Historic Nantucket, July 1962, Vol. 10 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

Laying the Corner Stone of the Historical Museum adjoining the Friends Meeting House — 1908.

JULY, 1962 ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER

Published Quarterly uy

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, George W. Jones.

Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert Egan, Jr., Mrs. William Mather.

Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson.

Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall.

Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Robert C. Caldwell, Alma P. Robbins, term expires, 1962; Mrs. Joseph King, Herbert I. Terry, term ex­ pires 1963; Mrs. Francis W. Pease, H. Errol Coffin, term expires 1964; Alcon Chadwick, Norman P. Giffin, term expires 1965.

Publicity Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman.

Honorary Curator, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Curator, Mrs. William Mather.

Finance Committee, Albert Egan, Jr., and Alcon Chadwick.

Editor, Historic Nantucket, A. Morris Crosby; Mrs. Margaret Faweett Barnes, Mrs. R. A. Orleans, Assistant Editors.

Exhibits' Publications Committee. Burnham N. Dell, Chairman; Mrs. John Bartlett.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. Francis W. Pease; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Norman Giffin; 1800 House, Mrs. Joseph King; Gardner Street Firehouse, H. Errol Coffin.

Chairman Receptionist Librarian Chairman Receptionist Chairman Receptionist Chairman Receptionist Chairman Receptionist Chairman Custodian Receptionist Librarian Substitute receptionist Substitute receptionist Substitute receptionist

Mrs. William L. Mather Mrs. Nancy Adams Miss Alice Crocker Oldest House Mrs. Francis W. Pease Miss Ida Parker The "1800" House Mrs. Charlotte G. King Mrs. Susan M. Cowden The Old Gaol Norman Giffin William Garnett The Old Mill

The Whaling Museum

Robert C. Caldwell John Greene W. Ripley Nelson Everett Chapel Mrs. Herbert Foye Mrs. Ellen D. Chace Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Bertram Morris John H. Kittila

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 10

JULY 1962

No. 1

Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff

2

Dedication of the Baptist Church Steeple,

by Merle Turner Orleans

5

The Winter Gam, by Alma P. Robbins

8

Civil War Memoranda

13

Quaker Meeting, by Hannah D. Monaghan

14

Remarks on the Coffin Genealogy, with a Table of Contents

16

Annual Reports

~

18

Recent Events Briefly Noted

37

Arthur Chester Faunce, Sr

38

Legacies and Bequests

39

The Nantucket Historical Association Admission Schedule for 1962

—

40

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

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, copyright, 1962, Nantucket Historical Association.

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

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The New Steeple on the Baptist Church — 1962

5

Dedication of the Baptist Church Steeple

BY MERLE T. ORLEANS

On Sunday, June 3, the new steeple on the First Baptist Church was dedicated at ceremonies participated in by the clergy­ men of the five Protestant churches of Nantucket and attended by a group of interested spectators who joined members of the church parish. This occasion marked the culmination of the efforts of a group of people of all faiths, who have worked together to restore to this church its graceful steeple which had been a part of the Nantucket skyline for 120 years.

Dr. William E. Gardner, the beloved Nantucket historian and author and, for fifteen years before retirement, Assistant Minister of Trinity Church in Boston, was unable to attend the ceremonies. Recuperating from a serious illness which had hos­ pitalized him during the previous month, Dr. Gardner was convalescing at his home on Orange Street. It was largely through his efforts that the funds were raised for the restoration of the steeple and he gave unselfishly and untiringly of his time, strength and talents that the campaign might be successful.

The Reverend Sidney D. Cahoon, Pastor of the First Baptist Church, gave the address of welcome at the dedication ceremony.

The sermon was delivered by Dr. Paul L. Sturgis, executive sec­ retary of the Massachusetts Baptist Convention. Representing the other churches in Nantucket, and participating in the service, were the Reverend Glen R. Schwarz, Minister of the First Con­ gregational Church; the Reverend William R. Reid, Pastor of the Unitarian Church; the Reverend Bradford Johnson, Rector of St. Paul's Church in Nantucket; and the Reverend Samuel A. Walker, Pastor of the Centre Street Methodist Church.

Remarks were also made by Mr. George W. Jones, president of the Nantucket Historical Association and technical advisor for the restoration of the steeple, Mr. Michael Lamb, contractor for the project, and Mr. Clarence Swift, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Church. Assisting in the preparations for the ceremony were Mrs. N. B. Rogers, organist and widow of a former pastor, Mrs. Thomas F. Gibson, and Mr. Alfred Orpin.

It was nearly two years ago that the steeple of the First Baptist Church was seriously damaged by hurricane Donna, which swept over the island in September, 1960. The furore of those hurricane winds climaxed the weakening and twisting of the

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

6

beautiful steeple which had withstood the battering of gales and storms during more than a century. The steeple, with its softtoned bell, was pronounced unsafe and removed early in 1961.

Even before the steeple was razed, a volunteer committee of townspeople with Dr. Gardner as the "power behind the throne" combined efforts to solicit funds for the construction of a new steeple, identical to the damaged one. The "Save the Steeple" committee was composed then of Kenneth N. Pease, chairman of the Board of Selectmen; Frank E. Lewis, president of the Pacific National Bank; Alcon Chadwick, president of the Nantucket In­ stitution for Savings; George W. Jones, president of the Nantucket Historical Association; Edouard A. Stackpole, president of the Maria Mitchell Association; Lewis B. Jelleme, president of the Atheneum; Miss Cora Stevens, and, of course, Dr. Gardner.

Since then, Sidney Killen has replaced Mr. Pease as chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and, following the death of Dr. Lewis, Robert D. Congdon has taken his place on the committee, as president of the Pacific National Bank, which agreed to accept and hold all contributions to the "Save the Steeple" fund.

Photo

by

Universal

Photo

Shop

Hundred of dona­ tions poured in from all over the country, from year 'round and seas o n a 1 residents, from summer visitors, from business groups and lo­ cal organizations. With­ in the first few days of the announcement o f the campaign, over $1,000 was received by the volunteer commit­ tee. Letters were mailed bv the hundreds by a group headed by Mrs, J. Allen Backus, Mrs. Leeds Mitchell, and Dr. Gardner.

The services of Mr, Lamb were procured and he proceeded with the work of removing

DEDICATION OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH STEEPLE

7

the old steeple. A little over a year later, at the end of April of this year, the steeple had been completely rebuilt and the spire hoisted into place.

0

The First Baptist Church in Nantucket was organized in 1839 when a group of ten men and eighteen women joined to­ gether to form the nucleus of the small congregation. They voted to build a meeting house and, in August of the following year, purchased the Joseph Chase property on Summer Street. On December 14, 1840, the First Baptist Church was dedicated. The cost of the meeting house and the land was estimated to be about $7,400, two-thirds of the cost of replacing the steeple today.

