Historic Nantucket, July 1970, Vol. 18 No. 1

Historic Nantucket

One hundred years ago — April 7, 1870 — a whale was brought into the harbor and "cut in" alongside a schooner at Commercial Wharf.

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JULY, 1970

Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

President, Edouard A. Stackpole.

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

Honorary Vice President, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Treasurer, Mrs. Evelyn S. Cisco Secretary, Mrs. Austin Tyrer.

Councillors, Edouard A. Stackpole, Chairman; Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews, Richard F. Swain, terms expire 1970; Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., H. Errol Coffin*, terms expire 1971; Albert G. Brock, John N. Welch, terms expire 1972; Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, David Worth, terms expire 1973.

Executive Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Ohairman; Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, Albert F. Egan, Jr., George W. Jones, Edouard A. Stackpole,

ex officio.

Advertising and Publications, W. Ripley Nelson, E. A. Stackpole Honorary Curator, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Curator, Miss Dorothy Gardner.

Editor, "Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editors, Mrs. R. A. Orleans; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Historical Museum, Mrs. Elizabeth Worth; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, Albert F. Egan, Jr.; Old Mill, Richard F. Swain; Old Jail, Albert G. Brock; 1800 House, Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick; Fire Hose Cart House, Irving T. Bartlett;.

Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews; Franklin-Folger Seat and Memorial Boulder, Herbert I. Terry. * Deceased.

Chairman and Receptionist Librarian Assistant

Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Mrs. Clara Block Mrs. Charles Barr

Oldest House Chairman Receptionist

Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Mrs. Lawrence F. Mooney

Hadwen House - Satler Memorial

Chairman Chairman, Reception Committee Receptionists

Albert F. Egan, Jr. Mrs. Irving Soverino Miss Rosamond Duffy Miss Marjorie Burgess Miss Maude Jackson

The 1800 House Chairman Receptionist

Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick Mrs. John Kittila

The Old Jail Chairman Receptionist

Albert G. Brock Mrs. Harriett Caddell

The Old Mill Chairman Receptionist

Richard F. Swain Frank W. Ramsdell

The Whaling Museum Chairman Administrator Receptionist Receptionist, Craft Shops Relief Librarian Research

W. Ripley Nelson Walter W. Lindquist Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist Charles A. West Clarence H. Swift Mrs. Elizabeth Yerxa Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Miss Helen E. Winslow

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious vast as a ivhaiing port.

VOLUME 18

July, 1970

No. 1

CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff

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Editorial: Environmental Preservation — Our Responsibility

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"Nantucket Winds," by Grace E. Hutaff

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Solar Eclipse at Nantucket

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Annual Reports

14

Historical Association's Drive

28

Historical Exhibits, 1970-71

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Rededication, First Congregational Church

31

Green Hand on the Susan

36

Nantucket Institute Launched

39

Events of Interest

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Legacies and Bequests

43

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, 1970, Nantucket Historical Association.

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

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Work on "The Foulger Memorial" building on Broad Street has pro­ gressed over the past few weeks. Howard Jelleme is the contractor.

The "Memorial" was made possible by a gift from the estate of Admiral William Mayhew Folger, in which funds specifically for this building had been allocated to the Nantucket Historical Association.

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Environmental Preservation — Our Responsibility PERHAPS THE BEST aspect of "Earth Day," so-called was the effective awakening of a latent awareness on the part of the public to individual responsibility as regards our environment.

Like charity, efforts towards improving our environment begin at home. If every community and city district took to its own improvement a giant step forward could be accomplished. Demon­ strations are only an expression — action is needed long after the sound and fury have faded away.

Nantucket has an important role in one special kind of environment preservation — the control over its historical rep­ resentation. As a place where the physical aspects of our Amer­ ican heritage are an invaluable asset, the protection of the Town is well understood; as an Island that serves as a natural setting for the Town we are gradually awakening to the need for ex­ tending this protection.

Legislation which will bring legal means for safeguarding our architectural heritage is now under way. This, coupled with the strong efforts of the Conservation Foundation, the His­ torical Trust and other private organizations, will not only guarantee the continuing protection of the vital ecological as­ pects of Nantucket but bring about increased awareness of why these plans are being pressed.

But there is much to be done within the framework of the master plan. Our Island environment includes both restoration projects as well as preservation plans. If we are to be a living community, reflecting the authentic atmosphere of our mari­ time past, we must take up a regular program for such com­ munity improvement as will enhance the whole of our true inheritance.

This must be a co-operative effort. Individuals may con­ tribute by restoration of their property — a down spout, a fence, a roof-line, a removal of an out-of-character addition.

Institutions may see to it that adjacent properties are restored; utility companies may renew efforts to place wire services under­ ground; business establishments in the town may start repair­ ing their structures; neighbors may get together to plan area improvements.

In no other place may the lessons of the past be more forcibly expressed than in the architectural naturalness of this seaport town of Nantucket. Awareness of what we have is a good start; action, however, is the only way to bring us face to face with the problems.

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"Nantucket Winds"

BY GRACE ELKINS HUTAFF

Northeast — Silver sky and silver sea, Old gray town so dear to me, Yellow Jasmine against a wall, Peace and beauty over all.

Southwest — Summer sky and summer sea, Fair while sails drift slow by me.

On the parched grown grass, no showers fall.

Heat and languor over all.

Northwest — Sapphire sky and sapphire sea, S ft white clouds sail over me, Clear and strong comes the bell buoy's call, Joy of living over all.

Southeast — Phantom shapes steal in from the sea, Wet thick whiteness envel­ ops me.

On the sunlit town the shadows fall.

Mysterious silence over all.

The above was written by the late Mrs. Grace Elkins Hutaff fifty years ago, and originally appeared in the columns of the "Boston Transcript." On the occasion of her 91st birthday in 1967, Mrs. Hutaff was pleased to consent to its reprinting in the Nantucket newspaper, "The Inquirer and Mirror," remarking at the time: "Of course, I am flattered to have my little verse appear in print again, especially after all the years between.

Perhaps it will serve as a greeting to all my friends; at least I will regard it as simply my way of expressing how all who love Nantucket often feel."

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Solar Eclipse at Nantucket Marked an Historic Island Occasion

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DAY which will go down in Island history as the most unusual in recent times — Saturday, March 7 — provided an estimated 5,000 visitors opportunity to witness one of na­ ture's rarest spectacles, a total solar eclipse. Favored with ideal weather conditions, a clear blue sky and a northerly breeze to keep the atmosphere sharp, Nantucket gave both Islanders and visitors a close to perfect period for the viewing.

Well in advance of the spectacular event itself, crowds of people gathered at the many vantage points around the Town and about the Island, ranging from Sankaty Head on the east to Madaket and even Tuckernuck on the west. Tom Nevers Head, Maddaquecham, Nobadeer, Surfside, the Airport, Smooth Hum­ mocks and the Head of Plains all had their groups of watchers, while in town the favored spots included the Cliff and Point areas and Mill Hill.

While the Steamship Authority put on extra trips, it could not cope with the demand for a passage by all the people who thronged the terminal at Woods Hole. On Friday night and Saturday morning, there was the largest concentration of peo­ ple ever seen at the wharf area by the Woods Hole residents.

It was estimated that more than half of them were disappointed as, according to strict Coast Guard regulations, the steamers were allowed to take on board the largest steamer — the Nan­ tucket — only 456 passengers.

There was such a crowd at the Woods Hole terminal on Friday night that the local police feared some untoward incident would materialize. However, there was no disturbance, and Fal­ mouth Police Chief, John Ferreira, stated: "They were mostly young people and they were very well behaved." Hundreds of the gathering remained the night, many in sleeping bags which they had brought with them. On Saturday morning, only half the number who had remained in their uncomfortable positions during the night were able to board the steamer for Nantucket.

Captain Paul Johansen, who supervised the Woods Hole operations for the Authority, stated: "I've never seen anything like it — I still don't believe it. On the whole the crowds were orderly and understanding, and you couldn't blame those who expressed their disappointment when they couldn't get aboard the boats."

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Youthful passengers — as they hoped — bound for Nantucket and the March 7 eclipse decided to sleep on the paved area at the entrance to the Steamship Authority office at Woods Hole. The unusual photo was taken by Frederick G. S. Clow in the wee hours of that morning. Some of these were left behind when the steamer's capacity for passengers was reached and Coast Guard regulations prevented added numbers.

SOLAR ECLIPSE AT NANTUCKET

9 Capt. Johansen estimated there were 2,000 at the Woods Hole terminal on Saturday morning. He said that the first boat to Nantucket on Friday carried 447 passengers, with Friday night's trip accommodating 200. The early boat on Saturday was able to take 456. It was estimated that twice that number were left behind at the Woods Hole wharf.

