Historic Nantucket, July 1965, Vol. 13 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

The Relentless Sea — Post-Hurricane Surf Gnawing at the Madaket Shore

JULY, 1965

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, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert F. Egan Jr., Mrs. William L. Mather, Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman.

Treasurer, Norman P. Giffin.

Secretary, Miss Ethel Anderson.

Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Leroy H. True, Herbert I. Terry, term expires 1965; Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, A. Morris Crosby, term expires 1966; Miss Helen Powell, Albert G. Brock, term expires 1967; Mrs. Ernest H. Menges, Walter Beinecke Jr., term expires 1968.

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

Honorary Curator, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Curator, Mrs. William L. 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, Historical Museum, Mrs. William L. Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Hadwen House — Satler Memorial, Albert F. Egan Jr; Old Mill, Henry B. Coleman; Old Jail, Norman P. Giffin; 1800 House, Miss Ethel Clark; Fire Hose Cart House, Albert G. Brock; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews.

Chairman Receptionist Librarian Chairman Receptionist

Oldest House

Mrs. William L. Mather Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Mrs. Clara Block

Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Miss Ida Parker Hadwen House - Satler Memorial Chairman Albert F. Egan, Jr. Chairman, Reception Committee Mrs. George A. Folger The 1S00 House Chairman and Receptionist Miss Ethel Clark The Old Jail Chairman Norman P. Giffin Receptionist William L. Garnett The Old Mill Chairman Henry B. Coleman Receptionist Frank W. Ramsdell The Whaling Museum Chairman W. Ripley Nelson Custodian Walter W. Lindquist Receptionist Mrs. Herbert Foye Receptionist Bertram E. Morris Librarian Mrs. Ellen D. Chace Relief Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Relief Earle F. Weatherbee

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 13

July, 1965

No. 1

CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association and Staff

2

Dr. William E. Gardner — 1872 - 1965 Some Editorial Impressions

5

Miss Rivett and the Embroidery Classes

By Mrs. Walter Beinecke, Jr

8

The 1965 Gam

11

The Historical Essay Contest

13

These Fragile Outposts — A Book Review

15

Quaker Meeting — 1964, by Hannah D. Monaghar,

16

Annual Reports

17

Recent Events

31

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

32

Legacies and Bequests

35

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.

Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Copyright, 1965. Nantucket Historical Association.

Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 02554.

5

!r. HtUiam IE. (^arbiter 1872 — 1965 Some Editorial Reflections HEN Dr. "Will" Gardner died last March, some people were sur­ prized to learn from the local papers that he was not a native of this Island. It was a natural mistake, because in every respect, except the accident of his birth. Dr. Gardner was by family antecedents and devotion to Nantucket's interests as much a Nantucketer as any of the important men born on this island one might name. Indeed, coming early with his family to Nantucket, he spent the formative years of his youth in Nan­ tucket's schools, where he made many friendships that later were to serve him well in the years of his retirement from an active and demanding ministry in the Episcopal Church. Having an unusually retentive memory, as must any Historian, he could easily recall many of his boyhood associa­ tions and experiences — as he did at the "Gams" which he originated — even in the very late years of his life, when most people's memories become clouded.

Those retirement years were happy and busy, despite tht affliction which beset his wife and made her an invalid quite dependent on him.

They had been devoted wife and husband, travelling much together, in­ separable as two people must be who have no children, and to be deprived of her companionship as he had known it must have been hard indeed.

Still, he bore his cross without complaint, cheerful and indefatigable in attending to her wants.

Of these retirement years he wrote to a friend that he was spending the "twilight" of his life in historical writing about Nantucket. But Dr. Gardner s years in retirement had nothing of "twilight" about them. Rather, they were like the quiet afternoon hours, when an active man can relax to give time to contemplation and the doing of the things which lie closest to his mind and heart and which the cares and duties of a busy morning have prevented. For Will Gardner was alert and "doing" almost to the last year or two of his life. Hardly a day passed which did not see him at the Atheneum Library, busy in research or dictation and, in between times, at the familiar desk in his own well-stocked library. Here he delighted to sit and converse with casual or appointed visitor, referring to this or that book for verification of some detail on which he happened to be a bit vague, which was rarely. Callers were always welcome — who can forget "the cheery greeting as he opened the door of his Orange Street house, "Do come in, I'm so glad to see you." But if he happened to be busy and de­ sired privacy, the gentle tact with which he excused himself left the caller always with the impression that Dr. "Will" was genuinely sorry. "You must come again,' was never a mere figure of speech.

If those later years were a "twilight", what a setting of life's sun it was! From it came his two outstanding books, "Three Bricks and Three Brothers and "The Coffin Saga", together with letters, articles, the five

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"Memorials", and his famous "Rambles" and "The Clock That Talks", both of them standard publications of the Nantucket Historical Association.

The last of his books, "Triumphant Captain John," an account of the feud between Tristram Coffin and John Gardner, with its happy ending, appeared in 1958. When, finally, pressing years and failing eyesight forced him into inactivity, Will Gardner could look back contentedly to a measure of achievement during his retirement that would have sufficed for a life­ time of effort for most men.

So much for the later years. What of the years of Dr. Gardner's active ministry, vigorous years both arduous and sometimes difficult?

What was the impact of this patient, unostentatious, yet very human, man on his associates? In the May 1965 issue of "The Church Militant", appears an article by the Rev. John W. Suter, D.D., who succeeded Dr. Gardner as head of the Educational Department of the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. The article is short, but warm and revealing. With the kind consent of Dr. Suter and of Mr. George A. Douglas, Jr., Editor of "The Church Militant", HISTORIC NANTUCKET is privileged to reprint the article here. A. M. C. AS I

REMEMBER WILLIAM GARDNER

By JOHN WALLACE SUTER

IN WILLIAM GARDNER ONE SENSED a delightful mixture of courage and gaiety. His courage kept him going year after year in a crusade for better education in a Church whose members were so sound asleep that one could hear them snoring from the Atlantic to the Pacific. When he came home after an exhausting trip lecturing to many audiences and dealing with many individuals, I asked him what he had been doing. "Punching pillows," he replied. "I hit hard, they offered no resistance, and went on sleeping."

But he never gave up, was never sorry for himself. And by the time he retired he knew, as we all know, that his dedicated service had made a difference.

His gaiety, without which his courage might have been impossible, showed itself in the way he met the many attacks launched against him by conscientious persons whose dedication to the Church he knew to be the equal of his own. "Come now, and let us reason together," was the spirit he injected into every such encounter. With gaiety and gentleness he also restored the self-confidence of those who came to him discouraged and bruised and seemingly defeated. His gallantry was contagious.

At other times he was boisterous, as when he would "put on a show" during the annual conferences he conducted for educational leaders throughout the whole country: in the north, south, east, and west, in dioceses as far apart from one another in theological accent as Fond du Lac and Massachusetts. Into each conference he would bring a huge sheaf of galleyproofs of his forthcoming Annual Report either to the National Council or to General Convention, handing copies of them around to all of us, and asking for criticism both negative and positive. No punches were pulled: sparks flew: laughter and shouting sometimes brought the house down. But never did bitterness or rancor raise its ugly head. Why? Because William Gardner presided.

DR. WILLIAM E . GARDNER

7

As for the third quality in Robert Louis Stevenson's famous trilogy (courage, gaiety, and the quiet mind) — this I was privileged to observe and enjoy during visits to Will's summer home, "Gray Green Fields."

Here we spent many happy hours, dividing the time between work and play, the former consisting of proof-reading for the Christian Nurture Series, discussing policy, devising strategy, and planning training-classes to be held in conjunction with the next General Convention.

The foregoing impressions from memory as well as in memory, are very light sketches. Later a full accounting of William Gardner's ministry will appear in a book which, I am told, is already in the making. It is eagerly awaited by all who loved and worked with him, and should be of enormous help to Church historians.

8

Miss Rivett and the Embroidery Class

BY MRS. WALTER BEINECKE, JR. We on Nantucket are profiting from the rich experience of having Miss Emily Louise Rivett, Gateshead, England, stay on the Island solely to help further the advances of fine needlework in this country. That is a weighty thought, but weighted with truth. It would be difficult to imagine anyone who might have been a better person for this very demanding job.

Perhaps it would be interesting to note how the arrangements were made for Miss Rivett to come; it is a question 1 am always asked. One of the

Photo by Albert F. Egan, Jr. Miss Rivett explains to two of her class a "knotty" problem.