The present bell was placed in the tower in 1852. The church organ was purchased in 1912 and rebuilt in 1949.

Editor's Note: The actual cost of the restoration exceeded $12,000. All expenses, however, have been met and all bills paid through the generosity of one of the sponsors, who advanced, as a personal loan the needed additional funds amounting to $1,000.

The volunteer committee desires to liquidate this loan as soon as possible and will greatly appreciate any further contributions to this end. Checks may be sent to Miss Cora Stevens, Treasurer, care of Pacific National Bank, Nantucket, Mass., payable to "The Baptist Church Steeple Fund."

8

The Winter Gam - 1962

BY ALMA P. ROBBINS

On the evening of February 23, 1962, many Nantucketers met together for the Nantucket Historical Association's Annual Gam. This was the thirteenth year the Library of the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association has been filled to capacity by persons interested in bringing to mind and reminiscing about those days which to many seemed happier. They glance back with pleasant nostalgia and picture the good times or amusing incidents for all to enjoy.

Mr. Jones, President of the Nantucket Historical Association, presided over the meeting. The topic for the evening was "Stores I Remember." Miss Grace Brown Gardner, senior member of the Council, Mrs. Nancy Adams, Past President of the Associa­ tion, and Mrs. Rozelle Jones assisted the President in leading the discussions. Mr. Herbert I. Terry, a member of the Council and an ardent worker for the Association, presided over the tape recorder. Thus an accurate record of the entertaining evening may be preserved. There are always facts presented at these Gams, personal recollections which will not be found elsewhere.

Our favorite, Dr. Will Gardner, who is never failing in his contributions, was unable to attend this meeting as he was en­ tertaining Off-Island guests. We hope to see him there next year with his amusing story and lively anecdote.

This year the Main Street store which in recent years has been known as "Reed's" hardware is now being sold and trans­ formed to entirely different use. And for this reason, Mr. Jones, with keen memory since he worked there as a lad, told of the days when this store was Mr. Henry Brown's Hardware store.

Mr. Brown was a slight, individualistic man with a sharp sense of humor; a gentle and trusting person, too. Mr. Jones spoke of bor­ rowing Mr. Brown's valuable shotgun and accidentally breaking the beautifully finished stock. He offered to pay for the repair of the damage. This was never necessary as Mr. Brown himself restored the gun to its fine condition without a word of recrimina­ tion. Mr. Brown had a little dog named "Spotty" who sat beside him while he smoked a cigar and had a piece of the cigar to eat.

Mrs. Charlotte King added to Mr. Jones' stories about Mr. Brown as she had heard many as a child. While Mr. Brown served in the Lavy, one story goes, he had trouble keeping a watch which would keep time. The boys borrowed it and after each time, having

WINTER GAM

9

been tampered with, the watch ceased to function. Mr. Brown solved this problem by having a watch made which could not be opened! Needless to say it kept time. Several persons men­ tioned the many transitions of this particular store.

Mrs. Nancy Adams spoke of the Bake Shop on Main Street (near the Monument) where she often got Charlotte Russe as a child, and she wondered if any one present recalled who ran the shop; was it Mrs. Wilkes, the genial negress, who waited on the children? There were, in earlier days, two stores in that area.

One is now at the back of the Kilvert property, and the other seems to have disappeared.

Several people remembered the Meat Auctions where the products of the local slaughter houses were sold. Mr. Andrew Myrick and George E. Mooers were the auctioneers. There was never covering or wrapping, the meat was sold "as was" and had to be taken away by the purchaser without benefit of protection from dirt, dust, or the elements. Those were the days before germs ran riot!

Mr. Norman Giffin spoke of the Union Store where he was employed as a lad. It was his first job. On Saturdays they worked from 5:30 a.m. until 10 p.m., other days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The pay was $6.00 per week except during August, when they were very busy, it was increased to $8.00. The bookkeeper inquired of the manager what hour she should report for work and was advised, "Why, I think 6:30 will be as early as you need to get in." However, they did open at 6 a.m. and many people came in for a few items for breakfast, One of his fellow workers was "Come-a-running" Chase, a lad always hurrying. One day when Mr. George E. Norcross' barn was struck by lightning they left the bookkeeper alone and rushed off to the fire with the delivery horse and wagon. Another time there was a picnic in Quidnet which seemed most desirable to attend, so with the delivery team young Norman started off. After getting stuck in the mud, breaking a shaft, and having some help from Robert Mooney's grandfather (with his wife's clothes line), Norman finally made it! The store manager was not entirely pleased.

Those were the days of King Arthur All 'Round Flour, Peroxa Sarsaparilla (which disappeared faster than it sold), Canton Gin­ ger, and tea. The tea canisters were marked: ,40c Lb., .50c Lb., ,60c Lb., and the tea all came from the same chest in the base­ ment. One store manager, John Harps, promised Mrs. Jones' sister .25c if she would learn the alphabet backwards. She did, and got her .25c.

10

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Miss Grace Brown Gardner brought two of her interesting scrapbooks with many pictures of early stores on Main Street, and she spoke of the little grocery on the corner of Howard and Gardner Street where they got pickles on their way to school when she was a child; pickles large enough (to "pass around." The Monument store (now a dry-cleaning shop) was for many years a grocery frequented by all of the householders in the neighbor­ hood. The large barrel of pickles just inside the door and the kegs of molasses linger in the memories of several. It had been operated by Albert Coffin, continued by Whittemore Gardner, and for the past several years was first an A & P store, then was taken over by Leon Moynihan, who has now retired.

Mr. W. Ripley Nelson brought a huge wooden sign which had been found in the attic of the house at the corner of Fair and Darling Streets. "Groceries by Benjamin Folger" was painted in red on a black background. An old pine board had been used, perhaps 20 inches wide and six feet long. There was little factual material to date and place the sign. From reasonable deductions Mr. Nelson thought it may have hung over a store on Lower Pearl Street (now India), or over a Main Street store. The period was probably 1846.

Mr. Kent King spoke of Mrs. Morris' Ice Cream Parlor where there was always ginger ice cream. Mrs. Kent King spoke of the weaving shop which once stood at the back of their yard on Gardner Street. This is long since gone but she had heard many stories of the rugs woven there, and the doorstone of the shop is now the hearthstone in their home.

The Silver Shops of the early days were mentioned, especially Alfred Starbuck's store on Centre Street.

Everyone could recall the stores whilch were in homes.

Many families had one front room which was a store. They sold many kinds of goods; baked goods, needles and thread, and milk, among others. The milk store on Orange Street was remembered and spoken of by several persons.

Mr. John H. Bartlett spoke of the days when there was a variety of shops all along Main Street, many more than now.

There was Wendell's Hall, with movies; the Express Office; a grain store; the Telephone Office; the Jolly Ice Cream Store; R. G. Coffin s, Mr. Holland s store, and Cathcart's, where potatoes were cut to make the correct poundage! (The latter store is now the North Shore Restaurant.)

