Historic Nantucket, April 1959, Vol. 6 No. 4

Historic Nantucket

The Whale Ship Alexander—1821-o-Captain George B. Chase (See Page 5)

NANTUCKET'S 300TH ANNIVERSARY

1659

—

1959

APRIL 1959

Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION N ANTUCKET, M ASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, George W. Jones.

Vice-Presidents, Howard U. Chase, Burnham! N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, Everett U. Crosby, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, W. Ripley Nelson.

Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson.

Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall.

Councillors, George W. Jones, chairman; Mrs. Cyril C. Ross, Albert Egan, Jr., term expires 1959; Mrs. William L. Mather, Mrs. William Perkins, term expires 1960; Richard J. Porter, Oswell J. Small, term expires 1961; Robert C. Caldwell and Alma P. Robbins, term expires 1962.

Publicity Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, chairman.

Honorary Custodian of Collections, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Custodian of Collections, Mrs. William Mather.

Finance Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman.

Editor, Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Rabbins, Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Wil­ son, Assistant Editor.

Exhibits' Publications Committee, Burnham N. Dell, chairman, Mrs. John Bartlett, Mrs. William Perkins, Miss Ruth Haviland Sutton.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. William Perkins; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1800 House, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Through the courtesy of the Peabody Museum, Salem, Massa­ chusetts, we are able to use this picture of the "Alexander" on the cover.

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 6

APRIL 1959

No. 4

Nantucket Historical Association Officers

2

The Thorn Tree of Tristram Coffin

4

By Elizabeth Borland Ross

The Log of the Ship Alexander,

5

Edited by Edward Lee Dor sett, M.D.

Early Nantucket Artists, by Louise Stark Visiting Our Ancestral Homes,

8 18

By Maybelle Gordon Carman

The Gam

23

Whaling and Nantucket,

26

By Lt. j.g. H. Flint Ranney, U. S. N.

History Making Events

31

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary, edited by Nancy S. Adams

33

Legacies and Bequests

39

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is seat lo Association Members. Extra copies $.50 each.

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

Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts Copyright 1959 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

3

4

The Thorn Tree of Tristram Coffin

BY ELIZABETH BORLAND ROSS

White sails hide the towering masts; The bowsprits cleave the foam, The whalemen seek their livelihood In Oceans far from home.

From Nantucket's moors I took A thorn root, young and green, And it has voyaged a longer way Than many men have been.

We hove to off the Falkland® first, Forund soil but gritty sand, So doubling 'round the Cape, we sat Course for Van Dieman's Land.

Passed Easter, Pitcairn and Surprise, liaised whales along the way; We mended gear at Torres Straits, Took water at Lloyd Bay. At last we warped into a cove,

By Resolution Brook, We saw Bligh's berry plants and spoke A blue gum marked by Cook. " 'Twas there I, Tristram Coffin, placed The flowering white thorn, Which sailed two years and more with me And twice around the Horn.

"The full sails shake with thunder's rage, The bowsprit's drenched with spume, But on that distant ocean hill My thorn tree is in bloom."

(This poem won the John D. Leigh Memorial Prize for Lyric about the Sea.)

5

The Log of the Ship "Alexander" EDITED BY EDWARD LEE DORSETT, M. D.

The Alexander was one of the most successful of the early whalers out of Nantucket. She was built in Chatham, Connecticut, in 1821, was 114 feet long, had a breadth of 28 feet, and a depth of 14 feet 4 inches. She was registered at 421 21/95 tons. Her owners were Gardner and Swift and she was commanded on her initial voyage by Captain George B. Chase of Nantucket.

It is of interest to know something of the spars of the Alex­ ander. The mainmast was 68 feet, main topmast 40 feet, main top gallant mast 26 feet. Her main yard was 56 feet, main top gallant yard 42 feet, and top gallant yard 30 feet; the main royal yard 20 feet. The foremast plus the top mast and the top gallant measured 122 feet while her mainmast had a total length of about 134 feet.

The crew of the Alexander consisted of forty-five officers and men.

The title of the log reads: "A Journal of a Voyage from Nantucket to the South Pacific and Elce Whare in the Ship Alexander George B. Chase 1821."

At the top of the first page is the heading: "Ship Alexander on her outward Passage Saturday August 18, 1821."

"From Nantucket to the Western Isles."

"At half past 11 A.M. weighed anchor at the Bar in co. with the Spartan Capt. Swain. At Meridian past Nantucket point with a strong wind at S.W." On Sunday, 2 September, the Alexander sighted one of the Azores where she "Spoke" the Spartan, Captain Swain. Stopping here she took on potatoes and onions. On 11 September she "Spoke" an English brig "from Malabar to London:" On the following day the first whale was sighted. "Lowered boats but did not strike." On the 15th sighted the Cape Verde Islands and stopped for hogs. From here the ship's course was southwest for Cape Horn where she encountered heavy weather with rain and snow. On 10 November the Alexander had reached Cape Horn (Staten Island) and it took four days of very heavy weather to round this dangerous area. On 22 December she was off the coast of Chile, weather moderate, and here she struck her first whale but "parted the line." On 26 December a large sperm whale was killed and brought "along side." The follow-

6

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

ing days many whales were encountered and killed. The Alex­ ander stayed on the Chile grounds and on 30 January 1,822 the log reads: "at 5 P.M. the Second Mate departed this life who was hurt with a whale 4 days previous by the name of Prince Look of Vineyard Middle part fresh winds. Latt. 6°0 S. Long.

111°0. W." Leaving the coast of Chile in February she "set her course" for the Sandwich Islands and arrived off "Owyhee" on the 4th of March at "Warhoo." Here the Alexander was in company with whale-ships, "Lyon, Pacific, Minerva, Sea Lion, Francis, Roxana, Naladian (?), Independence, and the Paladian."

On 17 April the Alexander left the Sandwich Islands and sailed for the "Japan Grounds" where she arrived in May and here she was very successful in killing whales.

"20 May 6 men down with the Fever."

"8 June 4 whales were killed and brought to the ship."

"20 June Calvin Medket Died after a sickness of 35 days."

In the middle of September the Alexander left the Japan area and turned Eastward, returned to the Sandwich Islands.

Just before arriving four large whales were captured and brought to the ship. After cruising north of the Sandwich Islands she went southward and spent some time off the coast of Peru.

"June 16 (1822) Put Roderick Strong and William Graham in irons for beating and fighting and their insolent language to the officers. At 8 A.M. liberated the men from irons."

Leaving the coast of South America the ship again laid her course North West for the Sandwich Islands where she was laid up for a month overhauling her gear, taking on sup­ plies, and painting the ship.

"June 21 (1823) at 2 P.M. Peleg Joy fell from the top & was kilt outright" . . . "at 10 A.M. Buryed Peleg Joy the Rox­ ana & Porcia in co. Lat. 34° 3M." "Nov. 21—Saw 3 Rocks by name Lobor (?)—at sunset past them found them in Latt. 25° Long. 111° This is 60 miles to the Westward of other calculations. The rocks are 120 feet high and 50 to 60 feet in circumference there is a reef all around them at a distance of a mile."

The Alexander made two other trips between the coast of South America and the Sandwich Islands which were more or less uneventful except for the fact that they captured many whales.

THE LOG OF THE SHIP ALEXANDER

7

Returning home in 1824 the Alexander made a second voy­ age to the Pacific Ocean under the command of Captain Samuel Bunker. She sailed 24 July 1824 and returned 17 June 1827 with 2844 bbls. of sperm oil.

13 September 1827 sailed for the Pacific, returned 12 March with 2225 bbls. of sperm oil, Captain Samuel Bunker.

20 October 183i sailed under the command of Captain Jona­ than Swain, arrived home September 1834 with 1416 bbls. of sperm oil.

Subsequent voyages were: 1835 under Captain Simeon Price; 1838 under Captain Stetson; 1842 under Captain Dornin; 1846 under Captain Reynard; 184,8 under Captain Black; 1851 under Captain J. Ryan; 1855 under Captain Dougherty. The latter was her last voyage. She sailed for the Indian Ocean 3 Sep­ tember 1855, and was lost on the coast of New Zealand 3 Janu­ ary 1858. 133 bbls. of sperm oil were saved. There is no record that any of the crew were lost.

This log of the Alexander is written in fairly legible long hand, contains 188 pages. The events of each day are recorded and are extremely impersonal. The latitude and longitude is given and with the aid of a map the exact location of the Alex­ ander can be found at any time. The number of whales seen and captured, the condition of the weather and the ship's course is given.

The spelling at times is most unusual. Capital letters ap­ pear in unexpected places and commas are seldom used.