A finished stole hangs over the embroidery frame. finest silk thread houses in the world is Pearsall's, located in Taunton, England. Mr. Orr-Ewing, a director of this company, had been in touch with Nantucket Looms and had already facilitated the winding of some of Pearsall's embroidery silk onto cones for the Looms to use in weaving.

Two years ago, when Mr. Orr-Ewing was in the United States, he called on me. During the conversation I mentioned how difficult it was to obtain knowledgeable needlework teachers to train others in becoming teachers here. He said he personally knew a lady in England who was conMrs. Beinecke, with her husband, is an ardent antiquary, especially concerned with the older forms of hand-weaving and embroidery, interest in which she is striving to revive, not without considerable success in Nantucket at least. She was instrumental in the organization of the group that did the crewel work for the draperies in the restored Jared Coffin House and which has continued as "Nantucket Looms."

Miss RIVETT AND THE EMBROIDERY CLASS

9

sidered one of the very finest of instructors. She had never been out of England, but he thought knowing me and knowing her and knowing of the growing enthusiasm on Nantucket for embroidery, he just might be able to work something out. He most certainly did! Miss Rivett was presiding over a very important show when he arrived back in England and he went straight there to speak to her. On Mr. Orr-Ewing's personal recommenda­ tion, she consented to come. Then began the long months of preparation and arrangement necessary to obtain permission for such an indispensable lady to leave the country. We have all been impressed that the Education authorities were so hesitant to let her go. It would be very nice if such talent were so valued and so honored in the United States.

Miss Emily Louise Rivett had her first lessons in embroidery and design when only eight years of age, with the Misses Williams of Man­ chester and Nelson, the former still being in existence. At the age of six­ teen, she was a pupil-teacher for the Education Authority in Nelson. She then joined the Misses Stevens of Manchester and Morecombe, and both taught and worked pieces that were sent all over the world. When the war broke out in 1939, she left to do essential war work but still found time to embroider, the needleworked pieces being sold to raise money to benefit the Red Cross. Following the war, she was invited to teach in Newcastle for the Education Authority. The Gateshead Education Authority asked if she could also give them some time and the result has been seventeen years of instructing some 300 students a year. During the past eight years, she has also demonstrated on television. One of Miss Rivett's enthusiasms is about the therapeutic value of needlework and she devotes a lot of time to the needy in the hospitals. In fact, she soon will have published her book on Needlework for Pleasure and Therapy, which, unlike so many of the current flood of needlework books, will deal only with original work. She believes in the "peaceful therapy" of her craft, and one is always conscious of the aura of serenity pervading one of her classes. In England, students have difficult examinations to qualify them in the various fields of needlework. They must pass all of them. Miss Rivett gives her Saturdays to helping these students prepare their theses.

When Miss Rivett and I first began our correspondence, I explained about Nantucket to her and also had some information sent her. It turned out to have been quite unnecessary as she had long been interested in the story of whaling and, therefore, knew a great deal about Nantucket Island.

She wrote that if she could have chosen but one place in the United States to visit, it would have been Nantucket.

Miss Rivett is teaching in the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, through the kind permission of the Nantucket Historical Association. She holds her classes of eight to ten people in the "morning room" and confers individually with each student at her table in the back hall opening off this room. Both spots are sunny and pleasant. By such an arrangement, she is able to give what is virtually a private lesson to everyone. Each student can be studying a different subject at her own level of profiency, can be privately scolded or praised, while Miss Rivett can concentrate on the work at hand and not be deterred by the comfortable chatter that is an inevitable part of such a class.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Miss Rivett came to the United States April 1, her first airplane trip and her first overseas trip. She stayed in New York for a week filled with radio and press interviews and lectures, one to the Embroiderer s Guild members, and one to the Needle and Bobbin Club members. She then travelled to Boston for a reception and lecture at the Women's Educational and Industrial Union and then flew on to Nantucket. The principal ob­ jectives of her sponsors, the Nantucket Historical Trust, were to expand and to continue the fine work already being done in crewel., to establish an ecclesiastical embroidery group, and one specializing in canvas-work. Year 'round residents were urged to study with Miss Rivett at the Trust's expense as has been done in the past with Erica Wilson, Rosemary Heads, and Lisbeth Ransjo. The Nantucket Historical Trust hopes to have these groups execute some work in each of these fields which can be left in the town as constant reminders of Miss Rivett's visit. Summer residents and off-Island students are encouraged also to take advantage of this fine opportunity of studying with one of England's foremost authorities on Needlework. For the latter, classes are scheduled each day of a five day week, while Nan­ tucket residents have one class a week.

We all hope this is just a beginning of a long association between Miss Rivett and the people of Nantucket and, through them, the. people of the United States. There is a large rejuvenation of interest nationally in all areas of needlework. We would all be very proud to have Nantucket be one of the forerunners in maintaining the high standards for proficiency and design so necessary in this field.

Miss Emily Louise Rivett is very happy on Nantucket and is very fond of the students she has been working with. In return, her students "just love her," in a most enjoyable union of talent and enthusiasm.

11

The 1965 Gam THE GAM this year, the 16th, was held, again through the courlesy of the Maria Mitchell Association, at their Library in Vestal Street, Tuesday, March 2d at eight o'clock in the evening.

The attendance was somewhat smaller than in former years with several notable absentees. Dr. Will Gardner, still confined to the hospital, was, of course, greatly missed. As the originator of the Gams his wit and humor and wide acquaintance always highlighted the occasion. He sent greetings and regrets. Miss Grace Brown Gardner, a Vice President, Mrs. Nancy Adams, and Mr. Edouard Stackpole, both past presidents, together with Mr. Norman Giffin, Treasurer of the Association, were for one reason or another also unable to attend. These stalwarts of former Gams with their considerable stock of recollections and anecdotes were also missed.

However, the Gam under the direction of President George W. Jones, with Mr. Herbert Terry running the tape-recorder, proceeded smoothly with the subject for discussion, "Reminiscenses of our School Days."

The talk centered for the most part on school teachers of the Island of whom the most popular appeared to be Miss Ellen Cox who for a long period taught the third and fourth grades as far back as 1908. Amid much laughter some of those present admitted that they had studied under her.

A picture of Miss Cox was shown and numerous experiences in her class rooms were recalled. One of these concerns a lad who was adept in catching flies by hand and was fond of demonstrating this art to the other pupils.

Miss Cox, however, one day caught him, and with the ensuing punishment he lost the art and never regained it.

Other favorite teachers were mentioned and an incident when one of Harriet Williams' classes took off to the steamboat wharf to see the new steamer Sankaty which had made her maiden voyage to Nantucket. It was Arbor Day and the class had organized to plant Catalpa trees, each pupil carrying a sprig. However, the new steamer dominated them and they lugged the little trees all over the boat. One might wonder how many survived the final planting. Incidentally it was mentioned that the Sankaty was the fastest steamer on the Line and once made a record run non-stop from Nantucket to New Bedford in four hours and eleven minutes. She burned and sank at her pier in Fairhaven. What was left of her was bought and, her hull being intact, she was rebuilt in Maine and served for many years as a ferryboat. Harriet Williams, it was noted, taught in a day when a ruler delivered on an outstretched palm was an accepted method of enforcing discipline. She also took ten points off an English paper for one single misspelling — a practise which some gamsters thought could well be used today. Miss Barnard had her own version of enforcing discipline: she used to walk up and down the room with a horsewhip in hand, which, it could well be believed she rarely had to use. She was, however, a good teacher, and used to teach fractions by cutting an apple. The old-time teachers had a unique way of fixing points of instruction in their pupils' minds, one of them, Miss Fishback, smartly rapping inattentive pupils on the head with her pointer. Apparently there was no hard and fast rule of procedure in

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

those days, the teachers being left pretty much to their own devices. For example, Miss Bodfish used to identify pupils by number rather than by name — number 5 absent, number 9 tardy, etc.

It was recalled that there was at one time a school in Lower Orange Street known as the South School. It was eventually taken down and a vacant lot now marks the site. The Polpis School was a one room affair and accommodated five grades of pupils all in the same room sitting on different benches. The bell rope came down through the middle of the room, but there was no testimony that any pupil yielded to the temptation to pull it. Students did not motor to school in those days and the two-mile walk from Quidnet to Polpis and back was no problem, for at least one former pupil present who remembered those more rugged days.

