Historic Nantucket, July 1966, Vol. 14 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

These buildings along the picturesque curve of Fair Street are all "Old Nantucket."

JULY, 1966

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; Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, A. Morris Crosby, term expires 1966; Miss Helen Powell, Albert G. Brock, term ex­ pires 1967; Mrs. Ernest H. Menges, Walter Beinecke, Jr., term expires 1968; Leroy H. True, Herbert I. Terry, term expires 1969.

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

Honorary Curator. Mrs. Nancy S. Adams.

Curator, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Executive Committee, George W. Jones, Chairman; Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, Albert F. Egan, Jr., W. Ripley Nelson.

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, Albert G. Brock; 1800 House, Miss Ethel Clark; Fire Hose Cart House, Irving T. Bartlett; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews; Folger-Franklin Seat and Memorial Boulder, Herbert I. Terry.

STAFF Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Mrs. William L. Mather Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Mrs. Clara Block Oldest House Chairman Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Receptionist Miss Ida Parker Hadwen House - Satler Memorial Chairman Albert F. Egan, Jr. Chairman, Reception Committee Mrs. Irving Soverino The 1S00 House Chairman and Receptionist Miss Ethel Clark The Old Jail Albert G. Brock Chairman Receptionist William L. Garnett The Old Mill Chairman Henry B. Coleman Receptionist Frank W. Ramsdell The Whaling Museumi 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 Willard E. Nickerson

Chairman Receptionist Librarian

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 14

July, 1966

No. 1

CONTENTS

Nantucket Historical Association Officers

2

Universalism in Nantucket, by Alan Seaburg

5

1966 Historical Essay Contest

10

Friends Meeting in Nantucket — 1966, By Katherine Seeler

14

Annual Reports

15

Recent Events

29

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

30

Legacies and Bequests

31

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 S10.00; Life—one payment $50.00 Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Copyright, 1966 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

High and dry at an abnormally low Spring Tide stand the Little Houses off the end of Old North Wharf.

5

Universalism in Nantucket

BY ALAN SEABURG

T

HE cornerstone of the First Universalist Church in Nantucket was laid on May 3, 1825, and contained among other valuable items "a lock of hair from the head of the late venerable John Murray, the first preacher in America of the doctrine of Universal Salvation."1 The movement which re­ sulted in the new church on Lower Pearl and Federal Streets grew out of meetings held the year before at the home of Aaron Mitchell, a wealthy Quaker. The Nantucket "Inquirer" for March 22, 1824, carried the follow­ ing invitation: Those gentlemen who contemplate forming a religious association on the basis of God's Goodness and all those who feel conscientiously disposed to forward the establishment of a Society of Universalists in this town are requested to meet at the house of Aaron Mitchell, Esq., on Wednesday evening next, at 7 o'clock, for the purpose of making arrangements accordingly.2 This original meeting was followed by at least one more held on May 12, 1824. Since no records of the church have been located, there is little information available regarding the activities of those interested in Universal Salvation for the next twelve months. All that is known is that by May, 1825, the Society had begun the erection of their meetinghouse and that on October 16th the pews were auctioned to the public.3 Alexander Starbuck in his history of Nantucket describes the building ". . . as of simple Gothic in style, 60 by 50 feet in dimensions, with 62 pews, besides a choir gallery. An organ, presented to the Society, was made by Eben Goodrich, of Boston. . . . The pews were painted a delicate straw color."4 The Universalists gathered to dedicate their new building on No­ vember 3, 1825. The dedication sermon was delivered by the Rev. Joshua Flagg, the Universalist minister at Dana, Massachusetts. It is recorded that Flagg had great ability but that his effectiveness was sharply limited by his eccentricities and prejudices.5 His sermon on this occasion was based on the following text from Genesis: And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this the gate of heaven. (KJ 28:17) The Universalist public at large was informed of this new society and the dedication of its building in the November 17, 1825 issue of "The Universalist Magazine" published in Boston each Saturday by Henry Bowen.

A few months later, on January 2, 1826, the Rev. William Morse accepted the unanimous call of the Nantucket people to fill their pulpit.

Morse was at that time the minister of the Second Universalist Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in theology a Restorationist.6 During the 1820's Universalism was involved in the Restorationist con­ troversy. Men like Hosea Ballou believed that on death the soul returned immediately to the Father and to eternal bliss; punishment for sin was limited to human life. The other position in this controversy also affirmed that the soul would return to heaven but only after it passed through a period of limited punishment for earthly sins. The first group was known as the Ultra-

6

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Universalists; the second as the Restorationists. Its leaders included Edward Turner, Paul Dean, Adin Ballou and Jacob Wood. The controversy finally ended in a small split within the denomination when the minority Restora­ tionists left in 1831. Both ministers of the Nantucket church sympathized with the Restorationist point of view.

Some of the Nantucket men who felt the power and attraction of Universalism were Aaron Mitchell, of the Society of Friends, who was a prominent business man, Samuel B. Tuck who was Mitchell's son-in-law, David Joy, Frederick Mitchell who was the cashier of the Citizens Bank which loaned the church the money to construct its building, and Frederick "Parson" Swain. Swain, who was a carpenter and head of the evening watch for many years, while not an ordained minister often preached for the Society when there was no minister available and may have been responsible for the Universalist services held on the island after the church ceased to exist in the 1830's.7 It is always a risky business to state the causes of the growth of a movement, but in this case it seems reasonable to conclude that Hosea Ballou, the famous Universalist minister of Boston, was one of the primary causes for the establishment of Universalism in Nantucket. Ballou visited the island late in 1823 and preached on several occasions to large congrega­ tions. A few months later the advertisement appeared in the March, 1824, issue of the Nantucket "Inquirer" concerning the formation of a church.

Thomas Whittemore in his life of Ballou suggests a second important cause for the establishment of the church: There had arisen a dissatisfaction there between some individuals of wealth and the clergyman of the principal society; and they, from opposition to their former clergymen (not the most honorable motive), resolved to form a new society. The fate of this society was what might have been expected under such circumstances, — it flourished for a few years, then dwindled and died.8 Ballou's preaching and their own local dissatisfaction must have stimu­ lated Aaron Mitchell and his friends into action.

It was not until January 20, 1827, that the Universalists incorporated (heir church under the name of the First Universalist Church in Nantucket.8 Since no records for the church have been found, little is known of its activities. However, an examination of the "Trumpet and Universalist Mag­ azine," published each Saturday in Boston, reveals that their minister, Wil­ liam Morse, often appeared in its pages and that he was active in local and New England Universalist affairs. He is reported as preaching between 1828 and 1831 in the following communities: Charlestown, Watertown, Hingham, Taunton, all in Massachusetts, and North Providence (village of Pawtucket), Rhode Island. In the fall of 1828, the First Universalist Society in North Providence invited Morse to become its minister but he declined. Twice the "Trumpet" featured one of his sermons as its lead article (May 9, 1829 and November 28, 1829) and the issue for August 22, 1829, carried an advertisement on the last page for a sermon at 12Vic a copy that he had preached on the island on July 4, 1829. For a while, Morse was the ap­ pointed agent for the "Trumpet" on Nantucket and handled all its subscrip­ tions. It is noted that he also had copies of the "Modern History of Univer­ salism" by Thomas Whittemore (the editor of the "Trumpet") for sale.

In denominational activities he and the Nantucket church belonged to the Old Colony Association of Universalists which comprised by 1830

UNIVERSALISM IN NANTUCKET

7

the Counties of Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Island.