In the left hand margin under the date are numerous small stamped figures of whales; they are of three sizes, were evidently cut from wood or whalebone. (The author has one of bone, a sperm whale with the name of the ship carved below it). There is a stamp of a whale's tail signifying a whale had been seen but not captured. Four of the tails in the form of a star signified that a school of whales had been seen.

[Editor's Note: Dr. Doirsett has, perhaps, one of the most extensive libraries o,n the subject of "Whaling" in the country.

He did at one time own the log of the Alexander which had come to him from a relative of Captain Ghase. The present whereabouts of the log are unknown to him. He does have a complete transcript of the log.]

8

Early Nantucket Artists The Third and Last of a Series

BY LOUISE STARK

Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin

1851 — 1930 Elizabeth R. Coffin, was born in 1851 in Brooklyn, New York and died in Nantucket in 1930.

Photo by William

Haddon

Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin — By Thomas Eakins

Her father, Andrew G. Coffin, was born on the island and met and married Elizabeth Sherwood of Brooklyn. At the early age of fifteen Elizabeth attended Vassar College, influenced by her friend and kinswoman Maria Mitchell who taught there.

She was in the class of 1870. From college she went abroad and studied art at the Hague but the death of her brother's wife put an end to this and she came back to America to take care of him and his children. She studied later with Mrs. Chase and other artists at the Art Students' League of Brooklyn and New York.

After several summers of painting on Nantucket she made her home at 23 Lily Street and continued her work in both landscape and figures.

EARLY NANTUCKET ARTISTS

9

It was during this time that Elizabeth Coffin became inter­ ested in the Coffin School, founded in 1827 by one of her kins­ men, Sir Isaac Coffin. On a visit to the island he learned there existed a lack of educational facilities. There were only church schools and a paupers' school. Sir Isaac gave $1,500 for the purchase of a building and $12,500 for an endowment. This was for descendants of Tristram Coffin to learn a sound English education. Through inter-marriage, there were few islanders who could not claim kinship with the Coffins. The first build­ ing was on the corner of Fair and Lyon Streets. This was ade­ quate for a time, but in 1854 the present brick building on Win­ ter Street was built. It was to be a free school but a fee finally had to be charged to keep the school open. In 1846, the year of the fire, the school was closed and remained closed for eight years. In 1849 the gold craze drew many Nantucketers away and the decline of the whaling industry did the same. The pop­ ulation went from 10,000, to less than 3,000. In 1898, the doors closed again, through lack of funds. But in October 1903, it reopened as a school of manual training for boys and domestic science for girls. And this was accomplished chiefly through the zeal and efforts, and tireless interest of the indomitable little Miss Coffin. She deserves the sole credit for the original suggestion that the school be reopened as a manual training and domestic science school for boys and girls.

From the Nantucket paper October 3, 1903: "The Coffin School will re-open Monday for the teaching of manual training in connection with .the public school work. The equipment, which is the best and1 very complete for .these subjects, has been furnished by Miss Elizabeth R. Coffin, who, in her love for Nantucket and interest in the school makes this donation as a memorial to her father."

August 14, 1909, Nantucket paper: "There was an exhibit at the Coffin School to raise money for the manual training fund. Baskets by Mitchell Ray and William Appleton were at a table in charge of Mrs. J. Sydney Mitchell. George Grant exhibited his celebrated hammocks. Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin arrangd a loan exhibit of old Nantucket portraits, miniatures, and .silhouettes."

September 3, 1927, Nantucket paper: "The Coffin School Association was formed and raised $50,000 and is now in good shape and will, we hope carry on indefinitely. (This was 1927—At present time the Coffin School again needs to build up its en­ dowment). During the years when the Coffin School Association worked

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

•to raise the $50,000 endowment fund Miss Coffin was its main-spring and kept in motion all its activities. She gave generous gifts herself, wrote earnest letters and articles, and had personal interviews with New York and Boston people she felt would be interested."

From a tribute by Annie Barker Folger: "To her old friends, Elizabeth R. Coffin's most vivid impression is of the enthusiasm and persistence with which she worked for the good of .the iscihool children of Nantucket. In addition to her primary interest she had in mind many plans for their pleasure and instruction in painting.

This led her to make accessible to the High School a collection of pictures of the island by those who loved and painted it."

From a letter to me about her from Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin: "She used to give wonderful parties for the school kids."

From a letter from Mrs. George Richmond to me about her: "She was always very fond of children and we all loved her. She was a tiny little person, very interesting and devoted to Nantucket. We used to have wonderful picnics with her on the shore of Gibbs' Pond and she always played 'Thinking games' with us after lunch."

Mrs. Bernice Foye remembered going there for cakes and ice cream, and that she was pleasant and cheerful and seemed to love having people. Mrs. Mather, when she taught at the school as Ida Harper, remembered going there for tea, and that she was aristocratic and hospitable.

After all I have read and heard I feel as if she were an old and valued friend of mine. There is a superb painting of her by Thomas Eakins in the sewing room of the Coffin School.

(His portraits are now valued above those of Sargent). The portrait is of a gentle, charming, and at the same time, forceful little lady. (See Page 8). Her white hair is drawn back with Quaker-like simplicity into a knot. She has light blue, wistful, rather sad eyes. But the nose and mouth are resourceful and strong. The background of this picture is dark, so that her fine, strong face comes out into the light. She was a great friend of Thomas Eakins and this portrait was done on a visit to Philadelphia.

She evidently was never deterred from travel by advancing years. She returned to Vassar for her 50th anniversary, class of 1870, and Miss Josephine Congdon says returned to Nan­ tucket with a trunkful of clothes. On the trip across the Sound there was a storm and the waves rushed into the freight com-

EARLY NANTUCKET ARTISTS

It

partment of the steamer and ruined all her lovely new clothes.

I loved the frivolity of her buying a whole trunkful! It made her more human. At the centenary of the Coffin School she was not present as she was traveling in Switzerland, and she must have been in her middle seventies!

She must also have travelled and stayed in Algeria as Annie Barker Folger writes "She gave 'The Falconer', a por­ trait of an Arab with falcon, full of the spirit of the East— and some admirable sketches of the Nile to Vassar College.

Her visit to Biskra in the desert produced many interesting Arab sketches." I picture this tiny, white haired, indefatigable woman with her fearless Nantucket blood, whisking into the Sahara desert and bartering with Arabs for their services as a model. She seems to have had a persuasive and charming way about her.

Of her paintings on the island I have found five at the Coffin School, four, and a possible fifth, at the Fair Street Museum, and one which she gave to the hospital. They all show a finished and sure painter, well trained and with a sympa­ thetic eye. The style has a touch both of Eastman Johnson and Sargent. I liked best her ones of Nantucket people. She seemed to have a real feeling for them; their natures, strength and simplicity.

In the Fair Street Museum there is one of Captain Burdett, a fisherman, talking to a young man in dark blue work clothes with his back turned. The young man is Chester Pease.

The gray-bearded fisherman in a yellow oiler and sou'wester hat seems to be telling the young man some tale of the sea.

They are sitting in a boathouse, which Mr. Pease told me is on Old North Wharf and is still standing. The background is dark and the faces catch the light from a small window. There is a coil of rope and boat gear, and a small old-fashioned stove for warmth. This is well done, and looks exactly like the inside of the scallopers' shacks of today. The two men look comfort­ able, snug, and secure in their little room. Mr. Pease said Captain Burdett rented catboats, and he was his helper. This painting is dated 1,893.

Also in the Fair Street Museum is one of Mrs. John Pitman born in 1800—died in 1893.. This is a fine painting of a gray-

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

haired old lady knitting in the shed room of the old Pitman house on the Bluff in 'Sconset. (This house is still standing at the north end of Broadway.) There is a shiny, old-fashioned milk pail in the background, a big yellow mixing bowl, and a pail up-ended to dry. There is a wonderful light coming through a tiny window and shining on these and the old lady's face and hands. Mrs. Pitman, in a high-necked blouse with fichu and dark wool skirt, sits placidly knitting in her Sunday best. She has a strong efficient face but her blue eyes have a touch of sorrow. The skin tones, as in all Elizabeth Coffin's paintings are clear and fine. The gray hair is severely drawn back, the fine old hands are excellent. The highlights are on the old lady's face and hands which come out well from the dark background.

This painting is most interesting because of its view into an­ other time. You feel the placidity and peace of another age.

•There is an oil also in the Fair Street Museum, unsigned, of William Bunker Ray. This looks to me to be Elizabeth Coffin's work also. This is the head of a heavy-browed, brown-eyed man in a sou'wester hat. His face is stern and grim with thin lips and a heavy chin. He looks like a dependable man in a boat.

