Historic Nantucket, July 1967, Vol. 15 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

The "Great Storm" of last May 24, 25 and 26, put the "Pond" back into the "Lily Pond."

JULY, 1967

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, Mrs. Isabel W. Duffy.

Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Miss Helen Powell, Albert G. Brock, term expires 1967; Mrs. Ernest H. Menges, Walter Beinecke, Jr., term expires 1968; Leroy H. True, Herbert I. Terry, term expires 1969; Mrs. James C. Andrews, Richard P. Swain, term expires 1970.

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. Elizabeth Worth; 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, Mrs. Herbert Foye; Fire Hose Cart House, Irving T. Bartlett; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews; Franklin-Folger Seat and Memorial Boulder, Herbert I. Terry.

STAFF Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Chairman and Receptionist Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Librarian 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 1800 House Chairman and Receptionist Mrs. Herbert Foye The Old Jail Chairman Albert G. Brock Receptionist Joseph LaVoie The Old Mill Chairman Henry B. Coleman Receptionist Frank W. Ramsdell The Whaling Museum Chairman W. Ripley Nelson Administrator Walter W. Lindquist Receptionist Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist Relief Mrs. Lawrence Mooney, Mrs. Sidney W. Thurston Receptionist, Craft Shops Bertram E. Morris Relief Jesse Dunham Sales Clerk Miss Lisbeth Taylor Librarian Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Relief Mrs. Ellen D. Chace

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 15

July 1967

No. 1

CONTENTS 2

Nantucket Historical Association Officers Wreck of the Tanker "Pendleton"

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The Captain's Wedding Present

By Margaret Fawcett Barnes

5 8

Historical Essay Contest

11

Friends Meetings for Worship — 1966

By George A. Selleck

15

Annual Reports

-

Recent Events

-

17 31

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

33

Legacies and Bequests

35

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Nantucket Historical Association, Schedule of Exhibits

36

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, 1967, Nantucket Historical Association.

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

5

Wreck of the Tanker "Pendleton" ON THE 18th of February, 1952, the oil-tanker Pendleton out of New Orleans, in a heavy northeasterly storm struck on the Chatham Bar, off Chatham on Caps Cod, and broke in two.

Thereupon ensued one of the most incredible sea-rescues by the crew of the Chatham Coast Guard Station ever recorded in mari­ time history, a demonstration of courage and seamanship almost without parallel in the annals of the United States Coast Guard.

To mark the 15th anniversary of this exploit, Radio Station WOCB in West Yarmouth, invited Mr. Bernard Webber, chief actor in the drama, to appear on its regular weekly program, "News Headliners," devoted to issues on Cape Cod, to tell for the listening audience the circumstances of the rescue and the part he played in it. Mr. Webber had recently returned from a tour of duty with the Coast Guard in Vietnam and had settled permanently on the Cape. In that February of 1952 Mr. Webber was 24. A member of the U.S. Coast Guard and a rated Boat­ swain's Mate, he was assigned to the Chatham Station. The interview turned out to be really a narration, as Mr. Webber succinctly and unemotionally related his experiences on that fateful day. WOCB has kindly consented to the use of its broad­ cast in the preparation of this article.

"It was," said Mr. Webber, "a very bad storm." Word had been radioed to the Chatham Coast Guard Station that a tanker, the Pendleton, was aground on Chatham Bar and had broken in two. Her position was not then known, but on the chance that she might be inshore, Boatswain's Mate Webber took the shore-rescue gear down to the beach. No ship was visible, however, so he took it back. Meanwhile, a Coast Guard plane from Gloucester had spotted the Pendleton and got a ' fix on her which it radioed in to the Station. When Webber re­ turned, his chief directed him to take the 36-foot motor life­ boat out and see what he could do about getting off the Pen­ dleton's crew.

Webber asked for volunteers and three men responded.

When the WOCB program director asked him what he would have done had there been no volunteers, Mr. Webber replied^ "Well, we always ask for volunteers in such cases and if we don't get any, it's just 'you,' and 'you,' and 'you'."

The four men got into the dinghy and rowed out to where the 36-footer was moored. Webber had himself lashed to the wheel and they cast off and proceeded down the harbor singing, for they knew they were in for trouble. And when they cleared the harbor entrance out into Nantucket Sounnd, there it was!

"They were giants out there," said Mr. Webber. "Giants. And for a moment I thought we wouldn't make it and should turn back.

6

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Then I thought, 'This is my job — I have a job to do — that's why I joined the Coast Guard — to get those men off'."

So they kept on.

Thirty-six-foot Lifeboat attached to the Brant Point Coast Guard Station The first great wave to hit them knocked out the compass and smashed the windshield, showering them with broken glass.

By now, a little after five p.m., it was getting dark and snowing.

Webber directed one of his crew, Andy Fitzgerald, to go forward and see if he could set up the searchlight. As Fitzgerald reached the bow, another great wave hit them and Fitzgerald and the searchlight went up in the air and disappeared. "My God," thought Webber, "I've lost Andy!" The next instant there was a thump behind him and there was Andy. He had been carried overboard by the first wave and back by a second.

So they plodded on, engine throttled as they plowed up the long forward slope of each on-coming comber; then a burst of power as Webber "gave her the gun" to carry the boat over the crest and down the back slope into the deep trough and up the slope of the next wave and over the crest again with another burst of power. And so, on and on endlessly as it must have seemed to those men fighting their way against all the brute force of the storm concentrated that day on Chatham Bar. Their radio was useless, jammed with "traffic" from all di­ rections, and they had no idea where they were. Suddenly, dead

WRECK OF THE TANKER "PENDLETON"

7

ahead, loomed the vast hulk of a tanker. They couldn't be sure it was the Pendleton, as another tanker, the Port Mercer, was also aground and broken in two somewhere on Pollock Rip. So Boat­ swain's Mate Webber steered the lifeboat to the stern of the wreck, and there was the name Pendleton.

No lights showed on that side of the vessel. So Webber carefully worked the lifeboat around to the other side, and there were lights. And high above, looking like pygmies, were the crew of the Pendleton in their orange life-jackets, lining the rail and waving down at them.

Again Boatswain's Mate Webber's heart sank. How could he ever get all those men into the 36-footer?

He had no time to ponder this problem, for the men already had dropped a rope-ladder over the side and were coming down one by one. The ladder proved to be short and they had to jump. Some made it, some did not. But they were somehow fished out and dragged in-board. All but the last man — the thirty-third — who had stayed up to help his mates. Halt-way down the ladder he slipped and fell into the boiling surf. They sighted his apparently lifeless body across a propeller blade.