At the September 1, 1830 meeting he was chosen the Moderator and pre­ pared the Circular "to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ" which told them of the deliberations of the Association. These Circulars were regularly published in the "Trumpet." During September 15-17, 1829 Morse partici­ pated in the meetings of The General Convention of Universalists of the New England States and others, which met at Winchester, N. H. At the 1830 meetings in Lebanon, N. H., he gave a prayer at the Thursday morning worship service. In all these duties he represented the island folk and thus helped to make them and their church a part of a growing movement. lust when Morse terminated his ministry at Nantucket is hard to dis­ cover. We know that he was still on the island on November 17, 1830, because on that day he was supposed to take part in the dedication service of the new Universalist Meeting-House in the village of Hyannis and in the ordination of its minister, John Murray Spear. He did not attend for "owing to the extreme haziness of the atmosphere, it is presumed he could not get over to the continent from the island."'0 The next reference to the Nan­ tucket church in the "Trumpet" was on March 19, 1831, and concerned the information that George Bradburn had received an invitation "to accept the pastoral care of the Universalist Society on the island of Nantucket."

Why Morse left is not known. It is clear that he did not have a call to a new parish for it was not until June, 1831, that he was asked to fill the pulpit of the Second Congregational Society in Milton, Massachusetts. He did not accept this position but instead became the minister of the Quincy, Massachusetts, Universalist Church.''

The second and last minister of the Nantucket church was the Rev. George Bradburn of Lowell, Massachusetts, who was ordained and installed on June 4, 1831. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. David Pickering of Providence, Rhode Island, and he was assisted among others by the Rev. Paul Dean.

Bradburn was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in 1806, studied at Exeter Academy and finding that he had a deep interest in theology became a student of the Rev. Thomas L. King, a Universalist minister and the father of the Rev. Thomas Starr King. To complete his education he went to Harvard College where he became converted to Unitarianism. When he finished his studies, he received a certificate to preach from the American Unitarian Association. Nantucket was his first church and it is strange that it was Universalist and not Unitarian. Bradburn and the former minister had one thing in common; both were Restorationists. Perhaps that is one of the reasons he felt he could serve this parish. Bradburn married a Nantucket girl, Lydia Barnard Hussey; but their marriage lasted only a year due to her death. Their only child, a daughter, passed away the next year. In spite of these personal problems, Bradburn took a leading role in commun­ ity affairs. Unlike Morse, the "Trumpet" does not contain any references to him during his Nantucket pastorate, perhaps because of his deep involve­ ment in island activities. A firm foe of slavery, after the church closed he served three terms from the island (1839-1841) in the Massachusetts Legis­ lature where he was known as a radical. Later he traveled about the country in support of the abolitionist movement with the well known former slave and abolitionist, Lrederick Douglas.12 The life of the Nantucket church was brief. Alexander Starbuck is probably correct in suggesting that it never attracted enough members and

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

8

money to sustain a minister and building. Rumors of the selling of the build­ ing to the Methodists had reached the "Trumpet" in July, 1834, but they proved to be false. Apparently, however, the congregation was considering disbanding, but it was not until August 6, 1834, that they sold their building to certain men who turned the property over to the Nantucket Atheneum which was incorporated that same year. It was used by the Atheneum as a library, lecture hall, and museum. The building was later destroyed in the disastrous fire of 1846, but the same site was used when the Atheneum was rebuilt.13 Universalism died slowly on Nantucket Island. As the church was about to be sold, one of the members wrote to the "Trumpet": "I hope that even in future, should any of our brethren happen among us, we may still have the use of it."14 Services were held in the Broad Street Hall "for those who love the joyful sound" on June 18, 1837, and in the Town Hall by the Rev. Abraham Norwood when he visited the island in 1839. Norwood relates in one of his books this fact about the closing of the church: There was once a Restorationist society here, who owned a good church, but one day, whilst their minister, Rev. George Bradburn, was absent on a visit, they sold their house, and it was devoted to other purposes. He has become a politician, and probably cares as little about theology as his former hearers.15

1.

FOOTNOTES "The Christian Telescope," (May 21, 1825). "In a cavity beneath were posited, hermetically sealed in bottles, a scroll containing the name of proprietors, principal builders, other memoranda, such as, a copy of the newspaper printed in this place, the various United States coins of present year . . ." and the lock of Murray's hair.

de­ the last the

2.

Historical Records Survey. Division of Community Service Programs. Works Project Administration, "Inventory of Universalist Archives in Massachu­ setts" (Boston: Historical Records Survey, 1942) 232.

3.

Letter of Edouard A. Stackpole to Alfred S. Cole. Nantucket Island, May 31, 1938, (in the files of the Universalist Historical Society Library, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts.)

4.

Alexander Starbuck, "History of Nantucket" (Boston: Goodspeed, 1924) 579.

5.

Richard Eddy, "Universalism in America" (Boston: Universalist Publishing House, 1891) vol. 1, 538.

6. "Ibid," vol. 2, 334.

7. Letter of Edouard A. Stackpole to Alfred S. Cole, May 31, 1938.

8. Thomas Whittemore, "Life of Hosea Ballou" (Boston: Usher, 1854) vol. 2, 246-9.

9. Starbuck, 579.

10.

"The Trumpet and Universalist Magazine," (November 27, 1830).

UNIVERSALISM IN NANTUCKET

9

11.

"The Trumpet and Universalist Magazine," (1828-1831) passim.

12.

Frances R. Bradburn, "A Memorial of George Bradburn" (Boston: Cupples, Upham, 1883) 1-4.

13.

Letter of Edouard A. Stackpole to Alfred S. Cole, May 31, 1938; and Starbuck, 579-82. See also Will Gardner, "The Coffin Saga" (Nantucket Island: Whaling Museum Publications, 1949) 221-2,250.

14.

"The Trumpet and Universalist Magazine" (August 2, 1834) 22.

15.

Abraham Norwood, "The Pilgrimage of a Pilgrim" (Boston: Published by the Pilgrim for the Purchaser, second edition, 1849) 258-9.

Mr. Seaburg, a welcome newcomer among the contributors to "His­ toric Nantucket," writes of himself: "I am a graduate of Tufts University and served as the Librarian of its Crane Theological School from 1957 until 1965. At the same time I also served as Librarian of the Universalist Historical Society which houses its library at Tufts. One year a minister's family left his records with our library and among the churches he served had been Nantucket. At this time I was visiting Cape Cod in the summers and doing research on Universalism on the Cape. The above event turned my attention to Nantucket and I began to look at our records concern­ ing the Island. In the fall of 1965 I became Associate Minister of the Charles Street Meeting House in Boston which gave me more time for writing, so the Nantucket paper is one among several projects I have finished." Mr. Seaburg's contribution is pertinent because, with the merger of the Unitarian and Universalist Churches, it may be said that after a long lapse Universalism has come back to Nantucket. — Editor.

10

1966 Historical Essay Contest THE HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST annually sponsored by the Nan­ tucket Historical Association produced, this year, a rather higher than usual group of papers while still falling short of the careful research and originality that the judges would like to see. Granting that the subjects available have become somewhat trite, still the judges feel that students in the High School can make a better approach than by copying, in the main, from the estab­ lished works on Nantucket's history. First Prize went to Brian Holdgate for his article dealing with Nantucket's famous little railroad. It is a much-treated subject, but Mr. Holdgate, a Freshman in the High School, presented the story in a novel and ingenious dress. Honorable Mention went to Penny Holdgate, also a High School Freshman, for her imaginative and whimsical handling of the life of a 'Sconset boy in the early 1900's. The First Prize carries with it the traditional framed certificate, and each award winner receives a complimentary one year's membership in the Nantucket Historical Association. (And here the judges wish to emphasize that the essays come to them anonymously, identified only by numbers, and are judged solely on their merits. That the Holdgate family pre-empted the awards this year is purely coincidental!) The award-winning essays follow.

