Historic Nantucket, July 1964, Vol. 12 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

Photo by Bill Haddon

Hadwen-Satler House The Hadwen-Satler House. From an etching by J. Stanley-Brown, owned by the Nantucket Historical Association.

JULY, 1964 ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

*

President, George W. Jones Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Henry B. Coleman, Alcon Chadwick, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Mrs. William Mather.

Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson.

Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall.

Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Mrs. Francis W. Pease, H. Erro!

Coffin, term expires 1964; Leroy H. True, Norman P. Giffin, term exoires 1965; Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, A. Morris Crosby, term expires 1966; Miss Helen Powell, Albert G. Brock, term expires 1967.

Advertising and Publications, W. Ripley Nelson and H. Errol Coffin.

Honorary Curator, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Curator, Mrs. William Mather.

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

Editor, Historic Nantucket, A. Morris Crosby; Assistant Editors, Mrs. Mar­ garet Fawcett Barnes, Mrs. R. A. Orleans.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Satler Memorial, Albert F. Egan, Jr; Old Mill, Henry B. Coleman; Old Jail, Norman P. Giffin; 1800 House, Miss Ethel Clark; Gardner Street Firehouse, H. Errol Coffin; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews.

STAFF Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Mrs. William L. Mather Chairman Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Receptionist Miss Marjorie Burgess Librarian Oldest House Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Chairman Miss Ida Parker Receptionist Satler Memorial Albert F. Egan, Jr. Chairman Mrs. George A. Folger Reception Committee Chairman, The 1800 House Miss Ethel Clark Chairman The Old Jail Norman P. Giffin Chairman William L. Garnett Receptionist The Old Mill Henry B. Coleman Chairman John E. Greene Receptionist The Whaling Museum W. Ripley Nelson Chairman J. Everett Chapel Custodian Mrs. Herbert Foye Receptionist Mrs. Ellen D. Chace Librarian Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Substitute Receptionist Bertram E. Morris Substitute Receptionist John H. Kittila Substitute Receptionist

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 12

July 1964

No. 1

CONTENTS

Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff The Sheep's Commons Fight, by Emil F. Guba

2 ......

5

Henry Coffin Carlisle, by W. Ripley Nelson

17

The Satler Memorial, by H. Errol Coffin

19

Friends Meeting House, by Katherine Seeler

23

Annual Reports

24

Recent Events

34

Diary of William C. Folger, Edited by Nancy S. Adams

35

Legacies and Bequests

39

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 $3.00 ; Sustaining $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00.

Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Copyright, 1964. Nantucket Historical Association.

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

NANTUCKET, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Boatman's Necklace. Some of the Rainbow Fleet at Straight Wharf before it was rebuilt.

5

The Sheep's Commons Fight

BY EMIL FREDERICK GUBA AINT John de Crevecoeur, the gentleman farmer of colonial America, visited Nantucket during the Revolutionary War period and gave us a pastoral description of the island. He wrote: "Barren in its soil, in­ significant in extent, inconvenient in situation, deprived of materials for building, it seems to have been inhabited merely to prove what mankind can do when happily governed. Who would imagine that any people should have abandoned a fruitful and extensive continent, replete with good soil, enamelled meadows, rich pastures, every kind of timber and with all other materials to render life happy and comfortable — to come and inhabit a little sand bank to which nature had refused those advantages?" (J. Hector Saint John de Crevecoeur "Letters From An American Farmer", 1782.)

The original settlers sought to meet their general sustenance needs from the land by a common ownership of the island and a common interest in the general prosperity in the form of a corporation directed by trustees.

There were 10 original purchasers and 10 partners, making 20 whole-share owners, and 14 tradesmen each owning half a share, making a total of 27 owners or shareholders of common and undivided land. None of the land was held by individual right and no part was subject to partition or in­ heritance to members individually except the houselot land of 42 acres to each full shareholder. The proprieters met each year for a regulation of the 27 shares of land to tillage and pasturage. They governed themselves by major vote wholly independent of any other body of men or govern­ ment. The original patents from successive governors of the Province of New York continued upon the annexation of Nantucket by the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in 1693 and again after the American Revolutionary War in accordance with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massa­ chusetts.

The common and undivided land originally comprised about 29,000 acres. This area was divided into units of l'/2 acres which was considered the necessary amount of land to pasture one sheep called a sheep's common.

This gave 19,440 sheep's commons. It gave 720 sheep's commons as a stock­ ing right to each of the 27 shares. One share also represented pasturage for 45 horses or 90 cows on the plan that 16 sheep equalled the pasturage for one horse and eight sheep for one cow. Thus a horse common was the equal of 24 acres, a cow's common of 12 acres of land.

The plan on which the common and undivided land was used and managed produced little or no benefit to the owners. It was the custom of the Proprieters to change the site of the planting fields each year to avoid impoverishment of the land from continuous cropping. The annual privi­ lege of possession for one year was no encouragement to the possessor to Dr. Guba, Commonwealth Professor Emeritus in the University of and a botanist by profession, through many summers' sojourn on acquired a lively interest in the history of this island. He is the author Odyssey", and of "Revolutionary War Service Role", published NANTUCKET of July 1963.

Massachusetts, Nantucket has of "Nantucket in HISTORIC

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

give the land manure, fertilization, or lime, or any permanent improve­ ment. There could not have been a worse system of crop agriculture.

During the Revolutionary War period, large tracts of land were set off as divisions in severalty into 27 shares as an encouragement for each proprieter to improve his share, and to give to the proprieters the wood and the peat thereon for fuel in order to relieve the suffering imposed by the blockade of the island by both the British and American sides. Southeast quarter was laved out and assigned to each owner in 1775, Coskata in 1778, and Squam in 1779, also Tapasha's Swamp for the purpose of making peat for fuel available. The share remained at 720 undivided parts but the area allotted to each share varied with the size of the division.

The proprieters as an organization had no control over the divisions or "dividend lands" after they were set off. Each proprieter was allotted his portion in proportion to his right. Thus the person who held 45 sheep's commons or 45/19,440 of a share of the common land would also own 45/720 of a share in the divisions.

Then by 1810 each share owned in severalty 180 acres comprising mostly peat swamps, beach, meadowland, and some tillage land. A few proprietors fenced their dividend lands in severalty. The corporation at its expense fenced forever the entire tract of dividend or allotted land.

Inhabitants, not proprieters, would pasture a cow for three or four dollars per year and in addition pay a small expense of a herdsman who would take the cattle in the morning and return them in the evening. The cost of a herdsman, unless his service was shared with others, was prohibitive.

Fences were necessary to enclose stock; and the land generally being weak and destitute of water, the allotment of a proprietor's small portion would not even equal the cost of a fence to enclose it. Ownership in common provided general fencing, access to water, beaches, and good pasturages.

Many families were supported on the little interest inherited from their 'ancestors, i.e. one or two sheep's commons. They lived as independent yeo­ manry. It was a family convenience to own sheep's commons and to have the right of keeping a cow or some sheep in a manner not to intrude on public regulations or to distract attention from the major business of whaling. A few owned more than 800 sheep's commons or more than a share. A general division would be disadvantageous to the small proprietors and it could not be done unless by major vote of the corporation.

Some idea of how the sheep's commons were bought, sold, and in­ herited may be learned from the Books of Records of the Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands of Nantucket.

On May 18, 1772, Jethro Mitchell bought of Tristram Starbuck ninety sheep's commons with all the privileges in the undivided lands as appeared by deed recorded in the Eighth Book of Records on page 96.

Bachelor Hussey's last Will and Testament provided: First. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Susanna Barnard three Cow's Commons with all the undivided lands belonging or appertaining to the same on the Island of Nantucket to her, her heirs and assigns forever.

Second. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Lydia Coffin three Cow's Commons, etc., etc.

THE SHEEP'S COMMONS FIGHT

7

Third. I give and bequeath unto my daughter Elizabeth Chase three Cow's Commons, etc., etc.

On May 8, 1803, William Coffin II bought of Jemima Pinkham two Cow's Commons with all the privileges in the undivided lands as appeared by deed recorded in the Seventh Book of Records, page 370.

Shubael Coffin derived from his father Zephaniah Coffin one hundred and twenty sheep's commons with all the privileges and from his grand­ mother Macy, five and 5/6ths sheep's commons with all the privileges as appeared by wills.

Originally only the undivided fractional portion of the share (1/720) was bought, sold, and exchanged, but this undivided interest kept in the same family became after a few generations badly decimated by inheritance so that its ownership became lost. In acquiring shares by inheritance, frac­ tions were bequeathed as low as 3/48ths of a sheep's common or 3/48ths of l/19,440ths of the common and undivided lands. Inheritance so badly decimated the share after a few generations that a perfect title by deed was impossible.

The proprietors corporation kept careful records on divisions of land, apportionment of pasturage and tillage, naming localities, marking high­ ways, sheep ear marks, the doings of the proprietors, establishment of wind­ mills, fulling mills, etc.

Originally there were 27 proprietors. In 1795 there were about 300 proprietors and in 1811 there were 312 and Obed Macy, Richard Mitchell and Paul Gardner, Jr., were the wealthiest proprietors and each owned one share or 720 sheep's commons.

On January 1, 1811 there were 313 proprietors and 19,440 sheep's commons rights. Isaac Coffin, Esq., Charles Folger, Esq. and Obed Macy were a committee of overseers and Sylvanus Starbuck was the proprietor's clerk. The denomination of five shares as examples of the composition of the other 22 shares, is as follows: No. 1 Obed Mitchell 720 No. 2 Richard Mitchell 720 No. 3 Paul Gardner, Jr. 720 No. 4 Francis Macy 263 13/16 Abigail Macy 29 1/5 Eunice Gardner heirs 68 Phebe Gardner 48 Peter Coffin heirs 212 9 1/2 Joseph Swain & wife 7 1/3 Uriah Pinkham 67 Robert Coffin heirs William Hammatt's children 3 1/2

No. 17

Total Edward Carey Benjamin Swain Reuben Swain heirs Jeremiah Coleman

720 1/3 505 94 78 22 1/2

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Samuel Carey Ebenezer Hussey heirs

8 12

Total 719 1/2 Each of the 27 shares comprised groups of proprietors and their amount of interest. Ownership of the shares was changed by inheritance and sale, and thus the organization and interests of each share was revised each year.

The head of each share owned the largest number of sheep's commons, and the fellow members in each particular share were tenants in common in that share.

In 1812 several persons together owning more than 2,000 sheep's commons desired their interest in the whole remaining proprietary to be set off to them in a single parcel by itself. The organization, "Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands of Nantucket", declined. The minority disliked the system of land tenure. They tried at several proprietors' meet­ ings to obtain title in severalty to certain tracts of land. These people were called "sensible people". They were ship owners and merchants, not farmers.