My favorite at the Fair Street Museum is Anna Derrick.

(The mother of Judith, wife of George Fish, the Nantucket artist.) This is the head of an old lady with white hair and a dainty lace cap with velvet bow. Her sweetness and gentleness seem to pour out of the small canvas. She has soft, dark eyes, and white transparent skin. Most of the Nantucket women of that era had a strong, efficient, and even aggressive look, and Anna Derrick stands out as a charming exception.

In the Coffin School there are five of her paintings. The most interesting is in the Administrator's office. This is of a man standing in shallow water, in red shirt and boots, pitch­ forking seaweed into a two-wheeled cart where a young boy stands ready to pack it down. In the background is Commercial Wharf, and through a gray mist the masts of whaleships can dimly be seen, and to the left the shore of Monomoy. The colors are perfect Nantucket grays, soft greens, sienna, umber, and ochre for the seaweed and grass. The only high lights are on the forearms and hats of the man and boy, and on the patient old white horse's back. Mr. Jay Gibbs tells me the man was

EARLY NANTUCKET ARTISTS

13

Photo by William Haddon

Hughie Lumbert, and the horse belonged to Andy Barrett. The seaweed was used for bedding horses and as a dressing for plants. This is a true Nantucket picture and I feel happy it has stayed on the island.

In this same room, there is a portrait by Elizabeth Coffin, of a young girl with dark skin, lovely black eyes, a knot of heavy dark hair. She has a red shawl around her shoulders and a yellow dress. This I think was done in Europe. I say this be­ cause the languorous dark softness of the girl mark her as one of the Mediterranean races.

There is also a portrait here of a young boy in a cap. The background is dark and the fresh skin tones stand out. The boy's eyes are old and sorrowful and the mouth too firm for a child's. Mrs. Earl Ray tells me this was done in Europe and Miss Coffin called it "The Young Bread Winner." The date on this is 1887. Upstairs, in the Coffin School, in the sewing room there is the head of an old gray-bearded man, with sunken eyes and long upper lip. The same type of cap is on his head as on

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the young- boy. Mrs. Ray said Miss Coffin called this "The Old Bread Winner," and she thinks it also was done in Europe.

In the sewing room at the Coffin School there is one more painting of hers. This is a charming head of a young red-haired woman. Her face is half turned away, her hair looks as if the wind had blown it. She has on a prim, dark dress, with white ruching around the neck. She has a charming carefree air. I could find no one who knew who the woman was.

In the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, in the Administrator's office, is the painting of a nurse reading to a sick child by Eliz­ abeth Coffin. This is probably the best known of her works on the island. The young nurse in her light blue uniform is sitting next to the child's bed. She is holding his hand sympathetically as she reads. The background is light and her blue uniform and the child's red hair make pleasing color. This painting has a feeling of the American painter Mary Cassat who worked with the French Impressionists. It is a pleasing and peaceful painting and lighter in touch than most of her work. This is dated 1914.

Elizabeth Rebecca Coffin was a true lover of Nantucket.

I don t think the island will ever find a more loving friend. She not only loved the island, but did something about her love for it. She helped and thought of the children of Nantucket and did much to provide help and useful education for them.

Her paintings, to me, more of them on the island. and resourceful. Nantucket fine and constructive friend

were delightful. I wish there were Her nature was hospitable, friendly, owes her much; and surely lost a when she died.

Anne Ramsdell Congdon 1873 — 1958 Anne Ramsdell Congdon, one of Nantucket's most repre­ sentative landscape painters, was born December 8, 1873 in Nashua, New Hampshire, the daughter of Governor George A. Ramsdell of New Hampshire and Eliza (Wilson) Ramsdell.

Before her marriage she studied art in private schools and in Paris at the Academie Delcluse (1891-92).

EARLY NANTUCKET ARTISTS

15

In 1902 she married Dr. Charles E. Congdon, a well-known surgeon in Nashua.

After her marriage she continued painting for a few years, mostly water colors. Her paintings in this period are delicate, precise and charming in the ethereal style of young ladies' paint­ ings of that era. Mrs. Robert Congdon, her daughter-in-law, showed me several done at that time. One, done in 1904, is a view of Nantucket from Monomoy showing the town silhouetted with the Old Mill prominent in the background. The colors are umbres, browns, and silvery grays, done in a charming but unforceful style. This water color was done in the "scrub" school —color put on, then wiped off, and more color put on after this dried. Another example of her water color period is in a book owned by Mrs. Robert Congdon, "Under the Trees and Else­ where" by Hamilton Wright Mabie. In this Anne Congdon has painted in illustrations free hand. Exquisite flowers and fruit drip across the pages and there is one delightful view of Tuckernuck at the heading of a chapter about a small island. This work of hers is vivid and more exciting than her water color land­ scapes at this time.

In the early nineteen hundreds, Mrs. Congdon was a busy and occupied person. She had an antique business in Nashua, tooled leather, and copied and embroidered designs from ancient linens on new linen. Her daughter-in-law showed me a very lovely table runner done by her with an intricate, old-fashioned design embroidered on it. She did all these things besides raising two sons and being the wife of a busy surgeon. But, for twenty years she never painted at all.

Before her marriage she studied water colors under Charles S. Woodbury in Ogunquit, Maine and painted there and in New­ castle and Nashua, New Hampshire.

In 1930 Dr. and Mrs. Congdon became permanent resi­ dents of Nantucket, and she began studying oils during the 1920's here under Frank Swift Chase. From this time on her work began to assume very different proportions. Her paintings were no longer delicate scenes in water color, but rugged, strong and dashing oils. Her brushwork was quick, sharp and sure. Her color is brilliant and singing. I was a Main Street-bench friend of Mrs. Congdon and a great admirer of her paintings and asked

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

her one day how much time she spent on one painting. She an­ swered, "If it's not good in one day, it won't ever be!" So, if she wasn't suited in her first day she did not mull over her can­ vasses but discarded them. I feel her Nantucket paintings had more power than her teacher's, Frank Chase.

Edgar Jenney was one of her painting companions in Nan­ tucket. While painting with him one day she said she was tired of doing gray, shingled houses. He suggested reflections on water.

This started her on a series of strong, waterfront paintings and many more of moors and marshes with brilliant blue marsh ponds and the town in the background. She did many fine water­ front canvases, and her daughter-in-law says she would get exasperated when she began a painting with a fishing boat and half-way through the boat would chug out to sea. The family has two paintings of Nantucket wharves that are flooded with luminous color. These have sun-lit red wharves in the back­ ground (the wharves were this color several years ago) and bottle green fishing boats reflected in the water. Her boats sit firmly on the water, and her water shimmers and moves.

Photo by William Haddon

EARLY NANTUCKET ARTISTS

17

Another interesting painting of theirs is of Steamboat Wharf in sharp shadow framed by the black piling and shed looking out at the brilliant blue harbor and Shimmo Hills in the distance.

They also have several unusual flower canvases by Anne Congdon. One, especially attractive, is of marigolds with a strong blue in the background.

My favorite painting of theirs is a small one of Hummock Pond looking north. It has an eerie, silvery light and great black clouds reminiscent of Constable's work.

In Dr. Ernest H. Menges' home I found a beautiful painting

by Anne Congdon. It is, again, the Island Service Wharf with a green-hulled fishing boat in the foreground with the sails up to dry. The reds, greens, warm sun, cerulean sky, and sharp water reflections make it an arresting and forceful picture.

To me, Anne Congdon painted with the assurance of a well-trained artist and the originality of a true one. Her solid workmanship, and broad approach seem more like a man's than a woman's painting. Her work is forthright and sure, no charlatan tricks of the trade are needed and her freshness shows the can­ vases were never worked over. Her brushwork is robust and un­ compromising. I never tire of studying her paintings.

Mrs. Congdon was an enthusiastic artist and wanted every­ one who was interested to paint. She encouraged all beginners and was delighted to help them. When her friend, Maude Stumm, a fellow artist and exhibitor at the Paris salon, started the Street Show, Mrs. Congdon took as many of her paintings as she could gather to help make a showing.

Anne Congdon was a woman of many interests—antiques, leather tooling, embroidering ancient designs, painting lovely pic­ tures and encouraging other artists. She worked many years at the Nantucket Hospital Thrift Shop of which she was a founder.

With all these interests she had time to exhibit her paintings in Nantucket at the Easy Street Gallery and later at the Kenneth Taylor Gallery.

To me, her oil paintings of the marshes, moors, and water­ front of Nantucket are the best of their kind.