Webber eased the lifeboat to try to get him, but at that moment a huge wave swept the boat under the propeller, threat­ ening to crush the small craft against the Pendleton s hull.

Webber reversed the engine so violently that it stalled. But they were clear and Webber directed Fitzgerald to go into the engine compartment and try to get the engine £°inS agaiPl Andy had better luck this time. The engine roared, but so did Andy — with a yell of pain as the boat lurched to a wave and threw him across the hot cylinder heads.

With the thirty-two survivors of the Pendleton stowed into every possible space — packed like sardines, as Mr. Webber put it, into the forward compartment, and even m the cockpit around him, they started back. The last view of the Pendleton they had was as she slowly rolled over and disappeared. ^ Without any navigational aid whatsoever, Boatswain's Mate Webber decided that the only thing to do was to run before the wind until they fetched up on a lee shore somewhere, as he knew they must sooner or later, and then hope to make the beach. He explained the plan to the Pendleton's men — all deep-water sea­ men who could be depended on — and told them the moment they struck to get out as fast as they could and on to the beach.

They were spared this crisis, however, for a red light ap­ peared ahead, bobbing up and down. Steering for it they found it to be the Chatham Bar buoy. They were inside the Bar. The rest, explained Mr. Webber, was easy. Making then way into the harbor, they landed their human cargo and reported back to the Station. Just like that!

It goes without saying that Boatswain's Mate Webber, in recognition of his skill and daring, received numerous awards including the Gold Medal of the United States Treasury. — A.M.C.

The Captain's Wedding Present

BY MARGARET FAWCETT BARNES

I

T HAD BEEN INHERITED by her mother, a member of the Starbuck family, and given to Katharine at the time of her marriage in 1933. It was a long necklace consisting of medal­ lions exquisitely carved out of tortoise-shell, ending with a lovely locket, and had been brought from Canton, China, by Captain Christopher Wyer, of 33 Orange Street, for his bride, Priscilla, in about 1814.

Unique from any standpoint, since its special workmanship would be very difficult to duplicate, the necklace was certainly an exciting treasure to possess, and as an heirloom it was price­ less. The only flaw was that the carved heads on two medallions were missing, and to get them replaced in this country had seemed out of the question. However, Katharine, now the new owner, was on her way to China as a bride, with her husband, Reginald,

THE CAPTAIN'S WEDDING PRESENT

9

who was to be Vice-Consul at their first foreign post, in Canton.

Enroute, the thought kept occurring in Katharine's excited mind, among others of anticipated pleasure in this far-away land, that she might be able to have her beloved necklace repaired, provided it would not be too difficult and too costly to find some craftsman among modern Cantonese who could still create such elaborate carving on tortoise-shell and would copy the intricate design.

However, her first concern after settling into her new life in the compound of the American Consulate-General was to learn enough Cantonese to be able to do some intelligent shop­ ping and sightseeing, which were synonymous. It was not too long before she was able to tell the rickshaw-boy where she wanted to go, and to bargain successfully with the shopkeepers.

Owing to this, she soon found it was becoming one of her as­ signments to conduct visitors and guests of the Consulate who wanted to see the native city. They would sojourn through Blackwood Street where handsome carved chairs and taborets could be bought; Silk Street where soft Oriental silks and em­ broideries were a specialty; Ivory Street and Jade-Makers' Street with their delicately carved figures and novelties in every shop; Picture Street where beautiful scrolls of artistic design could be found; and, also, Tortoise-Shell Street with daintily carved necklaces, earrings and pins. But none as lovely as that wedding present Katharine had inherited from her great-greatgrandmother, and she certainly would take it along to be repaired one day, on a trip by herself. Incidentally, on these conducted tours, although the ladies all admired the merchandise, if no one bought anything Katharine would be obliged to invest in some knick-knack herself, to save-face, since Cantonese merchants were not at all interested in customers "just browsing."

When the day came for Katharine to take her necklace to Tortoise-Shell Street, she requested her No. 1 Boy to go along with her. Carefully explaining to him her errand, she told him to pick out the best shop on the Street where he was to tell the shop­ keeper about the necklace and above all to make a good bargain for her. They started forth, with Katharine a few paces behind Ah Yung for, even though she was the mistress of the household, as a female she had to take second place to any male in Canton in public. Thus they walked the whole length of the street and she could not understand why he had not stopped at any of the shops.

And, when he turned around and started back again without saying anything, she was more mystified than ever. He must, she thought, have a favorite shop-keeper where he could get the best cut-in, as was the custom. Midway on the return trip he turned around, asking her, "Missie, what shop you wantchy go?"

Her answer was, "Which is your favorite shop, Ah Yung?"

To which he answered, "I no favorite shop. Where you wantchy go?"

10

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

In desperation she answered, "Let's go into this one we're standing in front of."

Once inside, after she had unwrapped her necklace, Ah Yung explained to the shop-keeper she wanted the head on the medal­ lions copied, to replace the two lost ones. Making no reply the man immediately took the necklace into the back room of the shop.

And soon they could hear much conversation going on in excited tones. While Katharine and Ah Yung cooled their heels for about twenty minutes the distant voices continued to be heard in ani­ mated tones. At last the man returned with the necklace in his hand, and, with Ah Yung interpreting, asked, "Where did Missie get necklace?" She told Ah Yung to say she had inherited it. The man then began to explain the excitement and delay, saying that his grandfather, a very old man in the back room, remem­ bered when he was a small boy apprentice his grandfather, also a boy apprentice, often talked about the time when a crazy American ship's Captain insisted upon ordering a necklace, with earrings to match, made up of a series of medallions with grapeleaves carved around each medallion and in the center a head with tiny grape-leaves as a crown around the top, and a large locket decorated the same way. A design that no Chinese artisan would have been apt to work out on his own. But, what was the significance of the American Captain's design will never be known!

And so, by some strange twist of circumstances, the neck­ lace had been brought back to be restored at the same shop where it originated. Quite amazed at what had happened Katharine and Ah Yung were bowed out of the shop with great respect, not usually accorded to foreigners. In due time the restoration was accomplished and the copied heads almost ex­ actly matched the ones carved over a hundred years earlier. And, incidentally, with no haggling about the price, which as Ah Yung pointed out, was small, only three Cantonese dollars, or 75 cents, with Ah Yung getting his cut. The necklace has been brought back to Nantucket Island, where it continues to be worn on special occasions. Katharine now lives, in the summer­ time, at "Starbuck Cottage" on Main Street in Siasconset, which she also inherited from her mother, Florence Hill, daugh­ ter of Caroline Merriam, daughter of Katharine Starbuck, daughter of Christopher and Priscilla Wyer.