Another single-room school was the Tuckernuck School maintained on the island of that name. There were several families living on Tuckernuck at that time which meant quite a lot of children. One teacher handled the whole curriculum. She was a teacher who used to come to town once a week.

Somebody wondered why, because there was no movie in Nantucket town but no one seemed to know the answer although she must have had a reason.

Coming to the High School, it was noted that there used to be one big "sing" once a week with all the pupils participating. Also there were the physical education classes at the Old Athletic Club on Beach Street, now the Yacht Club. The gymnasium was well equipped and the classes performed well in their various drills. The children used to march down and back from Academy Hill. Several members recalled the time when the Coffin School was opened as the vocational department. All High School students had to attend part time. Annual exhibitions of their work were held, a practise since discontinued.

Getting" away from the schools, the so-called "candy frolics" were recalled, when the girls hid and the boys tried to find them. The loser had to pay a candy forfeit. One young man watched his wife very closely at one of these frolics, determined that she would not give him the slip.

She was too smart for him, however. Asking him to hold the baby while she went to get the bottle, she left the room and that was the last that he saw of her. Once the girls hid in a secret room in one of the old houses and the boys ransacked the premises from cellar to attic but could not find them.

So, the Gam proceeded pleasantly and profitably, with Mr. Jones occa­ sionally tossing in a topic to keep the ball rolling, until the subject of the evening was pretty well explored. The Gam was then adjourned at nine o'clock.

13

The Historical Essay Contest THIS competition was held again last spring, sponsored as before by the Nantucket Historical Association. The manuscripts were screened by the proper teachers to eliminate those obviously wanting in merit. Even so, some thirty papers of varying lengths were submitted to the judges for their consideration, of which the great majority came from the High School, the enrollment in the Vocational School being, of course, much smaller. In the latter, Myles Reis, a sophomore, was awarded First Prize for his essay entitled "The Oldest House"; no second award was made in this division, the entries submitted to the judges numbering only five. In the High School, First Prize went to Miss Sandra Smith for her "Quakerism in Nantucket"; Second Prize, consisting of an Honorable Mention, went to Mr. Charles O'Neil for the interestingly personal treatment in his "Nan­ tucket Waterfront." Both Miss Smith and Mr. O'Neil were in this year's graduating class. All three award winners were given complimentary annual memberships for one year in the Nantucket Historical Association. Miss Smith's essay follows.

Quakerism in Nantucket The religion known as, "Quakers," was founded in England during the seventeenth century by, George Fox. In 1656 Ann Austin and Mary Fisher got as far as Boston with Quakerism, but were regarded as witches and left the country.

In 1664, Jane Stakes came to the Island. She was the first Quaker to come to Nantucket. Some of the other early Quakers were: Thomas Story, John Butler, Thomas Thompson, Jacob Mott, and Ruth Fry. Thomas Chalkley, Thomas Story, and John Richardson were the first English Quaker preachers to come to the Island. They were well liked, and were well received.

At first the "Nantucketers" were a little against Quakerism, but soon the people became interested in this new religion, and in 1701, Mary Starbuck, one of Nantucket's leading citizens, became interested in Quaker­ ism. She was so involved with it that she became a Quaker preacher herself.

Her home was open to Quaker meetings, and because of her strong beliefs in this religion, Quakerism started to grow.

In 1708 the Quakers were fully established on the Island. They bought land for a church, and for a burying-ground, but by 1711 they had to enlarge it.

Also in 1708, the Quakers decided to join communion with Rhode Island and Sandwich. In 1782 they had their first meeting with Rhode Island and Sandwich.

During the changing of the town, the Quakers built a new church on the corner of Main and Saratoga Streets, which lasted for sixty years.

In 1792, two more churches were built for the Quakers. One was on the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets and the other was on Broad Street.

Both of these churches were in use.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

In 1794, a new form of Quaker power began in Nantucket. This was known as the monthly meetings. The Quakers became very strict, and tried to run the people's lives. They were against pretty clothes, parties, and any form of pleasure that didn't deal with their religion.

Every month a meeting was held for business and religious purposes.

The quarterly and yearly meetings were held almost for the same reasons.

During this time, over half of Nantucket belonged to the Quakers.

Around the eighteenth century came a split in then- beliefs. Half of the Quakers believed in the teachings of Elias Hicks, and the other half was against Elias' beliefs. The opposing party was known as the, "Orthodox party."

In 1830, a preacher, teaching Elias Hicks' beliefs, came to Nantucket and the members started to divide. After a period of time this meant that the "Orthodox Party" had to close one of their meetinghouses. They closed the one on Broad Street.

In 1833, the Hicksites joined with the Westburg Quakers and purchased a church on Main Street. Later this was sold and became the Atlantic Hall after a few years.

At the same time, the "Orthodox Party" sold their church on the corner of Main Street, and built a new one on Fair Street with a little school house beside it. Or course all this time, the membership of the "Orthodox Party," was growing less and less.

A new religion was being started in England, during this time. It was under a preacher named Joseph John Gurney, and it was based on the teachings of the Bible.

Gurney's religion was a bitter opponent to the "Orthodox Party." A man named John Wilbur was appointed to fight Gurney's beliefs here in America. Soon another division took place, and this was between the "Wilburites and the Gurneyites." Nantucket favored the "Wilburites."

The Gurneyites moved to Nantucket in 1846 and bought the Atlantic Hall. They held their meetings there during the winter, but afterwards they built a church on Centre Street. They stayed here until 1866, when all their property was transferred to the New Bedford Monthly Meetings. The Last Meeting was held in this building on January 10, 1867. The building, formerly known as the "Roberts' House" is still in existence as a "oominghouse under the present name of "Bayberry Inn." During all this time, the orthodox party was growing smaller and smaller. In 1894, there was only one orthodox member left in Nantucket, and only twenty-three persons in the monthly meetings all together. They decided to sell their meetinghouse on Fair Street, and it is now owned by the Nantucket Historical Association.

William Hosier and Eunice Paddock were the last members of the Quaker religion in Nantucket. They died in 1899 and 1900. There isn't one representative of this religion left on our Island today.

In the 1700's there was a religion which held over half the people on Nantucket in its power, and within a century it had died oui. I know this is a lesson I will never forget, and I hope the people of Nantucket won't forget it either.

15

These Fragile Outposts—A Book Review A geological Look at Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket

BY BARBARA BLAU CHAMBERLAIN

HISTORY, broadly speaking, is not confined to the record of Man and his affairs. It may properly extend into an investigation of all natural phenomena. Such an expedition into geological history is Mrs. Chamberlain's fascinating book (published in 1964 for the American Museum of Natural History), the object of which is neatly indicated in its sub-Title. Mrs. Chamberlain is a young geologist who has spent much time on Cape Cod, where her parents are year-round residents. A graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University, a member of the Geological Society of America and of the American Mineralogical Society, she has taught at Hunter and Vassar Colleges and presently lives in Salisbury, Vermont. Her husband teaches mathematics at the University of Vermont.

Mrs. Chamberlain uses the Cape and Islands as her laboratory be­ cause, as she writes in her preface, "Here on these lands you can see the last visible remnants of an ancient coastal plain, a storehouse of remains of creatures and forests which lived a million centuries ago. Here you can tramp across a classic series of glacial remains and other ice molded features unparalled in the East. Here, in the never-ending work of the sea, you can see in action the complex processes of land and sea, climate and life, which may create new lands and destroy old."

We are all aware that Nantucket, with Cape Cod and Martha's Vine­ yard, is somehow of glacial origin. But Mrs. Chamberlain paints a vivid and awesome picture of the last of the great Labrador ice-fields, its southeasterly edge standing a mile high where now motorists drive casually out along the Polpis or Madaket Roads. It created, as it melted a scant 10,000 years ago, the moraine which is the Island's hills and bluffs, and the flat, almost level "outwash" plain to the south studded with the nearly north-and-south-running ponds that, before they were sealed off by the ever-encroaching sea, were streams of turbulent water gushing out of the melting ice cliff. She will take you back untold millenia into the dim ages when mountains stood two miles high along the eastern seaboard of North America; she will describe the terrific forces involved in the creation of a glacier large enough to cover one third of North America — the thousands of years of snowfall, packing its immense weight into solid ice, finally causing it to squeeze out in a slowly moving (150 ft. a year) but inexorable mass grinding everything before it, until finally stopped by the warm winds and sea currents of the South and eventually driven back by a changing climate. If you will walk with her, she will explain, in language a layman can comprehend, all of this and much more to make these "fragile outposts," from Provincetown down to the multi-colored cliffs of Gay Head, and across to the rolling moor­ lands of Nantucket and the ever-destroying sea, exciting beyond imag­ ination.