It could truthfully be said the "Eclipse Day" was virtually the day of the airplane. During Friday and Saturday, especially Saturday morning, an estimated 1,200 landings took place, provid­ ing the Nantucket Airport with its busiest day in history. While practically all of those landed at the Airport, some sixty came to rest at Miacomet and one or two at Tuckernuck. A privately owned helicopter, finding the congestion at the Airport, swooped down to the waterfront of the town and landed at the end of Straight Wharf.

Steamboat Wharf, on Saturday morning's arrival of the steamer (an hour late), resembled the busiest day in summer.

The Hyannis boat, Menemsha, also made the run across Nan­ tucket Sound and deposited a capacity load of eager passengers.

Many of the arrivals from Woods Hole and Hyannis were dressed for the occasion, wearing heavy clothing and carrying ruck­ sacks, sleeping bags and assorted gear. The young people, with long hair and beards, were well behaved and serious, and most all carried cameras, telescopes and equipment for observing.

Realizing that local restaurants would be unable to handle the demand for food, the ladies of the Methodist Church on Saturday morning served a breakfast of orange juice, bacon and eggs and coffee to over 100 people, and put on a supper that night. At the Undercroft of St. Paul's Church, Mrs. Claudette Pearl prepared box luncheons of roast beef, chicken and ham sandwiches, and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Roxanna Pearl, took some of these up to Mill Hill and also served coffee to many who welcomed the warmth of the beverage. At Bennett Hall, in the Congregational Church, a dormitory was set up for students of the Lexington High School who came down as a group with their teachers to study the eclipse. The ladies of the Church also helped serve breakfast to the young people.

The approach of the eclipse cycle found all the vantage places well occupied. At the wharves there were lines of people scanning the blue dome of the sky, almost expecting the sudden appearance of clouds to mar the occasion. Several roof-top walks were occupied, as was the tower of the First Congre­ gational Church. Mill Hill, with the Mill itself standing like an ancient monument, was crowded, with over 250 people stand­ ing and sitting all around the Mill itself and also on the hill to the east, across the road. At the Loines Observatory on Winn's Hill, another large group had gathered.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The shore along the perimeter of the Island had its own particular groups in favored spots, extending from Madaket to Surfside and Tom Nevers Head, thence to 'Sconset, Sankaty, Quidnet, Squam and Wauwinet. The residents in every portion of Nantucket had a clear, unobstructed view of the spectacular view of the event. Whether from the Reed Pond shore on the north shore or Nobadeer on the south, or at Altar Rock, the clear sky made the sight one never to be forgotten.

The tension of the onlookers was apparent as the time for the spectacular event approached. A thin cloud crept across the southern quadrant of the sky and there was some concern, but as the formation slipped away there was again an air of optimism.

When the first tiny sliver of the moon touched the sun's perim­ eter the hum of voices increased and everyone became busy with observation and camera adjustment. The time was 12:31 p.m.

Excitement grew as the moon crept across the sun's white blaze. The appearance of two major sun spots added to the swiftly mounting interest, and as the gradual encroachment of the moon over the sun brought a noticeable darkening there were signs of restlessness by the birds. Several pigeons swooped over to roost on the Old Mill and a number of seagulls who were hovering about disappeared. A little black cat leaped from a car window and vanished over the crest of the hill. Later she was seen darting into a water drain.

The darkness came at first gradually and then, at 1:45, swiftly as the total eclipse began. There was an audible gasp as the world was suddenly plunged into darkness. During the next 2 minutes and 6 seconds — the time of totality — the on­ lookers were mesmerized by the magnificence of the sight. Where the black sphere of the moon had blotted out the sun there was a white flash, a spectacular explosion of light, and the corona appeared like magic, a rim of glowing white.

Then the expected glints around the perimeter of the moon, known as Bailey's Beads, had come and gone, and the diamond­ like planets of Venus and Mercury appeared in the blue blackness of the sky near by the blazing corona. All around the horizon there was a roseate afterglow.

So swiftly as to bring another articulate sound from the watchers who stood quietly, the eclipse was passing. Immediately there was a combination of expressions such as: "How beautiful!"

"Wow! That was scary!" "It was worth all the effort to get here" and similar remarks.

The temperature fell at least 10 degrees at the moment of totality, and the chilled crowds on the hills and other exposed places moved slowly but steadily away and back toward the center of town. The awe-inspiring experience stayed with them

SOLAR ECLIPSE AT NANTUCKET

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as was apparent in listening to those who went to Steamboat Wharf to await the time of the steamer's departure at 4:00 that afternoon. At 10 :00 that evening when the Authority scheduled another run from Nantucket to Woods Hole, the passengers who waited upon the departure were still discussing the event — one which would remain in their memories for years to come.

It was a special occasion for the hundreds of amateur as­ tronomers who predominated in the groups on the hills on the outskirts of the town. They set up small telescopes and cameras, put tripods in position and prepared for the moment. At the Mill Hill area a special attraction centered about Miss Margaret Harwood, 84-year-old astronomer, former Director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory and a Nantucket resident since 1912 and still a member of the Harvard Observatory staff. She had set up the telescope owned by the Coffin School and arranged it so that a good view of the sun's image was projected on a screen just beyond the eyepiece. For over two hours she remained at her post, patiently answering many questions, pointing out sun-spots, and making sure that everyone who crowded around was able to watch the progress of the moon's "bite" into the sun's disc.

Among the several astronomers present was Robert Doyle, Assistant to Dr. Leo Goldberg, Director of the Harvard Observ­ atory. Mrs. Doyle and their 4-year-old son were also keen ob­ servers.

Close at hand, also projecting the image of the sun on a screen, was Carl Ottison, of Nantucket, with his own telescope, surrounded by watchers ranging from young and old, islanders and visitors.

The telescope Miss Harwood was using is a 3!/2 inch instru­ ment, made by the famous Alvan Clark in 1.870~— just 100 years ago.It was purchased by Alfred Macy, who married Miss Anne Mitchell, sister of the illustrious Nantucket woman astron­ omer, Maria Mitchell, and Mr. Macy presented it to the Coffin School.

The Maria Mitchell Association and Yale University's Ob­ servatory had a joint group of astronomers and students on Nantucket during the time of the eclipse, as well as before and after periods. Dr. Dorrit Hoffleit, Director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory, was joined by Drs. Lawrence Auer, Boris Gaefinkle, Richard Larson, Sumner Starrfield, and post-doctoral fel­ low Dr. Allen Jupp, of Liverpool. Dr. Henri Debehonge, of the Royal Observatory in Belgium, and Dr. Sarah J. Hill, Director of the Wellesley College Observatory, also joined the group.

A number of former Maria Mitchell Observatory girls, who have worked at the Observatory during the summer, were also on hand.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

At the Aii-port, Paul A. Valleli, Northeast Representative of the Astronomical League, and his party set up their instruments and cameras. They were studying especially to detect motions in the sun's corona, as well as recording other phenomena that occurred at eclipse time. Mr. Valleli, the night before, gave a lecture with slides for his fellow guests at the Jared Coffin House, as well as posting the time-table for the eclipse in the hotel lobby.

Among the many observers at the Airport was Dr. A. E. Lilley, his wife and 5-year-old daughter. A well-known Harvard radio-astronomer, Prof. Lilley recorded the event using a 35-mm camera, set up on a tripod. He had placed a piece of white card­ board on the ground under some scrub pines so that his little daughter might work on a puzzle. Suddenly he was aware that the light from the sun, as it was gradually eclipsed, filtered through the pine needles in the same manner as the pin-hole method using two pieces of cardboard. He quickly photographed the crescent aspects of the sun. On Mill Hill, Dr. and Mrs. Doyle were also photographing the screen display on Miss Ilarwood's telescope.

While the assembled parties watched the eclipse from their several vantage points, one of the most unusual recordings of the spectacle was taking place at sea, some 30 miles from the nearest point of Nantucket land, Tom Nevers Head. Frederick G. S. Clow, of Boston, a professional photographer, who has had a number of his pictures in The Inquirer and Mirror, had gone to Woods Hole to board the steamer for the Island on Friday afternoon. Unable to get a passage (together with over 1000 other disappointed folk), he had spent the night trying to de­ cide whether to give up the idea.

Then, upon visiting the Coast Guard Base at Woods Hole, he learned that the 82-ft. cutter Point Turner, under Commander Samuel Harris, was scheduled to leave at 4:30 Saturday morning for a trip out to the South Shoals Lightship, stationed some 43 miles southeast of Nantucket, and bring supplies. Having a ten­ tative agreement with the A.P. for photographs of the eclipse on this Island, Mr. Clow decided to go along and risk the chance of getting in some shots on the cutter's return to port. It was a gamble, as Commander Harris explained that if a call for as­ sistance came in during the cruise back he would have to leave his course and respond.