11

1967 Historical Essay Contest THIS CONTEST, sponsored yearly by the Nantucket Historical Association, is now combined with a course in English Compo­ sition, an accredited part of the curriculum of the Nantucket High School. This year the Seniors did not participate, the majority of the essays, screened at the School before being sub­ mitted to the judges, coming from the Freshman Class. Con­ sequently, it was not surprising that the two award winners were Freshmen. First choice of the judges was "The Layout of a Whaleship's Top Deck and Fitting for Sea," by Bruce Francis; second choice, "Lucretia Coffin Mott," by Nancy Bowen. Mr. Francis received the usual framed certificate; Miss Bowen an Honorable Mention. Each was awarded one year's Annual Membership in the Nantucket Historical Association.

The Essay by Mr. Francis follows.

The Layout of a Whaleship's Top Deck and Fitting for Sea

BY BRUCE FRANCIS High School Class of 1970

INTRODUCTION WHALESHIPS differed materially from any other type of vessel, especially the merchant vessels, in model and equipment. In fact, both sides of a whaleship differed from each other above the waterline.

Speed was most important to merchant vessels of that time, it being necessary to return from a port as quickly as possible to prevent deterioration of their cargo and secure top prices for early arrival. Whaleships, on the other hand, were built for sea­ worthiness, staunchness, and the ability to carry great weight, such as the heavy brick tryworks, iron trypots, cooling tanks, casks of oil, whalecraft and its gear, as well as general supplies for long voyages. Therefore, it took many men and materials to fit out one of these ships to go on a whaling expedition. The next few pages give a short summary on the layout of a whaleship's top deck and her "fitting for sea."

The Layout of a Whaleship's Top Deck

ABOVE THE WATERLINE whaleships differed greatly from the merchant vessels. For on the port (left side) side, three whaleboats were usually slung from wooden davits about ten feet in height, while another was carried at the starboard quarter (right hand side about a quarter of the way up the deck from the stern).

The space amidships, abreast the main hatch on the starboard side,

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

was reserved for a removable section of the bulwarks called the gangway, which was removed for space during the "cutting-in" of a whale.

The try works were erected on the forward deck, just below the fore hatch. This consisted of a large brick furnace containing two iron trypots, each having a capacity of about two hundred and fifty gallons. Around the furnace was a wooden base about a foot high called the "goose pen." This was kept full of sea water to prevent the decks from becoming hot and catching fire.

A large copper tank for cooling hot oil and usually a spare trypot were secured at each end of the tryworks, and usually a cooper's bench was found behind it. Here the cooper made the barrels for the oil, after the blubber from the whale had been boiled in the trypots. On the stern end of the ship's deck there were two deck houses. These were connected with each other to form a shelter for the helmsman. This is usually referred to as hurricane house. The cook's galley occupied the house on the star­ board side, the other being used for cooperage tools and miscel­ laneous supplies. Also here was found a companionway which led to the captain's quarters and cabins below. Here, the captain and his mates had their quarters. Directly forward of the steering wheel, on the top deck, was a large skylight that gave ample light to the main cabin below. A few feet farther was a large pen which contained potatoes and vegetables.

Aboard many whaleships, overhead shelters were built to protect the tryworks in stormy weather. Another one of these shelters was found between the main and mizzenmasts to protect spare whaling boats, in case those in use became too badly stove (wrecked).

Aloft, in the rigging, whaleships differed little from the merchant vessels, save the hoops attached to the mainmast from which lookouts scanned the sea in search of a whale. Usually, an average size whaleship contained two to three masts, the same as the merchant and trading vessels. These whaleships were the most strongly built ships afloat. The hulls were rigged and built to withstand unusual strains which would wreck any other vessel.

Whalingships averaged from two hundred and fifty tons to four hundred tons, but they were little over a hundred feet in length. Their ratio of beam to length averaged one to four, whereas on merchant vessels the ratio was one to six. Seaworthi­ ness, as mentioned before, and the ability to carry a full cargo of oil, together with the mass of whaling gear, were the prime considerations in the planning of these ships. This is where the technique of "fitting for sea" (getting a ship ready for her voy­ age) comes in.

Fitting for Sea

Fitting a whaleship for sea was a very difficult task. It took the workmanship of many skilled tradesmen and mechanics, and

1967 HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST

13

the assembly of hundreds of items required for whaling trips at sea and the maintenance of the ship.

Usually after a ship was built she was dragged down to the sea in a cradle to be "hove down" (method of rolling her on her side to caulk, tar and copper her bottom). The task was accom­ plished by running a large leather chain strap around the main­ mast head, through large hawsers to a large post driven several feet into the wharf. This post was called a "heaving post" (like a winch). Then five or six workmen would begin turning the post, or hoving her down.

She was hoved down so that her keel was out of the water.

This enabled the caulkers to caulk the seams thoroughly, after which the bottom was given a coating of boiling hot pitch, then a layer of inch-thick pine sheathing and, finally, an outer pro­ tective sheathing of copper.

After one side of the hull was caulked, tarred and sheathed, she was let up slowly till she was on an even keel. Then the ship was hove down again by the same process, so that the othei side of her hull and keel were exposed. She was caulked, tarred and sheathed in like manner as the other side of the hull was.

When the ship carpenters and caulkers had finished with their jobs on the hull, the ship was righted on an even keel, cop­ pered and soundly water-proofed below the water line. As soon as she was righted, gangs of riggers swarmed over her decks.

They stretched hemp from her cross-trees to her deck as ta.ut as bowstrings. The rigging rope was then tarred with Stockholm tar to prevent chaffing and rotting.

The riggers swarmed all over the ship from stem to stern, setting and hoisting topmasts and topgallant masts into place.

They set up coils of rigging rope and hawsers, and reaved the running rigging. Once the topmast and the topgallant masts were in place, they were sanded and oiled, then painted white.

Painters, too, were all over the ship with the riggers. They were sanding and slicking down the decks. They painted the captain's and officers' quarters white, whereas the crew s quar­ ters (forecastle) were plainly finished. Here and there, about certain parts of the ship, could be found decorative colors. 1 he hull of the ship was usually black and white. Along the rails could be found black and white parts equally spaced, a custom which was derived during the days of the pirates. This made it difficult to distinguish the vessel from a man-of-war.