The book contains also many pictures in its 327 pages, with maps and charts, is indexed, and contains also a glossary and a comprehensive bibliography. Published by the Natural History Press, Garden City, New York, it retails at $6.95. A. M. C.

16

Quaker Meeting 1964

BY HANNNA D. MONAGHAN

I HAVE BEEN ASKED to give a report of the Quaker Meeting for worship held last summer in the Fair Street Meetinghouse as a privilege granted to us by the Nantucket Historical Association.

All that comes to my mind is — what is it all about? In the past the whale ship captains and their families met in the austere and chaste old building and sat in silent worship, as was the manner then as well as now. The benches were filled to overflowing; but that was years ago.

One might ask, is this still relevant for today?

Last summer, sometimes twenty, sometimes thirty, or on several occasions sixty, came on a Sunday morning, to join together in silence, or with a few unprepared spoken words, feeling this still may be a means of meeting present-day needs.

How can that help the harassed and driven world that we know today? Men are orbiting in space, one hundred miles above the clouds, walking in a weightless and dark world, hoping to reach and search the moon and stars, for the answer to the riddle of life.

Why do we of all denominations, of all creeds, Jew and Gentile, negro and white — many are not Quakers — meet thus in silence? What are we seeking?

Are we seeking God? Certainly God is not found on the moon, nor there the answer to our queries.

So, we meet as taught by our Faith, in the closet of our own minds, hoping that, somehow, together in a world that is hurtling to its apparent doom we may ease the crash.

As Barbara Ward, the economist who looks at life from the evolving standpoint of history, has said, "Nothing can save us but belief in God." Perhaps the few who come to the old Meetinghouse each summer on Sunday morning believe this — that the hope of the world is in under­ standing God, and are helping thus in their special way to see if the answer to the riddle could not be found in our own hearts. The Nantucket Meeting of 1965 welcomes all who, similarly with Friends, are seekin« that answer.

17

Annual Reports THE ANNUAL MEETING of the members of the Nantucket Historical Association is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 20, 1965, 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 — Fiscal Year June 1, 1964, to May 31, 1965.

Mrs. Mrs. Miss Mrs. Mrs. Mrs.

Burnham Dell Jean deSieyes Sybil A. Frank Charles Goetz Lawrence Lee Grace S. McCreary

LIFE Mr. J. Alden Manley Mr. Philip C. Murray Mrs. Elizabeth Murray Miss Helen M. Powers Mrs. Lawrence Richardson, Jr. Mr. William M. Waggerman SUSTAINING

Mr. G. Martin Coffyn

Miss Eleanor Phinney

There were many Annual Members who changed to Sustaining Mem­ bers and these will be listed as such in the next issue of Supplement of Members.

ANNUAL Mrs. David W. Austin Mr. Alexander T. Baldwin Mr. G. Storer Baldwin Mr. Philip BartletJ. Miss Judith Ann Beach Mrs. George Bedell Mrs. Richard Beers Mrs. Fred Bennett Mrs. Robert Blair Miss Julie Bornemann Mrs. Gordon T. Bowles Mr. C. J. Boyers Mrs. C. J. Boyers Miss Virginia Brown Mr. Wilmer B. Brown Mr. Orville K. Bullett, Jr. Mrs. Orville K. Bullett, Jr. Mr. Walter R. Bullerwell Miss Marjorie Burgess

Mrs. Dorothy Caracciolo Mr. F. Sidney Cadwallader Mrs. Jennie Cahoon Mrs. Henry Carlisle Mrs. Charles Carpenter Mr. C. H. Carpenter, Jr. Mr. David L. Carson Miss Harriet W. Carter Mrs. Carroll H. Chapin Miss Mabell Chappell Mrs. Donald S. Chase Mrs. Earl O. Coffing Mrs. Frances G. Conover Mrs. B. C. Creed, Jr. Mrs. John Cronly Mr. Thomas O. Crosby Mr. Edward M. J. Czarn Miss Barbara Dahn

18

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mr. John Davidson Mr. Arthur Desrocher Mrs. G. K. Douglas Mr. Byron Dunham Mr. Claude Emmons Miss Gail Eaton Mrs. Peter H. Foley Mr. Douglas C. Fonda, Jr. Mrs. Douglas C. Fonda, Jr. Mr. Ernst L. Frank Mrs. Ernst L. Frank Miss Florence French Miss Dorothea M. Fuller Mr. Kevin F. Gallagher Mr. Sherman S. Garrett Mr. Clinton A. Gerlach Mrs. Clinton A. Gerlach Miss Katherine Gerlach Miss Sara L. Gerlach Mrs. Robert D. Goodall Mr. Walter F. Greenman, 2nd.

Mrs. G. L. Guba Miss Doris E. Gusler Miss Eunice B. Haden Mrs. Sara R. Halm Mrs. Edward Harris Mrs. W. H. Harvey Capt. Archie Horka Dr. John B. Kayan Mrs. John B. Kayan Mr. Joseph H. Keenan Mr. Daniel F. Kelliher, Jr. Mrs. Henry P. Kendall Miss Mary A. Kehlenbeck Col. Frederick S. Lee, USA Ret. Mrs. James Leon Mr. R. V. Ixwis Mrs. R. V. Lewis Miss Ina B. Lithgow Mr. Charles W. Lxteb Mrs. Elizabeth S. Loeb Miss Jo Ann Luminati Mr. C. A. Lundquist

Miss Charlotte McClave Mrs. Ruth B. McDowell Mrs. Ernest Menges Miss Norma M. Minstrel Mrs. Laurence Mortenson Miss Josephine Murray Mr. John R. Murray Mr. Erik Notthoff Mr. Warren Coffin Pease Mrs. Juliet C. Perkins Mr. Henry C. Petzel Mrs. Richard Porter Mr. Robert A. Pratt Providence Public Library Mr. Andrew Rassmussen, Jr. Mr. Harry Reid Mrs. Marguerita F. Reid Rev. William R. Reid Mrs. William R. Reid Miss Nancy Remage Mrs. William Reis Mr. Spencer B. Reynolds Mrs. Spencer B. Reynolds Mr. Harold G. Reynolds Mrs. Wilmeth L. Ritchie Mrs. Kermit RooseveM Mr. Carl W. Schustik Miss Ann Schickhaus Mr. Dale Smith Mrs. Ethel K. Smythe Mr. Kenneth Spencer Mrs. Nicholas Stephenoff Mr. George W. Stinchfield Mr. Francis S. Stone Mr. Hans E. Tausig Mrs. Hans E. Tausig Mr. Donald E. Terry Mr. Joseph A. Timmons Mr. George Walrafern Mrs. George Walrafern Miss Rena White Miss Miriam Widell Mrs. Arnold Willcox Mrs. Fred H. Wiltshire

ANNUAL REPORTS

19

The hopes of the membership committee rose to high level when 142 new members joined the Association during the fiscal year, June 1, 1964, to May 31, 1965, thus making the total over 1200, but the final count revealed 26 deaths and 94 members dropped for non-payment of dues.

In spite of the fact that we sent out 100 letters last summer to pro­ spective applicants, and many of our members have been helpful in bringing in new members, we are far from our goal of 1200 or more.

DEATHS Mrs. Eric Alliott Mr. W. Wallace Austin Miss Elizabeth Blackburn Mrs. Doris Burgess Mr. H. Murray Conrad Mr. Richard M. Everett Mr. B. H. Gardner Dr. William E. Gardner Miss Helen Gardner Mrs. Edgar Glass Mrs. Anna Dort Greene Mr. John Greene Mrs. William H. Higgins Life Members 174

Miss Dorothy Horton Mrs. Stanley Hunter Mrs. H. H. Kynett Mr. Charles I. Lampee Mr. William S. Leffler Miss Julia Macy Mrs. Ella O'Gorman Mr. Barker H. Pierce Col. Charles Porter Mr. Barker H. Stone Mrs. Julia Urann Miss Mabel Weeks Mrs. Julian Yates Sustaining 88

Annual 876

Total 1138 ADMISSIONS TO MUSEUMS

Fair St. Museum Oldest House 1800 House Old Mill Old Jail Hadwen House — Satler Memorial Whaling Museum TOTAL

1964

1963

1962

1961

1960

2554 6868 1441 3460 2862

3298 6585 1755 5041 3524

3041 5593 1766 4479 2657

3334 4631 1265 4286 2898

2557 4720 1268 3460 2504

6478 31150

29078

25842

21962

16817

54813

49281

43378

38426

31326

Ethel Anderson, Secretary

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

20

Report of Curator

1964-65 BY

MRS. WILLIAM

L.