T e Olde Curiosity Shop, run by Mr. Chenoweth, on Lower Pearl Street (India) was a great place for all sorts of things,

WINTER GAM

11

in particular furniture and household goods. A picture shows it overflowing onto the sidewalk with chairs and tables, dishes and pictures. A fine painting of the "Wreck of the T. B. Witherspoon" hung on the wall of the shop and was coveted by many but never purchased.

Mrs. Adams spoke of Holdgate's Barber Shop just off Main on Centre Street about which there were many tales. Her late husband, when a young man, went for a shave. Mr. Holdgate lathered his face, prepared all of the "fixings," and then sat down to peruse the news. "Aren't you going to shave me?" young Adams inquired. And the answer was, "I'm waiting for the whiskers to grow!"

Several spoke of Butler Folger's restaurant on the corner of Main Street and Garden Court; Mrs. Hatch's Ice Cream parlor; "Penny" Hamblin who advertised, "Buttons from over the Pond"; and Mrs. Ames' Cafe which was called "Mrs. Ames' Calf"!

There was a "Milk Store" in Mrs. Amey's house on Gardner Street, operated by Ellen Cox, the "prettiest milkmaid in Nan­ tucket" ! The Milk Shops and Milk Peddlers also sold yeast and "emptings" (for making bread). In those days (not so long ago) it was a disgrace to buy bread. Bread should be made at home and fresh out of the oven! Both Mrs. King and Mrs. Jones spoke of hurrying home with a loaf purchased from the Woman's Ex­ change; hurrying lest they be seen with "boughten" bread!

Miss Edith Bartlett mentioned the cabinet makers. At one auction held in Bennett Hall they discovered an article of furniture which had been made in the shop that once stood on Liberty Street near Mrs. Foye's home. This "Mr. Brown" later moved his shop to the small building near the corner of Gardner and How­ ard Streets which in turn became a grocery store. Mr. Alcon Chadwick recalled that at one time one of his older relatives had had a grocery store there.

Mrs. Alice Amey spoke of Joseph E. C. Farnham's book, "Brief Historical Data and Memories of My Boyhood in Nan­ tucket," in which he tells delightful stories of incidents which happened in the stores when he was a boy during the 1860's. He spoke of the "front room of many a house" which was the shop, and the bell that jingled to warn of customers. He speaks of "tamarinds" which were considered a speciality in his day. And he tells the story of the shop on Main Street directly opposite Fair Street where the twine ball was near the door and boys often ran all the way up Fair Street holding one end of the string, un-

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

winding the ball as they ran. These stories were all too old for the present company to recall! But the rapid transition in every decade was brought acutely to mind as members of the Gam audience described an earlier day with its horse and carriage speed. The pickled limes, the cucumber pickles in barrels near the shop door to entice the children, the homemade loaves fresh from the oven, the wood fires warming the kitchens, and the milk ped­ dlers' cans, all these and many more memories were as fresh as yesterday! And the personality of many a shopkeeper had left an indelible impression.

Mr. Terry brought the reminiscences to a close with the delightful little story about spending his honeymoon on the island. He and Mrs. Terry were guests at Ships Inn and intended that no one should take them for newlyweds. He discovered an­ other family by the same name and discussed their respective situations. The other Mr. Terry had a picture of his children which he presented to the bridegroom as a sort of pattern as well as memento. When they were leaving the hotel the proprietor remarked, "I hope you have enjoyed your honeymoon!" Where­ upon the picture of the children was produced as a hint. But it did not work. The proprietor said, "Terry children, yes'm, but not yours!"

On this pleasant anecdotal note the evening of the thirteenth Gam came to a close with a spark of anticipation for another year and the next session.

It may have been noticed that there has been a change in the occupancy of the Editorial Chair. Miss Alma Robbins has removed to Waterville, Maine, in order to be with her family. She will be greatly missed, for her devotion and zeal during the past five years have kept "Historic Nantucket" in the very front rank of publica­ tions of its kind. Her successor, in particular, wishes to express his gratitude for her invaluable help in preparing this issue. We hope that she will come back to Nantucket in the not too distant future.

If she threw the traditional two pennies overboard on rounding Brant Point, we know she will! A.M.C.

13

Civil War Memoranda

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Photo by Universal

Photo Shop

The above is a copy of the Commission of George Hussey Tracy as First Lieutenant in the Fifteenth Regiment of Infantry in the Union Army. Lieutenant Tracy was the father of Dr. William- E. Gardner's wife.

The commission is dated May 14, 1861, and bears the signature of Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, and Abraham Lincoln. The President's sig­ nature is characteristically firm and enduring. Lt. Tracy died of yellow fever in Mobile, Alabama, near the end of the War, while still in ser­ vice. The original commission is a gift from Dr. Gardner to the Nan­ tucket Historical Association.

14

Quaker Meeting -- 1961

BY HANNA D. MONAGHAN

"I am the way." It is easy to quote these words as a formula, a platitude, as they have been spoken so many millions of times that there is the danger of their becoming '"vain repetition."

Today in a world which has seemingly lost its way, they may gain a new momentum. When the world is beset with violence, gnawing fear, Christian cliches are not enough, to the outsider they are not the answer. But to those who feel that materialism has failed there is a vital principle, a palpable living Reality to be found in silent seeking.

On this Island many years ago, this was the way that the men and women met together when wars, pirates, pestilence, poverty, and bigotry beset them. They were called "a peculiar people" worshiping in a peculiar way. Only in the silence of each heart they claimed could be found the Way. There were no reci­ tations of creed, no hymns were sung, no offerings were made.

There was no leader, only the opening of the mind to the power of the spirit.

Today in the same old Meetinghouse on Fair Street, an ad­ junct to the Museum, meet a small band of worshipers. Each Sunday during the summer the Meetinghouse door is opened. It serves as a silent magnet drawing those who feel the way to life and peace is not by more and more bombs, a prepared and belligerent world, watching with suspicion our neighbors' every move; but can be gained only through the power of the spirit.

So during the summer of 1961 a few from all walks of life, from far countries, Holland, Jamaica, Canada, and from Iowa, and nearby Cambridge, came to help in a small way to hold up the banner of another power than might. Some who had not known of the Nantucket heritage, nor of the Quaker way, have come for the first time to sit in silent contemplation hoping they might find the Way. At the peak of the year of 1961 as many as eighty met in silent worship.

As never before, when the world is hurtling to its material doom, when bigotry, tyranny, avarice are accounted the order of the day, then another way is paramount. Is it too late? Some say that it is. Too late for the leaven of Truth!

QUAKER MEETING

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May this summer of 1962 again bring those who, in a jaundiced world, find the true value of silent worship as the Way. May these know with him who spoke those words — "I am the Way."