The author wishes to thank the following for their kind and interested assistance; Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Miss Josephine Congdon, Mrs. Rob­ ert Congdon, Mrs. George Richmond, MIPS. Charles Clark Coffin, Mrs. Earl Ray, Mr. Jaiy Gibbs, Mns. William Mather, Mrs. Bernice Foye, and Mr. Chester Pease. (Mr. Pease has, since this was written, passed on).

18

Visiting Our Ancestral Homes

BY MAYBELLE GORDON CARMAN

On July 4, 1958 we were in Dorking, Surrey, England, put up at the four hundred year old White Horse Inn. The white walled courtyard is bordered with flowers, and trees are espaliered against the bricks giving it beauty and charm. Most of these old coaching Inns are white with black trim, the black lacquered ap­ pearing woodwork offering an interesting and distinctive effect After having coffee with all of the guests together in the living room we crossed the street to St. Marten's churchyard to search for stones and other records of Husseys, the ancestors of Nan­ tucket Husseys.

The Rector, Rev. Alan Lloyd, was most helpful and even showed us the old stones which had been placed in the wall be­ neath the tower when earlier churches had been replaced. The stones dated back to 1709. I later learned that a Miss Hussey had lived in the Everdeen section until her death about three years ago. She was the last of the Dorking Husseys.

The next day, riding through villages, we came upon a sign reading, "Chilmark." This was exciting for my own Thomas Macy, grandfather several times back, had stood on this very spot! Tisbury, the home of Thomas Mayhew, was just four miles south of Chil­ mark in the next parish.

The Chilmark church and most of the buildings were brown stone with fenced yards and a profusion of flowers. There was one Macey stone (spelled with the "e") which was dated 1601. There were stones for five Macey boys who had re­ turned from WWI, dated 1939.

Chilmark Village,

Martock, Somerset, where the immigrant, Thomas Gardner, was born, was the next stop. The little church, All Saints, in Wells Diocese had legible stones dating back to 1600. Much of the town has been replaced since the bombing with the brown stone and thatched roofs native to the locality.

VISITING OUR ANCESTRAL HOMES

19

Next we drove our little Citroen car through the wild and gorgeous scenery of Devon. At Tiverton we chanced upon a Thomas Clark whose father had at one time been gardener at Worth House. He directed us to a steep, winding, narrow but paved road where we finally arrived at a gate, large and forbid­ ding, and on a little way, a large brick house.

The seven hundred year old manor house, four stories of massive stones, with the Worth family crest above the front door had been taken down, replaced in 1936 in modern red brick. But the gate, wall, the park, and the rare and exotic flowers and plants remain.

The Exe River flows through the farm and can be crossed on a little bridge where the water has been dammed making a charm­ ing water fall. This whole Worth estate had been sold in 1890 to a wealthy South American, and later he divided it and sold four of the six hundred acre farms, and more recently it has again been divided and sold or rented until the present park and houses are only a small portion of the original.

Driving through a village called "Fairy Cross" we saw the sign for Portledge Manor which is now a summer resort type hotel, but was the Coffin family home for many centuries. Here we could not remain as every room was taken but we were invited to go about and take pictures.

Most of the house dates back to the 1700 century, and the doors of the Great Hall date to 1234. The thirteenth century arch of the chapel and the Brew house still stand.

The Manor stands in sixty acres of tranquil parkland adjoining the ocean and the view across the bay to Clovelly is one of the finest on the Devon coast. The Portledige Manor House Armada Courtyard has pillars from the timbers of a Spanish galleon, there are carved stone coats of arms, Span-

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

ish armor, and Armada guns, and priceless panelling, heavily studded doors. The charter giving Sir Richard Coffyn the Manor is framed and hangs on the wall.

When the first family came from France is not known but the name of Sir Richard appears in the reign of Henry II, (1154-1189) from that time until 1766 there was a Richard Coffin at Portledge.

The branch of the Coffin family to which Tristram belonged lived near Plymouth at Brixton, but as this is only fifty miles away there is no doubt that they were of this Devon family.

After a sojourn at Alwington Parish and Bideford where the Coffin name appears in the fifteenth century church, we went into Cornwall and stopped at Boscastle and Tintagel, the scene of King Arthur's castle, then to Brixton Parish Church where Nicholas Coffin, grandfather of the immigrant Tristram, had had his will proved.

The Rev. Powell of St. Mary, Plymouth, Devon, had his secre­ tary, Mr. W. G. Paffdon of Stag Lane, Elburton, Plymouth, copy many Coffin records, and he too, informed us that he had had inquiries from Mr. Walter Weston Folger, Chattanooga, Tennes­ see. Rev. Powell showed us one treasure, a silver chalice of 1572 with the Tudor rose for a handle on the lid, which had been made to replace one confiscated by Henry VIII. We visited Glastonbury, Bath, Stratford, Warwick, Oxford,

Cambridge and lingered at Halstead in Essex to find the birthplace and records of Kemballs, Scotts, Whatlocks and Munninges; all ancestors, and we spent some time at Rattlesden, the ancestral

VISITING OUR ANCESTRAL HOMES

21

home of Mary Severance who married James Coffin, son of Tris­ tram, of Nantucket.

My trip to Diss in Norfolk was to the Parish church of St. Mary's where my Folger, or Foulger ancestors worshipped. This is a thirteenth century structure, the only major alteration having been made in 1857. Cromwell's men did much destruction but the church dominates the market place and the park with a five acre lake which is called "Mere." I did not succeed in finding any Foul­

A 4

^IIIM

.

. .

iiiiiiffl llli Oft \z.

Woote. \\ous<L & CW*rcV» "

V ,^.1

ger stones in the church yard, however, I was told that there are lots of Foulgers in Norfolk still. It was here that the Verger took me up the narrow winding stairs to see the bells; there are eight and they are old; I did hear them, also.

From Diss toward the east is the Frenze Road and this leads to Frenze Hall where Meribell Gibbs, daughter of John Gibbs, wife of John Folger, and mother of Peter Folger, was born.

It was after this visit that I returned to Rattlesden; as my first pictures did not turn out well I wished to take more. On this trip I was told of an American pilot who was stationed there during the war. He had become interested in the neighborhood and wrote a book entitled "An English Summer" about this parish. I have not yet succeeded in obtaining a copy of this book wnich is now out of print.

It was at Hitcham where I met an American who had been stationed there, married an Hitcham girl, and settled to farming and wood cutting. He had been homesick to "talk" to an American!

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

13th Century Parish Church of St. Mary's, Diss, Norfolk, England

I cannot extoll enough the kindness and friendliness of Eng­ lish Rectors and other people of all sorts. The Housekeeper of Worth House sent a calendar with scenes of Devon, and letters have come from several other persons containing genealogical data. This interest gave me some of my most enjoyable moments of the whole summer.

[Editor's Niolte: During the summer of 1958, Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Car­ man, Lawrence, Kansas, toured the English/ countryside visiting many Par­ ishes and as Mrs. Carman states, "I am a descendant of Thomas Macy, Tristram Coffin, Ediward Starbuck, Thomas Barnard, Christopher Hussey, Richard Gardner, William Worth1, Peter Folger, Martha Bunker, (she names others)—and' for this reason interested in everything about Nantucket."

The complete report of Mrs. Carman's trip with genealogical material well documented is on file at the Museum, Fair Street.] *

*

*

*

*

0, Mother Isle, though far apart On alien land or sea We hear the message of thy heart That calls us back to thee!

—H.S.W.

23

The Gam - 1959 The Art of Nantucket Silversmiths Some thirty persons gathered at the Maria Mitchell Library on Friday evening, February 27, 1059, for the tenth Winter Gam of the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing with them many unique and interesting pieces of family silver. In most cases, the articles bad been fashioned by Nantucket silversmiths, and in some cases dated 'hack to the seventeenth century. There were pieces which have been engraved for so many genera­ tions of heirs there is scarcely room to add names of present descendants.

This "silver" Gam -had been sponsored and arranged by Dr. Will Gard­ ner with the assistance of Mrs. George A. Folger, Mrs. George Jones, Mrs. Joseph King and Miss Cora Stevens.

Expressing the regrets of all that Dr. Gardner was unable to attend, Mr. George Jones, President of the Historical Association, presided, and introduced each member wlho presented some choice silver pieces, and re­ lated the family history, amusing or sad tale, which was associated with the family possession.

The first, a large silver ladle with heavy stem and1 bowl of one piece, with graceful drop back handle was probably wrought by John Daverne between 1790 and 1810, and has long been a family treasure of Dr. Gardner's.