MATHER

During the past year gifts and donations to the Nantucket Historical Association have been many and varied. These were sent to us by members and also by those who, knowing the history of the objects, felt that they would prove a valuable addition to the various exhibits.

To add to our display of silver we received from California teaspoons made by William Hadwen, Nantucket Silversmith. Another spoon was sent by a resident of New Jersey marked Easton and Sanford, also of this Island.

Two identical high chairs painted black with gold stencil (made for a pair of Nantucket twins) were added to our group of furniture.

Quaker bonnets, needlework, bead bags and handmade garments were welcome additions to our collections. A lovely silk quilt in hexagon design was interesting as each small hexagon was folded over a matching piece of paper cut from old letters. Lack of other material did not daunt the maker of this quilt — dated about 1855.

A lovely sandalwood chest covered with decorated leather contained silhouettes and miniatures of the Coleman family — a bequest sent from California.

Many pictures of Nantucket people and Island landmarks have been placed in our files. These prove to be most helpful to those looking for Nantucket ancestors or those interested in how buildings and streets formerly appeared.

Books, documents, letters, old advertising material, clippings and gen­ ealogical material continue to crowd our files — almost to overflowing, but this material is most useful to us in providing answers for researchers.

Special mention should be made of the logs, journals, charts, books, etc., placed in the Whaling Museum. These cover every phase of the sea — from the voyages to hunt whales, recorded in logs and journals, histories of the Clipper Ships — to exploits of noted pirates. The smallest book contains 31 pages and is entitled "Articles for a Whaling Voyage" and lists Provisions, Hardware, Cooper's Tools, Tinware, Cordage, Spare Sails, Crock­ ery, etc. Pencil notations probably indicate what supplies were on hand.

Tools of all kinds were among items received. A set of moulding planes bring to mind the older craftsmen who fashioned the paneling and woodwork of the Island homes.

We express our gratitude to all those who have added to our various collections. We will continue our efforts to display accessions so that they will prove interesting to those who visit our exhibits.

ANNUAL REPORTS

21

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER. CHAIRMAN Visitors from many states and foreign countries continue to view the exhibits at the Historical Museum.

Mrs. Elizabeth Worth will again be at the Reception Desk and Mrs. Clara Block will serve as Librarian. We were sorry to lose Miss Marjorie Burgess (last year's Librarian) but know that Mrs. Block will prove an able replacement.

Our collections continue to grow in number and to aid visitors in viewing them, we have published a new pamphlet. We feel this is superior to the former one in that it contains pictures of some of the most popular exhibits.

Services are held in the Friends Meeting House during July and August.

We hope that the wealth of material in the Museum will continue to give a glimpse of the past as well as pleasure in viewing many lovely objects.

The Oldest House

BY MRS. EDITH F. ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN During the 1964 season there were 6869 paid admissions. In addition there were 44 guests at the Open House held on Sunday afternoon, June 14th and on June 16th Mr. Hannon, teacher of the fifth grade, visited with thirty pupils.

All of the plaster walls have been white-washed this winter and the beams, panelling and doors are in the process of being restored to the natural wood.

Miss Ida Parker will serve as receptionist again this year with Mrs. Louise Hussey as her relief.

The Old Mill

BY HENRY B. COLEMAN, CHAIRMAN We were saddened by the death of Mr. John E. Greene, who had been the custodian of the Old Mill for a number of years, but we do feel very fortunate in obtaining the services of Mr. Frank Ramsdell as custodian.

Already he is doing splendid work in preparing the Mill for exhibition, and there have been quite a few visitors to date.

The report of the work of the Old Mill is, of course, one of restoration and repairs. The cobblestone path on which the wheel turns that rotates the vanes of the Mill into the wind has been uncovered, so that visitors may have a better idea as to the workings of the Mill.

By now, that wheel, after forty years, has completely disintegrated and is being rebuilt at the mill of the Marine Lumber Company by Mr. James Norcross, who is probably one of the most outstanding craftsmen on the Island. This necessitated the ordering of special materials, such as three-inch

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

oak with which to build the rim and spokes, but the problem of the iron hoop has been solved, so that at an early date the new wheel will be in place.

Special credit must be given to Mr. Joseph Senecal, who through the years has rendered such unstinting service in the maintenance of the mill and its opening and closing, at a minimum of expense.

Old Jail

BY NORMAN P. GIFFIN, CHAIRMAN The season of 1964 was a good one at the Old Jail under the able guidance of Mr. William Garnett. The receipts, however, were not quite as good as the year previous.

During the winter the south roof has been reshingled, and as the chimney on the west end was found to be unsafe, it was taken down to the attic floor and re-built.

The outside door on the second: floor is in bad shape. It is planned to have it re-placed this coming winter.

The 1800 House

By ETHEL C. CLARK, Chairman The 1800 House has Had an average attendance. The floor of the kitchen is unsafe and the door has been cut in two so the guests can look in but not enter. We have two figures in old-fashioned dresses, so our guests can see how they looked when worn.

(Editor's note: We would like to add to Miss Clark's report. Average attendance for this exhibit is not enough and not enough people have shown interest in it. To be sure, it is not glamorous or replete with countless curios or mementoes or this or that sort, but the 1800 House marks the era of Nantucket's greatest prosperity, when the Island's economy rebounded so spectacularly from the near-ruin of two wars. The house itself is typical of a comfortable, well man­ aged way of life distinct from the more luxurious and mannered living of the wealthier ship-owners and merchants. In a sense, it might be considered more "Nantucket" than the "mansions" of the latter, which it antedates. The innovation of the two costumed lay figures is designed to give the House a warmer and more appealing atmosphere and it is hoped that they will help to attract the increased interest and attendance which this exhibit deserves.)

Hadwen House — Satler Memorial

By ALBERT F. EGAN, JR., Chairman This has been a busy and interesting year for the Hadwen House Satler Memorial. We will always be grateful to Mrs. Jean Satler Knopf for her generous gift.

ANNUAL REPORTS

23

Having the house heated made it possible for Miss Emily Louise Rivett of Gateshead, England to hold her embroidery classes in the morning room and adjoining hall.

The house was opened for the members of the American Institute of Interior Designers from all over the United States. Also for the Needle­ woman's Guild of America, among whom were many persons of note, including the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of New York and the curator of Winterthur.

Qpening the house over Memorial Day week-end proved most rewarding, with nearly two hundred people registering. We opened on June 8th for the bankers' wives, who were enjoying our Island, while their husbands were busy attending meetings.

The restoration of Mrs. Satler's lovely garden is in the able hands af Mr. David Carson, assisted by Mrs. Julie Perkins, Mr. Joseph Burgess, and Charles Folger. The beautiful flower arrangements which have received many compliments are the work of Mrs. Katherine Folger.

The committee in charge of decorating hopes to be able to do some further work, especially on the second floor which will include restoring the other garden bedroom which in recent years was added to the front hall. It is planned to do some reupholstering and replace curtains and bed­ spreads where needed. Eventually it will be necessary to replace the stair carpet on the front stairs.

The remaining important project on the first floor is the redecorating of the dining room where the walls and paint are in poor condition.

However, we have felt that the people who have seen the house and enjoyed it understand that it is not a completed project and have been very complimentary of what we have been able to accomplish so far.

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

THE FISCAL YEAR 1964-65 proved to be an outstanding year of progress for the Museum from many viewpoints. Attendance scored a new high, accessions were notable; but two new protective features rank foremost in the year's record.

ADMISSIONS

Paid admissions for the 1964 season totalled 31,152 persons, which was 2,074 more than the preceding year which had scored a new all-time high record. Of the total for the season 27,001 were adults and 4,151 were children under 12 years of age. The breakdown is again of real significance for it shows continued growth in adult interest, also evidenced last year.