I

Nantucket's Railroads

BY BRIAN HOLDGATE

N 1848 a spirited movement developed for a railroad from Nantucket to Siasconset, but nothing ever came of it until 1880 when the Nantucket R.R. Company was chartered by the General Court and work was begun on the roadbed to Surf side. The Nantucket railroad station was situated at Main and Candle Streets. There was also another station at Steamboat Wharf, which is now the Wharf Gift Shop. The tracks continued along South Beach then westward across Orange Street, past the Agricultural Fair Grounds and south by way of Weeweeder to Surfside. Flag stations in town were located on Washington Street near the "brass foundry" and at the Orange Street Crossing.

The ground for the Nantucket Railroad was first broken at South Beach May 4, 1880, and a barge, "Roslyn Sherman," arrived luly 1, 1881 at Com­ mercial Wharf with all the necessary rolling stock.

Engineer C. M. Stonsbury worked over the week end with his crew and on Monday, the Fourth of July, 1881, the first run was made. A great cele­ bration was held at the time. Business was so good that in 1883 Surfside Hotel was built and hundreds of people were attracted to the site for band concerts and every Saturday night a big dance.

In its first year of operation the Nantucket Railroad carried 30,135 passengers without an accident. In 1882 the railroad was worth $60,000 and the rolling stock included a locomotive, "Dionis," which was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. This locomotive was bought second-hand from the Danville, Olney & Ohio River Railroad in Illinois. "Dionis" in large yellow letters was painted on both sides of its tender. It hauled two open passenger cars. John Dorr was president of the railroad, Phillip H. Folger of Boston, the original promoter of the idea of a railroad to Siascon­ set, was its superintendent, and John H. Norton its treasurer.

1966 HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST

11

Nantucket's Second Railroad With business booming, the promoters of the Nantucket Line decided to expand and in 1884 tracks were laid to Siasconset. The first train came here on July 8, 1884, along the nine-mile run to the eastern end of the island, along the shore.

A second locomotive, a Mason bogie, built by Mason Locomotive and Machine Works in Taunton, Massachusetts, was purchased in 1885. It was bought second-hand from the Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn R.R. This locomotive and its caboose was named the "Sconset."

In 1895 a new and shorter roadbed was built from Agricultural Fair Grounds direct to Tom Never's Pond. This was built because storms during the winter washed away some of the track and once the Dionis went through salt water in a November storm. A new corporation, the Nantucket Central R.R. Company, headed by Francis B. Keene, acquired the road for $10,800.

The first train over the new route ran on August 15, 1895. The Surfside Hotel collapsed in 1899 and the place was abandoned as a mecca for va­ cationers.

Gasoline Motor Cars The railroad did not operate in 1906, and a stage coach instead fur­ nished transportation between Nantucket and Siasconset.

The railroad did not pay and after 1895 it changed hands many times.

In 1907 the Macy family on Nantucket succeeded in purchasing the line with the help of New York investors. Cromwell G. Macy became presi­ dent of the Nantucket Railroad Company, and Thomas G. Macy, general manager.

In November, 1907, a gasoline motor car, called the "Bug," was brought to the island. It hauled a trailer for baggage called the "Bird Cage." The little engine skimmed off the tracks a year later and was ruined, but was reconstructed in 1911 for temporary duty while the regular train equipment was being overhauled.

Nantucket's Third Railroad The third locomotive was made by the Hinkley Locomotive Works of Boston in 1879. It was originally built for the Profile and Franconia Notch R.R., then operated for a long time on the Boston Revere Beach and Lynn R.R. before going to Nantucket Central Railroad. It hauled the railroad's first coach or enclosed car. It was purchased to take the place of the old Dionis. The new engine was knocked off the rails by a sprung rail while pulling a full load of passengers in July of 1909. No one was hurt and the engine carried on for several more years.

Nantucket's Fourth Railroad The fourth locomotive was built by the American Locomotive Works.

It hauled a combination baggage and smoking car and a passenger car. It made its first run on June 7, 1910. All the cars and engine were new and not second-hand as before, and it was a Nantucket railroad all the way. But the road did not pay off and it continued to change hands among New York investors. When the end came, the Empire Trust Company of New York owned most of the stock.

With the coming of private motor car transportation, the loss of money, and increasing maintenance cost, the railroad was abandoned after about forty years of service. The tracks were taken up in the spring of 1918, near the end of World War I, and relaid in Bordeaux, France, to make it easier to transport American troops and supplies.

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Boy from 'Sconset — 1918

BY PENNY HOLDGATE

"HEY, CHINK, MEET US AT THE PUMP. After I deliver some ice, we're goin' below bank. They've got a new load of cod liver oil!"

The 'Sconset boys worked hard, but they always managed to have fun.

If they couldn't find time, they would make it.

The request above appears harmless, but, as any boy knows, it is the worst kind. When they got "below bank" (which is Codfish Park), they would probably wait around until the barrels were filled and the men were gone. Then they would spring into action, pulling the bungs out of the kegs letting the fresh cargo of cod liver oil slowly dribble down the beach.

This composition deals mainly with one 'Sconset boy in particular. He was a typical eight-year-old, one of a family of seven. He may have been a little more rambunctious than many, but it was hardly noticeable when compared to his group of friends.

Every morning about five-thirty, the boy would awake. First he would put on his shirt sweater, his knickers, and his high socks. Next came his shoes, and then he'd come downstairs. When he got to the kitchen he knew exactly what he had to do. He would stoke the fire and add some more wood. Then he would make the oatmeal for his family, which was the usual breakfast. His mother would be up soon afterwards and he would leave it on the fire.

His first chore every morning was to put the donkey and horses out to pasture. He didn't have to go far, however. There was plenty of nice, green, grazing land all around his house. Now he would milk the cows so his mother would be able to churn fresh butter. By the time eight-thirty came, he would be on his way to school.

The 'Sconset schoolhouse taught grades one through eight. All of the children would be in their seats by nine o'clock and dismissed by three-thirty.

There was one teacher; he boarded with one of the 'Sconset families.

After school all of the children had jobs. The boy not only did odd jobs such as delivering messages, caddying, and putting new rope in the halyards, but he had steady jobs, too. Throughout his childhood, he had many varied "occupations."

When he was about seven or eight, he delivered coal, wood, and ice for his father, who operated a coal, wood, and ice business. The deliveries were made by horse and wagon. After loading the wagon, he would start his lonesome, cold trip to town, where he would make his deliveries. The trip consisted of seven miles of rocky road. An errand like that would usually require a whole day.

When he was a little older, he took on more responsibilities. One of these was his job of lamp-lighter. Although his father and he "shared" the business (his father would put the lamps out at ten o'clock every night), he knew it was a very important job.

There was a certain procedure he followed every dusk. He would shinny up the lamp pole with a match in his mouth. When he got to the top, he was able to free one hand, strike the match and light the wick. Once a week his father and he would take the wagon around to each lamp and clean the smoked-up lamp shades with kerosene.

His first job which actually came with a title was that of Marconi

1966 HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST

13

Telegraph boy. He was one of about five boys who would deliver messages on a minute's notice.

One of the most unusual jobs he did, which is no longer done today, was to help his father cut ice to sell in his store. They would go out to Tom Never's Pond to get the ice. First the boy would mark the dimensions of the blocks on the pond with a horse and a type of plow harnessed to him.

When the blocks were marked, he and his father would hand-saw the blocks, twelve to fourteen inches thick. Then the ice would be pushed up the "channel" on to a ramp where it was loaded in the wagon.