The interest of some was below 50 sheep's commons and altogether they owned 4/27ths of the rights to the common and undivided land or a little more than four shares.

The petition for partition and assignment of their parts to petitioner!, in severalty was entered before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Couit at Dedham, County of Norfolk, in October, 1810. The petitioners and their status were as follows: Owned by purchase Petitioned for Name 829/ 19,440t 1 share 720/19,440 Richard Mitchell 955/19,440 800/19,440 Obed Mitchell 417/19,440t 363/19,440 Jethro Mitchell 542/19,440t 521/19,440 Edward Carey 65/19,440 63/19,440 Robert Folger 110/19,440f 110/19,440 Tristram Hussey 86/ 19,440f 86/19,440 Zaccheus Hussey 44/19,440 22/19,440 William Coffin 37/19,4401 38/19,440 Peter Chase 62/ 19,440t 55/19,440 Peter Hussey 24/19,440 24/19,440 Susanna Barnard 33/19,440 David (Paul) Mitchell 33/19,440 16/19,440 16/19,440 Aaron Mitchell 32/19,440 32/19,440 Christopher Mitchell 3252t 2883 Total The defendants were Sylvanus Starbuck, 85 years of age and for 32 years agent and clerk of the Proprietors organization, Shubael Barnard, Richard Macy, Josiah Barker, and Francis Macy.

The petitioners as tenants in common claimed that they could not possess, or improve the lands while they lay common and undivided and that they lost the profits of them. Benjamin Whitman, Esq. represented the plaintiffs; Samuel Dexter Jr., Esq. and Joseph Hall, Esq. the defendants.

The case was brought in March 1811 to Boston before the Supreme Judicial Court for the counties of Suffolk and Nantucket.

THE SHEEP'S COMMONS FIGHT

9

As the case came to trial an intelligent narrative on the subject by an anonymous proprietor was published in 1811 by J. Belcher, Boston, entitled Nest of Love Disturbed or the Farmer's Dialogue for Nantucket".

He wrote that "the partitioners are mostly natives of the Island and the names of some of them are those to whom we have been instructed to apply as the models for regularity". In conclusion he wrote, "However much I am opposed to the measures they are pursuing, if it proves they are right and are proceeding according to the best wisdom, they will eventually obtain so as for the inhabitants and Island to flourish. If the reverse proves to be the case, they may have enough to bear without any molestation from me".

The respondents in opposition cited the Act of the Commonwealth, March 7, 1804, "An Act for the better management of the lands, wharves and other real estate on the Island of Nantucket," which replaced the Act of March 10, 1784. The plaintiff argued that new regulations authorized in the Act of 1804 were not sufficient in law to bar petitioners from main­ taining a petition for partition. The Proprietary claimed the exclusive right to divide, dispose, cultivate and feed in a corporate capacity and that it was not competent for any member to have any portion of the corporation set off by petition for partition. It was alleged that partition and ownership in severalty would require each individual to fence his own allotment in the dividend lands or not improve them. It would be economically impossible for the small proprietor to fence and maintain the fencing. It would appear that the petitioners could expect no benefits from partition.

The case was continued to the March term, 1812. Sylvanus Starbuck was summonsed to appear before the Supreme Judicial Court with all the corporation records. Sylvanus Macy acted as proprietor's agent throughout the proceedings at Boston and in all he made nine trips to Boston. William Coffin II represented the petitioners and sometimes he was accompanied by Benjamin Coffin. In July, 1811 there was no court. The judges were sick, and Obed Macy wrote in his diary, "The lawsuit between Petitioners and Proprietors remains to be unacted upon by way of trial and it is hoped it will ever remain so".

Meanwhile Grafton Swain, Richard Gardner, Mathew Barnard, John Clasby, Dinah Barker, Joseph Brown, David Mitchell, Josiah Coffin, and Peleg Easton, members of the corporation, died leaving heirs to whom their interests descended. Thereupon, attorney Joseph Hall requested that the petition be dismissed but he was overruled. The death of some of the pro­ prietors was not sufficient cause for bar and abatement of the whole subject.

The petitioners amended by striking out Edward Cary, Robert Folger, and Christopher Mitchell. They were unable to prove to the court that they owned the quantity of land named in the petition. Three others did not include all their rights and the petition was amended.

There was a partial trial of the case in May, 1812. The court was adjourned to July which was disappointing to the petitioners; and Obed Macy wrote, "Alas, how uncertain is human calculations in cases of Law, especially when influenced by prejudice and not guarded by that principle of justice and equality that would generally enable us to judge with reason".

The court adjourned to November, 1812, but there was no trial again; and Obed Macy wrote, "which I think is sufficient warning to avoid the law,

10

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

but when we are forced into it we must either give up our rights or meet our opponents. In this case it may easily be imagined there is wrong some­ where, for could the parties have agreed to arbitration (which was indirectly offered to the petitioners and refused) it might have been settled long ago."

The proprietors' meetings at Nantucket during this period were both hectic and solemn. The petitioners protested the meeting of November 21, 1812 to regulate the 27 shares and to lay out a cornfield while the case was before the court. James Coffin, Charles Folger, and Isaac Coffin, Esq. were appointed to regulate the 27 shares. Objections and a protest signed by Tristram Hussey and Obed Mitchell were put into the records. The job of assessing was given to the same assessors at $5.00 pay and it caused much complaining.

Sylvanus Starbuck, clerk, had lost possession of the proprietors records (July 27, 1811) and admitted having given the records to Francis and Richard Macy, who on January 8, 1811 were voted a committee to represent the proprietary as agents before the Supreme Judicial Court. The petitioners protested that the business transacted at the meeting was illegal.

The case finally went to trial in March, 1813. Attorneys Dexter and Hall pleaded that the petition would destroy the corporation, that the case should have been tried in Nantucket rather than Boston. Sylvanus Starbuck pleaded to withdraw the case from the jurisdiction of the court and submit it to arbitration, but the petitioners refused and it was left to the judges and jury to decide. Obed Macy wrote, "The confusion and embarrassment which will inevitably ensue, if they have their petitions granted, excites fears in the minds of people beyond expression".

The end of the venerable and respected Sylvanus Starbuck came on May 11, 1813, near the age of 86 years. The strife between the two factions now became increasingly bitter.

The court ordered that Richard Mitchell, Obed Mitchell, Jethro Mitchell, Tristram Hussey, Zaccheus Hussey, William Coffin, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Mitchell, Peter Hussey, Peter Chase and'Susanna Barnard recover against the respondents, to wit, Josiah Barker Jr., Francis Macy, Richard Macy, and Shubael Barnard.

The verdict of the jury found that "the petitioners named in said petition, excepting David Mitchell, deceased and Christopher Mitchell, Edward Carey, and Robert Folger, who were struck out of the petition, were seised of the land and premises described in Said Petition of Said Petitioners as tenants in common and in such proportions in manner and form as Said Petitioners have set forth in Said Petition."

The court ruled that the owners of the common and undivided lands were tenants in common and entitled to partition of the lands by petition. It was declared that the grants of lands to individuals in severalty was no different from the usual grants by the proprietors to individuals collectively.

The warrant to divide the lands was issued to three commissioners, Benjamin Coffin, Captain Thaddeus Coffin, Esq., and Jeremiah Lawrence, Esq., Sheriff of Nantucket County. They were ordered to prepare a correct plan and a written report. The plan set off a tract of more than 2,000 acres, called Plainfield, to the petitioners for their full shares. Thereupon

THE SHEEP'S COMMONS FIGHT

11

these persons ceased to be proprietors. The commissioners expenses were $915.47.

A serious defection led by Josiah Barker, Jr., developed in the ranks of the respondents. This minority group of proprietors entertained tolerable and sensible ideas, but the circumstances only aroused deeper animosities and prejudices among the whole body of proprietors.

A statement bearing 24 signatures of subscribers and proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands, headed by Josiah Barker, Jr., was sub­ mitted to the consideration of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, dated at Nantucket November 27, 1813, protesting the methods used by respondents to obtain signatures against the Report of the Commissioners appointed to make partition. The statement implied "that the Commissioners acted judiciously in setting off the land in a remote place where it will less interfere with us subscribers and remaining proprietors than any spot they could have selected", and that the Commissioners "acted with a due regard to justice and impartiality". The statement alleged that persons opposed to the Commissioners' report "are not well informed on subject and others are actuated from ill-founded prejudices and deep spirit of party. We lament that such a spirit prevails but trust it will never be permitted to impede the current of justice". Obed Macy, in his diary referred to the statement as monstrous and implied that the commissioners were not qualified. Two were seamen and not acquainted with the land and the third was a hatter from Connecticut, now a sheriff. The signers of the petition in the opinion of Obed Macy were a minority of proprietors who had always opposed the Proprietors "without regard to their own interest - if they can but keep up the side of Federalism."

The proprietors were opposed to the set-off to Richard Mitchell and others where the Commissioners had allotted it. Isaac Coffin Esq. by power of attorney represented the proprietors at a proprietors meeting. Many did not sign the power of attorney and were told that they would lose the land they held in severalty for many years if they did not sign. With this power of attorney Isaac Coffin Esq. governed the whole business of the proprietors' meetings agreeable to his own pleasure and succeeded in ob­ taining a vote opposing the acceptance of the Commissioners' report. He was supported in the proceedings by Sylvanus Macy whom Coffin on his power of attorney appointed as proprietors' agent. Josiah Barker Jr. further deposed (Boston, December 13, 1813) that he was sent for a widow who informed him that, "she had been kept from sleeping several nights in consequence of a hint or speech of Mr. Sylvanus Macy by which she supposed she would lose her land she had held for years in severalty in case the petitioners pre­ vailed and obtained their land".

On May 10, 1813, Benjamin Bunker deposed that the whole Island comprised 29,380 acres and 91 rods, the divided land equaled 7,769 acres, 34 rods, the common and undivided lands 21,611 acres and 57 rods. The petitioners were entitled to 2,520 acres; 2,124 acres had been set off to them.

This land allotted to the petitioners and fenced by them would keep l/3rd as much stock as the petitioners were entitled to keep in common. Walter Folger Jr. on December 4, 1813, deposed that the land set off to the petitioners is worth two of the remaining common land. The land set off

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

to the petitioners was free of beachgrass, mealy plum vines, and had scarcely any barren heath. Middle Pasture set off in the Mitchell petition produced grass that continued the greater part of the winter and was enclosed with fence and was the best land for winter pasture for sheep. There was no other land of the same magnitude in the remaining common land of the same value and if it were divided into like parcels, much of it would not be worth fencing.