Mr. Clow took the chance. The Point Turner reached the Nantucket Lightship at 10:00 o'clock Saturday morning. After a half-hour spent in transferring supplies, the cutter headed back to port, at Nantucket. There were long swells running, but Clow was listening to the ship's radio, hoping there would be no calls for help, so that the course could be mantained.

SOLAR ECLIPSE AT NANTUCKET

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As the time wore on, and the time for the eclipse approached, Mr. Clow went out on deck, braced himself and timed his camera lens to compensate for the roll of the cutter. The several stages were all recorded and the totality climaxed the episode — mark­ ing probably the only photograph of the event in international waters. During this time it was estimated that the Point Turner was some 35 miles southeast of Tom Nevers Head. The cutter reached Nantucket and her berth at Steamboat Wharf at 3:30 that afternoon.

The professional astronomers of the joint Maria Mitchell Association and Yale Expedition carried on their observations at both the Mitchell Observatory on Vestal Street and the Loines Observatory on Winn Hill. Dr. Dorrit Hoffleit, Director of the Maria Mitchell Observatory, who organized the joint enterprise, stated that the results of studies made of the eclipse will be an­ nounced after the photographs and observation notes have been compiled. She was most optimistic, stating that conditions of the atmosphere promised that excellent results will be obtained.

Whereas in 1925, the last time a total eclipse was observed at Nantucket, the time schedule found itself 4 seconds late for the beginning of the cycle, the 1970 time was exactly as pre­ dicted. The partial phase began at 12:31:19 p.m.; totality began at 1:45:33, and ended at 1:47:50; with the final phase ending at 2:58:05.

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ANNUAL REPORTS The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 21, 1970, and to insure orderly and prompt dispatch of the routine business the annual reports of the Chairmen of the various buildings, and committees and of the Treasurer are submitted herewith. Members having questions with respect to any of these reports may present them at the meeting. The President's report is omitted as it will be presented by the President at the meeting.

Advertising — Publicity — Publications W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The Association's program for advertising and publicity during the year 1969-1970 was divided, as in past years, into three classes: (1) local newspapers; (2) magazines and direc­ tories; and (3) descriptive booklets and cards.

Newspaper advertising was limited to special events, which included: (a) opening and admission schedules for all exhibits; (b) annual meeting of the members; (c) the annual gam; and special holiday openings of the Whaling Museum and Hadwen House-Satler Memorial. As usual, the paid newspaper advertis­ ing was limited to the one island newspaper.

Magazine and directory advertising was carried on as in past years. The program included weekly advertisements for the thirteen weeks during the summer season in the two local seasonal publications, "Nantucket Holiday" and "Your Nan­ tucket Vacation Guide." A full page was used in each publication each week, the back of the front cover, excellent space to adver­ tise our exhibits. The usual listings were used in the "New England Council" and in various other summer vacation guides.

The distribution of cards, leaflets, and booklets were given the customary wide distribution and met with the usual welcome from Island visitors.

"Admission schedules," cardboard signs, listing all our ex­ hibits, opening and closing dates, visiting hours and admis­ sion charges were distributed early in June for display by hotels, guest houses, restaurants, clubs, and some businesses.

The Association's folded leaflet describing our exhibits was given wide distribution through our various buildings. The pam-

ANNUAL REPORTS

15 phlets "Main Street" and "Rambles Through the Historic Dis­ trict" were brought up to date and given their usual wide distribution.

News stories of the Association's activities were released from time to time to the island newspaper and one off-island newspaper. Both mediums continued their friendly and helpful cooperation in giving good coverage.

A TRIBUTE TO H. ERROL COFFIN This Committee suffered a grievous loss through the death of one of its members, H. Errol Coffin, which occurred on Novem­ ber 7th, 1969. A grateful expression of appreciation is hereby recorded by the Chairman of this Committee for Mr. Coffin's helpful advice and valued services.

The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House MRS. ELIZABETH B. WORTH, CHAIRMAN

The Fair Street Museum closed its 1969 season on September 13th. The attendance of adults was higher than last year but the children less.

Paid Admissions Adults Children

1969 1968 1927 1846 152 229 2079 2075 We had two large groups of children — the 1st and 3rd grades from Academy Hill School — about 100 pupils. Some of them were so interested that they brought their parents in for a visit.

No real problems during the summer except a few leaks which have been brought to Caretaker Allen McGarvey's atten­ tion.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The Whaling Museum W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN

The summer of 1969 started off and continued until about mid-August with summer business in normal volume and with paid admissions at the Whaling Museum over that of 1968. From mid-August to the end of September, the weather was cold, foggy and rainy, which materially reduced transient visitors to the Island resulting in material decrease in our paid admissions.

ADMISSIONS AND SALES Paid admissions for the 1969-1970 regular fiscal year totalled 2,8,684 of which 24,124 were adults and 4,560 were children be­ tween 5 and 12 years of age. The total admissions were 2,513 less than for the previous year.

The paid admissions produced a total of $21,123.20, thus showing a decrease of $1,746.00 compared to the previous season.

Sales, however, amounted to $6,2,82.60 this year as against $4,454.70 the previous year for an increase of $1,827.90 which offset the admission decrease by $81.90 for the fiscal year.

In addition, there were three special openings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the sun eclipse weekend. These resulted in 116 admissions at Thanksgiving, and 57 at Christmas which, together with sales accounts for $225.21 being collected. More important, however, is that these two holiday periods are attracting more visitors to the Island each year and the opening of the Museum provides a real historical attraction for these visitors.

During the sun eclipse weekend the Museum was opened half a day after the eclipse terminated and all of the following day.

This resulted in 246 adults and 42 children visitors for a total of 288 paid admissions which, with sales, produced $278.26.

The "guest registry book" showed 42 states and the District of Columbia were represented this year as compared with 47 states last year. The eight missing states were Missouri, Arkan­ sas, Montana, Wyoming, Mississippi, Nevada, North Dakota and Utah.

Registered visitors from foreign lands recorded 34 repre­ sented this year. Those represented were: Scotland, Italy, Aus­ tralia, Mexico, England, Canada, Germany, Israel, Switzerland, India, Denmark, Venezuela, Ireland, Wales, Spain, Newfound­ land, Tonga Island, Japan, Katayama Island, Japan, Belgium, Nova Scotia, South Africa, Argentina, Indonesia, Korea, Sweden, British West Indies, Norway, Holland, Fiji Islands, Poland, W. Pakistan, France, New Zealand.

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ANNUAL REPORTS

17 We repeat the statement made last year and the year before, to wit: "While Nantucketers still roam and visit foreign lands, here is outstanding proof of how the tables have turned with respect to people from all parts of the world visiting Nantucket."

Domestic and foreign visitors are no longer limited to the short summer season for they are recorded in increasing num­ bers during the off season months, largely during holiday week­ ends such as Thanksgiving and Christmas and New Year's. This is an important factor in the economy of Nantucket and places a real responsibility upon the Association to extend to all visitors, seasonal and off-season, a cordial welcome and courteous and considerate attention. This is the policy the Whaling Museum still endeavors to carry out at all times.

ACCESSIONS Last year we reported upon the donation of a skeleton of a whale and how it was being assembled by a recognized authority.

The problem of how and where to house this most welcome ex­ hibit, donated by the Nantucket Historical Trust, was solved by the Trust agreeing to erect and pay for an addition to the Whal­ ing Museum. A severe winter delayed construction so that com­ pletion prior to the seasonal opening was not possible. It appears now that the work will be completed soon and this unusual ex­ hibit will then be opened to the public as a part of the Whaling Museum. We are greatly indebted and grateful to the Nantucket Historical Trust for their donation of this marvelous exhibit.

Another unusual exhibit received this year is a beautifully stuffed and realistically mounted "adelie penguin." This "little man in evening dress" proudly and defiantly gazes at all visitors who, in turn show unusual interest in this Antarctic visitor. The story of this gift was presented in the October issue of Historic Nantucket. Numerous other valuable and interesting exhibits have been added this past year through the donations of loval friends.

PERSONNEL The 1969-1970 fiscal year staff served loyally and construc­ tively in handling our many visitors. Spare moments were will­ ingly devoted to improving the presentation and preservation of our exhibits. The project to inventory, cross-reference and catalog the Museum's collection of books, documents, and other valuable papers, as well as the log books and journals, is nearing completion.

Our staff, for the most part, will return for the coming sea­ son. One loyal employee, Mr. Bertram E. Morris, who has served for many years, tendered his resignation which has been ac­ cepted with regret. Mr. Walter Lindquist will serve again as

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Administrator and Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist will again greet visitors at the reception desk and will supervise the sales desk, the counting room and the scrimshaw room. Mrs. Reginald Hussey as Librarian, will continue her constructive work in the Library. The other staff members for the coming season will be Clarence H. Swift, Mrs. Sterling B. Yerxa, Charles A. West, Miss Diane Rapotsky, and Jesse Dunham.