During the summer, Tom Never's Pond produced another job. The boy would mend and make fishnets for his father to use when he seined at the pond. When his father went scalloping, he would make scallop bags for him.

Since a 'Sconseter's life centered on the ocean, he naturally would spend most of his time near it, working or playing. This pertained to the other boys also.

'Sconset fishermen would salt and dry their codfish, leaving them out in the sun on racks to dry. This furnished a beautiful opportunity for the boys to have a "fish fight." More often than not a fisherman would find his fish all over the ground, only to have them picked up again by the same boys who spread them there. Everyone knew who the boys were, and no one objected to a little fun once in a while.

Sometimes, however, the boys would play away from the beach. One of the most popular games was to roll a hoop with a stick. The village blacksmith made the children's hoops. They also rode bicycles and spun homemade tops. Many of the children made bows and arrows and kites, and all of them made clay marbles.

Very often the boys' games ended up quite differently from the way they started. One Halloween night in particular some boys were walking on a ridge above a dirt road. Suddenly they saw a wagon coming, loaded with squash and other vegetables. Just as the wagon passed underneath, one of the boys pushed a rock down the hill. It bumped into the wagon, spreading the squash all over the road. No real damage was done, however, unless you call spankings damage.

Every once in a while the boys would innocently enter somebody's strawberry patch, presumably to eat a few strawberries and be on their way.

But more often than not a strawberry fight would be the result.

Not all of their fun was rough, however. One big event in any school­ boy's year was the annual school picnic. It usually was held on the last day of school. All of the children would ride the train to Tom Never's Pond and have a great time, eating and swimming.

But things have changed. It is no longer 1918 and the old 'Sconset is gone. Many things have come and gone. Even the boys of 1918 have gone, and different ones have taken their places. But are they really that different?

14

Friends Meeting in Nantucket—1965

BY KATHERINE SEELER

DURING last summer the usual Friends Meeting was held in July and Au­ gust in the old Meeting House in Fair Street, now a part of the museum of the Nantucket Historical Association. Occasionally meetings were held during the winter in p r i v a t e homes. While there is a small group of about ten or twelve Friends who live each summer on the is­ land, it is interesting to note that many of the peo­ ple who come are mem­ bers of other churches during the winter. One member of a large denom­ ination said that he liked the silence and the feeling that this was the religion of the old Nantucketers and therefore it seemed appropriate to attend dur­ ing the summer.

Certainly we do have a link with the past. During the late 18th century and early 19th century Nantucket was the largest Quaker town outside of Philadelphia. In the old meetings of Nantucket, men left their hats on, knelt down to pray, and often gave their messages in a sing-song voice. Gradually the simple clothing, originally meant to be a protest against the elaborate dress of the 17th century, became, rather, a defence against the world. The plain speech used originally to point out man's equality, became a badge of a special people.

Today, Friends realize that the simple life is not one of external appear­ ances and separate customs, but a condition of the mind, character, and spirit, and all outward differences have disappeared. In the meetings on Sunday, however, one does see something different. Without a central speaker, with­ out music, minus bright colors and elaborate decorations, a group of people attain a religious fellowship which is full of meaning for this modern world.

15

Annual Reports THE ANNUAL MEETING of the members of the Nantucket Historical Association is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 19, 1966, at the Friends Meeting House, Fair Street, at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon. To expedite the procedure, reports of Chairmen and 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 presented at the meeting.

Membership Report New Members — Fiscal Year June 1, 1965, to May 31, 1966 LIFE Mr. George B. Gibbons Mr. Lewis S. Greenleaf, Jr. Mr. Hugh W. McLeod Mr. Carroll D. Smith

Mrs. Harold Arnold Mrs. William A. Boone Miss Jane Egan Miss Erica Wilson Rev. Daniel E. Carey Mrs. C. Wingfield Davis Mr. Richard Deutsch Mr. Victor A. Gares

SUSTAINING Dr. Stephen L. Gumport Rev. C. Pendleton Lewis Mr. George W. Morgan Mr. Stoddard M. Stevens Mr. Raymond F. Wiley

Miss Barbara P. Andrews Mr. Edmund D. Ashley Dr. Miles Atkinson Mrs. Elizabeth A. Baird Mrs. Chester A. Baker Mr. R. W. Barnes, Jr. Mrs. R. W. Barnes, Jr. Mr. Irving Bartlett Boston Public Library Rev. Fred Bennett Mrs. Clara T. Block Mr. Lennox F. Bodman Mrs. Douglass Bomeisler Mrs. John B. Bomface Mr. George Bramanon Mr. William Brownell Mr. Arthur E. Butler Miss Elaine Camillien Mr. Alvis E. Campbell Mr. Miles G. Carlisle Mrs. Barbara J. Chamberlain

ANNUAL Mrs. Francis D. Lethbridge Mr. Christopher B. Lethbridge Miss Margaret F. Lethbridge Dr. Edgar F. Lillicrapp Mr. Walter Lindquist Mrs. Walter Lindquist Mr. William Lindsay Mrs. John D. C. Little Mr. Joseph F. Loughman, Jr. Mrs. Joseph F. Loughman Miss Kathleen Loughman Mrs. Herbert Lowe Mrs. Hazel Coffin McKee Mr. Scott McVay Mr. Robert Mack Mr. Frederick W. MacDougall Mr. Stewart MacDougall Mr. Gerald D. Mainhart Mrs. C. M. Manson Mrs. T. H. Marsh Massachusetts State Library Mr. Paul C. Morris, Jr,

16

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mr. Earl F. Chase Mr. John Jay Cisco Mrs. Hatwood H. Coburn Mr. John V. Cockcroft Mr. Arthur G. Coffin Mr. Edwin Louis Coffin Mr. Mark Tristram Coffin Mrs. Norman P. Coffin Miss Esther Coke Mr. Allen R. Congdon Mrs. Allen Congdon Mr. Alfred A. Crosby Sr. J. Guillermo Crosby Mr. George C. Cunningham Mr. John Davis Mr. William Diver Mrs. Bessie S. Dustman Miss Carol A. Eastman Mrs. Vyevene Coffin Ellis Miss Sandra Faiman Mrs. Helen Rich Findlay Mrs. F. J. Flack Mrs. Samuel R. Folger Mr. Barry Freedman Mrs. Bertha M. Garnett Miss Esther Gibbs Mr. John Gilbert Mrs. John Gilbert Miss Dorothy Goerger Miss Sandra Graham Mr. David D. Greene Mrs. Philip A. Guibord Miss Eunice Barnard Haden Miss Jean Halsey Mr. Robert Hancock Mrs. Merrill Haskins Mr. James M. Haughian Mr. J. Frank Havemeyer Mrs. Margaret Hayes Capt. W. D. Hodges Mrs. Mary E. Holmes Mr. B. J. Holmes Mr. Russell Hood Mr. Raymond R. Hooper

Mrs. C. A. Napper Mr. William C. Newman Mr. Charles O'Neil Mr. William A. Paddock Rev. Frank J. Pattison Mrs. Frank J. Pattison Mr. Clement A. Pentrose, Jr. Mrs. Dorothy Petumenos Miss Eleanor Phinney Mr. Charles R. Prichard Mr. Charles A. Prostack Mrs. Jeanne G. Rand Mr. Christopher Gundry Rand Mr. H. M. Rand, Jr. Miss Nancy Satler Rand Mrs. Manuel Reis Mr. Myles Reis Mr. Deane W. Robbins Mrs. Deane W. Robbins Miss Elizabeth Robbins Mr. Richard D. Robbins Mr. Erik Ronnberg Mrs. George D. Roosevelt Mr. Edwin Schumann, Jr. Mrs. Edwin Schumann, Jr. Mrs. George H. Share Miss Mary Howland Sherman Mrs. Jack V. Silva Mrs. Patrick Slosek Mrs. Proctor Smith, Jr. Mr. Donald Spores Miss Jane Starkey Mr. George M. Stuhr Mr. V. E. Tausig Mrs. V. E. Tausig Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. David W. Thorne Mr. Brian C. Townshend

Mr. Julius Jenson

Mrs. Marion L. Vanderbilt Dr. C. Kenneth Veo Mrs. C. Kenneth Veo Mrs. Frank C. Vogel

Mr. Thomas B. Kellogg Rev. James W. Kennedy, D.D.