Reuben Bunker deposed that two acres of land set off was worth three of the remaining common land. Judah Chase deposed on November 4, 1813 that the land set off to partitioners was free of light beach grass­ land, free of mealy plum and barren heath. One sixth of the remaining common land was barren heath and mealy plum, representing about 6,000 acres exclusive of beaches.

The Commissioners' set-off in the Middle Pasture, which was worth double or more to a common average, led Obed Macy to write on Sep­ tember 29, 1813, "Now we begin to see the effects that is likely to come upon us." ". . . If it should be adopted, it is likely to lead us into many difficulties, some of which begin to show themselves".

It was a chartered privilege that the proprietors' business was governed by a major vote cf the interest present at meetings. The court destroyed the authority of the charter and placed the corporation in a state of con­ fusion. It was feared that the dividend lands with improvements made by those who owned them would revert to common and undivided lands. "If this is to be the state of things the peace of Nantucket is lost". In support of the petition was a small company of the richest class on the Island.

The Commissioners, petitioners and respondent's agents were in Boston in December, 1813. Tristram Hussey had the power of attorney for all others. This was Sylvanus Macy's ninth voyage to Boston in a last effort to nullify the report of the Commissioners. Macy took 39 depositions to Boston in support of the contention that the Commissioner's set-off was worth double or more. The commission was sworn to set off the petitioners proportions "according to Quality and Quantity."

Tristram Hussey in the final stage of proceedings thought best to relinquish the whole plan as it respected himself and to apply every means to prevent the petitioners from obtaining the land set off. To this end he gave Isaac Coffin, Esq., one of the proprietors' agents, full power of attorney to do all in his power to upset the petitioners. There was so little equality in the set-off that some of the petitioners agreed to give IV2 cow's commons on the remaining Common Land for one cow's common within the set-off if the Court accepted the report of the Committee of Survey (commissioners).

The anonymous proprietor, who published the question and answer narrative entitled "Nest of Love Disturbed or The Farmer's Dialogue for Nantucket," stated the proprietors' answer to the question, "what advantages can petitioners expect?" "I do not know except the gratifying idea that a little more than four shares should give laws to more than 22 shares.

If they had accepted arbitration the issue would not have been so prejudiced as it now threatens. It is feared that the event will be more ruinous than the value of the land."

As the case was drawing to a final decision late in the year 1813,

THE SHEEP'S COMMONS FIGHT

13

Obed Macy wrote, "The danger the rich are in of being blinded by their riches and thereby bring poverty and distress upon their poor friends and neighbors. No end to want of a rich man; the more he accumulates the more envious he becomes except he is guided and governed by the unerring spirit of truth which is Love and wisheth well to all and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to those who are in need. It is void of contention, animosity, and strife or anything in the least degree contrary to the spirit of Christ.

Could we all view these things as they are, how soon should we settle all things in dispute and become a family of Love."

No person appeared before the Court in December, 1813, to oppose acceptance of the Report of the Commissioners except, Sylvanus Macy, proprietors' agent and attorney.

Under the most gloomy circumstances the case was argued on December 17, 1813 and left with Associate Justice Isaac Parker. Sylvanus Macy returned to Nantucket on December 22 and on December 30 the Court ruled in favor of the petitioners. The document, signed by 24 defecting proprietors, appeared to have great weight. It excited the astonishment of the spectators and even the Court itself in that it implied that the Commssioners were governed by equity and justice. The Court charged the petitioners with the cost of the survey amounting to $950.00 and also ruled that they could not shut up the old roads leading to and through the set off land.

Thus to the mortification of the petitioners things were not all sunshine. The whole amount set off to the petitioners was 2,170 acres and 158 rods, which represented the privileges of 2,267 sheep's commons, the number on pe­ tition for partition. The execution was dated January 5, 1814.

The first proprietors' meeting after the Supreme Court decision took place on January 4, 1814. All the 39 depositions presented to the court and the remonstrance signed by 24 proprietors in favor of the petitioners were read for the benefit of the public. They were so opposite in the tenor of their language that consternation, objection, embarrassment, and agitation developed on the scene.

Distress was rampant on the Island. There was great want of bread.

The country had been at war with Great Britain, and the Island was in the grip of an embargo. The political strife between Republican Democrats and Federalists was bitter. It was a ruinous period for Nantucket. The poor were begging in the streets and a soup kitchen was operated for them. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent on December 24, 1814.

The petitioners or proprietors of Plainfield closed the "west fence" and "fenced up" the town road to Siasconset. Also a turnpike was made of the road adjoining the South East Quarter, and many felt that the right of passing in the road was illegally taken from them.

An interesting document on the subject was written by Walter Folger, Jr., in 1816 entitled "Some Observations on the Impropriety of the Peti­ tioners having their Land Severed from the Body of the Proprietors", as follows: "Everybody had free access to undivided lands without expense or molestation. The poor had free access to brush and peat for firing. All the roads and watering places and beaches were accessible to all the public.

The petitioners for partition of Southeast Quarter had forbade the public

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the privilege of passing and another part of same road was stopped by gates of another petitioner."

Folger wrote, "If present petition for partition of Southeast Quarter obtains, it will destroy the Patent and with it all rules and regulations that so long have preserved us in peace". . . ."Those who petition for partition would want their part set off in a nice spot with no bad features or they would expect to take their proportion in all the different tracts described (Middle Pasture, Cow Pasture, Hummocks, Plains, Long Woods, Madeket and Smith's Point, Town Pasture) with all their embarrassing circumstances.

What is to become of those that are left to take the last? Of course it must be the poorer class, when in the way they are now in, they are as independent as the great owners. But alas, these all would be lost."

With the great set-off to Mitchell the number of sheep's commons was reduced from 19,440 to 17,172. There being less common and undivided land, the denominator was now 636 instead of 720, meaning 84 less sheep's commons to each of the 27 shares.

Now the person who owned for example 45 sheep's commons or 45/19,440 of a share of common and undivided land and 45/720 of a share of the old divisions, owned 45/636 parts of a share of the new divisions.

The wish of the majority now appeared to divide to each proprietor his share in fee simple and to give him power to manage his affairs in his own way; but many of the small proprietors and the prejudices of the older inhabitants favored the original system. The court directed that if an owner of any portion of a share desired to hold his part by deed a formal application would be made to the courts and commissioners would be appointed to set off the portion.

The affairs of the Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands of Nantucket had gotten into a bad state. Cow's commons were $10 to $12.

This value was extremely low in contrast to their value of $40 shortly after the Revolutionary War and $50 to $60 later. The feeling prevailed that all the lands should be sold or allotted. The two locations for shearing and washing the sheep for the east and west portions of the Island were abandoned 'and a large tract of land on the east side of Miacomet Pond was chosen.

Pens were erected there at an enormous expense. The changes in ponds caused a loss of more than 1,000 sheep and lambs out of the flock. Other difficulties followed.

Some 200 proprietors asked to have their land set off where it best suited them. The corporation, fearing further partitioning of the remaining land, on petition to the courts proceeded to allot all of the remaining land to the remaining proprietors in severalty except some 5,000 acres of land of no value. In 1821 many acres were set off as dividend lands, i.e. Trotts Hills, Head of Plains, Smooth Hummocks, and others.

The land became badly cut up to the detriment of the corporation. By 1821 many useless fences on the land were sold by the corporation to pay its debts. Thus the land was opened to the stock at large and the owners were deprived of tillage. Everybody, whether proprietors or not, was stocking the land. The number of sheep's commons and the number of proprietors became inconsiderable.

THE SHEEP'S COMMONS FIGHT

15

The common and undivided lands of Nantucket continued to be allotted by petition for partition and the cancellation of rights in exchange for specific set-offs throughout the nineteenth century. At the dawn of the twentieth century only 864 sheep's commons remained of an original total of 19,440.

In the great set-off in 1813 one acre of land was given in exchange for one sheep's common. In January 1872, Henry Coffin and Mathew Barney were granted 35 acres of land at the Cliff in exchange for 70 sheep's commons, or Vi acre for each sheep's common. Thus the value of a right was in a range of Vi to 1 Vi acres of land, depending upon many circum­ stances. The attendance at the proprietors' meetings dropped to almost zero, and the interest in the corporation appeared lost.

After the year 1900, the Nantucket Cranberry Co. and Franklin E. Smith of Boston, its treasurer, acquired by token purchases most of the remaining sheep's commons, and share interests and engrossed by exchanges the swampy area about Gibb's Pond that later became the largest cranberry bog in the world. In 1906, Franklin E. Smith and the Nantucket Cranberry Co. owned 613 5/sths sheep's commons of a total number of 864 remaining.

Smith elected his own proprietors who accepted his applications for land and payments of shares for land.

In 1913, Smith acquired 60 pieces of land at the exchange rate of one sheep's common per acre of land. Then, later, he engrossed large tracts of land for small token payments of sheep's commons, i.e. for these sheep's commons he acquired 400 acres of land in Polpis; for eight sheep's commons, 1000 acres of land in the center of the Island. In 1925, Smith took inclusive set-offs instead of specific pieces of land and he got control of the abandoned and disputed land. For these set-offs and acquisitions of land up to the year 1927, Smith cancelled only 88 5/15ths sheep's commons. In 1938 Smith held 580 47/120 sheep's commons as Treasurer of the Nantucket Cranberry Co., and 29 of them in his own name. Both of his holdings were left to his family upon his death in 1952.

The Massachusetts Land Court began operations at Nantucket in 1910.

Clear titles were issued to those who were allotted set-offs in exchange for rights. Smith's tactics caused much indignation and the feeling against him ran high; nevertheless he acted within the law. By his acquisition of large tracts of land in exchange for token payments of sheep's commons there would obviously in the end, remain a substantial number of sheep's commons but no land for exchange. This was the situation in 1938.

After 1938 a sheep's common could be described as a nebulous thing of doubtful value, except that it represented a tenancy in common of the proprietors in whatever was held by them as common and undivided land.

In addition to Franklin E. Smith and the Nantucket Cranberry Co., there were sixty-one other proprietors, each with less than one to ten sheep's commons, and the Town of Nantucket which held thirty-seven of them.

In the cancellation of sheep's commons for land, the great ponds and the land under the great ponds were never the subject of petition for partition.