Friends Meeting House, Historical Museum in rear.

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Remarks on the Coffin Genealogy With a Table of Contents Before the end of July the Nantucket Historical Association expects to have received most of the volumes of Louis Coffin s remarkable genealogical work on the descendants of Tristram Coffin. One thousand volumes, with hard covers, have been pub­ lished and all, except for a few reserved for the sponsors and a few others reserved for publicity, are the unrestricted gift of Mr. Coffin and the sponsors to the Association, which plans to put the books on sale at a price to be determined later. Mr. Coffin, a resi­ dent of Cincinnati, Ohio, and for many years a summer visitor to Nantucket, became interested in continuing the work of his greatuncle, who was the official genealogist for the Coffin Family Re­ union in Nantucket in 1881. The resulting treatise, the labor of almost a lifetime, is a monument to Mr. Coffin's perseverance and skill. The Genealogy will be discussed more fully in our October issue, but the appended table of contents reveals its scope.

Contents Three Historic Coffin Houses (Inside front cover) Coffin Family Tree 1959 Reunion Photograph (double page) 1881 Reunion Photograph Title Page Sponsors Dr. Gardner's Introduction Preface (Editor) Table of Contents A Proud Heritage (Editor) Press Accounts of 1959 Reunion Accounts of 1881 Reunion Form Letter of 1881 Reunion Part I — Historical Notes on History Background in England — Portledge and Carminowe Connections Coffin Sea Captains — Vessels and Voyages Coffins Lost at Sea, etc.

Page 1

2 4 5 7 8 9 11 12 13 16 18 19 81 82

85 89

REMARKS ON THE COFFIN GENEALOGY

17

Part II—Coffin Genealogy — How to Trace Tristram, his father and grandfather Index of Coffin Family Unit Heads Line A of Peter Line B of Tristram, Jr. Line C of James Line D of John Line E of Stephen General Index — not including children who died before age 16 Pages for Personal Completion

91 92 93 121 136 133 266 323

Part III—Coffin Daughters' Genealogy — How to Trace Husbands of Coffin Daughters' Family Units with wives' descent, by line and generation Index of Coffin Daughters' Husbands Pages for Personal Completion Map of New England Area Map of Devonshire and Cornwall Area Map of Nantucket (inside cover)

405

342 401

406 517 570 574

575

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Annual Reports The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 2U, 1962, and to expedite the procedure, reports of Chairmen and Treasurer are recorded here.

If any member has questions regarding the reports he may present such questions during the business meeting. The Presi­ dent's report will be presented at the meeting.

REPORT OF MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

For Fiscal Year June 1, 1961 - May 31, 1962 Life Members 165 Sustaining Members 85 Annual Members 898 Total Membership 1,148 Deaths 26 There were 110 new members registered during the year.

To date we have 87 delinquent members (not listed in total mem­ bership) . Over half of these are one-year applicants who evidently have taken advantage of only summer membership.

New members not previously published: LIFE

Mrs. Marie W. F. Tutein

David Endicott Webster, Jr. SUSTAINING

Mrs. John A. Geissman Mr. Robin E. Lagemann

Howard S. Mott Lt. Col. Benjamin H. Stone ANNUAL

Mrs. John J. Ahren Mr. Alfred M. P. Amey Mr. William Mitchell Amey Miss Elizabeth Bennett Annettia E. Bissall Mrs. Geneva J. Black Mrs. E. A. Blakeslee Michael Bornemann Mrs. Gordon Brenner Mrs. Robert M. Bunker Mrs. David Carruthers Chan Kwai Cheung Hilary Callahan Miss Musette Christian Mrs. Wayne Chatfield-Taylor Mrs. Martha Coffin Clark

Dr. B. G. Clarke Mr. Frank Norman Crane William M. Coffin Doris C. Coffin Berton Coffin Roberta Cohen Joel L. Cbhen Mrs. Robert H. Conway Mr. Robert H. Conway Miss Juliette Cusick Mrs. Alan Daniels Mrs. Sidney G. Dillon Miss Jule C. Devoe Miss Penny Edwards Mrs. Elizabeth Felker Miss Frances Fenton

ANNUAL REPORTS

Irving C. Folger Goshen Historical Society Howard Gill Mrs. Robert Griffith Mrs. Donald Hardenbrook Mrs. F. E. Harper Mrs. Edward M. Harris, Jr. Mrs. Constance Haroldson Mrs. Marjorie Hull Harvey Mrs. Alice Hay den Mrs. Edward C. Hillis Mrs. B. L. Hornby Markum W. Immelt John J. Inch, Jr. Elsie M. Joyner Miss Edna Keidel Peter Kerr Benjamin W. Labaree Mrs. Florence U. Laws Mrs. Glyn Lewis Mr. Glyn Lewis Mrs. John W. Logan DeWitt Lounsbery Mrs. John B. Lukas Mr. Edgar L. McCormick Dr. Robert Minshall Mrs. Burroughs Mitchell Mr. Burroughs Mitchell Miss Marilyn Moore Mrs. C. A. Morbury Bertram E. Morris Mrs. Rabena Moseley Miss Barbara Nathan Mrs. Ross Nichols William B. Osgood Yvonne J. Parker

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Donald N. Parker Mrs. R. Lane Pettebone Miss Marian F. Pfrommer Mrs. Charles R. Prichard Miss Gladys Ray Raymond M. Rehm Mrs. R. Aileen Reilly Mrs. Spencer Reynolds Mr. Spencer B. Reynolds Miss Jane Reynolds Benjamin S. Richmond Mrs. Blanie W. Scott, Jr. Miss Betty Shepard Katherine Smith Mrs. Phillips Smith Mr. Phillips Smith Mr. John Stackpole Elvira Spatefore Mrs. Mitchell Stone Capt. Marshall M. Swain Mrs. Marshall Swain Dr. Edwrard B. Swain William Swartz Julia Sullivan Brie Taylor Miss Mildred Tibbs Mrs. Donald F. Toomey Mrs. Edward H. Townsend, Jr. Mr. William T. Utter Mrs. William T. Utter Lorraine Verneau Burr Polk Wilson Miss Louise Wilson William E. Xiques Dr. William A. Xiques Miss Marie L. Yunge

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

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DEATHS

Clifford R. Brown Clarence A. Bunker Mrs. Frank Crane H. G. Chatfield Miss Charlotte B. Chase Archibald Cartwright Mrs. Casmiro Caton Mr. K. M. Cunningham Mr. MacMillan Clements Col. Spencer Cosby Mr. John Weeden Grout

Mr. W. Kingland Macy Mr. Paul Macy Mr. J. Frank Morrisey Mrs. Byron Pease Mr. Robert Stark Mr. B. Karl Sharp Mr. Warren L. Symonds Miss Mercedes Torr Mrs. E. H. Whittemore Dr. O. D. Wescott Mr. Clement L. Yaeger

We are grateful to members who have sent names of persons they knew were interested in joining the Association. We are looking forward to the cooperation of each member in helping us increase the membership.