Mrs. Martha J. Walters Miss Virginia Ward

17

ANNUAL REPORTS

Mrs. W. P. Kenney Mr. Dennis J. Keohane Miss Mary Koether Mr. Arthur G. Kraeger Mrs. Arthur G. Kraeger Mrs. Andrew J. Krog

Mr. Tod Whitaker Mrs. Katherine White Mr. Lewis D. White Mrs. Lewis D. White Mrs. Dorothy Ford Wiley Mrs. Edward P. Wilson Mr. Perry Wilson Mrs. Thomas F. Wilson Mrs. Neal S. Wood Mr. George E. Worth

Mr. J. W. Lamberton Mrs. Barbara F. Lamberton Miss Joan Langdon Mr. Francis D. Lethbridge

DEATHS Sister Alice Beebe Mr. Paul D. Caskey Mr. Charles F. Chadwick Mr. Norman Coffin Mr. Thomas G. Crosby Miss Helen C. Gilbert Mrs. Mary L. Gouin Life Members 196

Mr. David Gray, Jr. Mr. Stewart Mooney Mr. Herbert M. Thomas Mrs. Marie Tylee-McHugh Mr. William Waine Mr. George W. Welsh Mrs. Henry K. Willard

Sustaining Members 103

Annual Members 919

Total 1218 The above figures represent the number of members in good standing as of June 1, 1966. As usual it has been a struggle to keep the number over 1200. With 13 deaths, 4 resignations, 91 delinquent members, a total of 108 were dropped before the census was taken.

Our membership is open to anyone interested and we would appreciate names of possible new members. The membership card entitles one to free admission to all our exhibits and members also receive the quarterly magazine HISTORIC NANTUCKET. Your help is solicited; write to Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554.

ADMISSIONS TO MUSEUMS Fair St. Museum Oldest House 1800 House Old Mill Old Jail Hadwen HouseSatler Memorial Whaling Museum

1965 3030 7684 1742 3914 3838

1964 2554 6868 1441 3460 2862

1963 3298 6585 1755 5041 3524

1962 3041 5593 1766 4479 2657

1961 3334 4631 1265 4286 2898

6805 34977

6478 31150

29078

25842

21962

TOTAL

61990

54813

49281

43378

38426

Ethel Anderson, Secretary

18

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Report of Curator 1965 - 1966

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER

EACH year the gifts to the Nantucket Historical Association are both in­ teresting and varied; 1965-1966 proved no exception. They fall in several categories — books, documents, pictures, paintings, needlework, furniture, and household items.

Among a group of documents is the following, dated Oct. 10, 1665, which we quote: "At a meeting at Nantucket the inhabitants agree to dig a trench to drain the Long Pond, both with regard to a Weir for taking fish and also for making of meadow, the work is to be carried on, the one half of the work to be done by the Indians the other half by the English Inhabitants as owners, the Indians to have half the fish so long as they attend the weir carefully." October 10, 1665.

Books have been received to be added to the library at the Whaling Museum, as well as a number to be used at the Fair Street Museum. Several "out of print" volumes are most welcome to add to our reference books about Nantucket history. Even though duplicates, many of the constantly used volumes are becoming worn and the new accessions are welcome re­ placements.

We have received a painting entitled "Green Valley," by the late Col. Julian Yates. Our visitors who have enjoyed his "Nantucket Auction" dis­ played at Fair Street for several years will find the new painting worth view­ ing.

Two colored sketches for part of the murals which decorate the dining room at Moors End are being hung in the Whaling Museum. The murals were done over 30 years ago and after the death of the artist last year, the sketches were sent to the Historical Association by his son.

Each time we receive a lovely quilt we regret we have so little space to display it. Folded and placed in a case gives very little idea of the pattern or number of tiny stitches used in the making. One example is a quilt made of linen and cotton material with rose pictorial figures on a light background.

This is in contrast to the usual darker and smaller patterns.

Another example of fine needlework is a cream colored satin wedding vest embroidered in a beautiful design.

Gifts of furniture include a trundle bed, a miniature work table inlaid with ivory, and a doll house. The latter was made about 1860 and is cleverly constructed in three tiers. As each is removed the lower rooms are visible.

We are told by the member who loaned this family treasure to us that a marble dropped on the upper staircase travels to the two lower levels, as it is so carefully constructed.

Among household items are two lamps, one a tiny metal one with a single wick; this has a hook so the lamp can be hung over a door, and this lamp can be seen in the Oldest House. A pressed glass lamp in the "Star and Punty" pattern is now on view in the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial.

ANNUAL REPORTS

19

A black soapstone with a wire handle is a curio in these days. The stone was heated and used to warm beds, no doubt a forerunner of the electric blanket.

Many other interesting items are on view and we are grateful to all those who help to make our collections more complete.

In closing I would like to give especial thanks to our Honorary Curator, Mrs. Walton Adams, for her constant help and advice in setting up exhibits.

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House

BY MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN

THE Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House continue to attract visi­ tors from many states and foreign countries. While the numbers are not as large as we could wish, still those who do come are interested and spend a great deal of time viewing the exhibits.

Mrs. Elizabeth Worth and Mrs. Clara Block will again be on hand to provide information about our displays. We are happy that Miss Alice Crocker will be the "relief" for two days a week Miss Crocker has had much exper­ ience in doing genealogical work and will be a very useful member of our staff.

We expect that the Society of Friends will occupy the Meeting House on Sundays during July and August as they have in past years. It was reported to us that during last summer a very good number of Friends attended each week.

While we have made no startling changes in the museum, lack of space prevents this, we have endeavored to display some new accessions so they will provide knowledge of the past to our visitors.

The 1800 House

BY ETHEL C. CLARK, CHAIRMAN

THE 1 800 HOUSE had a good season, having had three hundred more guests than in 1965. The Misses Brown brought in four scatter rugs which will be used this year. In addition Mr. Josiah Barrett has donated a trundle bed that used to belong to Miss Corrina Bearse. We are grateful for these welcome additions to the furnishing of the House. This year we are having the Keep­ ing Room, the ceiling in the East Room, and the front steps painted.

The Old Mill

BY HENRY B. COLEMAN, CHAIRMAN

THE 1965 SEASON was very successful. Mr. Frank Ramsdell, our new cus­ todian, has done a lot in making the inspection tours interesting and worth­ while, and he has kept the property in good condition for exhibition.

Through Mr. Joseph Senecal, the physical structure has been maintained in good shape.

It was necessary to have a new wheel made to replace the one at the

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

end of the directional, or turning, spar, which had disintegrated during the years. In this day and age, the construction of an iron bound wheel was a major operation, successfully carried out by Mr. James Norcross of the Ma­ rine Lumber Co., and Mr. Joseph Senecal. So, with the rebuilding of one of the vanes, the Mill is in excellent condition.

The attendance for the season was 3,914, and the income was $1,121.80.

The expenses for the year were a little out of line because of the cost of the wheel. The regular expenses were $1,048.78, and the cost of the new wheel was $421.40.