Thus the proprietors maintained their jurisdiction over the great ponds and

16

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

some of the roads to the ponds and beaches. In 1841, the proprietors con­ veyed Long Pond, Madaket Harbor and Madaket Ditch to the Town of Nantucket and the deed-gift was accepted by the Town at a legally warned town meeting. The acts of the Massachusetts General Court, Chapt. 24, 1840 and Chapt. 76, 1841, gave the Town of Nantucket the authority to protect the fisheries in Long Pond, Madaket Harbor and Madaket Ditch. In 1855, Chapt. 337, the Massachusetts General Court directed the Town of Nantucket to make by-laws and ordinances expedient to the preservation and protection of the fisheries in all the ponds and creeks in the County of Nantucket, and the town accepted in 1856. Subsequently, the General Court has passed numerous acts affirming and repealing these earlier acts.

Chapter 216, Acts of 1943 repealed the exemptions previously held by the County of Nantucket under the General Laws, Tercentenary Edition, Chapt.

131, Sec. 40-41, as amended by Chapt. 599, Acts of 1941, and gave to the Director of Fisheries and Game, State Department of Conservation, the administration of the fisheries in all of the Great Ponds of the Common­ wealth including the six Great Ponds of Nantucket.

In 1957, the Town of Nantucket voted to purchase 570 and 27/100ths sheep's commons and nine shares in The Plains and Smooth Hummocks held by the Nantucket Cranberry Co. and 29 sheep's commons of the late Franklin E. Smith, both now owned by the Smith family, for the sum of $4,500. The action of the Town of Nantucket was validated by an act of the Massachusetts General Court in 1957.

The question of the jurisdiction over the Great Ponds of Nantucket has never been adjudicated further than a Nantucket District Court decision to the effect that the right to fish the Great Ponds of Nantucket is a corporate right of the inhabitants of Nantucket and that the fishing of the ponds without a license is not a violation of the state laws. By the 1957 act of the Massachusetts General Court, validating The purchase of the controlling interest in the Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands of Nan­ tucket by the Town of Nantucket, the last such corporation of land-owners irvNew England passed out of existence.

17

Henry Coffin Carlisle 1886

1964

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON

Henry Coffin Carlisle, of San Francisco, California, and Nantucket, died from a sudden heart attack at his home in San Franciscp early Thursday morning, April 9th, 1964, at the age of 77.

He was born in East Orange, New Jersey, July 31, 1886, an eighth generation direct descendant from Tristram Coffin. He was the son of Mary Swift Coffin and George L. Carlisle, of London, England, and the grandson of Henry Coffin who built the brick house at 75 Main Street which was owned and occupied by Mr. Carlisle as his Nantucket summer residence.

When he was five years old Henry Carlisle's family moved to New Rochelle, New York, where he lived until through college. His preparatory schooling was at Freeland Tutoring School, New York. With a group of friends, who later became eminent leaders of the mining industry, he grad­ uated first from Yale in 1908 and then from the Columbia School of Mines, as a Mining Engineer, in 1910. After engineering work at Ray, Arizona, and Tonopah, Nevada, he spent several exciting years examining mines in Bolivia, Chile, and Nicaragua. In 1916 he examined and then for three years managed the rich Mandy copper mine in northern Manitoba, 700 miles north of Winnipeg, and then 100 miles by canoe or dog sled from the near­ est railway point. After successfully working out the Mandy, he became Manager of the Nevada Wonder mine in Nevada, and later Consulting En­ gineer in charge of exploration for Tonopah Mining Co., with headquarters first in Tonopah and then in San Francisco where he had offices with Ira B. Joralemon for 41 years.

Beginning in 1926 Carlisle engaged in general practice as Consulting Mining Engineer, examining and advising the operations of many companies.

His experience and excellent judgment made possible successful outcomes at several properties that had lost millions of dollars at the time he took charge.

During the Second World War, Carlisle spent tw^ years with the War Production Board and Metals Reserve Company in Washington and was largely responsible for the success of these agencies in providing the greatly needed, and until then scarce, ferro-alloy metals.

In 1958 he retired from active practice, but maintained his office in San Francisco and his home at 2511 Broadway. For many years he had been greatly interested in early San Francisco history, and wrote an account of the origin of street names that was widely circulated. He devoted much time to making tape recordings of interviews with engineers who were leaders of the mining industry. Copies of the tape recordings have been added to the historical records of Columbia University and other organizations. Several of the recordings have been published in "Mining Engineering," the magazine of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers.

The brick house at 75 Main Street, Nantucket, was inherited by Henry Coffin Carlisle on the death of his brother, Lister. It is one of only two of Nantucket's old brick mansions still owned by a direct descendant of the original owner, having been continuously in the family for 131 years.

J8

HISTORIC NANTUCKI.T

The old house was built in 1833 by Henry Coffin. He and his brother, Charles G., sons of Zenas Coffin, one of the wealthiest men in the country, successfully carried on their father's business as merchants, candle manu­ facturers and owners of a large fleet of Nantucket's best known whale ships.

Henry Coffin was active in public welfare and one of the largest land owners.

It was he who planted 40,000 pines and larches brouaht from England and unknowingly the heather now growing on Nantucket. Henry Coffin died in this house in 1900 at the age of 93.

Henry Coffin Carlisle was very proud of his Nantucket ancestry, so it is easily understandable how, when he inherited his grandfather's house and family heirlooms, he devoted much of his time during his summer residence to converting the attic of his home into a family historical museum. Here he had log books, whaling implements and trophies of the chase, charts and letters between ship masters and owners.

Here it was, too, that he entertained friends by extending a cordial invi­ tation to "come aboard for a gam." Here it was he made recordings of inter­ views with Nantucketers many of which have been given to the Nantucket Historical Association. He also made a recording of the sounds of Nantucket Island which, together with his recorded narration thereon, he placed on public sale and donated the proceeds to the Nantucket Hospital Thrift Shop.

His special interests on Nantucket, aside from his home, were the Nan­ tucket Atheneum Library and the Whaling Museum of the Historical Asso­ ciation. As a Trustee and a Proprietor of the Atheneum he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Henry Coffin, who, with his brother Charles G. Coffin, helped found the Atheneum and to rebuild it after the catastrophic fire of 1846. His donations to the library included the new bookcases recently installed during the enlargement and restoration of the library space.

At the Whaling Museum he served as a member of the Museum Advis­ ory Committee. Through his suggestions, -planning and generosity he was responsible for the rearrangement and better presentation and labelling of of numerous exhibits and for the installation of new ones. Of the latter, one w-as the outstanding exhibit of old world-wide charts used by Whalers and Merchant Mariners and bearing many interesting Masters' recordings of voyages.

Among the organizations of which he was a member are Mining and Metallurgical Society of America; American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers; Mining Club of New York; Yale Club of New York City; Engineers Club of San Francisco; California Historical Society; Society of California Pioneers; Nantucket Atheneum, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Yacht Club, and the Wharf Rat Club of Nantucket.

On July 11, 1925, Henry Coffin Carlisle married Mary Gorgas, at the Mare Island Navy Yard. Since then their home has been at 2511 Broadway, San Francisco.

To Carlisle's professional and community achievements were added a warm and generous personality that made him loved and admired by hun­ dreds of friends. He was always interested in the welfare of others, and his contagious cheerfulness made all who knew him happier.

19

The Satler Memorial (Hadwen House) 96 Main Street

BY H. ERROL COFFIN I. HISTORY: The residence at 96 Main Street acquired by the Nantucket Historical Association through the generosity of Mrs. Stacy Knopf (Jean Satler) has been owned by three families.

Hadwen family 1844 to 1864 Barney family 1864 to 1923 Satler family 1923 to 1963 On November 12, 1844, William Hadwen bought from the heirs of Benjamin Cartwright, for $2,500, the land at the South-East corner of Main Street and Pleasant Street and shortly thereafter built the neo-classic dwelling now to be known as "The Satler Memorial."

William Hadwen, a silversmith, came to Nantucket in 1820 from New­ port, Rhode Island, to practise his trade. James Easton, one of Nantucket's most illustrious silversmiths, spent his apprenticeship with William Hadwen.

Photo by Bill Haddon

Oil portrait of William Hadwen which hangs in the Satler Memorial.

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mrs. Lucile P. Bell, who once lived at 96 Main Street, has in her possession some fine examples of Hadwen's art and craft.

It was not long until William Hadwen became a whale oil merchant and candle-maker. In the 1851 issue of "Rich Men of Massachusetts," ap­ peared the following: "William Hadwen began poor. Oil and candle manu­ facturer. Formerly in the jewelry business in Providence, R. I. Benevolent individual. Worth $150,000."

In 1822 he married Eunice Starbuck, one of the three daughters of Joseph Starbuck, who built for his three sons the brick dwellings now known as the "Three Bricks."

Joseph Starbuck's six children all lived in the same vicinity on Main Street; the three sons at 93, 95, and 97, opposite the three daughters, Mary Swain at 92, Eunice Hadwen at 96, and Eliza Barney at 100.

Eliza Barney was the wife of Nathaniel Barney, the partner of William Hadwen. These two built and operated the brick "candle house" on Broad Street, now the Whaling Museum of the Nantucket Historical Association.

William Hadwen died March 22, 1862, willing the dwelling and land to his widow Eunice Hadwen. As they were childless, a proviso in the docu­ ment provided that upon the decease of his widow the property should go to Joseph S. Barney, the son of his partner.

On January 1, 1864, Eunice Hadwen died and the property came into possession of Joseph S. Barney. He died without will on December 22, 1905, so the property descended to his heirs, comprising his widow, two sons and two daughters.

The remaining heirs, on October 8, 1923, conveyed the property to Charles E. Satler, who owned it until his death in 1944, at which time his widow Maria B. Satler inherited and was in possession until her death on September 9, 1962. By her will her daughter, Jean S. Williams, was left the property.

On October 3, 1963, Mr. George W. Jones, President of the Nantucket Historical Association, received from Grace M. Henry, Counsellor-at-law, the following notice: "Mrs. Winthrop Williams (Jean Satler) wishes to make a gift of the property known and numbered 96 Main Street, the Hadwen house, owned by her family since 1923, to the Nantucket Historical Association in memory of the Satler family. Mrs. Williams will include in this gift most of the furniture and furnishings."

The "Hadwen House" has thereby become one of the most valuable possessions of the Nantucket Historical Association. For this magnificent gift due appreciation is hereby expressed.

The owners of this house have always been noted for their hospitality and sociability. For example, even though industry on the island was at low ebb, due to the decline of whaling, a festive event took place in the house on January 26, 1874. It was a reception and dinner in honor of Miss Mary F. Eastman who had lectured at the Atheneum on women's suffrage. Among the guests were many descendants of the original settlers: Coffins, Gardners, Macys. Starbucks, and Swains. The lecture, reception and dinner was spon­ sored by "Sorosis" (women's club). Mr. Joseph S. Barney was host and Mrs. Linda Barney, hostess at the house. At this time there was a basement dining

THE SATLER MEMORIAL

21

room, used generally by the family. When entertaining, as previously men­ tioned, on special occasions food was served to the first floor by means of a dumb-waiter.