A beautiful porringer marked "L. B. Mitchell 1:847" and a Benjamin Bunker "pap" (porridge) spoon •which first belonged to Mrs. Grace Elkins Butaff's grandmother, Emeline Gardiner Elkins, and had 'been handed down from her grandmother, Lurana Gardner, Who used1 it in 1790, was shown

by Mrs. Folger and also two itiny salt spoons fashioned by Pitman. These were to have -been given to a young lady as an engagement present by Dr. Folger's great-grandfather. However., the Couple went picnicking on Tuc'kernuck, and on the return trip the boat capsized, the lady was lost, and the gift never presented.

Mrs. Seddon Legg brought the spoons iby Easiton, and Paul Revere (probably) which have 'been handed down in her family. Mrs. Jones showed the spoons wrought by George Cannon which had been a wedding present to Daniel and Hilda Bunker Coffin in 1790. Daniel Coffin Brayton, their grandson, was Mrs. Jones' grandfather, thus the spoons have come to her.

Miss Gladys Wood told of "silver" hunting jaunts to America and showed the spoon which she had obtained. This was plainly marked "E. J. Easton Nantucket" and has the initials "JRiG" and so it could easily have belonged to a Gardner who once built the house which Miss Wood has re­ stored! Mrs. Kent King showed the E. and J. Kelley spoons which are family treasures, and Mrs. Whittemore Gardner brought the fine Easton and Sanford spoon which had been handed down' to her grandmother, Mrs. Sanford Wilber, a direct descendant of Cyrus and Nancy Hussey who were direct

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

descendants of Christopher Hussey. Mrs. Gardner also showed the very large four-tined forks of French design which. had been family possessions for generations.

Mr. Norman Giffin showed1 the Samuel Barrett teaspoons marked "M. P." which had. belonged to Margaret Pinkham Coffin about 1769; the Benjamin Bunker 'tongs which were first Margaret Coffin Gary's, and the soup Ladle by John Pearson. (N.Y. 1791), and the tablespoon hallmarked "S.P." (Samuel Phillips), Salem, Mass., 1680. All of these were possessions of the great-greatgrandpanents of Mrs. Charlotte King and Mr. Giffin.

Many beautiful pieces of family isilver were shown by Mrs. John Ditmars. Spoons 'hallmarked "H. A. and E. J. Kelley," others by Easton and Sanford who had their shop at 62. Main Street in 1816. Some pieces belonged to Mary Crosby, other articles initialed "T.A.Z." and "MiC MW" had been used by Zenas Coffin from whom' Mrs. Ditmars is directly descended. The large cake basket and "stuffing spoon" came to her from Jared Coffin, her grandfather who built "Moor's End." Miss Grace Brown Gardner brought with her several unique articles with fascinating histories. The Easton and Sanford spoon marked "BEM," a treasured family heirtoom of Mrs. Ruth Chadwick McLean's was wrought for Miss Morselander, a charitable lady who lived on Orange Street and held school for children unalble ito pay fees. Miss Morselander was blind but had studied' Braille and was apt at reading. In later years she married Charles Henry Chase, who was also blind, and lived happily for many years on Milk Street.

Spoons by "J. Easton 2nd. Nantucket Pure Coin" 'belonging to Miss Gardner's grandparents; Benjamin Bunker spoons; J. Easton spoons, and a Hadwen spoon which had been a wedding present ito Miss Gardner's grand­ mother Brown, in 1811, were shown. Also the tiny snuff box which states on 'the cover, "A Pinch of This is Worth a Kiss." And in 'the box is still a Tonka bean which flavored the snuff! Miss Gardner also showed the miniature silver harp which, in1 1834, 'had been presented to her grandmother, Charlotte Coffin, as the high ranking scholar in Nantucket schools.

Mrs. Alice P. Amey brought to the Gam several tine family pieces which had belonged to .the Mitchell sisters, Phoebe and Ann. The latter married Alfred Macy and they lived in the block on Orange Street for many years. A tiny square-cuit salt spoon by Kelley, a ladle by Pitman, and a dinner fork marked "Mother" which had itbe interesting story of losing its mate until Mrs. Amey went to visit a relative, a descendant, as herself, of the Mitchells. The youing man had' 'been a flier in WW I, married a Hungarian girl, and in his home Mis. Amey found the fork marked "Father!"

Mr. Alcoa Chadwick had the fine Easton and Sanford spoon wrought in 1830 for his great-grandparents, William and Ruth Brooks, as a wedding present. Mr. Clinton Andrews brought to the Gam three finely spoons 'by E. and J. Kelley, and one by "J. Easton Nantucket Pure Coin" which had come down to him through his grandmother whose father was a brother of J. Easton the silversmith!

THE GAM

25

A Kelley spoon belonging to Miss Elsie Jemegan marked "NSP to SPB" was presented for all to see, also, a Samuel Barrett beautifully wrought, tiny Salt spoon which had been fouind wihen one of the old fireplaces in her house was removed.

A beautiful silver spoon, the family heirloom of Charles Clark Coffin, which was made from the silver kinee buckles of Micajah Coffin, his ancestor, was viewed toy all. Micajah Coffin was Nantucket's representative to the Massachusetts General Court from 1'791 to 1812. He was a somewhat spectacu­ lar, exceedingly competent, Quaker gentleman and doubtless wore the silver buckles when' he attended the laying of the cornerstone of the (State House in Boston in 1795.

Mr. Jones presented for Dr. Gardner the silver pickle fork marked on the front "Pox" and on the hack "MWG," which had been a present by Mr. Fox, teacher of the Coffin School, to Mrs. Gardner when she and Dr. Will were married in 1898. It was this teacher's custom to give each of his pupil®, when they married, such a fork.

Mrs. Jones then told the story of several unique family treasures. The first a silver nipple with tiny pipe-line which came to Mrs. Charlotte King from her grandmother Riddle and may have been on sale in their store for attached to it is the price tag, "$3.00." A strange, finely wrought, tiny gad­ get, which had been 'handed down in Mrs. Jones' family, had been called by her grandfather, "A whim-wham for a .goose's Ibridle!" 'It's actual use re­ mains doubtful. A handsome whalebone and silver decorated cane which had been carried up and down Nantucket Town by Sylvanus Hussey in 1082— when the town was .still Sherburne and there were .no streets—is plainly engraved with the names of each generation since then.

There are other "silver" pieces unique .to Nantucket but their hallmark is different, it was pointed out by Mr. Ripley Nelson who has been familiar with such for many years. Namely, table ware marked "Steamer Gay Head" or "Ship Priscilla."

Many of the mentioned silver articles have been studied and authenticated

by Mr. Everett U. Crosby whose (book, "Books and Baskets, Signs and Silver of Old-Time Nantucket," gives many illustrations, picturing the work of Nantucket's silversmiths: Samuel Barrett—1760; Benjamin Bunker—1751 to 1.842; George Cannon—1767 to 1835; James Easton—1807 to 1003; William Hadwen—1791 to 1862; Frederick Sanford—1809 to 1890; Henry A. Kelley— 181,5 to 1869; Edward G. Kelley—1818 to ?; James iS. Kelley—1820 to 1900; and others.

The 1959 Gam closed on a most enjoyable .note with a Birthday song for Miss Grace Brown Gardner who was celebrating the day, and with a word of thanks to all for making this tenth Gam a history-making event.

26

Whaling and Nantucket Excerpts from a History Thesis (Dartmouth College, 1956)

BY LT. (J.G.) H. FLINT RANNEY, U.S.N.

WHALING BEGAN FOR NANTUCKETERS around the year 1670, at which time Obed Macy states that a "scragg" whale became trapped in the harbor and was killed by the Islanders with such ease that they decided to go into the business as a perma­ nent venture.2 On May 4, 1672, a contract was granted to one James Lopar to "carry on a design of Whale Citching on the Island of Nantucket."3 and shortly thereafter lookout stations began to appear along the beaches, from which the spout of a whale offshore could be sighted. When one was seen, several Islanders would jump into a boat and row frantically out through the surf to the approximate site of the whale, harpoon it, tow it back to shore, and cook the blubber to obtain the oil in "try works" located on the beach."

In 1690 the Nantucketers hired and brought over from Cape Cod one Ichabod Paddock, who showed them how to go about whaling properly, and from that time on their methods improved gradually with their reputations. But before long it was realized that the efforts involved in capturing "Right" whales were not commensurate with the profits resulting from such work, and before many years had gone by, Nantucketers took to sloops and other small sailing vessels in order to widen their field of en­ deavor.6 The length of the voyage, at first only a few days, grew with the proficiency of the whalers, and by the early eighteenth century the business of whaling was seriously pursued.