Old Gaol

BY ALBERT G. BROCK, CHAIRMAN

THE stairs were repaired this past year and a new door is in the process of repair. Mr. Garnett is ready to serve again as "Jailer" and entertain visi­ tors with his talk and anecdotes. It looks like another good year, but we wish that more people would find their way to this quaint old building, just off Vestal Street.

Fire Hose-Cart House

BY IRVING T. BARTLETT, CHAIRMAN

THIS Gardner Street exhibit is in good shape except for some minor repairs that need to be done, fixing a window and adjusting the latch on the main door, for example. It is hoped in addition to rearrange the exhibits inside the building so that they may be more easily seen. Also some thought should be given to making the exterior more attractive. The contribution box will again be placed conspicuously on a partition to receive donations for the upkeep of the exhibit. We hope that each season more people will visit this historic little building, with its ancient but effective equipment of the old Nantucket Fire Department.

The Oldest House

BY MRS. EDITH F. ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN

ATTENDANCE for the 1965 season surpassed that of previous years with a total of 7647 paid admissions, and 97 guests for the Open House on Sunday afternoon June 12th. Many members visited more than once and there were several groups interested in the exhibit.

A slip cover was made for the wing chair in the Bride's Chamber thereby brightening this room considerably. The ceiling in the entrance hall has been replastered and the wall of the stairway white-washed.

An attempt was made to open for the Memorial Day weekend but the House proved to be too cold and damp, as the weather was not in our favor.

Miss Ida Parker and Mrs. Louise Hussey will serve as receptionists again this year.

ANNUAL REPORTS

21

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

THE FISCAL YEAR 1965-1966 proved to be another outstanding year of progress for the Museum from various viewpoints, but at the same time a year at the end of which several vitally important problems are still to be resolved. The Museum Committee has pleasure in presenting as its annual report a brief summary of the year's accomplishments and the projects recommended for early action.

ADMISSIONS Paid admissions for the 1965-66 fiscal year totaled 34,900 persons, which topped by 3838 persons the preceding year which in turn had scored an all-time high record of 2,074 over any other year. Of the total for the season, 29,982 were adults and 5,008 were children under 12 years of age as compared to 27,001 and 4,151 respectively in the previous year. It is of special interest to know that every monthly total set a new record — even the twelve days of October before closing date which showed 447 admissions as against 306 for the previous year. Again the Whaling Museum accounted for more than 50 per cent of the total admissions for all Association build­ ings and exhibits, its total being over 56 per cent of the total admissions.

The "Guests Registry Book" showed 48 states were represented as com­ pared with 46 in 1964 and 44 in 1963. The two mission states were Utah and Idaho. Visitors from foreign lands represented thirty-one (31) countries as compared with twenty-three (23) in 1964. The list included: Switzerland; Italy; Greece; Canada; England; Scotland; Denmark; Panama; New Zealand; Mexico; Sweden; Finland; South Africa; Puerto Rico; Australia; Hungary; N. Ireland; Ireland; Germany; Thailand; Colombia; lapan; Costa Rica; Bra­ zil; Poland; Spain; Chile; Peru; Bermuda; British Columbia; Holland.

PROTECTIVE FEATURES The American District Telegraph Burglar Alarm System installed in 1964 has proven entirely satsifactory. The installing company, which retains ownership of the system, has provided annual inspection service which has indicated the system to be in good working order. The Sprinkler System in­ stalled a number of years ago is regularly inspected and serviced and is re­ ported as in first class condition.

MICROFILMING RECORDS This project proved to be quite an undertaking with the Recordak Com­ pany (Eastman Kodak Co., Subsidiary) representatives making numerous trips to our Museum to insure satisfactory completion. Following the actual microfilming, all jacketed positive films had to be read back against the log books to insure accuracy and no omissions. Thereafter the jacketed positive films for each log had to be labelled and properly indexed to provide ready reference and to insure against loss of individual jackets through use. This work was handled by our custodian, Walter Lindquist, ably assisted by Mrs. Lindquist, and after many weeks of work is now completed and the micro­ films are currently in use. Thus our valuable log books will be held as pre­ cious relics of the past and will not be used except on special occasions and then only with the approval of the Museum Committee.

The negatives are being prepared for fireproof storage and safekeeping on the mainland, thus insuring reproduction should a catastrophy wipe out

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the original log books and the positives located on the Island. For this proj­ ect we owe great thanks to the Nantucket Historical Trust for paying half of the cost.

ACCESSIONS All accessions, their location in the Museum and the donors' names, are entered in the Museum accession book. During the past year accessions have been numerous and interesting, but space does not permit detailed list­ ing. The Nantucket Historical Trust has again been a good friend to the Museum. Through its continued interest and search for appropriate items, its gifts during the past year included three Journals, a log, thirty-one miscel­ laneous books on whaling and some interesting pamphlets.

MAINTENANCE AND MISCELLANEOUS The task of protecting and preserving our many valuable exhibits is a foremost and continuing problem. This year the outstanding project dealt with our collection of old photographs of Nantucket Whaling Captains, Whaling scenes, Whaleships, and related subjects displayed in racks in San­ derson Hall. Age was rapidly taking its toll but deterioration had not reached a point when reproduction would prove impossible. Photographic reproduc­ tions of all these old pictures were made and mounted on a new and excellent form of backing covered with transparent sheeting and are now again ex­ hibited in the special display racks. The old photographs and the negatives thereof are to be stored in safe keeping in the local bank in case of future need for additional reproductions.

Our special display of charts in Sanderson Hall has been enlarged by additional charts acquired. This exhibit continues to draw special attention and comment.

Another interesting project worked on for several years by our commit­ tee member, Mrs. Kent King, has now been completed, namely brief histori­ cal reviews of the life of each Whaling Captain whose portrait hangs in the Portrait room. These historical reviews, filed alphabetically in bound books, will be available for reference by the public in the Portrait Room and should answer the many questions asked by visitors about the portraits.

Reading, indexing and cross referencing our log books, including data about other ships spoken, and recording the results on 3x5 cards for ready reference by researchers, is being carried forward by our Librarian, Mrs. Chace. It is a slow process, for it has to be carried on by the Librarian while answering questions and attending to the wants of library visitors and re­ searchers which run as high as 700 people on some days.

Maintenance of the building is watched carefully. This year it included repainting the interior of all windows, frames and sills and various areas needing attention such as public rest rooms and stairways.

PERSONNEL Four of our veteran members will welcome the public again during the 1965-1966 season. Mr. Walter W. Lindquist as Custodian of the Museum will be in charge of the current operating routine. Mrs. Herbert W. Foye will welcome visitors at the Reception desk and be in charge of the Counting Room, the Scrimshaw Room and the Sales Counter. Bertram E. Morris will be responsible for guiding visitors through the Whale Craft Shops. Mrs. Ellen D. Chace, as Librarian, will welcome old friends and make many new ones by her willingness and ability to answer questions on whaling and the li­ brary. Mrs. Reginald Hussey will serve again as Relief for the Reception desk and the Library.

ANNUAL REPORTS

23

It is with regret that we announce the recent death of John H. Kittila, who loyally served in past years on our staff in various capacities, and of Earle S. Weatherbee, who served last year as a Relief for Messrs. Lindquist and Morris. Mr. Weatherbee's position will be filled by Willard E. Nickerson, a welcome addition to our staff.

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

SUMMARY In last year's report the following statement about needed additional space was made. "The growing attendance each year is a measure of the public interest our Museum engenders. There is a corresponding added re­ sponsibility in the presentation of our exhibits which create this public in­ terest. This is now reaching a point where it creates almost a baffling prob­ lem, for the growth of our exhibits requires a constant shuffling and reshuffl­ ing of the available space in the four brick walls of a 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 San­ derson 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 most outstanding of its kind. Present space is used to the best possible ad­ vantage but much of the beauty and effective detail is completely lost be­ cause 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."