After these procedures had been completed, the b°at was ready to take on equipment. Barrels, boxes, cordwood, heaps of heavy chain and an assortment of whalecraft, including harpoons, lances, cutting spade, oil ladles, or boilers, skimmers, grindstones and what not. The riggers reaved on canvas and bent, spliced, served, tarred and slushed the cordage and can-

14

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

vas until the ship fairly glistened in the sun, with the folded sails. Then the riggers shook out the canvas (sails) one by one till they all shimmered in the breeze; then re-rolled them till the ship was ready to set sail.

When the riggers had completed this task, large block and tackle lowered numerous food supplies and water into the hold.

Other casks contained staves and heads for oil barrels to be assembled by the cooper. Everything for these long voyages must be foreseen and planned carefully before setting to sea.

By the time this had been completed the ship was ready for her crew. The captain came on board with his gear and estab­ lished his quarters. Then the mates came on board with their gear and stashed it away. Finally the crew began to sign on. After all the men in a crew had signed on, they situated and slung their hammocks in the forecastle, according to their tastes.

When everything was in shipshape order, the captain had his crew assemble on the main deck. Here he gave them a short lecture on his discipline and what he expected of them. The following morning the ship set sail in excellent condition, ready to cruise for four long years and to return loaded with oil, or maybe never to return.

Friends Meetings for Worship —1966

BY GEORGE A. SELLECK

During the summer of 1966 Friends meetings for worship were held regularly during July and August in the old Meeting House on Fair Street. Attendance ranged from 23 to about 65 during the nine week period. Although many who came were Friends from other places, the larger number were of other religious affiliations who enjoy worshipping in the quiet Quaker way in this old meeting house.

In the hey-day of Quaker influence on the island (about the year 1800) it was necessary to have two meeting houses to accommodate the many members of the Religious Society of Friends who lived here. One was at the corner of Pleasant and Main Streets, and the other on Broad Street where the annex to the Jared Coffin House now stands.

These Quakers were not dependent upon hired clergymen to maintain their religious services, nor did they have elaborate ritual or furnishings. They emphasized simplicity, both in wor­ ship and in their manner of living. In their worship services these Quakers gathered in silence with no pre-arranged program or order of service. Their purpose was to listen as a group to the promptings of the Inward Light of Christ in their hearts.

Sometimes persons would be led to offer prayer or to share some insight concerning the Christian life or to point out some con­ cern that they felt was laid upon them. For these Quakers, there­ fore, religion was not something left to the clergy to perform for them, but rather something to be done by the individual members as they felt the responsibility placed upon them. In their worship they were often aware of the Real Presence in their midst and endeavored to respond to it.

We cannot here tell the story of the many factors causing the decline during the 1800's. Suffice it to say that by 1894 the last Quaker on the island was gone. What had once been a living faith had become a museum piece.

Beginning in the late 1920's Friends meetings for worship have again been held through the courtesy of the Nantucket Historical Association in the Fair Street meeting house but only in the summer time. Quakers coming here for the summer and desiring to worship in their own way have invited others to join them in this ancient pattern.

16

Gideon Folger, brother to Walter Folger, maker of the famous "Clock that Talks." From a recently restored oil painting in the Museum, Fair Street.

17

Annual Reports THE ANNUAL MEETING of the members of the Nantucket Historical Association is scheduled for Tuesday, July 18, 1967, at Friends Meeting House, Fair Street, at 2:80 o'clock in the afternoon. To expedite the procedure, reports of the chairmen and the Treasurer are recorded here. Members 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, 1966 to May 31, 1967 LIFE Fred M. Rogers J. Anthony Timmions SUSTAINING Mrs. Marshall H. Montgomery Edmund D. Ashley John McCalley Roger Cabot Dr. David G. Nathan Capt. Paul Dunn Eleanor Phinney Marjorie S. Dutton Robert A. Pratt Mrs. George D. Dutton George M. Stuhr William S. Folger James J. Taylor John F. Graham Francis B. Wasley Julius Jensen Pamela G. Wasley Ruth W. Larkin H. Wade White Marshall H. Montgomery Mrs. Whiting Willauer ANNUAL Hazel M. Buhite Mrs. F. R. Andrews, Jr. Mrs. Ralph Byer Richard Austin Mrs. Richard Austin Edward John Camp Mrs. Oswald E. Camp Robert H. Baldwin Walter J. Cassidy John Berger Mrs. James F. Chase Mrs. G. J. Blair Mrs. Hans C. Christensen Mrs. Ralph A. Boarts Peggy S. Claggett Robert B. Bowman Robert C. Cline Barbara M. Bowman Dorothy Cocks Alice K. Brodhead Marjorie Colley Robert S. Brodhead Richard R. Congdon Arthur Brooks Mrs. Richard R. Congdon Katherine Brooks Roderick Morey Cross Helen Brown John F. Buckley Mrs. Thomas J. Doyle Mrs. John F. Buckley A. Crawford Greene John L. Lyman chtai

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mrs. Burnett C. Drumm Jesse Dunham Michael F. Egan Prof. Carl D. England Florence Farrell Mrs. Sherman E. Fein Mrs. Frederick E. Ferris Susan Reid Folger Esther Francis Matthew Frankfort Mrs. Jerrold Fritch Harriet Gallup James L. German III Margaret F. German James R. Giffin Marianne Giffin Charles Gladstone Alfred A. Hall Rosamund Hall Robert Halliday Vivian Halliday Mrs. Henry M. Havemeyer Josephine Haven Carl Haywood Eulalie Hilts Helen L. Hultz Mildred Janney Pamela G. Jelleme Lisa Kayan Mrs. William G. Keller Agatha G. Kimmel James Kirker Mrs. Stanley P. Kloc Walter C. Knott Abby Lamberton

Kate Lamberton Peter Lamberton Melvin Landsberg George T. Langdon Mrs. Angie LaPrade Jean Lief eld Evelyn P. Marshall Herbert Marshall, Jr. Susan F. Martin Jean A. McCarthy Herbert J. Motley, Jr. Mrs. Raymond F. Murphy Mrs. Robert F. Needham Robert R. Newell Alice O'Dell, M. D. R. Arthur Orleans Mrs. Mrs. Mrs. Jean

Lewis H. Reed R. C. Reynolds Benjamin Richmond Rioux

Edward G. Simeone Charles F. Smith Barbara B. Squires M. B. Squires, Jr. Scott Stearns, Jr. Ann Steck Elbridge Stratton Vera I. Vivian Pamela G. Weeden Ralph W. West Evelyn S. White Maria L. Whittredge Mrs. Glenn Wyer

Totals: Life 4; Sustaining 21; Annual 99. Total new members 124 194 108 898 — Total membership 1195 The above figures represent the number of members in good standing as of June 1, 1967.

