free.

Historical Buildings The map, on the next page, of part of the Town, is a reliable guide for those who wish to ramble through the Streets and Lanes of the Town. The Nantucket Historical Association buildings and museums are located and numbered as follows: Whaling Museum Quaker Meeting House and Historical Museum 1800 House Old Mill Oldest House Old Jail 44

Broad Street

1

Fair Street Mill Street Prospect Street Sunset Hill Vestal Street

2 3 4 5 6

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

Auditor

Miss Ethel Anderson

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. Joseph 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

Staff HISTORICAL MUSEUM and FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE Chairman Receptionist Librarian

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

Chairman Receptionist

Earl S. Ray John Greene OLDEST HOUSE

Chairman Receptionist

Mrs. William Perkins Miss Ethel Clark THE WHALING MUSEUM

Chairman Committeemen

W. Ripley Nelson Albert Egan, Jr. George W. Jones Archibald Cartwright Mrs. Herbert W. Foye Mrs. Ellen D. Chace

Custodian Receptionist Librarian OLD JAIL Chairman Receptionist

James A. Norcross George T. King "1800" HOUSE

Chairman Custodian

Mrs. John H. Bartlett Mrs. Susan M. Cowden