SUMMARY The Museum Committee repeats its often made statement that it bears constantly in mind that the Whaling Museum is the outstanding asset and earning power of the Association. Fur­ ther that our Whaling Museum is recognized nationally and in­ ternationally, as one of the outstanding Whaling Museums of the world.

The Committee is constantly striving to protect and improve the Museum. The Museum staff also contributes its loyal and helpful cooperation.

We are about to add a large addition to our building but this is to house a special exhibit so that the need for additional space for all our present exhibits and evergrowing number of additions is still our foremost problem and need. As stated last year space is available on the east side of the building and ten­ tative plans have been drawn up to cover the needed floor area.

Financing the cost of construction is the problem to be solved and with each year's delay, becomes more difficult because of rising costs.

Some people may ask, what of the new Foulger Memorial building? Under the terms of this gift, this must be handled as a memorial project to house and display general historic exhibits pertaining to the Island rather than to one phase of its history, namely whaling, for which a building already exists. The com­ pletion of the Foulger Memorial building will provide the space needed to properly display the exhibits now crowded into the Fair Street Museum and the many items held in storage because of lack of space to display them.

We are confident that ultimately ways and means will be found to provide the needed additional space for the Whaling Museum.

The Museum Committee for 1970-1971 will remain un­ changed with Albert F. Egan, Jr., Mrs. Kent King, Charles F. Sayle, and W. Ripley Nelson serving as members.

ANNUAL REPORTS

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Membership Report NEW MEMBERS Fiscal year June 1, 1969 to June 1, 1970

LIFE Anita Coffin Dammin

Walter D. Bannard E. V. Huggins

SUSTAINING Gladys Starbuck

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Abrams Joseph D. Abrams Lenore Aaron Mrs. Alden Abbott Mr. and Mrs. Gerry W. Achard Mrs. Roger A. Angel Deborah Bodman Aroldine Beech Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Brown Mrs. S. E. Burroughs Mr. and Mrs. William Burford Matilda, Harriet, and Mary Elizabeth Burford Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Backus William E. Bachman Elizabeth A. Beam Stella Blake Landis C. Brindle Joseph Carter Burd Mrs. Oswald Cammenu Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Cameron Mrs. William H. Cassebaum Mr. and Mrs. H. Ross Chace, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin V. Chamberlain Mrs. John Cockcroft J. Donald Coffin Karen Coffin Merrill E. Coffin Mr. and Mrs. Wells Coleman

Mrs. Eugene Collatz Mr. and Mrs. George G. Connelly Elizabeth J. Coolidge Howard Crise Mrs. Roderic M. Cross Dr. L. Roger Currie Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Danton Susan and Alice Danton Mrs. Lee Parsons Davis Thomas F. Decara, Ph.D. Dr. and Mrs. Arthur C. DeGraff, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. DeWeese W. DeWitl Harriet Dexter Mr. and Mrs. Skip Dickens Helen L. Ellas Adelle Farwater Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Folger Mrs. Florence H. Frazier Margaret Gebo Robert S. Grant Harding Greene Guilford College Library Mrs. James C. Haden Lara E. Harris John B. Hempstead

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

John D. Henderson Carol Highsaw Miss Barbara M. Hussey William B. Hussey Janet and Cynthia Holloway Florence R. Holway

Mrs. Shirley Y. Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Samuel A. Pinkham John D. Pitman Mrs. Wales Plimpton Terry Post Mrs. Charles R. Prichard

Mrs. Robert Johnston William Joyce, Jr.

Jeanne C. Rand Mary Ranke Mrs. Abigail Ramsey Miss Constance Ramsey Miss Marjorie Ramsey Mrs. John E. Reddington Spencer B. Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Peter Richmond

Mrs. F. W. Klingberg Robert D. Klotz Mrs. J. Stewart Lacey Daniel K. Lalor Sally Lamb Isabelle Lawrence Werner A. Lindenmaier Mrs. Job H. Lippincott, Jr. Henry N. Loomis Peter S. Lutz Mrs. William K. Lyons

Roland D. Sawyer, Jr. Mrs. John Schmuck Frank Simonetti Mr. and Mrs. A. Skipper Lorn a Smith Bradford Spear Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. MacCaughorn Mrs. Kenneth Spencer Miss Helen MacDonald Robert E. Spring Dr. and Mrs. Richard B. Mack Raymond St. Jean Waltetr H. Macw-illiams Mrs. Duncan D. Sutphen Miss Winnifred Maneely Daniel W. Swain Keith P. Maneri Elizabeth Swing Mrs. Patricia Maneri Gordon S. Mark Harold Thurman Mrs. Philip Marks, Jr. J. Donnell Tilghman Philip Marks, III Peter G. Tuttle Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Martin Mrs. Paul Tuttle Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Mathews Paul E. Vardeman Mrs. David A. G. Mathieson Mrs. Barbara Maver Mrs Paul F. Mayhew Mrs. Max C. McLean Eric McNett Victor McNett Virginia McNett Mrs. Norman L. Melbye Capt. Jim Meloney W. Robert Miller Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Minot LCDR D. L. Noblitt, USN Bertha O'Neil Mrs. N. G. Osborne, Jr. Charles W. Pearl Mr. and Mrs. John W. Pearsall

Mrs. M. Lee Wallace, Jr. Chap Walmsiey Cindy Walmsiey Mrs. William Walmsiey James D. B. Weiss, Jr. Mrs. Samuel Wetherill Mrs. Henry W. Whitney John P. Wickser Ralph A. Wiksten John B. Willard Louise A. Wilson Mrs. Paul K. Wines James W. Woodell Carol Worth David D. Worth, Jr. Mrs. S. S. Yates

ANNUAL REPORTS Totals: Life: 3

Sustaining: 1

21 Annual: 76

Total new members for this year: 80.

We were saddened by the loss, through death, of the following during the past year: Ethel Anderson Mrs. Louis Anderson Mrs. Winthrop L. Carter Mrs. Ellen D. Chace Mrs. Dexter D. Coffin, Sr. H. Errol Coffin Alfred A. Crosby Mrs. Thaddeus Defriez Mrs. Burnett C. Drum Mrs. Robert D. Elder Annette Evans Mrs. Herbert Foye

B. J. Holmes Alexander Howe Mrs. John V. Kohlhaas Mrs. Federick W. Korth Mrs. R. V. Lewis C. A. Lundquist George Morgan Mrs. Floyd Parks Mrs. William R. Reid Mrs. Mae Rogers Miss Gladys F. Wood William C. Wood

Membership in the Association is open to anyone and we are always happy to receive new members. Membership entitles one to free admission to all the Association's exhibits and to copies of the quarterly magazine, "Historic Nantucket." The list­ ing under new members is for those newly joined the Associa­ tion during the current year. It has been our policy that when no reply is received from a second notice, and after a reasonable period of time members are dropped from the registry. Rein­ statement may be made, however, at any time, upon receipt of dues. Since it is our membership dues which help support our organization, we do appreciate any suggestions as to prospective new members.

The postage has increased considerably on returned issues of "Historic Nantucket" due to lack of current address and we, therefore, particularly stress the cooperation of all members to notify us immediately of any changes of permanent address.

ADMISSIONS TO MUSEUMS 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 Fair St. Museum 2068 2019 2415 2785 3030 Oldest House 8072 8011 7242 8543 7684 1800 House 1175 1208 1304 2050 1742 Old Mill 3924 4410 4313 4674 3914 Old Jail 3066 3229 2957 3499 3838 Hadwen HouseSatler Memorial 3847 3958 3250 7750 6805 Whaling Museum 29145 31197 35957 38803 34977 Total 51297 54032 57438 6,8114 61990 Elizabeth Tyrer Secretary

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

22

Treasurer's Report BALANCE SHEET — MAY 3 1 , 1970 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS

Cash Checking Accounts and on Hand $ 3,540.61 Savings Accounts 79.194.83 Principal & Income Accounts Investments 40,300.00 Accounts Receivable 2,819.78 Total

$125,855.22

$

497.72 9,655.02

Combined

Foulger Fund

Campaign Fund

General Fund

$

9,715.46 23,000.00

$

13,753.79 111,849.85

463.38 77,932.04

1,215.48 522,666.18

1,678.86 640,898.22 2,819.78

$88,548.16

$556,597.12

$ 771,000.50

PROPERTIES Land & Buildings $341,319.91 Work in Progress Exhibition Collections 150,000.00 Furniture & Fixtures 3,014.68 Restoration 28,188.95 Totals