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ANNUAL REPORTS

DEATHS Goodhart L. McCormick Dexter D. Coffin Robert L. Medlicott George C. Cunningham Frederick Monkmeyer Clarence P. Day Mrs. Philip Murray Mrs. Clarence P. Day Henry L. Newman Robert Epple Herman Riddell Jay Gibbs Flora T. Riedy Mrs. A. C. Greene Edward L. Roberts Odell S. Hathaway Mrs. Alice Shurrocks Mrs. Stacy Knopf Martha B. Weeden Elias Lyon During the past year the Association lost 118 members: there were 20 deaths, 9 resignations, 82 delinquents, and 7 lost through lack of a forwarding address. On the credit side, however, the Association gained a total of 124 members: Life Membership 4; Sustaining Membership 21, Annual Membership 99.

Membership in the Association is open to anyone, and we are always happy to receive new members. Membership in the Association entitles one to free admission to all of the Associa­ tion's exhibits and to free copies of the Association's quarterly magazine, HISTORIC NANTUCKET. We strive to reach a membership of 1200 and to keep it at that figure. We enlist your help. Prospec­ tive members may procure new membership blanks at any one of our exhibits or by mail, Box 1016, Nantucket, Mass, 02554.

ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS 1966 1965 1964 2795 3030 2554 Fair Street Museum 8543 7684 6868 Oldest House 2050 1742 1441 1800 House 4674 3914 3460 Old Mill 3499 3838 2862 Old Jail Hadwen House-Satler Memorial 7750 6805 6478 38803 34977 31150 Whaling Museum 68114 61990 54813 Total

1963 3298 6585 1755 5041 3524

1962 3041 5593 1766 4479 2657

29078 25842 49281 43378

Isabel W. Duffy, Secretary

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Report of Curator 1966-1967 MRS. WILLIAM L. MATHER

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT accomplishment this past year at Fair Street was the renovation of the exterior of the Friends Meeting House. The building was newly shingled on the south side and clapboarded on the East and North sides. The West side adjoins the Museum building. Newly painted outside, to­ gether with the fence, and inside in the vestibule, the Meeting House presents a fresh and inviting appearance.

In the Museum itself the work of restoring the oil paintings with the aid of special funds donated for that purpose went forward slowly but carefully, as so delicate a task requires. The work on the portrait of Gideon Folger, brother of Walter, was completed and the painting hung in the Gallery. Work was started on the third restoration, the portrait of Elizabeth Barnard Crosby, but was halted by the winter. It will be resumed this summer.

Among the many accessions and gifts received by the Association through the generosity of members and friends, one of the most important was a framed enlargement of the 1858 map of the Town of Nantucket showing lot owners and buildings, re-rend­ ered and reproduced last year by Emil Frederick Guba. It will be of great value to researchers and investigators of titles and boundaries. Other items of interest were a miniature work table inlaid with ivory; five small perfume bottles; a ship's "Permis­ sion" for the "Prudence" of New York, David Coffin master, signed by James Madison and James Munroe. Also a collection of period dresses of lovely material and beautifully made; and a set of early 20th Century souvenir plates decorated with scenes of Nantucket. This type of plate is becoming increasingly rare, practically a collector s item. In the genealogical field we received a newly published Genealogy of the Bunker Family by Edward C. Moran, Jr. All gifts are acknowledged and a record kept of their donors. Furthermore, we strive to show all those that are suitable foi exhibition and usually succeed even with the crowded condition of the Museum. This has been called a "glorified attic."

And why Not? Who is there who does not love to prowl about an old New England attic, or any attic? An exciting "find," even \aluable, may lie in that old pile of papers in a dusty corner, or hide in the musty drawer of an old desk; and that old'sea-chest could be a positive treasure-trove. What comes to the Museum is generally the result of such "prowlings," and we are delighted.

We feel sometimes that the visitor does not spend enough time with the exhibits. One cannot begin to "see" the several thousand items in a casual stroll.

ANNUAL REPORTS

21

Advertising—Publicity—Publications

BY H. ERROL COFFIN & RIPLEY NELSON The Association's program for Advertising and Publicity during the fiscal year 1966-67 was divided, as in past years, into three classes: (1) Local newspapers; (2) Magazines and Directories; and (3) Descriptive Booklets and Cards.

The Advertising schedule included the seasonal opening an­ nouncements and admission schedules for all exhibits; notices regarding the annual meeting in July and the special speaker Pro­ fessor Ervin H. Zube, of the University of Massachusetts, who headed the team of specialists engaged in the survey of the Is­ land's Natural Resources, his subject being "The Nantucket Re­ source Inventory and the Implications for Planning the Future Use of Land and Island Resources"; and two subsequent invita­ tion events — (1) A special playing of Carlisle Records — "Voices of Old Nantucket" and (2) a showing of photographic slides of "Old Nantucket Views" with descriptive comments by President George W. Jones; and finally, the Eighteenth Annual Gam in March completed the schedule. Paid newspaper advertis­ ing was limited to one local newspaper.

Magazine and Directory advertising included weekly adver­ tisements for thirteen weeks in the two local seasonal publica­ tions — "Nantucket Holiday" and "Your Nantucket Vacation Guide." In each publication a full page was used — the back of the front cover in each publication, which gave excellent position to advertise our exhibits, hours and days open and admission fees.

Usual listings were arranged in the "New England Council summer guide and various other vacation guides.

The Admission Schedules, cardboard signs listing all our exhibits and information as to opening dates, admissions and visiting hours, were distributed early in June for display by hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and some Island busi­ nesses. The Association's folded leaflet describing the exhibits was reprinted and updated. This leaflet, Main Street and "Rambles Through the Historic District" were given the usual wide free distribution to the public through our exhibits, the Town Information Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce, hotels and guest houses. No re-orders of the booklets descriptive of our various exhibits were needed during the season.

News stories on all Association activities and items of special interest were released to the local paper and one off-Island news­ paper which has substantial Island circulation. Special news coverage with photographs was arranged and successfully carried out for the Annual Meeting of the Bay State Historical League.