II. THE PROPERTY: The exterior design of the house is a wooden adaptation of the Roman Temple with four, two-storied Ionic columns surmounted by a classical en­ tablature and pediment. The front of the house is five bays wide. The center three bays covered by the porch.

George Allen Fowlkes, in his book, "A Mirror of Nantucket," developes the theory that Hadwen was influenced by similar buildings erected in the vicinity of Newport with which he was familiar.

Although not authenticated, judged by the type and style of the carving and details, it is believed that the building was planned and built under the diirection of Frederick Brown Coleman. The Atheneum, Methodist Church, and remodeling of the Unitarian Church are examples of his work.

Architecture always reflects the civilization of the time; e.g. in Nan­ tucket the early dwellings of the 17th century were extremely simple, planned primarily for shelter. The 18th century houses, although more commodious, indicate the austerity of the Quakers. The important buildings erected from 1800 to 1840, during the golden age of whaling, express the wealth and taste of the owners, in plan, materials, details, and restrained facades. The two com­ panion mansions at 94 and 96 Main Street, built by William Hadwen, are a far cry from those erected under the influence of Quakerism. These elegant homes were conceived for effect and impression on beholders. They were built at a time representing the apex of prosperity from whaling, shortly before the decline of the industry.

The plan of the Satler House, as it now exists, varies from those of the other mansions built immediately preceding it, which had double parlors on either side of a central hall. There is an extra room on the Pleasant Street side which was last used as a breakfast room and previously as an office, in part a later addition. There are double sliding doors between each two of these three rooms, so that they could be opened into one large room for entertaining. The small bedroom over the former office was enlarged at the time the office was converted.

Another exceptional arrangement is the dining room house was not planned that way as there is evidence of wall between dining room and kitchen. The service wing, and servants' rooms, has been rearranged since originally

at the front. The alteration in the including kitchen built.

An elevator, later installed from rear parlor to second floor, has been removed since the house came into the possession of the Nantucket Historical Association.

There are very few pieces of furniture remaining in the house which date to the Hadwen occupancy. The Empire and Victorian furniture has been acquired and installed by subsequent owners. It is hoped by acquisition and gift that this furniture may be replaced by pieces suitable to the time in which the residence was built. Since taking possession of the property, the

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Nantucket Historical Association has recently received, thankfully, some ap­ propriate gifts which are now on exhibition. Among these are a portrait of William Hadwen, hung over the dining room mantle, and ten dining room chairs originally in the Henry Coffin House at 75 Main Street.

The wooden balustraded fence on the front and Pleasant Street side is a reproduction of the original fence. When Mr. Satler purchased the prop­ erty the wooden fence had been replaced by a post and pipe fence. He, after considerable research, found a photograph showing the original fence and had this meticulously reproduced.

It is planned to make of the ample grounds at the rear of the building a real, old-fashioned Nantucket garden, using, where possible, many of the plants indigenous to the Island.

All these matters will, of course, take time. But eventually the Nan­ tucket Historical Association will be able to present to the public an out­ standing example (becoming increasingly rare) of a period in our American society when living was less complicated and, perhaps, more gracious than it is today.

23

Friends Meeting 1963

BY KATHERINE SEELER

THE group of Friends on the Island who met this summer during July and August are very grateful to the Nantucket Historical Association for the use of the old Meeting House on Fair Street. There is a special atmosphere about this old building, with its memories of Friends of long ago and the simple, plain interior, which certainly adds to our Meeting.

While there are only about fifteen people on the Island during the summer who are members of Friends Meeting, our attendance ranged from 25 to 50. Some people come regularly every summer who are not members of any meeting, and visiting Friends find their way to the Meeting House.

This summer there were many questions about the actual procedure of a Friends Meeting, so it might be interesting to describe it very briefly. Of course anyone is welcome, but it is considered polite to come on time (which in our case is 10:45) and to remain until the end (11:30). Meeting begins for each person as he enters the room. Usually there is no speaking for the first fifteen or twenty minutes and, as old Friends used to say, this gives the meeting an opportunity to "center down." Anyone who has a religious mes­ sage to give is welcome to speak, but it is not considered good form to use the audience for political speeches, historical dissertations, or anything not definitely related to a meeting for worship.

In a very good meeting the first speaker establishes the subject matter, and the following speakers may refer to this subject, or be inspired by the first message to contribute further on the same theme. It is also custom to consider prayerfully each message for a time before the next speaker rises to speak. Sometimes, also, the silence in a meeting is as eloquent and moving as the speaking. At the end of the meeting, the two people who have already been designated, shake hands, which is a signal for others to shake hands, and the meeting is over.

There is no doubt that the horizons of today have greatly widened.

Friends no longer live in their own communities, but we still feel, many of us, part of the old tradition of Friends and for this reason especially it is a great privilege to be able to meet in the old Friends Meeting House.

24

Annual Reports THE ANNUAL MEETING of the members of the Nantucket Historical Association is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 21, 1964, at the Friends Meeting House, Fair Street, at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon. To expedite the procedure, reports of Chairmen and Secretary-Treasurer are recorded here. Any member having questions regarding the reports may present such questions during the business meeting. The President's report will be pre­ sented at the meeting.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT New Members — July 1, 1963, to May 31, 1964 Life Mrs. Verna Ross Mr. Walter Beinecke Mrs. Elizabeth J. Y. Sharp Mrs. Walter Beinecke Mr. Randolph Sharp Mrs. Marshall Crawford Mrs. Arthur Fennekshl Sustaining Mr. Charles F. Palmer Mr. George Joy Cartwright Mr. James G. Crowley Annual Mrs. J. R. Judson Miss Elizabeth Albertson Mr. Matthew B. Judson Mrs. Roger W. Baird Mr. Pieter M. Judson Mr. Franklin Bartlett Mr. Kurer Verena Miss Nancy Beckwith Miss Ann Lamontain Dr. Raymond C. Bice Mr. William K. Lyons Miss Ann E. Boody Mrs. William K. Lyons Miss Kathy Jane Burgess Rev. Charles R. Montieth Mr. Wendell Carlson Mr. Robert F. Mooney Dr. Donald S. Chase Mrs. Lee Morgan Miss Jeannette Claire Miss Judy Morris Mrs. Samuel P. Connor, Jr. Miss Joan Morris Mr. Robert L. Coe Mr. Laurence Mortenson Mrs. Paul J. Coffin Mrs. Alice Murray Mr. Aubyn Coffin Miss Helen Nemeth Dr. William Pepper Constable Mrs. Cornelia Parker Mrs. Thomas Devine Miss Josephine Phillips Mr. William T. Dexter Mrs. William K. Rashhaum Mrs. Leslie Dodge Mr. Samuel Raymond Miss Jane E. Doughty Mrs. John Reddington Capt. Paul Henry Dunn Miss Elizabeth Reddington Mrs. William W. Dyer, Jr. Mrs. Barbara Reilly Mr. Kendall S. Ewer Mrs. Jane E. Shamamian Miss Margaret Ewer Mrs. Ruth M. Enyeart Mr. Harrison H. Smith Mr. Richard P. Swain Miss Ann Finkle Miss Gladys Folger Mr. Shelley Thrasher Mrs. George Van Pelt Mrs. Rita J. Ford Mr. Wilfred L. Ward Mr. Don A. Ford Mrs. Wilfred L. Ward Miss Margaret F. Fox

ANNUAL REPORTS

Mrs. Leonard W. Giles Mrs. Edward K. Gleason Mr. Edward K. Gleason Dr. Hayward W. Gussman Mr. Philip N. Hall Mrs. J. G. Halsey Miss Margaret L. Hance Miss Alice J. Haven Miss Priscilla Hayward Mrs. William F. Howe We are saddened by the loss Mr. William C. Brock Mrs. John H. Ballantine Mr. Henry Coffin Carlisle Mr. Charles H. Coffin Mr. J. Paul Coffin Mr. Burnham Dell Mrs. Mary C. Ditmars Mr. Lewis A. Dyer Mr. Henry C. Everett Mr. Montaigu F. Folger Mr. Harrison Gorman Mr. Arthur C. Hayden Miss Elsie Jernegan

25

Miss Marjorie Weirich Mrs. Rhea E. Welch Mrs. Truman D. Weller Miss Lynn E. Wernle Mr. Stuart S. White Mr. William A. Wiedersheim Mr. Alexander Williams Mr. Raymond S. Worth Mr. James R. Wright Miss Barbara K. Wyman ;h death of the following members: Mrs. A. E. Marshall Mr. Stokeley Morgan Mr. W. G. Pollak Mrs. Alfred C. Prime Mrs. George Rule Mrs. Joseph C. Starbuck Miss Florence Schepp Mrs. Don Day Swain Mr. Lawrence J. Tillman Miss Mary Walker Mrs. R. F. Williams Dr. John P. Willman

The total membership, June 1, 1964, is as follows: Life 180 Sustaining 90 Annual 945

Total 1224

These figures do not include resignations received or annual delinquent members, many of whom join only for the current summer season. It has been our policy that when no reply is received from the second notice, and after a reasonable period of time, members are droppd from the registry.

Reinstatement may be made at any time upon receipt of dues.

Since it is the membership dues which help support our organization we do appreciate suggestions as to possible prospects for new members.

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

1963 3298 6585 1755 5041 3524 29078

1962 3041 5593 1766 4479 2657 25842

1961 3334 4631 1265 4286 2898 21962

1960 2557 4720 1268 3460 2504 16817

1959 3642 5133 1123 3128 1968 19244

49281

43378

38426

31326

34238

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

THE new book published just two years ago called "The Coffin Family," edited by Louis Coffin, of Cincinnati, Ohio, has proved to be very popular.

Books have been sent to forty-three states, Canal Zone, Canada, and Eng­ land, proof that you may find a member of the Coffin family anywhere in the world.

The book is a genealogy tracing back to Tristram Coffin, one of the first settlers of the Island of Nantucket. There are still copies available, but the supply is limited. Orders should be sent to the Nantucket Historical As­ sociation, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Ethel Anderson, Secretary

Gifts and Donors

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CURATOR

HISTORICAL MUSEUM — Fair Street Austin, Mr. and Mrs. David: Quaker Books, "Patent Models," pictures, etc.

Blackmur, Miss Eleanor: Old fashioned bonnet — infant's clothes.