522,523.54

Total Assets $648,378.76

341,319.91 166,973.42 150,000.00 3,014.68 28,188.95

166,973.42

$88,548.16

166,973.42

689,496.96

$723,570.54

$1,460,497.46

LIABILITIES & RETAINED FUND BALANCES Accrued Taxes $ 12.57 Due General Fund Restricted Funds — Principal & Interest 9,139.23 Principal Only 49,797.22 Loans Payable 7,200.00 Surplus by Appraisal of Real Estate 493,516.69 General Fund 88,713.05 Peter Foulger Fund Campaign Fund

$

Total Liabilities

$88,548.16

$648,378.76

109.70 926.12

$ $

649.46

122.27 1,575.58 9,139.23 49,797.22 7,200.00

722,921.08 87,512.34 $723,570.54

493,516.69 88,713.05 722,921.08 87,512.34 $1,460,497.46

23

ANNUAL REPORTS

Treasurer's Report STATEMENT OF EARNINGS YEAR ENDING MAY 31,1970 EXHIBITS Whaling Museum Hadwen House-Satler Mem. Oldest House Fair Street Museum Old Mill 1800 House Old Jail Exhibit Totals General Fund

OTHER INCOME

Donations $23,930.90 Interest & 4,898.29 Dividends Memberships Annual 2,385.00 Sustaining 929.00 Life 750.00 Miscellaneous 736.47 Gain or Loss on Sale of Investments Total Other Income

$33,629.66

OTHER EXPENSES Genera] & Administrative Insurance Advertising & Publicity Hadwen Garden Historic Nantucket Crewel Bedspread Old Colony Trust Co. Custodial Fees Campaign Professional Expense

9,021.08 3,609.23 2,863.43 1,340.25 1,671.39 823.80

Income $27,673.35 3,483.50 4,401.63 1,181.76 1,038.00 783.81 911.50

Expense $20,787.38 7.109.10 1,259.80 3.212.11 958.05 1,703.64 1.017.35

Net $ 6,885.97 (3,625.60) 3.141.83 (2,030.35) 79.95 (919.83) (105.85)

$39,473.55

$36,047.43

$3,426.12

Campaign Fund

Foulger Fund

$ 134,395.39 2,086.96

(1,530.36)

$37,968.87

7,250.64

$134,951.99 $45,219.51 $213,801.16

2,364.95

140.05

733.74

44,934.65

Total Other Expense

$19,329.18

47,439.65

Net Other Income

$14,300.48

87,512.34 $44,485.77 $146,298.59

Exhibit Net Income Total Net Income

733,74 $ 67,502.57 3,426.12 $149,724.71

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

FUND BALANCES General Fund, May 31, 1969 Campaign Fund, May 31, 1969 Peter Foulger Fund, May 31, 1969 Total, May 31, 1969 Fund Balances for year ending May 31, 1970 Total Fund Balances May 31, 1970

$ 70,986.45 678,435.31 749,421.76 149,724.71 $899,146.47

The Oldest House has a cobblestone drive leading in from Sunset Hill Road and leading around to the exit further down this road. The drive was made possible by the Nantucket Garden Club, which contributed toward the landscaping of the grounds last year. The Nantucket Historical Association is grateful for the interest and support of the Nantucket Garden Club in the Oldest House property.

ANNUAL REPORTS

25

The Oldest House MRS. J. CLINTON ANDREWS, CHAIRMAN

The season of 1969 found the Oldest House setting a new record for attendance with a total of 8,072. This was 61 more than the preceding year, which had also established a record. Of this visitation every State in our country but North Dakota and Alaska were represented, and we also had visitors from twentyfive countries.

It was also a year of accomplishment in the outstanding fact that the Federal Government, through the Department of the Interior, designated Nantucket's Oldest House as an Historic Landmark. A bronze plaque bearing this record was presented at the annual meeting and the plaque is now placed on the wall in the vestibule facing the front door. The certificate of the designation has been framed and hangs in the west room.

The rope barriers in the east room and the kitchen have proven most effective in keeping the "traffic" problem controlled.

Through the installation of the lights in simulated candle sconces another of our problems has been solved. The two electric heaters have also provided needed comfort to our hostesses on cool and damp days.

Once more our Hostess, Mrs. Lawrence Mooney, has ably handled her assignment, assisted by Mrs. Gilpatrick.

The work of the Nantucket Garden Club in clearing up the undergrowth and landscaping the grounds has improved the Oldest House approach greatly, as well as lending a touch of color with the variety of well selected flowers. We are grateful to the Garden Club members and helpers for their generous and well-planned support and work.

Curator's Report The past year has been a busy one. The inventory of the museums has continued and I am happy to report that it is nearly complete. This winter, Mrs. Louise Hussey, Mr. Walter Lindquist and I checked the items in the Whaling Museum, and Mrs. Hussey and I typed the cards for the master file.

The interest in the Nantucket Historical Association con­ tinues and many gifts have been donated by friends of the Association. Perhaps the most interesting are the Adelie Pen-

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

guin from Antarctica in the Whaling Museum given by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Boyd, and the tapestry given by Mr. George N. Cash which was completed by his grandmother in 1862 in Nantucket, taken to California, and now brought home to Nantucket. We hope to hang it in the Foulger Memorial.

The Nantucket Historical Trust has been most generous with its gifts largely to the Whaling Museum and Fair St. Museum. Among these are a beautiful grandfather's clock in the Fair St. Museum which belonged to Benjamin F. Coffin, and in the Whaling Museum several ship models which came from the estate of Mr. Morgan through the generosity of the Trust.

All the house exhibits have received additions — a crewel spread and valance made by friends of the Nantucket Historical Association; quilts given by Mrs. Charles Lipscomb in the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial; quilts in the Oldest House; a doll s bed made on the Ship "Hero" from the Estate of Mrs. Bernice Foye, and a lovely black shawl from Miss Edna May in the 1800 House — to mention a few of this year's additions.

This spring a request was received from Captain Raymond Johnes, of London, England, asking for the return of some items he loaned to the Association in 1902. Three of the five items were found and returned to him. The two missing items had not been found in an earlier inventory. I received a letter from Captain Johnes in which he wrote: "I think it highly probable that such insignificant items confided in the same circumstances to a provincial museum in this country would have sunk without trace many years ago." This certainly speaks well for the Fair St. Museum records which helped to locate them after sixtyeight years!

In conclusion, I want to thank all the chairmen and assistants of all of the exhibits for their help and cooperation through­ out this year.

Dorothy Gardner, Curator

ANNUAL REPORTS

27

The Hadwen House-Satler Memorial MRS. IRVING A. SOVERINO, CHAIRMAN

A very pleasant season as a hostess again at Hadwen HouseSatler Memorial has come to a close. Every day has been most interesting, so often learning something new from those visiting the house. Our guests have been quite impressed, not only with the gracious period of living, but the easy way the hostesses greeted them and escorted them while explaining the pieces in the different rooms.

This year we had 47 states of the 50 represented in our register book. We needed only Alaska, Nevada and New Mexico.

There were 20 foreign countries registered, too.

The attendance for May (two weekends), then June 9 through October 13, was as follows: Paid admissions: 3,551 adults; 258 children (5 to 12), 170 members, plus 9 new members and 3 renewals, the latter 12 paid their memberships at our desk.

At the Open House, the last week in May, 150 adults, 22 Girl Scouts and four Scout leaders were counted. Also during the year 12 free or courtesy passes were given out. The Memorial also re­ ceived $7.50 in donations.

RICHARD P. SWAIN, CHAIRMAN

The Old Mill has had an excellent season under the custodian­ ship of Frank Ramsdell. During June some 493 visitors were counted, and in July 1,594 were recorded, the largest for any one month. August was only slightly behind this figure, totalling 1,480, while September, with 356 brought the total for the season to 3,924.

As in other years the vanes were removed at the conclusion of the season, to be replaced again in June. This has been a factor in preserving them from the winter storms, although their absence from the structure tends to make the Mill appear incom­ plete.

We must face the major task of replacing the old mast which, affixed to the huge wheel, enables the top of the mill to turn.

This was repaired a few years ago with graving pieces but the rot has now continued and, for the safety of our visitors, the spar should be replaced before the start of another season.

The second floor door (east) has been replaced, window frames replaced and the trim painted the usual red color.

28

Historical Association's Drive When the first campaign for funds in the history of our Association was launched last June it also opened a new era in the affairs of this Island institution. A goal of $750,000 was set by the campaign committee, and all monies derived from the drive were voted to be placed in a Capital Funds Account. The amount hoped for was and is a minimum requirement in the establishing of a fund which will yield income enough to provide for main­ tenance and staff needs.