After 1712 there came a great change in the attitude of the Islanders, for in that year Christopher Hussey, who was sailing about looking for "Right" whales, was blown some distance out to sea by a gale. Noticing an odd species of whale frolicking in the waters about him, he caught one; this was the first Sperma­ ceti taken by a Nantucketer, and the oil's quality and quantity was so great, that thereafter the Island whalemen concentrated their efforts upon the Sperm whale.7 Ship owners fitted out their R:^V \ History of Nantucket, p. 7. s&tarbuck, Alex<vf m,' r e,i, SJt0?7 Nantucket, p. 6.

"Farmham, Joseph E. C., Memories of My Boyhood Days in Nantucket, p. 17.

"Starbuck, p. 5. vFamham,

WHALING AND NANTUCKET

27

sloops for six-week cruises with great hogsheads to hold the blubber of one whale. After a capture, the ship returned to Nan­ tucket to leave off the blubber to be tried out; she would sail out again almost immediately. Six such vessels, of about thirty tons each, were engaged in the business of whaling in 1715, bringing in $4,888 to their owners that year.8 During the next few years the whaling business grew rapidly and drew many Islanders into its pursuit. In 1720 it was neces­ sary to build a dock in the harbor to handle the increase in ship­ ping, and the Straight Wharf appeared.9 The number and size of the vessels owned at Nantucket also grew, and each successive season saw a larger investment of capital by the Islanders in the whaling industry. By 1725 there were ten sloops sailing for whales,10 and their captains were establishing the precedent that Nantucket was interested only in Sperm whales.

As the ships became larger, going above fifty tons burthen, it was decided to have the try works right on the deck, so that the blubber could be boiled down and the oil stored in casks aboard ship, saving much space and allowing longer and more profitable voyages."

The share system provided the basis for incentives and pay in the whaling industry from its very beginnings. Each man, from bottom to top of the ladder, was paid a portion of the profits of the voyage based on a percentage system; thus it was to every­ one's advantage to work as hard as possible in order to catch a great number of whales, to increase the profits of the voyage.

With more money to be realized, a man's "lay" was larger— the incentive was effective.12 Beginning in 1745, the Nantucketers, who had already real­ ized that Boston was making great profits by acting as a "middle man" for the oil going from the Island to London, sent shiploads of their oil directly to London, thereby complementing their rev­ enues from whaling. The captains were often good businessmen, loading their ships with all sorts of goods for the return trip, and they usually made a profit in both directions.13 8Stairhuck, p. 5. s'Maoy, Obed, History of Nantucket, p. 37.

William, The Story of Old Nantucket, p. 63. " Ebid., p. 69.

PP. 70-71. isMoey, Obed, pp. 51,52.

1 °Macy,

' 2Ibid.,

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Although during the two years of the French and Indian War beginning in 1756 Nantucket lost twelve ships and over 150 men,14 to pirates or foreign warships, her whaling fleet had in­ creased by 1775 to include 150 ships."3 According to a table com­ posed by Thomas Jefferson, Nantucket was far and away the leading whaling port in Massachusetts between 1771 and 1775 in number of ships, tonnage, seamen employed, and barrels of whale and Spermaceti oil taken annually.16 It was indeed unfortunate for the Islanders that at this time came the American Revolution.

Most Nantucket whalers at sea at the outbreak of the Rev­ olutionary War managed to get home safely, and there they re­ mained ; owners and crews alike were reluctant to risk their ships or their lives on the high seas. And so most of the Islanders had nothing to do, since whaling was at a standstill, except engage in a little fishing along the shoals. A few industrious persons set up a salt works, which proved highly unprofitable due to the frequent fogs and generally moist air which prevented the evap­ oration of sea water so necessary to the process.17 Prices rose to a high level, and the danger to coastal shipping caused a serious food shortage.18 Depredations were carried out against the Islanders and their properties on a number of occasions when British cruisers entered the harbor or sent their boats in loaded with troops and sailors.

After the especially cruel treatment received during 1779, the Islanders sent a committee to the British commander in New York. . . . Finally permission was given for the Nantucketers to carry on a limited amount of whaling in 1781." However, British and American cruisers and privateers had destroyed fifteen and captured 134 Nantucket vessels, depriving the Island of 12,467 of her pre-war 14,867 tons.21 . . . The development and extensive use of the tallow candle following the Revolutionary War kept the demand and the price of whale oil at a low level for some time.23 A number of families, attracted by pleasing Government offers, moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and set up a thriving community across the bay, at Dart­ mouth, in 1786-7; but their prosperity was short-lived and their whale fishery never developed greatly.24 The loss in population and capital to Nantucket as a result of this movement was at first 2°Macy, Obed, p. 116. mm^v' WmLrfV82"P 778MaCy' 9^' p 8,7 ro. j ' "Macy, Obed, p. 68. t«Ibi&, p. 71.

Macy, Obed, p. II18.

"Macy, Obed, p. 131.

2,M

-

•

WHALING AND NANTUCKET

29

felt severely, but tbe increasing price obtainable for whale oil brought gradual recovery.25 In 1791 the first American whaling vessel to enter the Pacific Ocean had begun her voyage from Nantucket,25 and the search for the mighty Sperm whale in that ocean began in earnest during the next few years. In spite of heavy losses . . . Nantucket man­ aged to rank third in commerce and wealth among the Massa­ chusetts towns of the early nineteenth century.28 The old Quaker influence among the Islanders was still in evidence at the outbreak of the War of 1812, . . . but once again the savings of years of hard work were eaten up by idleness of the whalefishery, and the sufferings, lack of supplies, and high prices returned; at the end of the war only twenty-three whalers were left.29 This time, however, a very rapid recovery was effected, and by 1820 Nantucket had seventy-two ships plying the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, all chasing Spermaceti.30 The size had increased to an average of 2,80 tons per ship,31 and by 1832, when the largest number of ships in any single year sailed from Nantucket—forty32 —the average tonnage was pushing close to 400. Voyages during these "palmy days" lasted from two to four years,33 and crews averaged between twenty-five and thirty-five men per ship.34 In the white heat of the whaling industry, which, although 1843 was Nantucket's peak year,35 encompassed the period from 1835 through 1845, the Nantucket harbor and wharf area was a scene of bustling activity. Five wharves were cluttered with im­ plements for fitting out or unloading whaling vessels—which bus­ iness went on every day of the year. Riggers, coopers, black­ smiths, boat-builders—everyone was busy, and the high noise level about the scene was maintained from early in the morning until late afternoon, with time out only for lunch.38 Nearly every male on the Island was engaged in an occupation related to whal­ ing in some way or another.

• . . Close to—and possibly over—10,000 people made up the population in 1843, to which should be added 7500 sheep, and "Macy, Obed, p. 132.

"Macy, Obed, p. 133.

"Macy, Obed, p. 141.

28Maey, Obed, p. 106.

3°Macy, Obed, p. 116.

2®Miaoy, Obed, pp. 107-114.

3'Ashley, Clifford W., The Yankee Whaler, p. 55.

"Macy, William F., p. 118.

"Ibid., p. 124.

3<Macy, William F., p. Ii26. asMorison, Sam­ uel Eliot, The Maritime History of Mass., p. 314.

3«Bliss, William Boot Quaint Nantucket, p. 224.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

30

eighty-eight whaling vessels; in that year, Nantucket's output of refined oil and sperm candles was the largest of any American community.38 After 1843 a gradual decline in Nantucket's whaling industry set in.38 Hot rapid at first, it picked up speed as it became more obvious to the Islanders and they began to be scared by it In 1842, fourteen ships fitted out for sea at Nantucket; in 1843 there were sixteen; 1844, fifteen; 1845, twenty-nine; and in 1846, four­ teen.40 From this point on families began to move away to Mar­ tha's Vineyard or the mainland, leaving behind 6094 people by 1860, and only 3200 by 1875. In 1853 a New York Tribune cor­ respondent, in writing about Nantucket, said that: Present conditions of the town and harhoor of Nantucket has an appearance of dilapidation and decay. . . . Real estate is of very little value, and rents exceedingly Low—another indication of the downward trend of thing®, in a commercial and material point of view . . . the harbor . . . has a very quiet and unbusiness-like aspect, compared with what is .said' of it in former years.4*

And so Nantucket, once the great and prosperous home and leader of the American whale fishery, passed out of the picture.

After the sailing of the bark Barstow, the last whaler owned in Nantucket, in 186,8,43 Nantucket whaling was dead. asMorisoru, pp. 314-315. "oMacy, Obed, p. 287.

William F„, p. 1,30.

sslnquirier and Mirror, Argument Settlers.

Tribune, Nov. 12, 1,853, p. 6.

"Macy,

4*N.Y.

[Editor's Note—As Lt. Ranny states, he has "spent nearly every sum­ mer of his life on Nantucket," and for (this, reason he chose the above topic for his History Major thesis. He is presently assigned to the USS Ranger.]