This included an evening dinner and the Annual Meeting which was followed on the next morning by a conducted Walking Tour

22

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

(ramble) of the Town and historical places. Both newspapers, as in past years, actively cooperated in giving good news coverage based on these releases. Again the news story value continued well in excess of the cost paid for advertising.

The Committee will continue its endeavor to maintain the standard of the past in presenting, in historically instructive, dignified and interesting form, the Association's story and cur­ rent news. During the coming year the descriptive booklets for several of the exhibits will have to be re-ordered. It is planned to rewrite and update them and to include pictures to illustrate the outstanding features of each exhibit and to bind these bookin our handsome standard gray carboard covers.

The Oldest House

BY EDITH ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN

The season of 1966 proved to be a banner year with 8404 paid admissions, an increase of 757 over the preceding year. Visi­ tors came from forty-five states and seventeen foreign countries.

Miss Ida Parker again served as receptionist. Mrs. Louise Hussey started the season as her relief, but later was needed full time at the Whaling Museum and was replaced by Mrs. Law­ rence F. Mooney. All did an admirable job, sometimes under adverse conditions of cold and dampness, particularly early and late in the season.

The Old Mill

BY HENRY B. COLEMAN, CHAIRMAN

Our custodian, Frank Ramsdell, is proving to be an outstand­ ing favorite with the visitors at the Old Mill. For last year, he reported a paid attendance record of 4,437.

Because some dry rot made the arms of the Mill unsafe, Mr. Joseph Senecal restored and replaced them this year. Without his expert and devoted work, I don't know how we would be able to open the Mill for its visitors and put it "away" for the winter.

We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to all who have contributed toward making this exhibit a worthwhile project.

ANNUAL REPORTS

23

The Whaling Museum

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN The fiscal year 1966-67 marked for the Museum another year of outstanding progress and the Museum Committee has pleasure in presenting as its annual report a brief summary of the year's accomplishments.

ADMISSIONS Paid admissions for the 1966-67 fiscal year totaled 38,803, a new all time high record. This was an increase of 3,903 or slightly more than 11 per cent over the preceding year's total of 34,900 which, in turn, had scored an all time high record. Of this season's total 33,567 were adults and 5,240 were children under 12 years of age as compared to 29,982 and 5,008 respectively for the previous year. Again every monthly total set a new high record as against the previous year. The Whaling Museum more than held its place in accounting for over 50 per cent of the total admissions for all Association buildings and exhibits, its total being over 57 per cent of the total as against 56 per cent for the previous year.

The "Guests Registry Book" showed 44 States represented this year as compared with 48 last year. The six missing States were Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Utah. Visitors from foreign lands varied from last year but rep­ resented 23 countries which included Germany, France, Can­ ada, England, China, Austria, Denmark, Poland, New Zealand, Sweden, Nova Scotia, Scotland, Australia, Panama Canal Zone, Jamaica, Colombia, India, Ireland, South Africa, Belgium, Hol­ land, Philippines and Finland.

ACCESSIONS All accessions, their location in the Museum and the donors' names were entered, as in the past, in the Museum accession book. Space does not permit a detailed listing of the numerous items received but the Committee has pleasure in saying that the Nantucket Historical Trust continued as a good friend to the Museum, maintaining its search, acquisition and donations of interesting items. An outstanding example was the Trust's donation of fourteen water color paintings of Nantucket Whale Ships with a brief historical record attached to each picture.

HEATING PLANT In last year's report emphasis, in considerable detail, was placed on the devastating effect (upon our priceless exhibits) of the condensation of moisture during the long winter months due to the lack of heating facilities. It was reported that plans and estimates had been obtained for a suitable plant. These plans, after further careful review and checking, were strongly recommended by the Executive Committee to the Council of the Association for approval. In making its recommendation the Executive Committee reported that a written agreement

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

had been received from a friend of the Association to make a cash donation of $8,000 towards the cost of the installation with the proviso that the identification of the donor would not be disclosed. The Council approved in principal the heating plant installation subject to a final revision of plans and the obtaining of competitive bids, by the Executive Committee. This was done, and at a meeting of the Council held in February the revised plans and specifications for (1) the erection of a structure at the northwest corner of the present Whaling Museum building to house the boiler, fuel tank etc., for the Whaling Museum heat­ ing system, and (2) for the future installation of an additional boiler to take care of the future adjacent Historic Museum build­ ing and (3) for the installation of the heating system within the Museum were approved at a total cost of $19,94i.25, which, after deducting the donation of $8,000, made a net cost of $11,941.25 for the Association.

Contracts were awarded and the installation of the piping, radiation and thermostat controls within the building was promptly started and completed, including pressure tests before the opening of the Museum for the 1967-68 season. The unsea­ sonably cold weather and storms delayed the construction of the addition to house the boiler, fuel tanks, etc., but work at the end of May is progressing and completion of the installation is expected at an early date with only minor inconvenience to Museum visitors.

PROTECTIVE FEATURES The heating system installation will complete the program cai i ied out during the past 10 to 12 years of providing recog­ nized necessities for proper protection of the Museum and its contents. Included in the program was (1) the reconstruction of underpinning of the flooring and big exhibits such as the spermacetti press, the try works and Sankaty Light; (2) installing new flooring and floor covering; (3) enclosing exhibits with cellulose acetate sheeting and glass showcases; (4) the installa­ tion of the Sprinkler System; (5) the installation of the burglar alaim system, and (6) the microfilming of log books. This leaves one additional possible but expensive feature, namely, a humidification system to operate in conjunction with the new heating system. Consultation with leading authorities confirms our behef, however, that as the heat is to be maintained during the eight off-season months when the Museum is closed at only a nominal tempei ature, atmospheric conditions within the building will remain nominally normal, as this 120 year old building is far from "air tight."

RESTORATION, MAINTENANCE and MISCELLANEOUS With the heating system installation completed the next ma­ jor program to be undertaken is the restoration of paintings etchings engravings, photographs, documents, etc., which are desperately in need of attention as a result of many years of ex­ posure to the winter cold and moisture condensation This will require the services of professional consultants for the different

ANNUAL REPORTS

27

but a number of less important engravings had to be removed and placed in storage.

As was stated last year, rough plans have been drawn for a possible addition with estimates of costs which run to a mini­ mum figure of $85,000 which would have to be raised by public subscription. At present there are no definite plans for raising the necessary funds to erect such an addition, but reference is made again this year to this serious problem, for the need for added space grows steadily and within the reasonably near fu­ ture, this problem must be faced.