At the conclusion of the time allotted for the drive, the result was most disappointing. It was then decided to keep an office open throughout the winter, and to employ a secretary. Through the generous assistance of the Sherburne Associates, office space was provided at Zero Main Street, and Mrs. Watson continued the secretarial duties. The Haney Associates, who supervised the drive during the summer, ended its association with it in September. In carrying on the drive in this manner, the Execu­ tive-Finance Committee has felt the necessary information to potential donors could be continued, and the need for assistance kept before the public.

With the end of June, and the conclusion of the first year of the drive, a total of $300,000 in pledges and gifts has been raised. Of this amount, some $75,000 is now in hand.

The Nantucket Historical Association is seventy-five years old. During that period it has acquired a wide range of exhibit buildings. First, the little Friends Meeting House was pur­ chased ; next, by gift of Miss French, the Old Mill; followed by the erecting of Fair Street's Museum; the acquisition of the Oldest House; then the renovation of the Old Candle House to the vitally important Whaling Museum; the gift from the Town of the Old Gaol; the acceptance of the Melhado's fine gift of the "1800 House"; and lately, through the generosity of the Nantucket Historical Trust, the taking over of the historic orig­ inal Town Building. The most recent acquisition is the "Whale House" wing to the Whaling Museum, a gift, together with the skeleton of the finback whale, of the Nantucket Historical Trust.

Close by, the new "Foulger Memorial" is gradually being com­ pleted — an imposing addition to our Association's properties.

To maintain these varied and widely separated structures, the Association has been hard put to find the necessary funds.

Not only are the physical aspects to be kept up, but the varied collections they contain must also be carefully preserved. This involves a considerable outlay of money. It also requires much planning and a great deal of direction.

HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION DRIVE

29

One of the urgent needs for the future is that of a trained staff. The Association has been supported by a membership con­ sisting of Islanders, summer Islanders, descendants and inter­ ested friends of the first settlers, and visitors to the Island. It now needs full-time specialists, whose duties will be to regu­ larly carry out the functions of the organization.

Historical Exhibits Now Open for 1970-71 Season The Nantucket Historical Association announced that its various buildings and exhibits would open formally for the season on Monday, June 8. The Whaling Museum launched its season on Saturday, May 30, and then the Oldest House, the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House on Fair Street, the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, the Old Mill, the Old Gaol, 1800 House, the Fire Hose Cart House, and the Folger-Franklin Seat and Memorial Boulder followed.

At the Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews is serving again as Chairman and Mrs. Lawrence F. Mooney as Reception­ ist with Mrs. Charles C. Barr and Miss Maud Jackson as Relief Receptionists. This exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

At the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House, Mrs. Elizabeth Worth is serving again as Receptionist. Mrs. Clara Block is serving as Librarian and Mrs. Charles C. Barr is relief. As usual, these two exhibits are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Sundays when they are open from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Hadwen House-Satler Memorial is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Albert F. Egan, Jr., is again Chairman of the Exhibit Committee with Mrs. Robert D. Congdon, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin, and Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., as members of the Com­ mittee. Mrs. Irving Soverino is again in charge of the Reception Committee assisted by Miss Rosamond Duffy and Miss Marjorie Burgess.

The Old Mill, the Old Gaol, 1800 House and the Fire Hose Cart House is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Richard Swain is again Chairman of the Old Mill with Frank Ramsdell serving again as the "Miller." Mr. Ramsdell has been unable to assume his duties due to illness and as a summer replacement the services of Charles Walters were obtained.

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

The "Old Gaol" on Vestal Street is again under the chair­ manship of Albert G. Brock. Mrs. Harriett A. Caddell is serving this year as the guide-custodian.

At the 1800 House, Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick is the Chair­ man of the exhibit and Mrs. John H. Kittila is the Receptionist.

Located on Mill Street just off Pleasant Street, it is readily ac­ cessible and presents a real opportunity to see and enjoy an island home of the early 19th century which was the home of the High Sheriff for the County of Nantucket.

The Fire Hose Cart House on Gardner Street is again under the chairmanship of Irving T. Bartlett.

The Folger-Franklin Seat and Memorial Boulder is located on the Madaket Road about one mile from the west end of Main Street. This exhibit is open daily.

The Whaling Museum, which formally opened on May 30, is open weekdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum Committee is unchanged with Mrs. Kent King, Charles F. Sayle, and Albert F. Egan, Jr., serving as members, and W. Ripley Nelson as Chairman of the Committee.

The staff members are Walter Lindquist, Administrator in charge of personnel and current operations, and Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist is serving as Receptionist. Mrs. R. F. Hussey is serving again as Librarian and the other staff members are Clarence H. Swift, Mrs. Sterling B. Yerxa, Charles A. West and Jesse Dunham.

31

The First Congregational Church Rededication Ceremonies THE SUMMER of 1970 has a special significance for the First Congregational Church of Nantucket. From July 9 through 12 a program of re-dedication will take place marking the completion of a restoration of the church which has extended over a period of several years. High on the hill overlooking Centre Street, the handsome edifice has been a landmark ever since its erection in 1834. Now, with its graceful new steeple and its restored sanc­ tuary, frescos, and windows it takes on a new atmosphere, reflecting an architectural period and serving as a community asset.

Most important is the re-dedication of faith which has symbolized the life of Nantucket's "Old North Church" since its inception in the early years of the 18th century. Soon after the Quakers had built their first meeting house, a little group of islanders decided to erect a house of worship on a rise of ground to the north of No Bottom Pond, in an area which was then near the center of the town of Sherburne. Two historians of Island happenings believe this occurred around the year 1725.

With the spread of activity to the Great Harbor, it was decided to move the meeting house. Whether this was done by dismantling the building and re-erecting it or using just the main timbers for the new construction is a matter for conjec­ ture. It is known that the event did take place in 1765, and the new site selected was known as Beacon Hill, where a light to guide mariners would occasionally be placed. A tower was erected on the east end of the meeting house in which was placed the first bell used for community purposes on the Island.

This was in the year 1795.

After the decade of wars, early in the 19th century, the whaling industry was revitalized and Nantucket enjoyed a period of great prosperity. The First Congregationalists decided to build a new church, no doubt influenced by the fact that a group which had disassociated itself from the parent body, and forming the Second Congregational Society, had erected an imposing edifice on Orange Street — now the Unitarian Church.

By moving the old meeting house to the west and acquiring additional land on Beacon Hill, the parishioners engaged the services of an architect named Waldron and raised money for a new church. When completed in 1834 the structure was 80 feet

HISTORIC NANTUCKET 32 long and 62 feet wide. A tall steeple was placed on the eastern end, rising 123 feet in the air — but this was removed a little more than a decade later as it was considered unsafe in winter gales. The bell placed in the belfrey was cast by the Henry N. Cooper Co., of Boston, and was used continuously from 1834 to 1914 when, cracked and worn, it was replaced by a new bell donated by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lang and rung for the first time at Easter.

With the completion of the new church in November 1834, a public sale of pews took place, and 87 of the available 118 pews were sold at prices reaching in the aggregate to more than $1,000 above the appraised value.

The Service of Dedication took place on Thursday morning, November 6. Ministers participating included Rev. Stephen Mason (then pastor of this Church) , Rev. Oliver Cobb of Roch­ ester, Rev. Sylvester Holmes of New Bedford, Rev. Mr. Pratt of Barnstable.

Mr. Holmes preached the dedication sermon. His text was in the 87th Psalm (verses 5 and 6) : "And of Zion it shall be said this and that man was born in her; and the Highest himself shall establish her. The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there." The local newspaper said that the sermon was "a masterly composition, full of original thought and striking illustration — it was listened to in closest interest by a very full assembly, numbering about one thousand persons, and comprising members of almost every religious de­ nomination."

The Church records contain an account of the building of the new church in the handwriting of the man who was the pastor at that time — the Rev. Stephen Mason — whose energetic leader­ ship had made the movement successful. He concluded the ac­ count with these words: ". . . in beholding this New and Beautiful House of God, built and completed within 5 months, at an expense of $8,000, and nearly or quite paid for at this time by the sale of pews, we are constrained to say — What hath God wrought!

"May God (the Holy and ever blessed Trinity) accept the Dedication of this House to Himself; and make it the Gate of Heaven to those who visit from Sabbath to Sabbath its courts."

In the annual meeting minutes of the Church, held on Jan. 4, 1848, the work of a new group of parishioners, The Union Circle, was mentioned: "The Union Circle, composed of the married ladies of the Church and Society, meets monthly. During the year 1846 this Circle raised $635.37, contributing largely towards paying for the organ, aiding sufferers by the fire, and expending its means other-

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH REDEDICATION

33

wise, in a spirit and manner alike Christian. It has raised this year $367.00."

From December, 1880, to March, 188,8, the minister at the Church was a woman, a native daughter of Nantucket. On Au­ gust 7, 1898, a bronze tablet to her memory was placed on the east wall.