31

History Making Events of 1959 Schedule of Birthday Evci ts for I S 5 9 on Nantucket January 15: Start of Nantucket Birthday Card Contest. Ends March 31.

JrJy 21: Square Dance.

July 24: Visit by Navy Blimp.

April 15: Start of special exhibit of N July 25-26: Sports Car Club. tucket arts and crafts in Northeast Airlines' July 30: Coast Guard Air-Sea Rescue Dem­ terminals. onstration.

April 20: Start of Nantucket exhibit in July 30: Concert by Community Orchestra.

New England Council window, Grand Central August 3: Concert.

Station, N. Y. August 4: Square Dance.

April 20: P.T. A Conference August 5-6: Firemen's Muster.

May 1: Governor's Proclamation.

August 7-9: Navy recognition of Nantucket's May 2: ' antucket Night at the Boston Pops.

300th Birthday: a. Visit of destroyer and May 3: "Nantucket Day" in Massachusetts destroyer escorts; b. Dedication of plaque to public schools.

Robert Inot.

May 15: Start of Nantucket Photo Compe­ August 11: Main Street Fete. tition. Ends November 18.

August 11: Yacht Club Ball.

June 1-30: Exhibit of Nantucket arts and August 12-14: Whaling Seminar. crafts, National Shawmut Bank, Boston; Nan­ August 15: "Made in Massachusetts" Fash­ tucket exhibit South Station, Boston. ion Show.

June 1: Joint resolution of State Legislature.

August 17: Concert.

June 12: Concert by Community Orchestra.

August 19: Navy Helicopter demonstration.

June 15: Street decorations and signs go up ; August 20-21: Bunker Family Reunion.

Lighting of outdoor birthday cake; Public August 20-21-22: Flying Dutchman Olympic display of congratulatory telegrams and let­ Sailing Trials. ters.

August 22-23: Fly-In of Antique Airplane June 16: Press briefing.

Association.

June 20-21: Macy Family Reunion.

August 25: Square Dance.

June 20: Opening day of reception booths August 26-27: Conference on "Man in at airport and boat landings; Beginning of distribution of Nantucket "endless" birthday Space."

August 26-27-28: Folger Family Reunion. cake; Start of daily guided tours; Start of August 31: Concert. daily rides in horses and carriages.

September 2-3: Conference on Water Re­ June 21: Commemorative concert Boston sources.

Symphony Orchestra in Nantucket.

September 4-5-6: Swain Family Reunion.

June 20-21: Meeting of Veteran Motor Car September 10-11: Meeting of Governor's Club.

June 22: Dedication of new runway lighting Travel Advisory Committee.

September 10: Concert by Community Or­ system. chestra.

June 23: Sheep Shearing Festival September 11-13: Round-Up of 99's.

June 24: Atlantic Fisheries Conference.

September 11-13: AOPA Air Tour.

June 25-26: National Conference on Historic September 12: CAP Fly-In. Districts.

September 12-13: Worth Family Reunion.

June 26: Floral tribute to Nantucket by September 12-13: Hussey Family Reunion.

F. T. D. A. September 14: National Conference on OJuly 1: Dress rehearsal of birthday celebra­ ceanography. tion.

September 15: Academy of Arts and Sciences July 2: THE BIRTHDAY. July 2, week of: Gardner Family Reunion. honors Maria Mitchell.

The following dates are undetermined: StarJuly 4: Parade buck Family Reunion; Coleman Family Reun­ July 6: First of five concerts. ion ; Oil Industry Conference; Foreign Trade July 7: First square dance.

Conference; Special Flower Shows; Confer­ July 7-8-9: Coffin Family Reunion. ence on Retirement ; Conference on Area De­ July 15-17: Whaling Seminar. velopment.

July 20: Concert.

32

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

The Historical Association has acquired two recently pub­ lished books: "Cradle of Ships," by Garnett Laidlaw Eskew, has a subtitle, History of the Bath Iron Works. It is an interesting and detailed history with many fine illustrations, a complete list of ships built at Bath, and a bibliography giving source material which is in itself a good record of interesting collateral reading; and "Captain Edmund Gardner of Nantucket and New Bedford, Mass., His Journal and His Family," edited and compiled by John M. Bullard who also wrote, "The Rotches." Captain Edmund Gardner must have been one of very few whaling skippers who was bitten by a whale and lived to write a fascinating account of the gruesome adventure. This book has interesting illustrations and detailed genealogical reports interesting to not only Gardner families but also to Husseys, Swains, Barnards and Worths.

Cradle of Ships was published by C. P. Putman's Sons, N. Y., and Captain Edmund Gardner is published by Mr. Bullard, New Bedford, Mass. +++ Rear Admiral E. A. Coffin, U. S. Coast Guard (Retired) sends an interesting report from Santa Barbara, California. A news clipping from the Sunday Morning, Nov. 30, 1958, issue of the News-Press gives the story of the presentation of the logs kept

by Captain Charles West Coffin of Nantucket, together with the Captain's spyglass, to the Santa Barbara Historical Society. These logs are of the ships, "Enterprise" 1826 to 1829; the "Ohio" 1839 to 1840; and the "Narragansett" 1861 to 1865. Mr. Sherman Sawtelle, great-grandson of Captain Coffin, gave the logs stating that the Captain retired to a farm in Maine in 1840 until 1861. The logs mention many vessels "spoken with" in the Pacific. Although these are logs from Nantucket whalers, Mr. Sawtelle, knowing that many descendants now live on the West Coast, believes the Santa Barbara Historical Society is a most desirable location for them, and surely the West Coast Nantucketers will be grateful to him. , m( The "Nantucket Argument Settlers" has been brought up 1659 1959—and is now available, also a re-issue of rec s Around Nantucket" is now on sale in Nantucket stores as well as at the Inquirer and Mirror office. This record of ships on their way to Davey Jones' Locker was first compiled by Ar" fL'Gar(Jner in 1876 and has been brought up to 1954 with the additional records.

!^irdat?

33

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary EDITED BY NANCY S. ADAMS

(Continued from the October, 1958 issue.)

1815 Aug. 1—Benjamin Raymonds wife died at Quaise, very suddenly.

Aug. 9—Female meeting in Vestry to consult respecting a female monthly meeting for relief of poor Methodist preachers.

Aug. 16—Society established—called Mite Society for above pur­ pose.

Aug. 21—Nathaniel Bunker, Mrs. Bunker's grandson arrived— been in Europe 5 years.

Oct. 29—Mr. Bakers wife died at Polpis yesterday, buried from her son in laws, Joseph Davis. A vessel has been at anchor between Great Point & the Bar several days, blowing so fresh they could heave up anchor, yesterday she dragged and went on the Bar, being loaded with plaster, could not get over. Set signals of distress towards night a boat tried to reach her, but it was so rough she could not. Succeeded in the eve. the wind abating—Took off Capt. and others. One lad was washed overboard and two men lashed to the quarter rails were drowned, the sea running mast high.

Oct. 30—The two drowned men were brought ashore & buried from Mr. Dixons.

Oct. 31—Samuel Barrett died last eve. Been sick all summer & Fall.

Nov. 5—Polly Wyer, Obed's widow died very suddenly last eve of Influenza.

Nov. 26—Church Meeting S. Raymond expelled. Eliza Crowell re­ ceived on trial.

Dec. 15—Coffin Hussey died found dead in his shop this morn.

Was left last night lasting a shoe. Reuben Russells wife died last night.

Dec. 17—Timothy Gardner's wife buried to-day.

Dec. 27—St. Johns Day. Oration by Timothy Coffin at Mr. Gurneys Meeting House.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Dec. 30—Capt. D. Swain & O. Swain sailed on whaling cruise.

Dec. 31 A Bell has been put in Mr. Swifts meeting house, last week. Bought by subscription, to-day is the first Sabbath it has rung.

1816 Jan. 28—Love Russell wife of Charles had a son & daughter born this day.

Jan. 29—Mrs. Lindsey had son born this eve (Ministers wife).

Feb. 16—Water frozen beyond the Bar, ice all around the island.

Abiel Coleman, wife of Barnabus died to-day after a long illness.

Feb. 1 9- —Hitty has another son—Jerusha Chase, nurse.

Feb. 25—James Whiteus expelled from Society.

April 19—Prince Gardner died.

April 26—Wm. Pinkham & Dorcas Gardner married at Friends Meeting.

May 17—Benjamin Coffin, Aunt Abagail Coffin's son died this day.

May 23—Mercy Macy wife of Nathaniel Macy died this day.