Burkwell, Ruth E.: Linens.

Bunker, Col. Laurence: Silver Medal — relief of Franklin on one side.

Burnside, Mrs. Irving: 21 lightship basket molds — various sizes and shapes.

Carlisle, Mr. Henry C.: Letter and Commission of Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin; Deed drawn at Newberry fold home of Tristram Coffin) and witnessed by him.

Chadwick, Alcon: Old bills, teacher's appointments, etc., relating to Nantucket.

Comstock, Mrs. Edith: Letters, journal.

Crocker, Miss Alice: Silver spoons, china, samplers, books, etc.

Davidson, Mr. Louis: Photographs.

Folger, Walter Weston: Photostats of five Folger Wills.

Folsom, Merrill: "Great Mansions of America."

Ford, Mrs. Harry L.: "Swift" decorated with mother of pearl, made by lames T. Eldridge of the Bark "Congaree," New Bedford.

Gardner, Miss Grace Brown: "Records of William Spooner of Plymouth.

Mass., and his Descendants"; Pictures.

Gardner, Dr. William E.: Photo of Zenas Coffin house; Class picture; Coffin School.

Gibbs, lay: Horns of Oxen driven ashore from steamer "Island Home" frozen in 1881.

Gray, Mrs. E. A.: Lace scarves, parasols, boxes, etc.

Greene, Norman loy: Decorated Box, Moses loy 1799.

Hutaff, Mrs. Grace Elkins: Two miniatures, Martha Gardner, Mary Sprague; Two portraits, Elizabeth Aldrich Elkins and David Elkins.

Kittila, John: Photo, Nantucket Auction of Old Mill, 1897.

Lamb, Franklin: Wall Telephone.

Nantucket Historical Trust: Copy of Map showing Friends Meetings in New England, 1782; Painting of Nantucket house, A. H. Cleaves, 1867; Papers of Valentine Swain, Horace Swain, Giffin Barney; Books and pamphlets and photos of Nantucket, etc.

Norcross, Allen: Wooden pestle from Norcross farm in Quidnet.

ANNUAL REPORTS

27

Paige, Miss Louise Foiger: Lightship basket with cover, belonged to John Folger.

Peabody, Est. of George: Map showing Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties, 1858: Spectacles.

Romer, Mrs. Scott: Infant's clothes.

Schepp, Miss Florence: Linens.

Swain, Mrs. Preston: Lace fichus worn by Miss Mary (Molly) Starbuck.

Todd, James: Papers of Mitchell family (personal).

Willard, H. A.: Photostat of Willard Hotel register showing bill incurred by A. Lincoln.

1800 HOUSE Jernegan, Est. of Miss Elsie: Small wing chair, child's chair.

Peabody, Est. of George: "Log Cabin" quilt.

WHALING MUSEUM Baker, Mrs. Adelbert: Brooch brought home from a whaling voyage by Thomas Bearse to his wife.

Bunker, Col. Laurence E.: Log, Steam Bark, "Mary & Helen," 1886-1888.

Calkins, Mrs. Gladys: "Pine Mat" from Samoan Island.

Comstock, Mrs. David: Log of bark "Anahuac."

Folger, Dr. George: "Merchant Vessels of U. S." 1961; Tools.

Gilbert, John: Tools.

Kerins, Mrs. John: Journal, Whalship "America."

La Farge, Samuel: Tools.

Levine, Morgan: Merchant Vessels of the U. S., 1891; "Whales," E. J. Slejped.

Mendonca, John B.: "Beetle" Cat boat and rigging.

Nantucket Historical Trust: Log of Bark "Cachalot" of New Bedford, 18581860; Whaling and Sealing pamphlets.

Navy Department: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. II, 1963.

Reed, Victor: "Watch books" and Journal, Brant Point Lighthouse, 1936 1943.

Saito, George: Japanese translation of "Moby Dick.'

Schell, Mr. and Mrs. Carl: "Boon Island," Kenneth Roberts.

Stackpole, Edouard: "Disaster on Devil's Bridge," Hough.

Warren, Rupert: Clock.

Williams, Est. of Winthrop: Collection of Scrimshaw, 283 pieces, ship models, canes, "Swifts," whales' teeth, jagging wheels, etc.

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN

THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM on Fair Street continues to attract visitors from many states and foreign countries. Because of the variety of our ex­ hibits we have something of interest, we hope, for all our guests.

Lack of space, which plagues all museums, forces us to rearrange col­ lections to take care of new accessions. This poses a problem as we hesitate to remove items which have proved interesting through the years.

Mrs. Elizabeth Worth will again welcome visitors and answer numerous

2.8

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

questions in her cheerful manner. Mrs. Walton Adams who served as Li­ brarian last year will be succeeded by Miss Marjorie Burgess.

The Quaker Meeting House is used on Sunday during July and August by visiting Friends.

Each year we are amazed at the variety of questions about the exhibits as well as at the information we gather from visitors about specific items on display. We hope that we can be of service to an increasing number of people who visit the museum — either to "look" — or to gain information on genea­ logical matters.

The Oldest House

BY MRS. FRANCIS W. PEASE, CHAIRMAN

ANOTHER successful year has passed for the Oldest House, with the admis­ sions numbering 7034. Miss Ida Parker, our receptionist, was again on hand to helpfully answer the many questions asked and offer assistance to the guests. Mrs. Louise Hussey served as Miss Parker's relief.

We are still in need of period furniture for the two upstairs chambers which would greatly add to the charm of the house.

The season for 1964 opens with a new chairman, Mrs. Edith (J. Clinton) Andrews, who is a well known local resident. Miss Parker will again serve at the reception desk.

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

PAID ADMISSIONS for the 1963 season scored a new high record for a total of 29,078 persons, which was 3236 more than for the preceding year of 1962-1963. Of the total for the season, 24,913 were adults and 4165 chil­ dren under 12 years of age. This breakdown is of special significance for it shows that the increased attendance was largely by adults, namely 3176 as against only 60 children under 12 years of age. Again the Whaling Museum attendance accounted for more than 50 per cent of the total admissions for all Association buildings and exhibits, its total of 29,087 being slightly over 59 per cent of the total admissions of 49,281.

The "Guests Registry Book" showed 44 states were represented in 1963 as compared with 43 in 1962. Five of the seven states not represented in 1962, namely, Utah, Arkansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana, were represented in 1963 leaving only Wyoming and North Dakota unrepresented in the two years. Visitors from foreign lands represented 23 countries as compared with 28 in 1962 and 22 in 1961. The list included England; Can­ ada; Nova Scotia; British Columbia; Argentina; Chile; Austria; Germany; Spain; Holland; Sweden; Norway; Italy; Switzerland; Ireland; Japan; Pak­ istan; Thailand; India; New Zealand; Bermuda; Pitcairn Island, and The Philippines. Several cities were listed in a number of these countries. Here is continuing proof that instead of Nantucket men roaming the seas, the world now comes to Nantucket.

Many donations of a variety of articles have further enriched the mu-

ANNUAL REPORTS

29

seum exhibits as will be noted under the Curator's report on "Gifts and Donors."

The major, most interesting and important addition to the Museum exhibits is the scrimshaw collection of over 300 items of the late Winthrop Williams, which was bequeathed by Mr. Williams to the Association. The major part of this interesting and unusual collection is now displayed as a unit in a large, specially built case located in the center of the scrimshaw room, the other cases having been rearranged to make this possible. Special light­ ing facilities have been installed for this exhibit and the other rearranged exhibits which insures excellent visibility of the Museum's most unusual collection of csrimshaw.

Included in the "Williams" collection are six remarkable scrimshaw ship models, evidence of outstanding craftsmanship. Three of the smallest, carved from whalebone, are exhibited as part of the collection in the scrim­ shaw room. Three other models of much larger size are displayed in spe­ cially built cases in the South Seas room and the Library where other ship models are exhibited. The bequest adds about 50 scrimshaw canes of various and some unusual designs to the already large collection displayed in the Scrimshaw room. Small carved model of 23 species of whales, porpoises, dolphins, and sharks, mounted and displayed as a framed picture which now hangs in the scrimshaw room, is another of the unusual items in this collection.

The task of protecting and preserving our many valuable exhibits prompted further work in Sanderson Hall. Some of the exhibits heretofore openly displayed on shelving and on the walls adjacent to the spermaceti press have been enclosed by building display cases covered with transparent sheeting. This permits a better display and eliminates the damage and loss from handling.

Work has been started also on relabeling our exhibits and providing de­ scriptive data thereon. For this purpose a new typewriter with special, large type, easily read, such as is used by other museums, has been purchased and will be available for use not only by the Whaling Museum but also by our other exhibits.

The project of indexing and cross referencing our log books is being painstakingly carried forward by our Librarian, Mrs. Ellen D. Chace. During the past season, while answering questions of the many library visitors which, on some days, numbered as high as 700 people, Mrs. Chace read eleven logs, recording the important events reported. This brings the total number completed to date to 90. During the winter this data has been recorded by Mrs. Chace on 3x5 cards, thus creating in permanent form a ready and valuable reference file for research work in which many visitors are interest­ ingly engaged.

The Museum opens the 1964-65 season with all of its veteran staff members to welcome the public. James Everett Chapel serves again as Cus­ todian of the Museum and has special supervision of Sanderson Hall, South Seas, and Portrait rooms and the second floor hall. Mrs. Bernice Foye, is again at the reception desk and in charge of the Counting room and the Scrimshaw room collection. Special credit is given to her for setting up the Williams collection exhibit and the rearrangement of the other exhibits which, with the limited space available, seemed to be almost an impossibility. Ber­ tram E. Morris is responsible again for the Whale Craft Shops. Mrs. Ellen

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

D. Chace, whose reputation as an authority about whaling and the data in our library is widely recognized, is again in charge of the Library. Mrs. Reginald Hussey returns as Relief for the Reception Desk and Library. John H. Kittila will serve again as Relief for Sanderson Hall, South Seas, and Por­ trait Room and the Whale Craft Shops.

The Museum suffered a great loss in the death of Henry Coffin Carlisle, who had served as an active member of the Museum Committee. Through his advice and generosity many improvements have been made in exhibits of the Museum and new exhibits of unusual interest have been installed and will be further developed, all of which will stand as worthy memorials to a loyal and outstanding "Son of Nantucket." Except for the loss of Mr. Car­ lisle, the Whaling Museum Committee remains unchanged, the members being Charles F. Sayle, Mrs. Marriott F. King, Albert F. Egan, Jr., and W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman.