The Inquirer and Mirror, in describing the ceremonies, said: "Rev. Rufus K. Harlow, of Framingham, who had known Miss Baker during her pastorate, gave an interesting account of her first ministerial experience — He accorded to her the credit of being the first orthodox woman preacher, whereas there were now (in 1898) about thirty regularly ordained women clergymen.

"Mrs. Lucie B. Tyng, of Peoria, 111. . . . (said that) the voice and manner of Miss Baker in the pulpit were unlike any person she had ever heard. . . ."

The Old North Vestry, following removal to the rear of the new church, was temporarily used as a school, but later again became the scene for regular church services.

In its early years, it was "fitted with a high pulpit, and its pews were square in form — with seats hung on hinges to be raised or lowered as required. A huge sounding board was sus­ pended above the minister, held by a cord attached to a hook in the ceiling."

"The Gallery extended around the north, east and south sides of the church, the singers occupying the eastern, beneath which was the main entrance, protected by a small projecting entry built outside. Subsequently, this entry was wheeled down to Brant Point, and became an ornament to one of the . . . dwelling houses located there."

During the winter months "Old North" continues to be used for the regular church services, and in 1949 it was restored to resemble a period of its history when it served as the main church.

The environs of the Vestry have also contributed to the story of the activities in the old and new church structures. Close by stood the first Nantucket academy which gave the name to the area, still called Academy Hill and Academy Lane. After twenty years the school was dissolved and the building purchased by the First Congregational Church on March, 1820. Subsequently, the Church maintained a private school in the academy, as well as in the Vestry. In 1827 public schools were established by vote of the town.

The Old North Vestry, when the single Congregational Meet­ ing House, was sometimes used for services by other denomina­ tions on the Island. For example, the Church minutes record that

34

The chancel of the First Congregational Church has been fully restored through the artistic work of painter Walter Simpson.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH REDEDICATION

35

in 1790, when the Society of Friends were removing their house of worship "they were invited to make use of this house for their publick meetings on each Sabbath Day at any time from eleven o'clock in the morning until four o'clock in the afternoon."

Half a century later, similar hospitality was extended to the Episcopal Church. A communication from the latter Church, dated October 21, 1846, reads in part: "At a meeting of the members of the Protestant Episcopal Church (lately organized in this place), the undersigned were appointed ... to convey . . . sincere thanks , , , to the First Congregational Church . . . for the free use of their Vestry . . . and also to ascertain what terms and arrangements they will continue to grant . . . the use of said house of worship." At a subsequent meeting of the con­ gregation, it was voted that "the agents of the church be a com­ mittee to tender the free use" of the Vestry to the Episcopal Church.

With the re-dedication ceremonies the First Congregational Church enters on a new period of service to its parishioners and the community. The installation of the beautiful steeple — a tribute to the vision and work of the Rev. Fred D. Bennett — and the restoration of the big auditorium wih its remarkable painting designs, handsome windows and main doorway, and the bringing together of the dedicated people who have contributed so much toward its growth make this an historic occasion.

The Rev. James Edds, pastor, and his committees have ac­ complished a memorable task, and the result will be of great satisfaction to all concerned. If a theme for the Church, its lead­ ers, parishioners and friends was selected no better one could serve than the words of Tennyson, set in the bell now hanging in the tower: "Ring out the old, ring in the new; Ring out the false, ring in the true — Ring out the darkness of the land; Ring in the Christ that is to be."

aq

Green Hand on the Susan, 1841-1846 (Continued from HISTORIC NANTUCKET, April, 1970) VIII A Cruise for Right Whales

BY EDGAR L. MCCORMICK

ANDREW MEADER counted 43 whalers in the harbor at Maui, Sandwich Islands, when the Susan anchored there on March 29, 1844. Among them were the Charles W. Morgan of New Bedford and the luckless Charles and Henry of Nantucket, Melville's "third whaler."

"By all these ships just from home," Andrew lamented, "I made out to raise one letter and that by the Euphrates." Captain Russell immediately sent ashore for "recruits": goats, beef, sweet and Irish potatoes, cabbage, onions, cucumbers, water- and muskmelons, string beans, milk and eggs.

"We lay in this harbor 13 days and eleven of them have been liberty days, commencing and ending with the Larboard Watch's. Every day while we laid here there were from two to six arrivals and as many clearances. During our stay the Li­ cense (grog) was repealed which was a subject of much joy among the natives, and on going ashore afterwards one would almost think he was not in the once noisy Maui. Now all ashore is peace and quiet, especially among the seamen. Their chief amusement is 'ten pins' and there are a number of nice alleys for rolling, but the natives, having got into such a habit of rolling and gambling, they rather interfere. When we were here last fall we had good sport with horses in riding, but the sailors drove about the streets so much, at the risk of the natives' lives, that the governor stopped their letting horses. . . .

"On Sabbath attended meeting at the native Church. The audience were summoned by the ringing of a common church bell as with us. In fact this Church at a distance looks like stone, but it is made of mud with a sort of gothic tower where the bell is hung. It presents a fine appearance from the anchor­ age, and is large enough to accommodate 1000 persons with all ease. The inside work was finished just like our common Meth­ odist churches. The preacher was an American Missionary, preaching in the native tongue. Among the congregation I no­ ticed His Majesty, the King of all the Hawaiian Islands, his queen, the Governor and wife, an American Captain & Lady & little girl, dressed and perfumed to the nines. . .

GREEN HAND ON THE "SUSAN"

37

"There is a snug Chapel for Seamen," Meader continued, "but through misunderstanding I did not go to it. We hear of our runaway, Miller, being one from the Marquesas, having run away again. Pease, who was sick at Oahu and took his discharge, . . . has been on one cruise in the Champion, Edgartown. It afforded me a good deal of pleasure to visit the English School for native youths . . . the house finely situated in a quiet . . . part of the town and calculated to accommodate 30 to 40 scholars. The teacher is an American named Steele, a sociable and obliging young man of about 30 years. . . . He has a native wife and children. When we arrived at the school room, the scholars were assembled and their youthful and sweet voices were joined in singing an English Hymn . . . soon after a class in reading came forward; their book was the New Testament.

They all read well and by their pronunciation they could hardly be distinguished from England."

Here at Maui Captain Russell discharged a Kanaka because of illness and shipped another in his place. He also had to go ashore on April 8 to claim a hand, Louis Lopey, who had been jailed in the fort two days previously for intoxication. On Thimsday, April 11, the Susan, with the Euphrates and the Elizabeth Starbuck in company, got underweigh and steered by the wind northward through the passage, bound to the Northwest Coast.

At ,8 p.m. on the 12th the Susan was under the lee of Diamond Head, Oahu. There, on the 13th, Captain Russell went ashore as the ship ran close in and Meader observed a number of ships, both whalers and merchantmen, and an English Sloop of War, the Modeste. "This Oahu is a large and wealthy place.

Quite a number of English, American, Spanish, French & Jewish merchants carry on business on a very large scale. In fact, it is by all odds the most mercantile place that I've seen this side of land." At 5 p.m. the Susan sailed in company with the Metacom.

"We are too much for her," said Andrew proudly.

At 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, the Susan raised "the land of Kauai." On Monday Captain and 2nd Mate, Oliver Coleman, went ashore and brought off three good-sized hogs, some ducks and hens, a good supply of duck and hen eggs, and sticks for canes.

He noted too that although "these natives are represented as having a greater regard for religion of any Island of the Group, yet their price for hogs and fowl were un-common high."

On Wednesday the Susan headed N.N.W., out of sight of Kauai. The crew mended sails and repaired boats, "getting ready for Right Whales," as Captain Russell put it. The weather turned cool and "plenty of those cold weather birds, Boobies" encircled the ship. After so many months near the Line there was "a great inquiry for woolen patches. 'Bill, give us a thick patch, will you? I can't, Joe. The last I had I put on my tarpaulin to cover up the hole where the lightning went through on Japan.

Never mind, Bill. I'll ask Jake'."

38

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

At 2 p.m. on April 26, Right Whales breached off the lee bow, and the larboard boats chased in vain in rugged seas. An­ other chase the next morning proved futile too as did a second that took the boats' crews away from their half finished meals.

"They came aboard at 4 o'clock without success. The poor fellows looked as though they had been over-board — in fact, they might as well have been, for they were wet from top to toe. Every thread of their clothes were dripping, themselves shaking and shivering with the cold. I was glad to think myself clear from such an almost suffering duty. Yes, as disagreeable as my post sometimes seems, yet I would rather fulfil that duty and receive a name less brave than be obliged to go in the boats and perform its contingent duties and receive the name of a brave whaler.

That name alone will never make some of our number rich nor happy."