The Museum committee recognizes and bears constantly in mind that the Whaling Museum is the outstanding asset and earning power of the Association and that it is nationally and internationlly classified as one of the outstanding Whaling Mu­ seums of the world. Proof of this statement, if any is needed, will be found in the reasonably near future when a number of publishers in this country and abroad complete publication of histories of whaling and descriptions of the leading Whaling Museums for which by request our Museum has submitted de­ scriptive texts and photographs for illustrations.

The Committee is constantly striving to protect and improve the Museum and its exhibits so as to maintain its recognized national and international position.

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Treasurer's Report June I, 1967 EXHIBIT A ASSETS Real Estate — Land and Buildings: Whaling Museum Hadwen House - Satler Memorial Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill 1800 House Nantuoket House Old Jail West York Street — Land Hose House

$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

Total Collections, Furniture and Fixtures: Collections Furniture and Fixtures Micro Film Readers

$323,000.00 150.000.00 500.00

800.00

Total

151,300.00

Current Assets: Cash on Hand and Pacific National Bank Deposits in Savings Banks Securities (at Gift Value or Cost)

9,323.21 80,819.38 21,100.00

Total Analysis of Surplus and Restricted Funds Surplus by Appraisal — Real Estate 5/31/66 Restricted Funds — Principal and Interest Restricted Funds — Principal only Expendable Funds — Principal and Interest Accumulated Surplus from Income Total

$585,542.59

$361,759.68 $

8,365.95 47,853.22 45,700.21

101,919.38 121,863.53 $585,542.59

ANNUAL REPORTS EXHIBIT AI ANALYSIS OF FUNDS Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest): Will Gardner Fund Jethro Coffin Oldest House Old Mill Preservation Coffin Genealogy Swain Fund

$

682.18

635.00 983.02 5,065.75 1,000.00 $

Total Restricted Funds (Principal Only): Life Membership Florence Mitchell William Swift Emma Hayward Sidney Mitchell Susan Brock Ella Starbuck

11,308.22 22,545.00 5,000.00

2,000.00 3,000.00 1,000.00

3,000.00 47,853.22

Total Expendable Funds (Principal and Interest): Income Ruth Haviland Sutton Elizabeth M. Blackburn Mary C. Milliken Marie Mitchell Starbuck Mackay Rev. Wm. E. Gardner Henry Carlisle Mary E. Walker Mary E. Macy Edna Whitteken Mary L. Gouin Estate Swain Total Total

8,365.95

9,466.11 6,460.64 5,000.00 3,000.00 5,273.46

1,000.00

2,000.00 500.00 500.00

1,000.00 7,500.00 4,000.00 45,700.21 $101,919.38

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET EXHIBIT B

Statement of Income and Disbursements Fiscal Year Ending 5/31/67 Departmental Operations: Income Expenses Net Income Whaling Museum $20,110.17 $11,065.82 $ 9,044.35 Fair Street 1,737.75 5,362.01 (3,624.26) Oldest House 4,346.80 1,083.89 3,262.91 Old Mill 1,329.84 1,510.93 (181.09) Old Jail 967.90 871.87 96.03 1800 House 1,078.75 1,105.41 (26.66) Hadwen House-Satler Memorial 3,812.10 6,036.55 (2,224.45) Hose House 17.75 67.95 (50.20) 33,401.06 Other Income and Expenses: Life Memberships Annual Memberships Sustaining Memberships Interest and Dividends Bequests and Donations: Swain Mary L. Gouin Estate Rev. Wm. Gardner Publications Miscellaneous and Treasurer's Acct.

Special Expenditures (Authorized by Council): Pamphlets Historic Nantucket Publicity and Advertising Old Jail Folger-Franklin Memorial Whaling Museum — Vestibule Whaling Museum — Heat Coffin Genealogy Equipment — Addressograph Hadwen House Garden Crewel Spreads Restoration of Portraits North Water Street Property

27,104.43

6,296.63

850.00 2,231.25 1,070.00 4,547.29 1,000.00 7,500.00 134.75 429.49

3,372.30

51,163.84

30,476.73

189.03

55.87 2,147.00 1,619.32 187.87 213.21 397.93 2,886.46

2,000.00 263.85

20,687.11

744.00 69.25 768.75 905.00 1,899.00 $53,616.72

$42,370.39

$11,246.33

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 31, 1967. 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

31

Recent Events SPRING ARRIVED OFFICIALLY on the 21st day of March at 2:37 a.m. the day the April number of HISTORIC NANTUCKET went to press. But she was not the "sweet thing" that the poet sang of, "when cold doth not sting." She arrived frostily on the heels of an eight-inch snowstorm that should have started off next winter, but managed to sneak in before old Boreas closed the books on the last one. It was another of those unexpected blow-ups from a minor disturbance from down South — the usual New England no'theaster that caused more destruction on the mainland than in Nantucket; and, of course, eight inches of snow in March is always welcome mulch to gardeners. *

*

*

*

*

*

Nantucketers will not soon forget the week of last April 23rd. In reverse retrospect the Island was again hammered by another northeasterly storm. The Weather Bureau rated it as one of the worst that it ever recorded. From April 27th through the 29th gale force winds up to eighty miles per hour swept the southern New England coast accompanied by heavy rains. Nan­ tucket, nearest to the center of the storm, bore the brunt of it.

Considerable damage occurred with high tides and flooding in the low areas. Nantucket recorded a total rainfall of eight enches of which seven inches fell in seven hours.

But on Tuesday of that week occurred one of the worst disasters in Nantucket's long history of tragic events. A Super Constellation radar picket plane, one of the air warning planes operating out of Otis Air Force Base on Cape Cod, caught fiie over Nantucket Sound on its late afternoon run. The testimony of eye-witnesses indicated that the pilot sought to land at Nan­ tucket Airport. Then, losing altitude rapidly and apparently fearful he migh crash in the Town, he swerved the giant plane, skimmed over Madaket, narrowly missing some of the houses, and "ditched" the craft in the ocean about a mile and a half west of Madaket Beach. The plane exploded on impact and sank.

Of the crew of 16, one, a navigator, survived and was rescued.