Ethel Anderson, Secretary-Treasurer

ADMISSIONS TO MUSEUMS Fair Street Oldest House 1800 House Old Mill Old Jail Whaling Museum Total

1961 3334 4681 1265 4286 2898 21962

1960 2557 4720 1268 3460 2504 16817

19-59 3642 5133 1123 3128 1968 19244

1958 3928 4154 1221 2815 2029 17742

1957 3203 4871 1265 2825 1865 20118

38426

31326

34238

31889

34147

ANNUAL REPORTS

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Gifts and Donors 1961 - 1962

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CURATOR This year has brought the usual variety of interesting ac­ cessions to all our exhibits. Our members, local and Off-Island, continue to add interest to our exhibits by their gifts and we are most grateful.

Historical Museum, Fair Street Adams, Mrs. Walton: Photographs of Nantucket people.

Bartlett, Miss Edith: Old Lantern.

Blackmur, Miss Eleanor: Envelope — Civil War Insignia — ad­ dressed to Captain A. D. Bunker, Sankaty Light.

Brock, Mr. and Mrs. Albert: Showcase.

Chadwick, Mr. Alcon: Coconut oil from ship "Gaelic Prince," wrecked on Great Round Shoal March 30, 1921.

Cressy, Louis: "Soldier's Daughter," by Phoebe A. Hannaford.

Duke's County Historical Association: Letters, Deeds, etc.

Emmons, Mrs. Claude: Lacquer case for eye glasses; Hat pins.

Friends of Frances Fenton: Quilt appliqued with scenes of Nan­ tucket, birds, flowers; made by Miss Fenton.

Gardner, Mrs. Frank Crosby: Motther-of-Pearl address book marked "E. B. Crosby," daughter of Eliza and Matthew Crosby.

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown: Scrapbook made by cousin of donor.

Gardner, Dr. William E.: Commissions of George Hussey Tracy, one signed by A. Lincoln, the other by Andrew Jackson; Mar­ riage Certificate — Tracy-Jones; Pictures of Hussey Fam­ ily; white china bowl.

Giradet, G. S.: Whale oil lamp.

Gussman, Mrs. Hayward: Doll with clothes made by Mrs. Lena Grouard.

Holmes, B. J.: Sign, "Groceries by Benjamin Folger."

Kreth, R. H.; Composition written by Florence Vincent, 1872, when a school girl in San Francisco.

La Farge, L. Bancel: Photographs of Tuckernuck Island.

Lawrence, Miss Beatrice: Miniature, daguerreotypes, and brooch.

Moss, Miss Dorothy: Plaster reliefs of Benjamin and Dmah Starbuck, great-grandparents of donor.

Morgan, Stokeley and Stone, Benjamin; Commission of Lt. Richard Mitchell, U.S.N., grandfather of donors.

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Nantucket Telephone Company: "Princess Phone," first dial call from Nantucket made on this phone June 18, 1961.

Nantucket Historical Trust: Phoenix Bank notes; Letter to Na­ thaniel Freeman from Selectmen of Nantucket 1796; Letter to Nathaniel Freeman from Jonathan Jenkins 1776; Docu­ ment from Queen Anne to Sheriff of Nantucket calling for General Assembly 1703.

Olin, Mrs. Blanche: Two letters to Captain George Hussey from his son.

Publicity Committee, 300th Anniversary Celebration: Two leather bound books of Publicity and Pictures; Treasurer's Book; Steering Committee's Records.

Ray, Earl: Bible, Russell and Gardner families.

Ring, Mrs. Morton L., Jr.; Photostat of letters written to her cousin by Elizabeth Clisby 1881.

Roys, Miss Margaret: Photograph album, Nantucket scenes.

Sandsbury, Mrs. Irving: "Mrs. Peary's Arctic Journal."

Shuman, Richard S.: "Field Guide to Shells," by Percy A. Morris.

Severy, Merle: National Geographic publication, "America's His­ tory-lands."

Sibley, Mrs. C. L.: Carpet bags belonging to family of Florence Nunn.

Squires, Russell: Copy of letter written by Harriet Paddock Colesworthy to President Lincoln concerning grandfather of donor.

Sutton, Estate of Ruth H.: Captain's chair.

Sylvaro, Estate of Mrs. Althea: Baby Cap made by Maribah Smith Barnard, 1815.

Turner, Mrs. Grace: Photos of Nantucket; Copy "100 Years on Nantucket."

Turner, Gordon: Bound copies of Inquirer and Mirror, 1911-1941; Town Reports, 1908-1952.

Wagoner, Mrs. Isabella Jay Wyer: Lace handkerchief brought from Paris for his wife by Captain William Joy Wyer.

Willard, Henry A.: Photographs.

ANNUAL REPORTS

23

1800 House Bunker, Mrs. Malcolm: Old table linen; Velvet-piece quilt.

Crosby, Mrs. Everett XT.: Hooked rug.

Farrell, Miss Florence: Vase gold decorated, given to donor by Mrs. Lena James who lived in 1800 House.

Levine, Morgan: Spermacetti candles.

Sutton, Estate of Ruth H.: Furniture.

Stackpole, Mrs. Edouard: Two shawls.

Whaling Museum

Brock, Albert: Show Case.

Chace, Mrs. Ellen: "New Bedford and American Whaling," by Reginald B. Hegarty.

Cushman, Mrs. Laura Oakes: Skull of an Albatross.

Doerfinger, William M.: "Shantymen and Shantyboys."

Foye, Mrs. Herbert : Captain's Chair which belonged to Captain Samuel Wyer, great-great uncle of donor.

Gouin, Mrs. Mary: Scrimshaw.

Graham, Loren: Photographs.

Gray, Mrs. E. A.: Journal, letters, articles made in South Sea Islands.

Heflin, William: Charts.

Heller, Herbert: Shipping lists 1864-1865.

Kaplan, Hymen: Booklets — U.S. Coast Guard, Civil War. Lema, Mrs. Phyllis: Tools.

McCormick, Dr. Edward L.: "Life on a Whaler."

Nantucket Historical Trust: Scrimshaw, Logs, Journals, Bank­ notes, Books, Pictures, Paintings, etc.

Newell, Robert H.: "Two Brothers."

Pease, Mrs. Byron: "First Nantucket Tea Party."

Pease, Mrs. Kenneth: Silver medal presented to George Flood for his part in the rescue of the "H. P. Kirkham," father of donor.

Price, Jere G.: "Midships 1961," yearbook of U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Putterick, John: Piece of Rigging.

Ramsdell, Marcus: Tools.

Ray, Earl: Ship Chandler's Day Book.

Rogers, Mrs. Elsie: Account Books.