Adult attendance increased 2088 whereas children under 12 years of age showed a decrease of 14. Again the Whaling Museum accounted for more than 50 per cent of the total admissions for all Association buildings and exhibits, its total being over 57 per cent of the total admissions. This represented a small percentage decrease, 2 per cent, as compared to the

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

previous year accounted for by the opening of Hadwen House which added over 6,000 persons to the total attendance record.

The "Guests Registry Book" showed 46 States were represented in 1964 as compared with 44 in 1963. The missing states were Idaho, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming. Visitors from foreign lands represented 23 countries — the same number as last year but with some changes as to countries. The list included: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, Canada, India, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Iceland, Thailand, Taiwan, Israel, Arabia, Japan, Puerto Rico, (Chile, and Brazil. Here again is continuing proof that instead of Nantucket men roaming the seas, the world now comes to Nantucket.

PROTECTIVE FEATURES At mid-winter, the Museum Committee submitted to the Council a report recommending the installation without delay of a burglar alarm system which would automatically detect any attempt to force entry to the building and instantly sound an alarm. For this purpose and after careful research the American District Telegraph Burglar Alarm System was recommended. After due consideration the Council unanimously voted approval. No time was lost in contracting for this installation which was completed in September.

Ordinary barriers won't stop a skilled burglar equipped with modern tools, provided he has the time to use them. The A.D.T. burglar alarm service deprives him of the time he needs by immediately detecting the attack and automatically sounding an alarm direct to Police Headquarters and through an alarm gong on the outside of the building which rings loudly. The addition of this protective system, together with that afforded against fire by our automatic sprinkler system installed in 1954, provides the best possible automatic protection now obtainable. Proof thereof is found in the record of the American District Telegraph that during the past twenty years subscribers have enjoyed 99 per cent immunity from burglary losses and that discounts of up to 70 per cent on burglary in­ surance rates are made possible. Likewise when the Sprinkler System was installed fire insurance rates were greatly reduced and, by careful main­ tenance of the system, the building and contents receive the approval of the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association annually after inspection.

MICROFILMING RECORDS The preservation of irreplaceable old books and records such as our log books and journals is a serious problem especially when there is public demand and need for their use in research work. We find a steadily increasing demand for the use of our books, many of which are over 200 years old. Microfilming is the only positive answer. After considerable research the Museum Committee submitted to the Council a proposal received from the Recordak Company, an Eastman Kodak Co. subsidiary, to microfilm our collection of approximately 200 books, which we estimate have an average of 125 pages written on both sides. Their proposal included the microfilming; supplying the negative film copy foi permanenl record

ANNUAL REPORTS

25

available for future reproductions; positive film copy for current reference use: plastic jackets for filing and use of film in readers; and two film readers.

This proposal was taken under advisement by the Council.

At a subsequent meeting, President Jones advised that the Nantucket Historic Trust had agreed to pay one-half the estimated cost; whereupon the Council voted to accept this offer and voted authorization to accept the proposal submitted by Recordak Company. Lack of heating facilities in the Museum building made it impossible to start this work until warm weather, but at the present writing the work is in progress and should be completed, including indexing and filing the microfilms, ready for use before the end of the summer.

LIGHTING SYSTEM REWIRING The continuous growth, through new acquisitions, in the number and variety of articles exhibited in the Museum has made necessary the instal­ lation of additional and special lighting facilities year after year. During the past year it was found that the panel board switches and feed wires had become inadequate and would no longer safely carry the lighting load.

Revamping of the wiring, etc., has been satisfactorily completed, which per­ mitted the installation also of lights needed in the Archives in the attic of the building.

ACCESSIONS A detailed list of accessions and the donors is presented in the Museum Accession book which has been kept up to date with descriptions of the gifts, the donors' names and addresses, and the location of the gift in the Museum. Special comment is called for about a few of these gifts espec­ ially those of the Nantucket Historical Trust. As a result of the Trust's continued interest and its painstaking search for appropriate items for the Museum, its gifts during the past year included 67 books, some of which are rare editions; a collection of whaling pictures; a number of log books and journals; and various miscellaneous items.

A set of six old charts of the Pacific Ocean and adjacent waters were found stuffed between the attic rafters and covering boards of an old house when repairs were being made to the roof. Presented by the owner the charts were restored and mounted and found to chart "the track" of the Ship Omega on its voyages in the Pacific in the years 1836, 37, 38, and 39. These charts proved of special interest, for the journal of the Omega is held in our Library. Other interesting gifts included numerous ship craft tools, pictures, family mementos, and a framed hand-made pieturization of the signals of Nantucket ships — 1833.

MAINTENANCE AND MISCELLANEOUS An old building such as our Museum requires constant care and maintenance. This year's work included repainting all exterior trim, doors and windows; replacing the entire length of fencing along South Water Street and on Broad Street to the building; and the completion of covering inside brick walls to eliminate condensation during the cold weather.

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The task of protecting and preserving our many valuable exhibits by enclosing them in display cases covered with transparent sheeting has been continued. One of the largest and most needed projects was enclosing the model of the "Camel" in Sanderson Hall. Now entirely enclosed, further damage from handling is eliminated but without loss of visibility as an exhibit. Relabeling of our exhibits and providing descriptive data thereon is being continued.

Indexing and cross referencing our log books has been carried for­ ward by our Librarian, Mrs. Ellen D. Chace. This work has been carried out by her while answering questions of the many library visitors number­ ing on some days as high as 700 people. Approximately 100 logs have now been read and their contents recorded on 3x5 cards, thus creating a valuable and ready reference file for researchers.

PERSONNEL The Museum opens the 1965-66 season with four of its veteran staff members to welcome the public. Mrs. Bernice Foye is again at the Reception Desk and in charge of the Counting Room and the Scrimshaw Room collection. Bertram E. Morris is responsible again for the Whale Craft Shops. Mrs. Ellen D. Chace is in charge of the Library again where her willingness and ability to answer questions on whaling and the Library, makes many new and holds old friends of the Museum. Mrs. Reginald Hussey will serve again as Relief for the Reception Desk and the Library.

With regret we must announce that two veteran faces are not with us at the present writing. James Everet Chapel, who has served as Custodian for several years, has found it necessary to retire from active duty. His decision has been honored with regret. John H. Kittila, who served last year as Relief for Sanderson Hall, South Seas Room, Portrait Room, and the Whale Craft Shops, had agreed to serve as Custodian of the Museum, but just prior to the Museum opening it became necessary for him to undergo major surgery. While he is making an excellent recovery, his return to the Museum this year is still problematical at this writing.

We have been fortunate in prevailing upon Mr. Walter W. Lindquist to accept appointment as Custodian and Mr. Earle S. Weatherbee will serve as Relief for Messrs. Lindquist and Morris.

The Museum Committee is unchanged with W. Ripley Nelson, Chair­ man, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Mrs. Kent King, and Charles F. Sayle.

SUMMARY The growing attendance each year is a measure of the public interest our Museum engenders. There is a corresponding added responsibility in the presentation of our exhibits which create this public interest. This is now reaching a point where it creates almost a baffling problem for the growth of our exhibits requires a constant shuffling and reshuffling of the available space in the four brick walls of our building acquired in 1929 and used for 36 years without enlargement. Ship models are displayed throughout the building; in fact one is even hung from the rafters of Sanderson Hall.

These are much sought-after exhibits and should have special display areas of their own. Our Scrimshaw collection is one of the largest and

ANNUAL REPORTS

27

most outstanding of its kind. Present space is used to the best possible advantage but much of the beauty and effective detail is completely lost because of the overwhelming feeling of "crowded quantity." Ground space is available to the east of the present building on which a suitable addition could be erected. Serious thought must be given this idea and as to how it may be financed.

Another serious problem, which has been present from the opening of the Museum, should be faced at the same time and that is deterioration of exhibits, especially pictures, books and documents due to complete lack of heating and dehumidification facilities. This old brick building with all its priceless exhibits stands closed from mid-October to the end of May. The condensation of moisture within the four brick walls throughout these months is devastating. Your committee had a survey made several years ago and a plan was submitted by a competent authority for heating which would be safe and satisfactory. It called for a heating plant in a fireproof one-story building adjacent to the rear but outside of the Museum building, with three types of heat radiation within the building to meet the varied conditions. Cost of installation made the proposal seem impossible at the time.

The Museum Committee recognizes both of these problems as being now in the acute stage and will give its serious thought and consideration to them. The Whaling Museum is the outstanding asset and earning power of the Association and every effort must be made to maintain and protect it as such.