On Sunday evening, the 28th, a heavy sea struck the Susan's stern, breaking the glass sash and half-filling the cabin with water. It rained and blew all night; the wheel was lashed, and the watches halved. The next night there was heavy fog, the first the Susan had encountered in two years. It continued until Wednesday, May 1, when fair weather permitted two unsuccess­ ful lowerings for eight Right Whales.

But at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, at 37 degrees North and 157 degrees West, pluck and luck paid off for the Susan.

The waist boat fastened to a "large, lone right whale . . . an ufg]ly one, giving but poor chance to kill him, yet all of the boats must needs go through the necessary maneuvers of parting lines, lance warps, spade warps; getting their boats struck first with the whale and then with the other boats, getting foul lines and forced Yo cut — some of the boats crews getting scared at the whale roaring (which resembled the roar of a large lion and was heard two miles away every time he spouted). They finally get him dead by 3 p.m. and by 4 have him alongside. He is the largest fish any one aboard ever saw and will make 120 Bbls.

Nine months have passed since we have taken a whale, and things seem almost unhandy, yet this fellow will put things to rights again and we should take care of the next with half the trouble."

On Monday, May 6, in the midst of boiling, they sighted another lone whale but the eluded the three Larboard boats. On Saturday, the 11th, they sunk a whale and lost about 60 fathoms of line and four irons. These almost daily sightings prompted Captain Russell to divide the watches into four during the night, with all hands on duty from daylight to breakfast. But bad weather, cloudy, cold, and rainy, soon ruined the Susan's luck.

(To Be Continued)

39

Nantucket Summer Institute Launched Through the cooperative efforts of the Nantucket Historical Trust, the Coffin School Trustees, the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce and the University of Massachusetts, the Nantucket Summer Institute has been launched this year. Last summer these organizations worked together in a pioneer effort and a series of seminars were conducted at the Coffin School. The result was so encouraging that the University of Mass.-Boston agreed to conduct four courses which will carry three credits, each, and the other cooperators are presenting seminars for afternoons and evenings.

Credit courses include: "The United States in The 20th Century," "Film Study I," "Creative Writing," and "Workshop of Modern Drama." These will be conducted by Professors Thomas N. Brown, Robert G. Risse, Mary D. Curran, and Louis E. Roberts.

The credit courses and seminars are to be so arranged as to make it possible for students and auditors to participate at dif­ ferent times during the day. Because many of the credit course students will be working during the afternoons and evenings, these classes will be held from 9 to 11 and 11 to 1 each morning, Monday through Friday. Seminar courses will be held in the afternoons and evenings. The latter will include such subjects as "Art and Artifacts" and "Literature of The Sea," as well as "Whaling," "Nantucket History," "Maritime History" and "Nan­ tucket Ecology."

"The Nantucket Summer Institute" is held in the Coffin School, on Winter Street, which has been made available by the School's Trustees. It is altogether fitting that this fine old build­ ing, a landmark in Nantucket, should be once again used in its original concept as a place for academic endeavor. The support of the Nantucket Historical Trust is a key asset. All inquiries should be addressed to the office of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, where preliminary registrations are to be accepted in the second floor office at the Pacific Club Building on Main Street.

40

Events of Interest The Coffin Family Supplement Available The Association has received a consignment of "Supple­ ments to the Coffin Family" which is to be used with the main volume. This 42-page booklet contains an alphabetical list of the wives of the Coffins. Every name appears with the name of the husband in the main volume, and this obviates a laborious search when the name of the husband is known. Other pages note corrections for the main volume. The supplement was the final work of Louis Coffin, who edited the monumental first and main body of "The Coffin Family." These supplements are available from the Association's Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Tyrer, at $1.25 per copy, which covers also the mailing charges.

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"Macy's Bright Star" Margaret Fawcett Barnes' play about the mercantile pioneer Rowland Hussey Macy is being presented at Straight Wharf Theatre this month. The career of this Nantucket man in the world of business took him from the east to west coasts of America, thence back to New York City, where he opened the store now known as "Macy's." His life was unusual and well worth the playwright's touch, and will be of interest to all who enjoy the flavor of the past century as well as the Nantucket background. *

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Historical Trust Continues Architectural Study Professor F. Blair Reeves, A.I.A., from the Department of Architecture at the University of Florida, has returned to Nan­ tucket for a second year to supervise the continuing studies of historic Nantucket architecture. This study program, now in its sixth year, is sponsored by the Nantucket Historical Trust in cooperation with the Historic American Buildings Survey, a division of the U. S. Department of the Interior.

For the past five years these studies have included historical documentation, photography and measured drawings of signifi­ cant examples of Nantucket residential and commercial archi­ tecture. A total of 64 structures have been documented and these histories are now on file at the Library of Congress in Washing­ ton, D. C., as well as at the Nantucket Atheneum and at the head­ quarters of the Nantucket Historical Association.

EVENTS OF INTEREST

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During the summer of 1970 the project will record selected neighborhoods within the Town's Historic District. First to be recorded is the north side of India Street from Centre Street to Liberty Street. The entire length will be recorded by street ele­ vations, floor plans and other appropriate drawings. Photographs will be used to record elevations on both sides of the street. The survey will also work in the area between Union and Orange Streets in the vicinity of Stone Alley. "This year we are trying to capture the spirit of historic Nantucket, rather than just in­ dividual buildings," Professor Reeves said, in describing the project.

Drawings will be prepared by a team of six graduate and under-graduate architectural students, all of whom arrived here recently. They are: Benjamin Walbert, Don Allison and Rich­ ard Crisson from the University of Florida; Martin Rosenblum, University of Illinois; James Skelton, University of Illinois; and and Ellis Schmidlopp, Carnegie-Mellon University.

Enrichment of Knowledge of Nantucket With the publication this spring of a book titled, "The His­ tory of Nantucket," the Nantucket Historical Trust again demon­ strates the practical approach to preserving the Historical aspect of this Island. This volume is a bibliography of source material relating to Nantucket history compiled by Mrs. Marie M. Coffin who, in her preface states: "The need for a definitive source of information that catalogues all the known data pertaining to the history of Nantucket has long been recognized by those with a real interest in this historical landmark."

In her cataloguing, Mrs. Coffin has listed a remarkable collection of Nantucket data, ranging from Account Books, Actors and Agriculture, to Windmills, Wrecks and Zoning. The variety of the inventory is as good an indication as anything as to the diversity of Nantucket historical interests.

As an example of the dedication of the Nantucket Historical Trust this book serves well. In the introduction, the Trustees state such motivation clearly, noting: "The book, therefore, is really the work of a living force, directing its scholarly pursuit toward making Nantucket come alive wherever these pages find a home. The Trustees owe thanks to many helpful and interested friends of the Island, but above all thanks and credit go to Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin for her unrelenting and excellent work in compiling the elements of this Bibliography."

While this should prove an invaluable aid to those research­ ing and studying Nantucket history it will also serve to suggest further sources of study. The Nantucket Historical Trust and Mrs. Coffin are to be congratulated on this distinct contribution to Nantucket and its natives, residents and friends.

42

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"Mitchell's" Designed Unique Way For Contributions Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, proprietors of "Mitchell's Book Corner," on Main Street, provided a unique way of soliciting contributions toward the Historical Association's Campaign for Capital Funds. Securing by purchase 50 copies of the National Geographic magazine for June, which contained an article on Nantucket, he offered them to his customers free but requested a contribution to the Nantucket Historical Association in lieu of any other courtesy purchase from his book shelves.

The response was most gratifying, and over $300 was turned over to the Campaign Fund office. Mr. Havemeyer is a member of the Council of the Historical Association.

Historical Essays by High School Students The annual historical essay award this year was presented to a member of the Junior Class of the Nantucket High School — Miss Sally Lamb. Sponsored by the Association for the best essay on a subject related to the history of Nantucket, this award includes a certificate suitable for framing plus a year's member­ ship in the Nantucket Historical Association. The subject of Miss Sally Lamb's essay was "The Mills of Nantucket."

Another essay, titled "The Nantucket Weather Bureau," impressed the judges so much that the writer, Miss Susan Lamb, was cited for Honorable Mention.

The quality of all the essays submitted by the students was excellent, and the judges expect another well balanced selection will be submitted the coming year.

"My House and I" — 8 Pleasant Street In our listing of recent accessions, noted in the last issue, the portrait of Mary E. Starbuck was mentioned, and Mrs. Lili Wilson points out that the old home of "Molly" Starbuck should have been "8 Pleasant Street," and not "18" as given. Our apologies.

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.

The Old South clock tower seventy-five years ago was in its second half century. With the old Portuguese bell hanging in the belfry and the Howard clock just below, the watchmen's room under these, the Unitarian Church has served the town well for more than a century and a half. Orange Street's cobbled surface is clearly evident in this old photograph.