The museum opened auspiciously for the 1964-65 season on Friday, May 29th, so Memorial Day weekend visitors could visit the Museum. The Annual Open House, when a cordial invitation was extended to visit the Museum as guests, was held Sunday afternoon May 31st. One hundred and sixty persons were welcomed as visitors, the largest number ever attending except for the year the total was inflated by the attendance of 300 Boy Scouts, who had attended a weekend Island Camporee.

Being fully conscious of the world-wide reputation of our Whaling Mu­ seum and its importance as one of Nantucket's leading attractions, our staff will make every effort as in the past to build good will and friendship by extending a warm and cordial welcome to all visitors.

Advertising and Publicity

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON

THE advertising program, as in past years, was divided into three classes: (1) local newspapers; (2) magazines and directories; and (3) cards and leaflets.

Newspaper advertising, as heretofore, was limited to the local newspapers, now consolidated into one paper. It included the season opening announce­ ments and the admission schedules for all exhibits. Notices regarding the Annual Meeting were published in July, and in August invitations were ex­ tended to the public to attend a showing of photographic slides of "Old Nan­ tucket Views" with descriptive comments by President George W. Jones.

The final advertisement appeared in February announcing the Fifteenth An­ nual Gam. Magazine and Directory advertising was unchanged from the previous year, which included one-third page display in "Nantucket Holiday" and "This Week in Nantucket." The usual listing of exhibits was given in "The New England Council" summer publication and several other vacation guides.

The Opening and Admission schedules, cardboard signs, were distributed as usual in June for display by the hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and some Island businesses. The Association leaflets describing its buildings and exhibits were distributed as usual, at each building. Copies of "Main Street" and "Rambles Through the Historic Nantucket District" continue in popularity and are available at all buildings.

31

ANNUAL REPORTS

News stories on Association activities were released as in the past to tht local newspaper and to one off-Island paper having local circulation. The news story value resulting from these releases continued well in excess of the cost of local advertising, thus providing excellent headline publicity by the Press at practically no cost to the Association.

Bulletins and Pamphlets published by the Association were handled as usual by the Publication Committee until near the end of the year. At that time it was decided to merge the Advertising, Publicity, and Publication Com­ mittees, which was done on the recommendation of the committees involved.

The new committee is now composed by two members, namely, H. Errol Coffin and W. Ripley Nelson. This committee will endeavor to maintain the high standards of the past in presenting the Association's advertising and publicity in historically instructive and dignified form.

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1964 EXHIBIT A FREE FUNDS: Pacific National Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Mary E. Macy Fund Maria Mitchell Starbuck Fund Whittenken Fund Mary C. Milleken Fund Coffin Genealogy

$ 4,516.31 13,093.24 500.00 3,000.00 1,000.00 5,273.46 3,365.25

TOTAL LAND, BUILDINGS, and COLLECTIONS: *Satler House Fair Street Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail 1800 House West York Street — Land Nantucket House Hose House Collections Furniture and Fixtures

5 30,748.26 ' 8,000.00 8,800.00 4,500.00 4,000.00 10,000.00 1,834.00 5,350.00 100.00 30,000.00 400.00 10,304.00 407.92

TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS — (Resolution) Life Memberships Old Mill Preservations Jethro Coffin Fund TOTAL

93,695.92 9,158.22 845.71 615 97

10'61990

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

32

RESTRICTED FUNDS — (Principal Only) Sidney Mitchell Emma Haywood William Swift Florence Mitchell Fund Susan Brock Ella M. Starbuck

3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 21,441.65 1,000.00 3,000.00

TOTAL

35,441.65

RESTRICTED FUNDS — (Principal and Interest) Will Gardner

625.39

TOTAL

$171,131.12

NET WORTH Restricted Funds and Capital Surplus Expendable Surplus

$140,382.86 30,748.26

TOTAL

$171,131.12

* Value of portion of Title (4/10) received to 5/31/64.

Statement of Income and Expenditures Year Ending 5/31/64 EXHIBIT B Income DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS: Whaling Museum Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House

Expenses

Net

$14,762.35 1,426.55 3,546.81 856.80 985.30 895.80

$9,518.20 1,854.95 1,107.36 1,608.84 972.15 1,060.68

$5,244.15 (428.40) 2,439.45 (752.04) 13.15 (164.88)

22,473.61

16.122.18

6,351.43

4,871.63

4,468.59

403.04

TOTAL OTHER INCOME and EXPENSES: Annual Dues $1,710.00 Sustaining 918.00 Interest and Dividends 1,595.20 Donations 560.05 Refunds and Miscellaneous 88.38

33

ANNUAL REPORTS

SPECIAL EXPENDITURES (Authorized by Council) Pamphlets 279.00 Historic Nantucket 35.10 Fair Street Fence Museum Signs Lectures 41.00 Sale of Land 50.00 Fire Extinguishers Lighting and Covering Exhibits Miscellaneous TOTAL

598.00 584.30 201.43

(79.15) (2,499,21) (210.02) (137.92) 11.00 50.00 (598.00) (584.30) (201.43)

$27,750.34 $25,244.90

$2,505.44

358.15 2,534.31 210.02 137.92 30.00

EXHIBIT C. SPECIAL PROJECTS Franklin Folger Memorial Whaling Museum — Charts and Labels Satler House Old Mill Coffin Geneaolgy Coffin Saga TOTAL

Balance $ 163.21

Income $ 184.90

(115.81)

692.04 5,000.00

439.20 3,093.31

124.40 2,746.32

698.70

33.27 15.00

$2,918.12

$6,575.64

$3,644.63

$

Expend.

Balance 63.85 $ 284.26 137.03 1.906.69 124.40 3,411.75 (15.00) $5,849.13

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 re­ flect the true condition of the Association.

Ormonde F. Ingall, Accountant

34

Recent Events EVERY spring right whales in varying numbers, being no longer the object of man's pursuit, move through the waters off Nantucket and Cape Cod in a leisurely migration from the warm South to the more comfortable North.

In this operation a few whales not infrequently will work their way fairly close inshore to scratch themselves on the sandy bottom in an effort to rid themeselves of barnacles and other parasites, and so be seen by for­ tunate watchers on the beaches.

We (never having seen a live whale before) were among the few, one glorious Sunday afternoon last April, to be given this opportunity. It was most exciting.

With friends, motor-rambling round the Island, we found ourselves on the ocean bank near the end of Hummock Pond.

One of the party called attention to what he thought was a man in a boat about a half-mile or so off-shore. Then suddenly he cried, "It's a whale!"

We looked. A pair of binoculars passed rapidly from hand to hand, and even the doubters were convinced when the thin black line, barely discernible against the water, suddenly emitted a puff of vapor, up-ended with a mighty sweep of a great black tail, and dove. Soon another whale broke the surface in the same way, spouted and dove, followed by yet a third. The trio, the largest of which we estimated to be at least fifty feet long, splashed and dove, seemingly in a mood of sheer sportiveness, until they moved out of our en­ raptured sight.

Needless to say, we created something of a sensation when we returned to Town to report our experience, especially with those persons who said they had never seen a live whale, and weren't we lucky.

It was for us a particularly interesting event, because it exploded another misconception about the habits of the whale gained from the old paintings and prints of whales in action which we had seen: namely, that the so-called "spout" of the whale is not a neat little plume of vapor, like a stream from a fountain, but a sudden "puff," a round ball of exhaust vapor, like smoke from a cannon, which bursts forward from the whale's nose into the air and vanishes. It stands to reason, of course, that a whale surfacing for a gulp of fresh air isn't going to release the pent-up gasses in his lungs in a con­ trolled "stream" any more than would a man in a similar situation. But the old artists, no doubt for dramatic effect (in the same way that they have represented whales floating high out of the water) have universally been guilty of this kind of "nature-faking."

So, when viewing an old painting or print of whales resting comfortably on their bellies (they would die if they did!) and spouting precise plumes of vapor from their "blow holes," remember if just isn't so. Whales, being smart animals, don't advertise themselves that way.

35

Diary of William C. Folger EDITED BY NANCY S. ADAMS (Continued from the April, 1964, issue of "Historic Nantucket") WILLIAM C. FOLGER was a direct descendant from Peter the 1st. He was born in Nantucket June 8, 1806. After gaining his education, he taught school here and, later, on the Cape and in Ohio. He also was a land surveyor for 50 years. He commenced the work of genealogical research about 1842 and pursued it until his death on November 10, 1891.

He gathered his material first from his relative Benjamin Franklin Fol­ ger and from the public records, from family history and old family bibles, and by correspondents everywhere. He was quite an aid to Mr. Savage in compiling his Genealogical Dictionary. It was entirely a labor of love and he left a worthy monument which has been carefully preserved. No one knew more about Nantucket land-holdings than did William C. Folger and, during the rest of his life after returning to the Island, he was frequently called on to settle boundary disputes too vague and uncertain for any court to handle.

His diary starts in the year 1835.

1839 June 17—I received a letter by mail from Aunt Elizabeth Worth in answer to one I wrote sometime ago informing her of the life and health of her son Aaron Worth alias Ferdinando Vale—She was well on ninth of this month.

June 19—My piece on the Friend's first burial ground & Meeting House was published in the Inquirer to-day. I wrote to father to-day and also received a letter from him. Shearing day, a circus and a musical concert all to-day.

I have not been to either.

June 20—1 wrote a letter to go to Aunt Phebe Coleman to Hudson and re­ quested her to try to get Wm. M. Bunker to get the aid of some influential men, in my favor as candidate for the post-office.

June 20—Thomas Smith gave me a letter to John P. Norton, the Collector at Edgartown.

June 22—I added 4 names to my list to-day. I gave my petition to Capt.

John H. Pease to take to New Bedford post-office and the letter to him also and ten cents to pay the postage on the letter.

June 25—Capt. B. Coffin gave me an invitation to come out on Seventh Day evening next.

June 29—I paid my tax to Zimri Cleveland, Collector, amounting to one dollar and 44cts. I went out to Polpis this evening and stopped at Capt.

Coffin's. june 30—At meeting at the school house this day and evening took tea ,vith Capt. B. Folger and family and rode down in evening with Freeman Sherman.

July i—I began to tend Asa G. Bunker's office for him to-day.

July 2—I went down and surveyed the land of Wesley Berry after tea, had Wm. Mitchell's protractor or compass. july 3 Rec'd a letter from father who sent by Capt. Jesse Lewis a canister for me to get him some oil. I bot of David Joy 2Vi gals, of pressed oil at 45 cts. Put it on board and wrote him a letter.