June 9—Vessel loaded with salt ashore on Muskeget.

June 15—Remarkable cold day for season. Ice was on the water pail in the morn, this week vegetation almost destroyed.

June 16—Very cold morning, fire as comfortable as in winter.

June 21—Rachel Guin died this a.m.

July 11—Drank tea and spent eve with Mrs. Giles. Aunt Starbuck, 83; Anna Coffin, Peter's widow, 83; Mrs. Bunker, 78; Mr. Briggs, 77 & his wife, -6; myself, 57; Judith Coffin, 55; Mrs. Giles herself, 55; sot down to table & Sarah Pinkham & Rebecca Baxter.

July 12—Our new Preacher Mr. Marsh preached eve.

July 22—(?) Hinckley & Keziah Joy married this eve.

Aug. 11—Capt. Swain came in from a 7 months whaling voyage.

Sept. 8—Sally Boggs died Friday eve of consumption, lived in New York several years but came to her native place to die.

Sept. 14—Betsy Swain daughter of Wyer Swain died very sud­ denly this a.m. About 17 years old.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

35

Dec. 18—Thad. Coffin & Eliza Cartwright married to-day—great wedding.

1817 Feb. 6—Caroline had a daughter to-day.

Feb. 15—Said to be colder than ever known here before—12 or 13 below zero. No water to be seen around the Island.

March 2—David Starbuck arrived to-day—six weeks from Boston.

March 6—Ice gone from harbor so that vessels can go out Been closed since Jan. 19th.

March 14—Capt a Spaniard sick a long time at David Joy's died to-day (Made will giving Susan Bennett, Mr. Joy's old­ est daughter half his property) his brother the other half.

March 27—Leonard Fisher & Lydia Chase married.

March 31—(?) Macy, Obeds son married this eve to Nancy, Gil­ bert Swain's daughter.

April 2—Fast Day—Capt. Glovers youngest child died to-day of hooping cough—5 years old.

April 24—Alexander Bunker & Rebecca Baxter married afternoon, great wedding.

April 29—Paul Gardner's daughter Lydia married in the Meeting to Swift of Sandwich—great wedding—Reuben Myrick & Charlotte Coffin married in eve by Mr. Swift.

July i—Charles

Hinckley & Maria Hinckley married to-day.

July 2—John Maxcy & Nabby Wood married P.M. by Mr. Gurney.

Aug. 13—Mrs. Bliss went to Boston to-day in the Empress.

Sept. 20—John Pinkham died very suddenly this eve. Was old & infirm but out during the day.

Sept. 21—Zephaniah Wood's child Martha, aged 21 months died a.m. sick a long time.

Oct. 16—Mr. Osborn came on to keep school—he is a preacher.

Oct. 30—Mr. Hart, Hannah & Mary Ann Fisher, Phebe Bunker received into Society.

Dec. 7—Brother Silvanus Crosby died to-day.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Dec. 28—Benjamin Franklin Russell, Washington Jerrill (?) & Hannah Wilbur baptised and they and Mary Coleman received into Society.

1818 Jan. 26—Simeon Coffin's wife died Saturday.

Feb. 11—Said to be heaviest gale ever known here last night.

Blew down a brick building of a Mitchell & did other damage.

Feb. 19—Harbor frozen up, no pass for some time. Wm. Barney, son of — aged 23 died this P.M. consumption.

Feb. 21—Vessel in from Old Town, first for some time.

Feb. 28—Experiment arrived from Boston.

March 15—Love Alley (Alfred's wife) Catherine Macy, Mary Coffin (Isaac's daughter) Sally Starbuck (Joseph's daughter) Sally Hussey, (Naomi's daughter) Nancy McCleave (Jo's daugh­ ter) were all Baptised this P.M. March 30—The Polly, Capt. Roland Hussey, sailed for Boston.

April 21—Hilly had a son to-day—named Ezra Read.

July 10—Capt. David Swain arrived from whaling, 9 months out —30 bbls.

Aug. 10—Thomas Modley died this eve. Hurt his knee on the 31st of July and mortification set in.

Oct. 22—Job Chace died eve.

Oct. 24—Sister Fanning from Boston, Mr. Barnard & his two children, have come here to live. (Sister F. lives in Cromwell Bar­ nard's old house.)

Oct. 27—Barzillai Russell & Lucretia Bartlett married in eve by Mr. Handy.

Nov. 10—Caroline had a daughter born a.m. Mrs. Raymond nurse.

Dec. 10—Daniel Kelly went on board a whale ship yesterday to pilot her to Old Town, soon after he fell on the ship's deck at the wharf in a fit, supposed to be an appoplectic fit. Died this morn.

Dec. 19—Obed Pinkham, Rebecca Hayden, Stephen Skinner & Benjamin Brown died between the 19 and the 24th of Dec.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

37

1819 Feb. 14—Eben Coffin buried to-day.

March 10—Ann Nicols died very suddenly in her room to-day.

April 1—Abiel Swain—Barnabas wife died p.m., was 62 the 4th of last January.

April 14—Female members of Society met at Frederick Worths to form a Society to relieve the poor and needy. Organization formed Betsey Farris, Pres. N. Fitch, V. Pres. Lydia Hussey, Sec. and Myrick, Treas. Meets 2nd Wed. each month 50 cents admission.

April 25—Mr. Osborn delivered a discourse to children or more particularly his scholars as he is about giving up his school.

May 13—Mrs. Glover's mother died to-day.

May 29—John Wyer's widow, an aged person buried to-day.

June 2—Dr. Bartlett went to Boston last Thursday with Hayden, was ordained last Sabbath in Boston in Bromfield Lane.

June 27—Mr. Merritt, our preacher for the coming year, his wife and 5 children came this a.m.

Aug. 8—Methodists gone to Camp Meeting at Welfleet.

Aug. 10—Capt. Henry Defriez & Betsey Coffin, Thads daughter married p.m., large wedding.

Aug. 13—Aunt Judith Macy died—90 yrs. old last March.

Sept. 25—News of Capt. John Fanning's death.

Oct. 3—Phebe Fanning & Betsey Swain came from New York.

Phebe's child (Keziah Coffin) is a year old.

Dec. 27—St. John's day, Josiah Hussey delivered oration at Mr. Swift's church.

1820 Feb. 5—Last eve. Jabez Cushing struck Barnard Graham on the bead in his own house with a stick of wood for insulting him— he has no sense, has not spoke since. 'Tis thought he has given him his death blow. P.M. Cushman was taken up & put into Goal.

Feb 6—Graham died at Cushman's house in the night.

Feb. 12—Great snowstorm last night, snow over many garden

38

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

fences & up to peoples doors, so they cannot get out without dig­ ging out.

Feb. 19—Capt. Thaddeus Coffin died very suddenly this morn.

Took cold shovelling snow the 12th. Eliza Dixon (?) buried this p.m.

Feb. 26—Hitty had a daughter last night—her 10th child.

April 9—Dr. Bartlett & Fanny Lamson of Boston married in eve.

April 29—Stillman Eldridge & Peggy Hussey die within an hour of each other. Peggy Hussey's husband & Stephen Eldridges wife were brother and sister. Eldridge died of quick consumption.

May 2—Mr. Hazelton & Elizabeth Folger, daughter of Walter, were married by Mr. Bartlett.

May 18—Nathaniel Barney & Eliza Starbuek (Josephs daughter) married to-day.

May 24—Eunice Russell, daughter of John & Hepsa, a young woman died to-day. They lost their only son about 2 years ago and they buried daughters, young women. Elizabeth Macy, widow of Francis died very suddenly at noon.

June 15—Bishop George, Elder Pickering, Elder Soule (formerly here) Mr. Hadden (also formerly here) & Elder Beale came with Matthew Crosby from New York to attend N.E. Con­ ference here next Wednesday.

July 16—Mr. Merritt preached farewell sermon—is stationed at Lynn.

July 29—Mr. Kent, our stationed minister came with his family.

Aug. 1—Benjamin Pinkham, Grandson of Benjamin Bunker & son of Sally Pinkham died this eve.

Aug. 6—Capt. Swain got in yesterday from whaling been gone since middle of June, got only a small humpback.

Nov. 2—Peter Ewer & Eunice Cartwright were married this eve.

Nov. 3—Latham Hussey died this p.m. very sudden.

Aug. 9—John died at his brother Williams in Brooklyn, L. I. HERE THE DIARY ABRUPTLY ENDS.

Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program for the preservation of Nantucket's famed heritage and its illustrious past, which so profoundly affected the develop­ ment of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future. Counsel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nan­ tucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax law.

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

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

Please send ail communications to Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. 0. Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Office, Fair Street Museum.