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Old Mill

BY ROBERT CALDWELL, CHAIRMAN

The 1961 season at the Old Mill was a successful one, although the number of visitors was not as large as it has been for some of the previous years. However, much interest was shown by those visitors who came to Mill Hill not only to view the Harbor and Nantucket Town from that high place, but also to study the structure and activity of the Mill's machinery. Mr. John Greene, the Custodian, who has welcomed visitors for several years, was on hand as usual and gave all who were interested a brief and splendid report on the history and functioning of the Mill.

There are always visitors from many sections of this coun­ try and from other countries who find the Old Mill a source of wonderment for its preservation and its good working con­ dition. The arms of the ancient structure are back after their winter's rest, and the Old Mill anticipates another good year with Mr. Greene on hand as usual to continue his conscientious care of all its visitors.

1800 House

BY MRS. CHARLOTTE G. KING, CHAIRMAN

Although the 1800 House is off the beaten track, as it were, we still continue to attract increasingly a goodly number of visi­ tors who are genuinely interested in a house and home of that period.

In addition to the house and furnishings, the old-fashioned dresses and bonnets of the ladies of by-gone days and the tali silk or beaver hats of the gentlemen are really fascinating.

Mrs. Susan Cowden was again our fine hostess and with the able assistance of her volunteer helpers our guests were well repaid for their visits.

The outside painting of the house trim and fence was com­ pleted before the season opened, and last fall the chimney re­ ceived much needed repair. It was taken down to below the roof, new flashings were put in, and the chimney, with repaired flues, was rebuilt.

This seems to complete our list of major repairs for a while.

We are now hoping to repaint the rooms as we can from year to year.

ANNUAL REPORTS

25

It is with gratitude to all those who have helped to make the i800 House Exhibit worthwhile, that we look forward to another rewarding season.

Photo by Paul Whitten

A corner of the West Parlor of the 1800 House.

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN

The season of 1961 brought many interested visitors to the Fair Street Museum. Some came to view our varied exhibits and others to take advantage of our resources for genealogical re­ search. Both Miss Alma Robbins and Miss Alice Crocker assisted in providing answers to most of the questions asked.

During July and August visiting Friends worshiped in the Meeting House as has been their custom for many years.

We are sorry to lose the services of Miss Robbins who is moving off Island but Mrs. Walton Adams and your Chairman will endeavor to keep things running smoothly.

Mr. Jay Gibbs who has served us faithfully for many years is retiring. Mr. William Burdick, Jr., has assumed part of his duties.

Our thanks are due to Mr. Grenville Curtis who keeps the Walter Folger Clock in running order so that we can display its many interesting points.

We are looking forward to welcoming many new visitors as well as renewing acquaintances with members, both towns­ people and Off-Islanders.

ANNUAL REPORTS

27

The Old Jail

BY NORMAN GIFFIN, CHAIRMAN

The 1961 season was a good one at the Old Jail. The late Arthur C. Faunce, Sr., was again the custodian, and as usual did an excellent job. The attendance increased considerably over the previous year.

We were very much saddened by the death of Mr. Faunce this spring. He will be greatly missed.

As this was my first year as chairman of the exhibit, I learned much from Mr. Faunce, who was most co-operative. One of his suggestions was that a new lighter weight set of Stocks be in­ stalled, as they are very popular as a background for picture-tak­ ing. The present set was built of much too heavy lumber. He also stressed the need of a new door on the ground floor of the jail. Both of these items have been included in next year s budget. The Stocks will be ready for the 1962 season.

During the winter im one of the storms part of the east fence was blown down, and has since been repaired. There is still a sec­ tion of fence on the south side of the Old House of Correction site that has to be repaired.

We have been successful in obtaining Mr. William Garnett who will serve as custodian this year of 1962, and we are grate­ ful to him for his acceptance of this job. We feel sure that he will enjoy being there to receive the many visitors and to en­ tertain and instruct them as Mr. Faunce so capably did.

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Oldest House

BY MRS. FRANCIS PEASE, CHAIRMAN The 1961 summer season at the Oldest House has been a busy one. Much needed repairs were undertaken on the small shed in the rear of the property; replacing necessary roof shin­ gles, corner boards, sills, and raising the building about six inches from where it had settled, and laying a second floor.

The guests were welcomed by Miss Ida Parker dressed ap­ propriately in her old fashioned costume. Our attendance of 4782 was an increase over the previous year. Miss Parker made an interesting observation of the numerous visitors who inquired about the construction of the house, several of them young couples

Photo by Bill Haddon

Fireplace and one doorway of kitchen of Oldest House.

ANNUAL REPORTS

29

planning their own homes along the lines of Nantucket's Oldest House.

I would like to congratulate Miss Parker on the success of her first season as custodian at the Oldest House and also to ex­ tend grateful thanks to Mrs. Hussey who serves as Miss Parker's relief.

Visiting the Oldest House is an impressive and rewarding experience and we cordially welcome you all.

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON Paid admissions to the museum for the summer of 1961 established a new and all time high of 21962 persons as against the previous high of 20,118 in 1957. The top figure of paid ad­ missions for a single day was 575. Paid admissions do not by any means tell the full story as to the number of visitors for members are admitted free as has been true also of children under twelve years of age accompanied by adults.

The "Guests Registry Book" shows an equally bright picture for 42 states were represented this year as against 40 in I960 and 39 in 1959. The eight states not represented were Hawaii, Idaho*, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

Vistors from foreign lands signed the guest book with sev­ eral cities being listed in a number of countries. Registrations including visitors from Japan, Yakosuka, and Tokyo; Austialia, Sidney; India, Bombay; Iran, Teheran; Syria, Damascus; Lebanon, Beirut; Turkey, Ankara; South Africa, Johannesburg and Cape Town; North Wales-Wales; England, Harrow, London, Cambridge, Manchester, Chichester, Dover, Kent, and Glastonbury; Belgium, Brussels; Switzerland, Zurich; Germany, Bremen and Detmold; France, Paris; The Netherlands, Reyden; Ireland, Cork, County Kerry; Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow; Denmark, Copenhagen, Italy, Naples; Canada, Ottawa, Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Nova Scotia; Bermuda. As has been so truly said before, the tide has turned for instead of Nantucket seamen roaming the seas, e world now comes to Nantucket.

The Museum library attracted, as in past year, many persons engaged in research. This requires help from the Librarian, Mrs. Ellen Chace, but her interest has resulted in valuable additions to the library from researchers who have been helped in their

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

work. Mrs. Chace has continued her reading and indexing of log books having completed eight log books during the past year which makes a total of 66 log books completed to date.

The Library file of "Privately Owned Logs" started in 1960 was materially enlarged in 1961. by a long list sent to us by an appreciative researcher. This file is a valuable reference file for researchers. It will be greatly appreciated if any and all who know of "privately owned and held logs" will make a report thereof to Mrs. Ellen Chace, Librarian, who will record the data in our li­ brary.