Fire Hose Cart House

By ALBERT G. BROCK, Chairman DURING the winter several items of new equipment have been installed; and two signs are now set up indicating the entrance on Howard Street.

These signs have been approved by the Nantucket Historic Districts Com­ mission. By authority of the Council, one of the hose carts was removed to the cellar of No. 53 Main Street for storage, since the hose cart building was too crowded. This exhibit is in good shape, except that one window sash should be replaced, as the bottom rail is gone.

Advertising—Publicity—Publications

By H. ERROL COFFIN and W. RIPLEY NELSON THE ADVERTISING PROGRAM was divided into three classes as in past years: (1) Local Newspapers; (2) Magazines & Directories; and (3) Cards & Leaflets. Newspaper advertising was limited to one local newspaper.

The advent of the second paper did not occur until our schedule for the year had been completed, but inclusion of the new paper was approved for the future. The schedule included the season opening announcements for all exhibits; notices regarding Annual Meeting; and the subsequent showing of photographic slides of "Old Nantucket Views" with comments by Presi-

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

dent George W. Jones. The sixteenth Annual Gam was covered in Febru­ ary — completing the schedule.

Magazine and Directory Advertising included a weekly advertisement for 13 summer weeks in "Nantucket Holiday" for which a full page was used, listing all our buildings, hours and days open and admission fees.

The usual listing of exhibits was given in "The New England Council" sum­ mer guide and several other vacation guides.

The opening and admission schedules, cardboard signs, were distrib­ uted in June for display by the hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and some Island businesses. The Association's folded leaflets were revised to include Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, the Old Fire Hose Cart House, and the Folger-Franklin Seat & Memorial Boulder. This leaflet is distributed at all exhibits. Copies of "Main Street" and "Rambles Through the Historic District" still enjoy wide distribution, especially through our exhibits, the Town Information Bureau and the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.

A new pamphlet was published for the Hadwen House-Satler Memor­ ial for its first seasonal opening. A new 32-page descriptive pamphlet with illustrations was completed for distribution by the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House. The pamphlet offers suggestions on browsing about the Museum. It is not a complete catalogue, because there are more than 2,000 listings comprising over 10,000 items in the Museum. A visitor, fol­ lowing the listings in the order presented and locations described, will be led on a complete tour of the Museum and will then take home a pamphlet giving a description and pictures of many of the exhibits seen.

News stories on all current Association activities and items of special interest were released to the local newspaper published throughout the year and to the new weekly paper after it started publication. One off-Island news­ paper, having substantial local circulation, also received the stories. These releases were well received by the papers and the news story value of the published articles continued well in excess of the cost of local advertising and provided excellent headline publicity.

The committee will endeavor to maintain the high standards of the past in presenting the Association's Advertising. Publicity and Publications in historically instructive and dignified form.

Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet, June 1, 1965 EXHIBIT A FREE FUNDS: Cash on Hand and in Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Mary E, Macy Fund Maria Mitchell Starbuck Fund Edna Whittenken Fund Mary C. Milliken Fund Coffin Genealogy TOTAL

$ 1,319.42 14,968.99 500.00 3,000.00

1.000.00 5,273.46 4,008.78 $ 30,070.65

ANNUAL REPORTS

LAND, BUILDINGS and COLLECTIONS: Satler Memorial 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 Microfilm Readers

29 36,000.00 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 10,351.00 407.92 797.40

TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS Life Memberships Old Mill Preservation Jethro Coffin Fund Sidney Mitchell Emma Hayward William Swift Florence Mitchell Susan Brock Ella M. Starbuck TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS (Principal and Interest) Will Gardner Fund

112,540.32 9,708.22 897.74 634.56 3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 21,514.12 1,000.00 3,000.00 46,754.64 626.45

TOTAL

189,992.06

LIABILITIES and NET WORTH Restricted Funds and Capital Surplus Expendable Surplus

159,349.11 30,642.95

TOTAL

$189,992.06

Statement of Income and Expenditures for Fiscal Year Ending 5/31/64 EXHIBIT B DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS Income Expenses Net Whaling Museum $16,376.16 $ 9,216.72 $ 7,159.44 Fair Street 1,491.00 1,976.58 485.58* Oldest House 3,450.65 1,462.42 1,988.23

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House Satler Memorial House Hose House

911.10 819.65 741.30 3,161.80 12.92

883.08 768.82 1,086.70 4,947.87 39.50

28.02 50.83 345.40* 1,786.07* 26.58*

26,964.58

20,381.69

6,582.89

2,651.28 900.00 2,871.52 602.70 2,000.00 500.00 482.45

2,353.73

10,007.95

2,353.73

SPECIAL EXPENDITURES (Authorized by Council) Pamphlets 270.65 Historic Nantucket Will Gardner Publications Publicity and Advertising Museum Signs Franklin Folger Memorial Whaling Museum (Alarm System) Whaling Museum (Fence) Whaling Museum (Electrical Service) Old Jail (Roof and Chimney) 1800 House (Shingling Sidewall) Satler Memorial House (Nonoperative Costs) Coffin Genealogy 444.50 Coffin Saga 170.45

207.50 2,209.56 2,203.95 3,337.57 438.60 66.00 2,164.76 1,334.51 482.35 414.71 815.42 2,527.31

TOTAL OTHER INCOME and EXPENSES Annual Dues Sustaining Members Interest and Dividends Donations Henry Carlisle Mary Walker Miscellaneous Sale of Furniture (200.00)

TOTAL

885.60

16,202.24

TOTAL

$37,858.13

$38,937.66

7,654.22

$ 1,079.52*

*—Loss It is my belief that the Treasurer's Statement reflects the true financial worth of the Association. The items of Income and Expense have been checked for proper classification and the indicated Operating Net Loss tied in with the decrease in Expendable Surplus.

Ormonde F. Ingall,Auditor

31

Recent Events THE HISTORICAL TALKS about Nantucket given at the High School, which were omitted last year, were resumed the past winter; as hitherto there were four; Mr. Bernard H. Stockley, Nantucket's resident archaeologist, traced the prehistory of the Island and its Indians; Mr. Edouard A. Stackpole related his early recollections of the waterfront, a talk which he later revised for publication in last April's issue of HISTORIC NANTUCKET; Mr. George W. Jones revived Nantucket in the 1830's; and Mr. Norman P. Giffin sketched the story of the various Nantucket steamship lines. The lectures, given in the auditorium of the High School, were well received by an interested audience of students. *

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Yachting note: Mr. J. Norman McKenzie, in "Reflections on Boating Customs" in "The National Observer," gives some sage advise to the new boating enthusiasts that will be deserting the highways this summer to crowd the waterways. He makes a special point of the fatally bad manners in­ volved in boarding another's boat without permission. To emphasize, he tells of the time when a boat-owner leaped on the deck of another boat lying alongside to put out an incipient fire and, turning to receive the ex­ pected deep thanks of the owner (who had stuck his head out of the galley to see what the commotion was all about) received instead a cold stare — he had not first asked permission "to come aboard." Mr. McKenzie also advises the new "salts" that one does not have a "ball" at a boat party, but "one whale of a time." *

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In the current effort by the United States to lure foreign visitors to its shores, "Punch" is doing its best to help out. An article in the issue of March IOth last, titled, "Days and Nights with the Whalers," gives an ac­ count of the writer's visit to Nantucket as the guest of a friend who was "antiquing" a not-so-old house, because as the friend explained, "People expect the historical bit when they come here and you can't disappoint them." It's quite amusing, but we wonder if the Funny Little Man of Fleet Street isn't just pulling our leg. *

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Should you see a red or blue or yellow sea gull this summer, don't be afraid to talk about it; in an effort to establish the nesting habits and where­ abouts of gulls, with particular respect to the possible danger they present to airplanes that are coming down for a landing, the Massachusetts Depart­ ment of Fisheries and Game, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Audu­ bon Society, is coloring and releasing captured gulls. Persons sighting any such are asked to make a report to the Department at Woods Hole. * * * * * * * Two whales being transported to England from Canada in a special tank on board a freighter developed a malaise that could not be identified.

They became sluggish and lost appetite. Finally, their case was diagnosed: That's right — seasickness!

32

Diary of William C. Folger EDITED BY NANCY S. ADAMS

{Continued from the April, 1965 issue of "Historic Nantucket") WILLIAM C. FOLGER was a direct descendant from Peter the 1st. He was bom 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.