36

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

July 4—I went this forenoon to the North Church and heard Edward M. Gardner's oration, also the reading of the Declaration of Independence, music, etc. In the afternoon I wrote an article for the Inquirer on the subject of the inadequate enumeration which the female teachers receive in the public schools. Also sketched another article for the Inquirer: subject, Polpis School.

In the evening saw fireworks exhibited over the Mill Hills.

July 6—I let Asa G. Bunker have 12 dollars & took his note. I have worked for him four and a half days this week.

July 8—Went out to Polpis yesterday and stopped at Capt. Coffin's. I left there this morning and stopped & visited several of the families on my route down, also measured the school-room.

July 9—I got uncle Walter to write me a letter to Hon. John Forsyth the Secretary of State of the United States to get him to aid me to get the postoffice.

July 10—Peter F. Ewer gave me a letter to C. J. Mallette, Esq. the post­ master at Providence, R. I., which I got Asa Bunker to get sent for me— gave him 12Vic to pay the Steward of the steamboat to take it, had given the same amount for the latter to Forsyth. My piece on the female teachers wages — headed Liberty & Equality, was published in the Nantucket Inquirer.

July 13—My piece on Polpis School was published to-day in the Inquirer and I sent two papers out to Polpis. Saw Mary Ann G. that was — now Clark.

July 14—At the Baptist meeting 3 times to-day, also heard a moral reform lecturer at North Church (Dodge) also H. E. Wright at Atheneum.

July 15—I attended the lecture of Professor Spy this evening at Atheneum, had heard 2 of his lectures before, paid 25c each time for hearing him. I learnt to-day that James Mitchell, Esq., received yesterday his appointment as Postmaster of this place — so that my labors to obtain that situation for myself are lost, but I hope will prove beneficial in some other way to me. I wrote a letter to P. M. Malettee of Providence informing him of the result, so that if he had not already done anything he need not.

July 16—Attended the last lecture of Prof. Espy, the Rain lecture, I paid George Parker $1.50 being the semi-annual tax as proprietor of the Atheneum.

July 17—The Ship Mount Vernon, Imbert, arrived to-day at the Bar. (It is interesting to record that on the Ship Mount Vernon which arrived at the Bar on this date were First Mate Charles Grant, grandfather of Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, and Second Mate Henry Coleman, grandfather of Mrs. Roselle Jones.—Ed.) July 18—Saw Wm. Bennett and E. G. Harris, E. F. Harris of Polpis to-day.

July 19—Sarah G. Crowell got for a pair of thread socks for 50c. I got H. Smith to heel line them for 6c.

July 20—Wesley Berry paid me for surveying his land & making plot thereof, $1.25.

July 25—I got of Joseph James to-day 2 gals, of whale oil worth 45c per gal. to be credited to his acc't.

July 26—I exchanged the two gals, with David Joy, Esq., for some whitened whale oil & am to allow him 5c per gallon for exchange. I got of D. Joy twelve gals, of Manufactured & Whitened whale oil at 50c per gal. and had it put on board of Capt. Richard L. Handy for Cotuit Port. I went on board of the sloop with Capt. R. L. Handy after dinner and arrived at Cotuit Port about half past seven P.M. Paid him 35c for passage & freight of oil. Walked down to Hyannis being about five miles.

DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER

37

July 27—I got father's horse and wagon and went up to Cotuit, saw a schooner launched. Took in the oil and Wm. Gurrell accompanied me to Hyannis. I paid 10c for horse's feed.

July 28—We went to Universalist Meeting in forenoon and to the Baptist in afternoon. After tea I took William up to Cotuit & in going back I broke the wagon by the horse's raising his heels up against it in turning short on a corner.

July 29—I went to Barnstable, bot. a bushel of corn, 95c and 2c w snuff. I contracted with Henry Ainsworth to make a new box and seat to the wagon for 10 dollars for the box and 2 gals, of whitened oil.

July 30—I carted sea weed and helped father get in some hay. Adeline Snow buried.

Aug. 5—I have been two cruises with father after Whortleberries, and have been to Barnstable village several times after corn, etc. Have carted sea weed, hoed out among the mulberries and the carrots. I bot. of David Hinckley, Jr., boards and built a shed for the wagon. Bought more boards from Warren Hinckley. David Bearse was buried, aged 95 yrs.

Aug. 10—One Sunday I walked to Bass River & attended the Friend's Meeting, then crossed into Dennis. Paid 2c for crossing the Bass River bridge, went four miles, then went six miles through Dennis into North Dennis & went to the Unitarian church and heard Rev. Robert Folger Wolcott preach, returned through Yarmouth, Yar. Port, and Barnstable to Hyannis, all together walked 26 miles.

Aug. 13—I built over the shed & enlarged the hog pen. Carted sea weed.

Saw Mrs. Asa Bearse & widow Betsey Bearse, they were at father's to tea.

Aug. 15—I went to Barnstable & bot. half bushel corn $5c; broom 30c; box pills 25c. presented father. Took home old wagon box, the new one was primed but not painted.

Aug. 16—Father took me about four A.M. in wagon to Cotuit Port but when we got there found no vessel, saw John B. Coleman & wife & his mother.

Went back and worked on hay. A very severe storm came up rain & wind and blew down the corn.

Aug. 17—Started again for Cotuit Port at half past three A.M. afoot, found no vessel & returned. Visited Mrs. Chessman.

Aug. 19—Father carried me up to Judge Marstons village & I walked from there to C. Port and embarked about 8 A.M. for Nantucket in the Railroad, had a goodly lot of passengers.

Aug. 20—Got to Nantucket this morning about 5 A.M. Delivered a hymn book to Mary A. — from Mrs. Chessman. At A. Morse's this evening.

Aug. 23—Took tea with Jonathan Paddack & Family.

Aug. 24—I went to Pocoy with Josiah Folger. After tea I walked to Polpis & Stopped at Capt. Coffin's.

Aug. 25—I went to meeting at the School house, heard Freeman Sherman preach. Took part in the sifiging. Visited Stephen Parker & Silvanus Morey.

Walked down in the evening.

Sept. 1—I went to Baptist Church this afternoon with J. .

Sept. 2—I sent off two pair of stockings in the Railroad to Hyannis & a let­ ter to father.

Sept. 3—Grand Centennial Celebration at Barnstable.

Sept. 6—I have been reading American Antiquities by Joseph Priest. I re­ ceived from father a letter & two newspapers containing a pait of stockings —

38

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

made for me, I furnishing the yarn. Capt. John Riddell brot the letter. I got of Edward R. Folger — feet of Oak plank to make the beams of a lum­ ber wagon and began to work them out.

Sept. 10-—Bot last evening 8c w. biscuit & went out this morning to Great Point, stopping at Capt. Coffin's. Found a handful of beach plumbs — took tea at Uncle Aarons then walked down to Capt. Coffin's where I lodged over night and took breakfast. Visited Wm. Bennett and dined there, left in the afternoon & got a ride to town.

Sept. 18—I was at the dedication of Trinity Church this forenoon.

Sept. 20—I was at the Common School Association this day & in the eve­ ning I heard Hon. Horace Mann's address at the Unitarian Church.

Sept. 21—I shipped by Sloop Messenger, Crocker Merchant for my father 4 casks of Spring Strained Whale oil whitened, gageing as follows: 62 gals, at 50c amounting to $31.00.

Sept. 22—I bot a Byfield pig weighing 44 lbs. at 8c — 3.52 at the wharf & shipped on board the Messenger for Hyannis also a bushel basket & wrote father telling him of the articles shipped.

Sept. 23—I bot 12 sheets of paper, 12V2C. Finished reading Emancipation in West Indies.

Sept. 24—I went out to Squarn with J. F. graping & herbing, had but poor success.

Sept. 25—I met with the creditors of A this afternoon and we appointed as­ signees. I paid Samuel Jenks, Esq., $5.00 on acc't. Let Edward C. Hussey have Ten Dollars cash.

Sept. 26—Edward M. Gardner presented me with his 4th of July oration.

Sept. 28—Went out to Capt. Barna Coffin's this evening.

Sept. 29—Attended meetings at the school house.

Sept. 30—I this afternoon called on several of the citizens of Polpis and pro­ posed to them to unite in establishing a public Library for the use of all the inhabitants in that district, offering to give them $10 worth of books toward such a Library. Discounted Sarah Crowell's note for $25.00.

Oct. 1—Capt. Barna Coffin brot me a yellow pig with dark spots price $3.00.

I bot 1 lb. of nails to build hog pen. Borrowed two books of Peleg Mitchell to iend Mrs. Susan Coffin, wife of Barna.

Oct. 2—Got some pieces of old board and joists from back of the Episcopal Church by permission of S. H. Jenks, Esq. Bot bottle of Buffalo oil for hlVic. Oct. 4—Bot two shoats, one a barrow and the other a sow of Capt. Chris­ topher Starbuck for $9.00, paid 17c for carting. Bot 4 bushels of Canal (S) 55c.

Oct. 5—Bot 31 ads of sea weed 57c. 3V5 bush corn at 90c per bush. I con­ tracted this morning with Farnham Spofford for a stove pipe etc. also 3 benches for a School for $7.00 and am to pay at the expiration of a quarter.

Oct.7—I bot a white sow and a dark spotted one, of Chris. Starbuck for $16.00 and paid 20c for carting up. Paid Walter Folger, Jr., 12c for a key to chest lock of E.J.H. Oct. 8—Capt. Barne Coffin brot me another yellow pig with dark spots at $3.50. Let Lydia G. Bunker have one dollar. Paid 50c for three loads of sea weed.

(To Be Continued)

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 development of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by giving to the Association a legacy under your will, which will help to insure the Association's carrying on. Counsel advises that legacies to the Nantucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax law.

Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as directed by the donor. A sample form may read as follows: "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly or­ ganized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of dollars."

Legacies may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paint­ ings, or any objects having historical value, in which event a brief descrip­ tion of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

Please send all communications to Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. O. 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.

SATLER MEMORIAL: Main St. corner of Pleasant St. Daily 10 a.m. to 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.

FIRE HOSE-CART HOUSE: Gardner and Howard Streets. weekdays only. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

FOLGER-FRANKLIN SEAT and MEMORIAL BOULDER: Madaket Road. Open at all times free for rest and medi­ tation.

Admission is 50c to each exhibit, except 30c to the Old Mill and 30c to the Old Jail. No charge to the Fire Hose-Cart House, but visitors are asked to make a donation toward its upkeep in the box provided inside for that purpose. 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 exhibits may be obtained at the reception desk in the Whaling Museum for $2.00 per ticket. "Group" is defined as ten or more persons from any one organization. Members of the Nantucket Historical Association presenting 1964 and Life Membership Cards will be admitted without charge.