This problem has not been solved as yet, except to have rough plans drawn for a possible addition with rough estimates of cost. Reference is made to it again, the need for added space grows steadily and sooner or later must be faced.

Complete lack of heating and dehumidification facilities reported last year is still unsolved, we regret to say, for it is the Museum's most serious problem. This old brick building with all its priceless exhibits is closed from mid-October to the end of May. The condensation of moisture within the four brick walls throughout these months is devastating.

Pictures, books and documents suffer the greatest damage. In the Scrim­ shaw Room we have 16 original whaling-scene etchings by the well known artist George Gale, which he presented to us. While these pictures are all framed and glass-covered, every one of them is now "pock marked" with mildew spots. A well known visiting Museum Authority examined the etch­ ings and expressed the opinion that by using a special heat process the mil­ dew and spots can still be removed, but this will necessitate removing the etchings from the frames and then reframing. The expert warns, however, that unless these etchings are exhibited in a reasonably warm and dry at­ mosphere the mildew and spots will quickly return and that it is only a question of time before the etchings will be beyond repair.

Another example is found in the thirty-one portraits exhibited in the Portrait Room and additional paintings throughout the building. These are all desperately in need of restoration, a major and very costly project. Winter cold and moisture condensation are hastening deterioration, but until these conditions are eliminated costly restoration will only retard deterioration, not stop it nor assure preservation.

The Museum Committee has had surveys made by a competent author-

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

ity for heating which would be safe and satisfactory. Plans have been sub­ mitted 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 with area thermostat control to meet the varied condi­ tions. The latest plans and cost estimates submitted this past summer provided for a building large enough to include the installation of additional furnace facilities for (1) an addition to the Whaling Museum and, above all, (2) to heat the new Historical Museum building to be erected at a future date on the adjacent land. The estimated cost of such an installation submitted Nov. 16, 1965, calls for an expenditure of $16,000.00. Final decision is now in the hands of the Executive Committee to make final recommendations to the Council of the Association.

The Museum Committee recognizes this heating problem as being in the acute stage. 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 and to this end it is hoped favorable action will be voted at an early date.

Advertising—Publicity—Publications

BY H. ERROL COFFIN AND W. RIPLEY NELSON

AS IN PAST YEARS the Association's advertising program was divided into three classes: (1) Local Newspapers; (2) Magazines and Directories; and (3) Cards and Leaflets. Newspaper advertising reverted again to one local newspaper with the withdrawal of the second paper about July 1st, 1965.

The usual schedule was carried out which included the seasonal opening announcements for all exhibits; notice regarding the Annual Meeting and the Special Speaker, Paul C. Morris, Jr., who talked on "The History of American Shipping on the East Coast of the United States"; and two sub­ sequent lectures, by Norman P. Giffin on "Island Steamboats" and by George W. Jones on "Industries of Nantucket in the 1800's."

Thanksgiving week-end special opening of the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial was featured and the seventeenth Annual Gam in March com­ pleted the schedule.

Magazine and Directory advertising included weekly advertisements for thirteen weeks in two local seasonal publications — "Nantucket Holiday" and "Your Nantucket Vacation Guide." In each publication a full page was used for which we secured the back of the front cover in each publication — giving us excellent location to advertise our exhibits, hours and days open, and admission fees. The usual listing of exhibits was given in the "New England Council" summer guide and several other vacation guides.

The opening and admission schedules, cardboard signs, listing all our exhibits and information as to admissions and schedules for visitors, were distributed early in June for display by hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and some Island businesses. The Association's folded leaflet describ­ ing the exhibits was given the usual wide distribution at all exhibits, the Information Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce. "Main Street" and "Rambles Through the Historic District" also still enjoy wide distribution.

All three pamphlets were up-dated when reorders became necessary.

The Oldest House pamphlet was revised by adding numerous full-page pictures and changing the cover to our usual dignified gray cover used in

ANNUAL REPORTS

25

other publications. The text was unchanged but the addition of the full-page pictures added character and interest to the booklet.

News stories on all Association activities and items of special interest were released to the local paper and to one off-Island newspaper having a substantial Island circulation. Both papers actively cooperated in giving good news coverage based on these releases, with the result that again the newsstory value continued well in excess of the cost of advertising and provided excellent headline publicity.

The Committee will endeavor to maintain the standard of the past in presenting, in historically instructive and dignified form, the Association's story and current news.

Hadwen House — Satler Memorial

BY ALBERT F. EGAN, JR., CHAIRMAN

WITH REGRET we announce that Mrs. George Folger will not be in charge this year. Her interest in the House and the garden has substantially con­ tributed to the success of this exhibit. We are pleased to say, however, that she has agreed to help Mrs. Helen Soverino, our new Hostess, whenever necessary.

There have been many new improvements at the Memorial during the past year. Under the direction of Mrs. Juliet Perkins and Mr. David Carson the garden has been replanted and restored to its former beauty. In the house itself the plaster in the dining-room has been repaired and painted. The bath­ room that occupied the front part of the upstairs hall has been removed, thus opening up the hall as it was originally, and the hall has been refurn­ ished. The closet-room in the back hall has also been removed. These changes have greatly improved the looks of the property and it is our hope that an­ other year, with some kind help, we shall be able to complete some of our other projects.

We are fortunate in the gift of several ivory fixtures and a stamp box from Mrs. George Folger; also an early pressed-glass lamp, the gift of Mrs. Helen McKearin Powers.

The crewel bedspread and hanging, the gift of Mrs. Richard Swain, are in the process of being embroidered and we hope we'll be able to have them for exhibit next year.

This report should not close without saying "thanks" to our House Committee, Mrs. Robert Congdon, Mrs. Clark Coffin, and Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., for their continual work on these House improvements.

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Treasurer's Report June 1, 1966, Balance Sheet EXHIBIT A Land, Buildings Whaling Museum Hadwen House-Satler Memorial Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill 1800 House Nantucket House Old Jail West York Street — Land Hose House Collections, Furniture and Equipment Collections Furniture and Fixtures Micro Film Readers

$100,000.00 100,000.00 75,000.00 12,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 2,000.00 150,000.00 500.00 800.00

Total Cash on Hand and Pacific National Bank Deposits in Savings Banks Securities

$474,300.00 7,092.12 72,807.14 20,100.00

Total Assets

$574,299.26

Analysis of Surplus and Restricted Funds Real Estate Surplus by re-appraisal 5/31/66 Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest) Restricted Funds (Principal only) Expendable Funds Total Accumulated Surplus for Income Total Liabilities

$361,759.68 $

6,766.95 45,972.34 40,167.85 92,907.14 119,632.44 $574,299.26

It is our opinion that the report submitted by the Treasurer reflects the financial condition of the Nantucket Historical Association for the period ending May 31st, 1966. The test audit included examination of income and expenses, verification of check endorsements, examination and verification of securities and contents of papers held in the safe deposit box at the Pacific National Bank.