The other fifteen perished. In sober appreciation of the self-sac­ rifice of the pilot and his men, the shocked Town sent flowers to the funerals of the victims; and on Sunday, April 30th, special memorial services were held in Nantucket churches. The hei oic action of the pilot of the Super Constellation unquestionably saved Nantucket from untold loss, possibly destruction. Here, then is a grim warning to all those concerned with the operation of airplanes into and out of this small and virtually defenseless Island HISTORIC NANTUCKET, dedicated to the preservation ot all that Nantucket means to this and every future generation, de­ voutly hopes that the warning will not go unheeded.

32

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Boston's popularity as a "Convention" city is well known.

Nantucket seems to enjoy similar popularity as an agreeable side-trip for those conyentioners seeking diversion from the usual round of metropolitan sight-seeing. They either have vis­ ited our island before or are drawn to a first visit through its good report, or perhaps just go for the brief but authentic "voy­ age across thirty miles of open ocean. In any event, we suddenly become aware of '"strangers" in town and learn that they are a group of such people and we are sincerely glad that they came For example, forty-four members of the National Home Fash­ ions League conventioning in Boston, came to Nantucket Mon­ day, May 8th, putting up at the Jared Coffin House. This organ­ ization is made up of women executives active in the field of interior design and its related spheres. They were greeted by another of Nantucket's famous "spells o'weather" returning with some regularity this year after an absence of several seasons. But always in such cases Nantucket looks marvelouslv bright and clean, even in fog, and we trust that the ladies had not so bad a time after all.

^"veuen, -uenmarK, xs.ew Zealand, Philippines Ecua­ dor, Germany, England India, Austria, and Switzerland." The Hadwen House-Satler Memorial entertained visitors from 11 states and two foreign countries.

33

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

(Continued from the April, 1967, issue of "Historic Nantucket") 1841 Aug. 25 — Amory Gale gave me a letter of introduction to Elihu Burritt A.M. of Worcester the learned Blacksmith, in case I might pass that way also an invitation to put up with him at Brown University if I should pass through Providence. I went down this morning with Aunt Phebe to go but there was not enough wind.

Aug. 26 — We left Nantucket in the Sloop Elect, Capt. Charles B. Macy after breakfast this morning, and at night were past the Cove.

Aug. 27 — We went into Huntington Harbor in Long Island this night.

Aug. 2.8 — We arrived in New York about 3 p.m. We had seen this morning the steam barque Clarion bound to Nantucket sur­ veying. Went up to Washington Market, bot about 20 cts. worth of Melons, apples, etc. Left New York before dark and sailed up the Hudson River.

Aug. 29 — Were nearly off Singsing this morning. Passed Caldwell's Landing just before dark.

Aug. 30 — Passed West Point in the evening of 29th, and New­ bury this forenoon.

Aug. 31 — Landed at the neighborhood of Shepherds, six miles below Poughkeepsie but could not get any fruit on account of the drought this season. Saw this day several elegant seats on the river.

Sept. 1 — Landed this morning at on the west side of the river where we got some milk. Saw the children going to school. Passed just before noon the seat of the late Dr. Hoosack at Hyde Park, arrived at Hudson about four o'clock, paid for passage $5.00 Sept. 2 — Saw William M. Bunker. Went to the brick meeting house where I used to attend meetings when I lived in Hudson. I read out on my passage The Hour and the Man or the Life of Touissant by Miss Martineau. Read also in other books aboard the sloop. I had at Aunt Phebe's residence in Hudson several kinds of plums in profusion. I was two or three times at the Hicksite Friends Meeting and once at the Orthodox, once at the Presbyterian Church, twice at the Baptist and once at the Colored Meeting. Went to three Temperance Meetings in the city and heard addresses, two of which were at the Court House.

I was twice at William F. Coleman's to tea, and once to dine, also at his sister's. One of the sisters, Nabby, is a very sick woman. Was at Bunker's once to tea and once to cousin Abram

HISTORIC NANTUCKET 34 Macy's and once at Cousin Thomas Marshalls with Aunt Phebe. I went to Ghent with Joseph Collins, stopped there that night and went to meeting at the Hicksite Friends Meeting House in Ghent. Next day went to William M. Bunker's and he took me to ride in a buggy, we passed portions of the Albany & Boston rail­ road now constructing, saw a bridge being constructed across a ravine and went to Van Buren's Seat, got over the fence and viewed his fish pond and garden, afterwards went to Kinderhook and Valatie villages and returned in afternoon. I went over to Athens in ferry boat from Hudson, viewed the village. Wrote an account of Hudson for the Inquirer and sent to Samuel H. Jenks, Postmaster, Nantucket.

While in Hudson I went to South Bay and got some Eupatorium Perfoliation which I sent to Nantucket by Capt. Macy. After staying in Hudson about three weeks and seeing its curiosities and having as good a visit as my health would allow me to enjoy, I took leave of my Aunt and Cousin and went out to Ghent on the 22d.

Sept. 22 — Went to Ghent this afternoon with Cousin Wm. M. Bunker. I read the "Japanese in the 19th. Century," being one volume of Harper's Family Library.

Sept. 24 — It began to rain last evening after having it dry and pleasant most all the time I have been in this State. I for­ got to mention that I had examined a number of heads phrenologically. I was at a house on the evening of the 21st. and ex­ amined Anable & her shop gang of girls. William & Lydia Bunker & myself started from the Depot at Chatham Corners this morning for Massachusetts in the Rail Road cars.

Paid to State Line 50 cts. Had a mulatto woman in the same car with us. We soon passed Hancock Village in our State — paid $5.75 to Boston & got tickets for Worcester & Boston cal­ culating to stop Worcester. Stopped while at Depot in Pittsfield and then went on again, arrived at Summit in Berkshires where we were obliged to shift to Stages as there was about 11/2 miles unfinished through a rocky region, in some places about 70 feet to be cut through rock. We passed a number of villages of Irish workmen, we rode over a rough road about 3 miles and then entered the cars for Springfield. The weather was rainy so that we did not have as good a view of the country as would have been desirable, yet we were sensible that we were passing a rough country. We saw high mountains on either side of us, passed along the valley of Westfield River, saw some beautiful farms, passed Chester Village. In West Springfield was first rate land.

Arrived in Springfield after crossing the railroad bridge across the Connecticut — about 12m. Dined at the Depot building, paid 18cts. then walked through the Main street to the Square & beyond. Went up the hill to the Armory, entered one of the buildings & was shown Muskets & Bayonets all finished and others partly finished. Went back to Depot and left at 2:45 for Worcester where we arrived at 5 p.m.

(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 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 the 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 5:30 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. 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 1967 and Life Membership Cards will be admitted without charge.