1840 Aug. 10—John Wiederhold paid me $4 for his son's tuition in evening school last winter. Rec'd of Asa Bunker 50cts for balance due on surveys some time ago and 50cts for money lent him some time ago. I finished with the assistance of Uncle Walter dividing off the 18 3645/10000 rods of land on my survey of the place near Ceely's. Capt. George Myrick paid me 50cts for his part for said division. I relinquished a survey near Obadiah Coffins.

I could not attend to it expecting to go off tomorrow. I refused to undertake another survey on the same account. Returned to Atheneum. Franklin's Life, by Jared Sparks. I got of Isaiah C. Ray a pail of calf boots at $3.25.

Paid carman to go down to Brant Point and bring Geo. K. Long to attend our eleven O'clock meeting. The meeting of the Building Comm. was held at Stephen Easton's this evening. We signed as Build. Comm. a note to Thomas Macy, Philip H. Folger & Timothy Hussey for $1530 on 6-12-& 18 months from the first of June with int.for the 9/10 of the Joseph Chase Hometsead. Called with John G. Thurber on Thomas Macy and got the deed of 9/10 of the Chase land.

Aug. 11—I went this morning on board of sloop Triumph, Capt. Bee and sailed for Harwich where we arrived about % past twelve, landed, walked up to Mr. J. Barnaby's and to Capt. Job. Chase to try to procure horses for our six lady passengers to Brewster. We got a horse of Chase and in mean­ time Capt. Job was making exertions to get another, we went down and took up the trunks and two ladies to Capt. Job Chase's, took tea there and then he having procured another horse we put the ladies and the baggage in the two wagons for Brewster and started afoot ourselves, we arrived in Brewster after dark and went to meeting at the Baptist Meeting House.

After meeting we accepted the invitation of Sam'l. Rogers and went to his house. They were Round, Easton, Andrews and self.

DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER

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Aug. 12—We went to Association three times to-day, J. Barnaby preached in forenoon and Mr. Round in evening.

Aug. 13—The Association broke up about 1 p.m. We took leave after dinner of Mr. Rogers kind family and then went to Deacon Crockers and procured two carriages for the ladies & walked ourselves to Harwich, dis­ tance about 7 or 8 miles. Settled for all the carriages namely: 7 dollars. We men agreed to share the expence with the ladies making 72>/i cents apiece which I paid and for passage of 50cts. which I gave to Mr. Round to give to Capt. Bee. Took tea and spent the evening with Capt. Chase and lodged at Capt. Bee's.

Aug. 14—Took breakfast and then went to Capt. Chase's and Mr. Easton & myself went down to Richard Baker's who signed for a share in the Meet­ ing House and gave $18.00 toward it now. Gave him a receipt. Dined at Capt. Bee's and then went back to Mr. Chase's. He subscribed for one share and handed me $20 for which I gave him a receipt. I called on Capt. Elijah Chase who declined taking any stock and then went to Hyannis to my father's, paid 2cts at Bass River Bridge.

Aug. 15—I called on Capt. Warren Hallett & L. D. Bassett. Capt. Bassett took a share & signed his name on the sub. paper. Warren Hallett declined & stated why he and Capt. Baker & others could not take any owing to their pecuniary obligations elsewhere.

Aug. 16—Went to Baptist Meeting to-day.

Aug. 17—I went to Harwich, started from Hyannis about 10 a.m. called at Capt. Chase's, he and his daughter were absent, paid 8cts at Bass River Bridge and went to Chatham Lights village. Bought a bush, of corn for the horse and got a shoe put on, he having lost one, paid Mayo the blacksmith ' 2cts for shoeing and started for Eastham where I arrived just before dark, passing through Orleans. Took supper of bread and milk at Joshua Higgins— put up the horse in the barn, walked to the Camp Ground and viewed the different tents & the evening worship in the tents.

Aug. 18 After breakfast 1 paid fare for self & horse 50cts. and then went to Camp Ground where I stayed till after the address of Elder Hillbourne and remarks by T. C. Pierce when the meeting broke up about Vi before 10 o'clock. I then went to Welfleet where I arrived a little after eleven at Sam'] Waterman Holbrooks, ofter dinner II went up to the School (Center District) where I taught 4 winters ago but found not a scholar who came to me then.

Aug. 19—After dinner about 2 p.m. having paid my visit to Mr. Holbrooks family I took leave. 1 had visited this day the school again and also visited the family of Thomas Holbrook where I saw Thomas Franklin, Tamza H. and Sarah Ann Holbrook, his children who came to me when I kept. I drove to Joshua Higgins in Eastham, stopped a little to rest the horse and learn about the town & then started for Harwich where I arrived in the evening, gave an old lady 614 cts for going some distance to show me the road to Harwich Center, arrived there after 9 p.m. stopped at Nathan Undetwoods, had my horse put in his barn and taken care of.

Aug. 20 After breakfast paid my bills and then went to Capt. Chase's and spent about 2 hours with Mary E. & Capt. Chase. Lent Mary Eldridge two newspapers containing some of my compositions, called at Obed Smiths, paid

34

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

at Bass River Bridge 8cts., got to Hyannis between 1 & 2 p.m. A very warm afternoon. In the evening after meeting Mr. Jacobs introduced himself to me & we had some conversation about the Meeting House & Mr. Rounds etc.

Mrs. Chesman gave me several pamphlets and I bought of her a latin reader at 50cts.

Aug. 21—I went with fathers horse and wagon to Harwich to see Capt. Bee & find when he was going to Nantucket, stopped & visited with Mary E. and left a bundle of books for Capt. to take to Nantucket. Reurned in the evening to Hyannis.

Aug. 22—Carted a load of seaweed for father.

Aug. 23—At noon after a repast I took my bundle and rode down to Hyannis Port with Capt. Marchant. Left there in his son's sloop for Nantucket about 3 p.m. but the wind blowing very strong ahead, the sea was very rough and we made but little headway & went into New Harbor to wait till morning.

Aug. 24—The Capt. came off this morning with three more passengers and we left about half past seven and arrived about eleven at the wharf at Nan­ tucket, paid 50cts for my passage. In the evening I visited Arnold Morse.

Aug. 25—Surveyed 3 pieces of land near the Cash house near where the Newtown Gate formerly stood, for G. G. Folger & G. R. Gardner. Steven Easton handed me $16.67 being the am't. paid into the treasury of the Baptist Soc. by Deacon Joshua Gruber towards his share. A meeting of the Building Comm. was held at my school house.

Aug. 26—Received my books which Capt. Bee brought over. Also received a letter from my father informing me that Elijah Lewis, Agent of a school District in Barnstable wished to engage me to teach their school near Thanksgiving at $25 per month and board. I paid John Pease Hussey 50cts. for calling the Bap. Soc. together when they were organized. I had got of Isaiah C. Ray a pair of boots at $3.25 just before I went off this last time and as they hurt me I sold them to Stephen Easton at $3.00 on credit. I got another pair for $3.25. I went up with Charles Wood and marked off his land for him. Got at Clapps a day or two ago a pocket memorandum book to charge and keep accounts of Treasurer of Bapt. Soc. Aug. 27—I paid C. C. Hazewell editor of the Islander one dollar being 6 mos. subscription for the paper and ordered it stopped.

Aug. 28—I put a letter in the mail to-day for father declining to take the school in Barnstable this winter. I plotted my survey of the Cleveland land and handed it to Asa G. Bunker.

Aug. 29—I called on Joseph James to try to collect my debt against him.

Paid carman 12cts. for taking a load of old stuff, some weeks ago, from Joseph Chase house to Lydia G. Bunker's. Gave 50cts. toward the Quarterly Collection of Franklin Hall.

Aug. 31—We staked out for the wall of the Baptist Meeting House and this afternoon the masons began to lay the stone for the front wall.

Sept.l—I went with Mr. Round up to Daniel Aliens, I carried uncle Walter's Genealogy of Nantucket, 3 vols, to show D. Allen. We went on ihe spot of ground where the First Peter Folger lived. Daniel showed us where about the house stood & the spring of water where they got their drink.

It is in Peleg Macy's lot, formerly Frederick Folgers land - Rogers Field.

(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 02554. 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.

HADWEN HOUSE-SATLER MEMORIAL: Main St. cornet 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. Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free for rest and meditation.

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 1965 and Life Membership Cards will be admitted without charge.