On March 6th, 1962, not only the Whaling Museum but all Nantucket suffered a great loss in the death of "Archie" Cartwright, who had served as Custodian of the Whaling Museum since 1955. He was the last Nantucketer to have gone whaling, having sailed on the Sunbeam from New Bedford in 1902, returning after three years. His authentic anid historical stories of whaling told in his droll manner with a genuine personal touch intrigued and entertained thousands of summer visitors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our other veteran staff members are with us again for the 1962-63 season. James Everett Chapel has been appointed Custodian of the Museum and supervisor of Sanderson Hall. An Island native with a personal knowledge of and familiarity with Nantucket history, who has served as a relief staff member, he is well qualified for this important post.

Mrs. Bernice Foye, known to thousands of summer visitors, returns to her post at the main reception desk and in charge of the Scrimshaw and Counting Rooms. Bertram E. Morris will again watch over the Whale Craft Shops. Mrs. Ellen Chace re­ sumes her post as Librarian. Mrs. Reginald Hussey returns as a relief staff member and John H. Kittila joins the staff as a relief member, for Sanderson Hall and the Whale Craft Shops.

He is by no means, however, a newcomer in the museum for in 1929 and 1930 he assisted George A. Grant, the first Custodian, in setting up the museum exhibits preparatory to its formal open­ ing in 1930. Members of the Museum Committee also unchanged are: Henry C. Carlisle, Charles F. Sayle, Mrs. Marriott F. King, Albert F. Egan, Jr., and W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman.

The Museum opened for the 1962-63 season Wednesdav, May 30th. The annual open house was observed that afternoon. Ninety-

ANNUAL REPORTS

31

four Island visitors and residents visited the Museum as guests in response to the Association's invitation.

Special mention is made of the new exhibit set up in Sander­ son Hall. It is a collection of "World Wide Navigation Charts" dating from 1827 to 1884 used by whaling and merchant ships.

These charts, which had been in storage for many years, have been carefully restored and mounted on swinging leaves measur­ ing 60 inches by 54 inches which can be readily inspected and studied. Many of these charts saw years of service at sea and bear the notations of "Masters" as to their voyages, which they plotted day by day. Winds and currents — Pilot — storm and rain charts also are displayed. These charts for 1853-1854 were offi­ cially prepared by the U.S. Government. The charts are based upon factual daita recorded and reported by numerous ships voyag­ ing in all the oceans and then compiled into tables for Maritime use. Other charts show "The Favorite Resort" of the Sperm and Right Whale 1851-1853. Also published by the U.S. Government.

It has taken two years to restore these charts and set them up but now this exhibit, with its special lighting, is attracting the attention, study, and favorable comment of many visitors. The Association is truly indebted to our Committee member, Henry Coffin Carlisle, whose interest and generosity have made this unusual exhibit a reality.

Three finely made ship models have been loaned to the Museum by Mr. Robert T. Leadbetter and have been placed on exhibition. These models are of the "Sunbeam" the whaler on which "Archie" Cartwright made his last voyage; the "Benjamin Packard" a famous merchant ship; and the "Lynx" a Baltimore Clipper. Factual data and the interesting history of each ship is told on printed cards displayed in the show cases. Mr. Leadbetter whose summer home is on India Street but who is a resi­ dent of Montclair, New Jersey, generously solved the problem of transporting these models from Montclair by making two flights in his own plane from Montclair to Nantucket flying two models on the first flight and one on the second. Mr. Leadbetter's inter­ est and generosity will be well rewarded by the interested atten­ tion these models will receive from many visitors.

Coincident with the completion of writing this report the Nantucket Historic Trust has made a most welcome gift to the Museum. It includes 180 pieces of bone and ivory scrimshaw and 29 miscellaneous articles pertaining to whaling, all of which will greatly enrich our exhibits.

32

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Whaling Museum is recognized as one of Nantucket's leading attractions. Our staff members recognize this fact and their responsibilities as public representatives of not only the Association but also of the Island. They will continue their efforts to build goodwill and friendship through a warm and cordial wel­ come to all visitors.

Advertising and Publicity

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The advertising program, as in past years, was divided into (1) local newspapers; (2) magazines and directories; and (3) cards and leaflets. This program does not include the publication of bul­ letins and pamphlets which are handled by the Publications Com­ mittee.

Regular local newspaper advertising included the Admission Schedule for all exhibits; official notice followed by display adver­ tising of the Annual Members Meeting announcing the speaker and the program; a Special Meeting of the members and the An­ nual Gam held during the winter.

Magazine and Directory advertising included one third page display in "Nantucket Holiday" and "This Week in Nantucket."

This advertising was carried out each week throughout the sum­ mer. Our exhibits were listed as usual, in the "New England Council" summer directory. This is an annual publication.

The opening and admission schedule was distributed in June for seasonal display by the hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and Island businesses. Our "Cordial Welcome Folder," which extends to visitors an invitation to visit our exhibits, was dis­ tributed again together with our leaflet describing our exhibits and a copy of "Main Street" and "Rambles through the Historic Nantucket District." These are always well received and promote good will not only for the Association but for the Island.

News stories were released throughout the entire year to the local papers and one off-Island paper having a local circulation on the Island. These releases were given excellent publicity by the press. Its value to the Association figured at approximately an average of the per column inch advertising rate of the papers (at no cost to the Association) was well in excess of the cost of our local advertising. Comments and featured items in "Nantucket Holiday" and "This Week in Nantucket" are not included in the valuation but amount to a considerable figure. Syndicated feature stories written by visiting reporters and circulated nationally add

ANNUAL REPORTS

33

considerably to the free publicity but its total value can only be ascertained by subscribing to a National news clipping service.

To date we have not considered such expense justified. One es­ pecially outstanding item was a story written on the Whaling Museum by a grateful researcher from South America. The story was published in Spanish in the leading Argentina newspaper covering nearly a full page.

The summer of 1961 was marked by a special and unusual exhibition arranged, managed, and sponsored by the Association.

This was the exhibition of over 180 paintings, prints, and photo­ graphs specially selected from the famous collection of over 1,800 pieces of the late Allan Forbes. Through the generosity of the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Museum of the Massachusetts In­ stitute of Technology, to which this collection was bequeathed, this unique display became possible. The Trustees of the Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin School graciously gave permission to use the school building for the exhibition which opened July 1 and was continued until August 31. This exhibit was publicized by a series of display advertisements in the local papers and "Nantucket Holiday" and "This Week in Nantucket" the cost of which was not charged to the regular advertising expense but directly to the special account of the exhibit.

Substantial news coverage was given to this exhibit by both local papers and publications. National publicity was achieved also by syndicated illustrated news stories. Examples of the mediums which published such stories are New York Herald Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, and the Boston Sunday Globe. This exhibit attracted many visitors who through this publicity became visitors to the Island and our other exhibits.