Ormonde F. Ingall, Auditor

27

ANNUAL REPJRTS

EXHIBIT A-l Analysis of Funds Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest) Will Gardner (Book Binding) Jethro Coffin (Oldest House) Old Mill Preservation Coffin Genealogy Total Restricted Funds (Principal only) Life Memberships Florence Mitchell William Swift Emma Hayward Sidney Mitchell Susan Brock Ella M. Starbuck Total Expendable Funds (Principal and Interest)

by Authorization of Council Income ($4,894.65 & $10,539.10) Ruth Haviland Sutton Elizabeth M. Blackburn Mary C. Milliken Maria Mitchell — Starbuck Mackay Rev. William E. Gardner Henry Carlisle Mary E. Walker Mary E. Macy Edna Whitteken Total Total

$

626.45 634.56 897.74 4,608.20 $ 6,766.95 10,458.22 21,514.12 5,000.00

2,000.00 3,000.00

1,000.00 3,000.00 45,972.34

15,433.75 6,460.64 5,000.00 5,273.46 3,000.00

1,000.00

2,000.00 500.00 500.00

1,000.00 40,167.85 $92,907.14

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Statement of Income and Expenses EXHIBIT B Departmental Operations Income Whaling Museum $16,345.00 Fair Street 1,432.75 ' Oldest House 3,584.25 Old Mill 1,045.35 Old Jail 1,018.35 1800 House 817.50 Hadwen House-Satler Memorial 3,223.75 Hose House 11.63

Expenses $10,381.02 1,876.83 1,115.69 1,048.78 1,203.78 1,035.70 4,632.33 66.50

Net $5,963.98 (444.08) 2,468.56 (3.43) (185.43) (218.20) (1,408.58) (54.87)

27,478.58

21,360.63

6,117.95

Other Income and Expenses Life Memberships 600.00 Annual Memberships 2,688.68 Sustaining Memberships 1,017.00 Interest and Dividends 3,419.40 Bequests and Donations Ruth Haviland Sutton 6,460.64 Elizabeth M. Blackburn 5,000.00 Rev. William E. Gardner 1,000.00 500.00 Mrs. Stacy Knopf Rev. Wm. Gardner Publications 537.70 597.18 Miscellaneous 1,835.48 Miscellaneous

2,804.04

Total

51,134.66 Total Special Expenditures (Authorized by Council) Pamphlets Historic Nantucket Publicity and Advertising Franklin Folger Memorial 2,176.13 Whaling Museum—Microfilm Whaling Museum—Fence Old Jail 1800 House Old Mill—Wheel 464.10 Coffin Genealogy Equipment—Typewriter Hadwen House-Satler Memorial 1,500.00 Hadwen House—Garden Hadwen House—Alterations 1,000.00 Crewel Bed Spread Restoration of Portraits 3,847.75 and Paintings

24,164.67

$60,122.64

$36,880.12

Total

26,969.99

169.50 2,295.10 2,490.85 77.20 3,554.86 190.19 846.66 18.61 421.40 0 225.00 1,440.73 632.12 353.23

$23,242.52

29

Recent Events FOR A LONG TIME it has seemed to us that Nantucket should stage an event during the summer season that would point up and commemorate some outstanding and significant occurrence in the Island's long history.

Something in the nature of a carnival, perhaps, with contests of skill and strength, exhibitions of Island crafts, paintings, maybe a musical program, and any other appropriate contribution to a gala yet dignified celebration.

Certainly there are many events in the Island's history which could be im­ aginatively played up as a focal point of a rousing good celebration lasting for several days. This sort of thing is happening everywhere; why not in Nantucket? Have we less imagination and initiative, less pride in our past, than have other places? Note, for instance, what the town of Sag Harbor, Long Island, does. This old whaling town, now an "elite" summer resort, according to a recent article in The National Observer, one week-end a year harks back to the era when it was a first-class whaling port with, says the National Observer, "a collective gusto and ingenuity that might have been limned" in a novel of John Steinbeck, one of Sag Harbor's eminent summer residents. The occasion, known as "The Old Whalers Festival," was held this year June 17, 18, and 19. The high point was an international race for­ mally called "The First International Whale Boat Cup Competition." Tenman Norwegian and American harpooning crews pursued a simulated whale nicknamed "Mobile Dick," moored a half-mile from the shore. The crew that "struck" the whale first and fairly won the trophy.

Now, here is an annual event in a town nowhere near as important historically as Nantucket (Sag Harborites we are sure will be willing to agree), staging a three-day affair to commemorate its own "Glorious Past" with an enthusiasm and initiative that should put us to shame. Proceeds from the Sag Harbor enterprise go to underwrite the "restoration of a community that has lost little of its 19th Century grace," as the Observer recorded.

"Restoration" for Sag Harbor, while here we have a whole town preserved almost intact from the golden days of old Nantucket, rich in fact and legend as no other town ever was or is. And we do nothing to demonstrate forcibly to the world our pride in this unbelievable inheritance. Let us have an annual festival that will once more make the name Nantucket known throughout the Seven Seas and beyond. Little Sag Harbor points the way. *

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RANDOM HARPOONINGS. If you hear a weird cacophony on the beaches this summer, don't assume that little green men have come chatter­ ing down from Mars. Sun glasses are now provided with miniature radios built into the frames. . . . The drought-relieving showers and thunder showers which swept over New England last May 20th gave Nantucket another "first": a rainfall of 2.60 inches in six hours — maximum for the six-state area. ... A salty reminder from Radio Station WOCB at West Yarmouth: "The more you spout, the more likely you are to be harpooned." . . . and, finally, another "gem" overheard one day, "Don't tell her — she never repeats anything."

30

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

(Continued from the April, 1966, issue of "Historic Nantucket") 1841 March 22—I received six Dollars by the hand of George R. Folger it being the amount of Capt. Zimri Cathcart's bill.

March 23—I received $2-50 being Henry Holmes school bill paid by Reuben Coffin and Francis F. Gardner, his employers.

March 24—I copied off a Warantee & Mortgage deed for George M. Swain on the record of the Nant. Baptist Soc. March 25—As the town schools have a holiday this afternoon I had to fol­ low suit. I had two new scholars to-day, viz: Capt. Alexander Robinson's sons. George Barrett McCleave quitted on Monday last and to-day paid me $2.67 being the amount of his bill.

March 26—I walked to Capt. Barney Coffin's in Polpis, stopped & lodged there and came down on the morning of the 27th.

March 28—I went to Friends Meeting in forenoon, Unitarian in afternoon and Methodist in evening — our minister being off.

April 1—William C. Folger, son of cousin Robert paid me $3.67 for his winter schooling.

April 2—Baptist Soc. authorized me to hire $1500.00 for their use.

April 3—Three scholars took their books to-day, my school seems to be thinning off on account of the season of the year. Mary Bunker finished making two shirts for me. Charles P. Baker paid me 67 cts for two weeks schooling to learn bookkeeping.

April 5—Received of S. Easton collector, for the Nant. Baptist Soc. $18.33 being T. Backus note for a pew for April 3rd and $3.04 for pew hire. Paid James Bunker, Town Clerk, 50 cts. being for recording the doings of the Baptist Soc at the Annual Meeting. At a meeting of the Society this evening they reconsidered the vote taken at the last meeting authorizing me to hire $1500 and passed a vote to hire instead the sum of $1000.

April 7—The sad news came yesterday of the death of President William H. Harrison.

April 10—Henry A. Swazey quitted school to-day, I charged him for one quarter. As Treasurer pro tern I hired and gave a note to that effect to Samuel H. Bartlett for twenty-five dollars for the use of the Nantucket Bap­ tist Society. Also hired from James M. Coffin the same amount and gave the Society's note on demand.

April 11—I paid for the Nant. Baptist Soc. to Ebenezer Norton $1.50 being the income from his pew for one quarter. Received from S. Easton, Collector, $1.00 being for Fred Hoeg's tax as member of the N. B. Soc. April 12—I had two new scholars to-day viz: one of Frederick C. Swain's and one of Zaccheus Macy's.

(To Be Continued)

Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program tor 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 bv 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, 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. 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. Dainly 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 1966 and Life Membership Cards will be admitted without charge.