This Committee has endeavored to maintain the standards of previous years. These call for advertising and publicity histor­ ically instructive and dignified but which attracts public interest in competition with that of modern entertainment. The past season has proven again that such a policy can and does pay as evidenced by the results from our regular association program and that of the special exhibit.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

34

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1962 EXHIBIT A Free Funds Pacific National Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Sidney Mitchell Fund Mary E. M^cy Fund Maria Mitchell Starbuck Fund Securities (Excess of Securities Purchased) Coffin Genalogy Total Less -

unexpended Balance of Special Fund

1834.98 8187.94 3000.00 500.00 3000.00 •525.78 4000.00 28048.70 176.00 20872.70

Land, Buildings and Collections Fair Street Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail 1800 House West York Street (Land) Nantucket House Hose House Collections Furniture and Fixtures Total Restricted Funds (Resolution) Life Membership Old Mill Preservation Jethro Coffin Fund Total Restricted Funds (Principal) Ella Starbuck Emma Hayward William Swift Florence Mitchell (Securities) Susan Brock Mary C. Milliken Total Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest) Will Gardner Fund Total

8800.00 4500.00 4000.00 10000.00 1834.00 5350.00 500.00 30000.00 400.00 10304.00 407.92 76095.92 8003.22 781.04 •534.70 9323.96 3000.00 2000.00 5000.00 20100.00 1000.00 2500.00 33600.00 565.32 140457.90

ANNUAL REPORTS

35

TREASURER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) Surplus and Net Worth Expendable Surplus Restricted Funds and Capital Surplus

20983.45 119474.45

Total

140457.90 EXHIBIT B

Statement of Income and Expenses for the Year Ending May 31, 1962 Department Franklin-Folger Memorial Whaling Museum Charts Whaling Museum Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House Total General Office Annual Dues Sustaining Interest & Dividend Refund Donations Miscellaneous Pamphlets Historic Nantucket Maintenance Trees Total

Income 75.00 252.24 11370.73 1518.65 2633.35 776.28 676.50 646.10 17621.61 1810.00 800.00 1684.46 25.00 149.54 83.50

Expenses 211.84 862.67 7717.68 2028.61 1323.42 799.48 845.03 1513.14 14227.36

or loss*

3653.05 509.96* 1309.93 23.20* 169.53* 867.04* 3394.25

4552.50

3476.35

1076.15

289.75 17.00

756.75 2283.71 145.00

467.00* 2266.71* 145.00*

22480.86

20889.17

1591.69

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

36

TREASURE'S REPORT (CONTINUED) Special Projects EXHIBIT C Department Franklin-Folger Memorial Whaling Museum Charts Old Mill Shaft Forbes Exhibit Coffin Genealogy Ship Models Clement Fund Hallam Pictures Hose House Fenton Quilt Charlotte B. Chase Fund Jethro Coffin Fund Total

Net Income Expenses or loss* Income 211.84 75.00 862.67 252.44 379.49 3122.14 3134.63 5000.00 1000.00 473.00 238.00 255.00 750.00 600.22 10.00 700.00 700.00 61.00

12.00 9487.58

6349.85

3137.73

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

Ormonde F. Ingall, Accountant

37

Recent Events Briefly Noted Dr. "Will" Gardner gave the first of a series of lectures to the students of the Nantucket High School sponsored by the Historical Association. His subject was the "Settlement" of the Island by the original ten Proprietors. Mr. Edouard Stackpole, Curator of Mystic Seaport, Conn., spoke of the Whaling Days and showed the students fine pictures of the "hundred Captain's Homes." The third lecture, by Mr. Jones, Association President, gave the -story of the migrations to Nova Scotia ; Hudson, N. Y.; Guilford, N. C.; and Milford Haven, Wales, England, the latter having become one of England's finest seaports. The fourth and last in this series of lectures was given by Miss Robbins, Editor of Historic Nantucket, who gave a brief sketch of the Island's history from Civil War days to the near-past, pointing out some of the imaginative attempts by many Nantucketers to change their supporting industry from the sea to the land until the "SummerBoarders" business became successful.

Among the many books given to the Association this year several are notably attractive volumes. The National Geographic Society's "America's Historylands" has mention of Nantucket and small pictures which do justice to the Island. This is a volume to give pleasure to all Americans, with its wealth of historical information.

The Trustees of the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art, Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, have sent us a copy of their most artistic publication, "Paper Talk," the "Illustrated Letters of Charles M. Russell." There is an introduction and commentary by Frederic G. Renner, and photographs by Dorothea Lange. "Charlie Russell" was one of the great artists of the West and this volume is a truly fine tribute.

Together with a good deal of Civil War material came a splendid volume entitled, "President James Buchanan," a Biog­ raphy, by Philip S. Klein.

President and Mrs. Jones went to the Spring Meeting of the Bay State Historical League at Plimoth Plantation which was largely attended by members of various Historical Associations, all of whom gained inspiration and enthusiasm from reports of activities, and especially from the first-hand view of the Planta­ tion and the Mayflower.

38

1883 - ARTHUR CHESTER FAUNCE - 1962 On April 26, 1962, Arthur Chester Faunce, Sr., died suddenly at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Mr. Faunce was born in Mattapoisett, Mass., and came to Nantucket to make his permanent home in 1917. For many years he was employed with local con­ tractors doing mason work.

Having retired from his regular trade in 1958 he became Keeper of the Old Gaol, one of the exhibits of the Nantucket His­ torical Association. Mr. Faunce gave enthusiastic attention to the grounds and the historic old building, and he aroused the friendly interest of many visitors to the spot. Those visitors will recall with pleasure the gentle, kindly manner of the Keeper and his will­ ingness to explain the unusual old structure. Mr. Faunce will long be remembered by members and friends of the Historical Asso­ ciation. He will be greatly missed.

A son, Arthur Chester Faunce, two grandsons, and a greatgrandson survive.

39

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

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION WHALING MUSEUM: Broad Street near Steamboat Wharf.

Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM and FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE: Fair St. Weekdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays 2 to 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

OLDEST HOUSE: Sunset Hill off West Chester Street. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OLD MILL: Prospect Street. Weekdays only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

OLD JAIL: Vestal Street. Weekdays only 10 a.m, to 5 p.m.

1800 HOUSE: Mill Street. Weekdays only, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOLGER-FRANKLIN SEAT: Madaket Road. Always open free, for rest and meditation.

Admission is 50c to each exhibit, except the Old Jail, 30c. and the Old Mill, where visitorsi are asked to make a donation toward its upkeep. Children will be admitted to the exhibits for half-price, if under twelve years of age and accompanied by an adult.

Group tickets entitling holders to all six exhibits may be obtained at the reception desk in the Whaling Museum for $1.50 per ticket. "Group" is defined as ten or more persons from any one organization.