Historic Nantucket, Fall 1996, Vol. 45 No. 2

EDITOR

Cecil Barron Jensen

NANTUCKET

COPY EDITOR

Elizabeth Oldham l-USTORlAN

Helen Winslow Chase ART DIRECTOR

Claire 0' Keeffe

THE NAN11JCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

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Mrs. William Slover President

Mr. David H. Wood First \1/(;¡e President

VOLUME 45 NO.2

Nantucket Historical Association Properties A complete list of our twentyfour homes, museums, monuments, and sites

by Michael Jehle

Ms. Nancy A. Chase Second Vice President

Mr. Richard Tucker Third V1Ce Prestdent

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Mr. Alan F. Atwood Treasurer

Mrs. Hamilton 1-!eard,Jr. Clerk

Jean M. Weber

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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Mrs. Roben Champion 1\ols. Kimberly C. Corkran Mr. John H.Davis Ms. A~cc Emerson Mrs. l11omas H. Gosnell Mr. Erwin L. Greenberg Mrs. William E. G rieder Mrs. Edmund A. llajim Prof. William A. !lance Mr. ArieL. Kopelman Mrs. JaneT. Lamb Mr. Peter~'- Nash Mrs. Scott Newquist Mr. Arthur Reade, Jr. Mr. Alfred F. Sanford III Mrs. Joseph F. Welch Mr. Robert A. Young

RESEARCI I FELLOWS

EDITORIAL COMMllTEE

Mary H. Beman Sus:m F. Becgel Richard L. Brecker Robert F. Mooney Elizabeth Oldham Nathaniel Philbrick Sally Seidman David H. Wood Historic Nantucket welcomes anicles on any aspect of Nantucket

history. Original research, firsthand accounts, reminiscences of island experiences, historic logs, leuers, and photographs are

examples of materials of interest to our re-Jders.

Historic Nantucket

(lSSN 0439-2248)

~~~~~~~~~~H!~r~~~j'k~?ation,

2 \'({haler's Lane, Nantucket, MA 02554. Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, 1\!lA and additional entry offices.

Postmaster. Send address changes 10

Historic Nantucket, Box 1016,

Nantucket, MA 02554-1016 (508) 228- 1894 FAX:(508)228-56 l8

The Nantucket Historical Commission An Overview

by Patricia Butler

149

Preservation Restrictions A creative tool /or preserving private property

by Cecil Barron Jensen

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ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Elizabeth Little Nathaniel Philbrick

A Model Preservation Program

by Patty Jo Rice

Exeattii;e Director

Mr. Walter Beinecke,.Jr. Mrs. Richard L. Brecker Ms. Patricia A. Butler Mr. Alcon Chadwick Mrs. James F. Chase Mr. r~lichael deLeo Mrs. Norman E. Dupuis [IJ Ms. Martha Groetzinger Mrs. Herbert L Gutterson Mrs. Robert E. llellman Mrs. John G. \YJ. Husted, Jr. Mrs. Arthur Jacobsen Mr. Francis D. Lethbridge Mr. Reginald Levine Mrs. john A. Lodge Mrs. Francisco Lorenzo Mrs. Thomas B. Loring Mr. William B. Macomber Mr. Paul Madden Mr. Robert F. Mooney Mrs. Frederick A. Richmond Mrs. \XIilliam A. Sevrcns Mr. ScotrSteams, Jr. Mr. j ohn S. Winter Mrs. Joseph C. Woodle Mrs. Bracebridge Young

Preservation Institute: Nantucket

Dreamland Theatre A Moving Picture House

by Patty Jo Rice

154

The African Meeting House

by Helen Seager

155

NHANews

On the cover:

The benchmark of every historic property is careful management. This view of Hadwen House, as seen /rom the rear, illustrates the time and energy spent by the Nantucket Garden Club to maintain the gardens. Photograph by Carol Bates.

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focuses on the historic properties under the stewardship of the Nantucket Historical Association. The homes, monuments, sites, and museums span the island 's history from its agricultural period in the early seventeenth century to its place as a twentieth-century summer community.

Together they tell the story of Nantucket and hold the collective memory of the island's unique and treasured history.

The NHA is indeed fortunate to have this rich collection of properties, which have been given over the years by generous preservation-minded individuals. However, in accepting these gifts, the NHA takes on an obligation of care, an obligation that creates huge financial needs. These needs could never have been fully anticipated by the donors or by the NHA

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when the properties were accepted or acquired. But just as a parent must care for a child's needs- to keep them healthy, able to survive and have purpose in the world- we must continue to care for our properties.

As you will read in this issue, we study the properties. We present them to the public. We dissect them architecturally and historically. We do our best to preserve them for the education and enjoyment of all who visit. This stewardship of properties is at the core of our mission. Please enjoy reading about them, learn the stories they have to tell, and visit them often.

The properties held by the NHA enrich our lives and our community.

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EXECUTIVE

BRASS DISK, NINE INCHES IN DIAMETER,

with the relief image of the 1773 whaleship Beaver, is a familiar sight to those on walking tours of the historic streets of Nantucket. The circular plaque indicates that the house has been certified as part of the Historic Buildings Survey of the Nantucket Historical Association. TI1e program, introduced by Bob Metters and Marie Coffin in 1976, originally offered plaques to all whose homes had been built before 1812, using as an authenticating source Clay Lancaster's The Architecture of Historic Nantucket. Today the timeline for the brass plaques, cast at Mystic Foundry, is extended to 1846.

Over the past two decades the program has been popular, and nearly 300 homes have been listed. But the significance of the plaques today has been somewhat obscured by changes in ownership of many of the homes, changes to the historic structure by subsequent owners, and changing patterns in the application and monitoring process by the NHA. Recognizing both the popularity and the tremendous educational potential of the program for authenticating and preserving the historic buildings of Nantucket, the NHA put its program on hold in late 1995. Over the summer of 1996 it began a survey of its own records and a comparison of the program with historic-district plaque and walking- trail programs operated by historical societies in other areas. The review was the special project of NHA intern Elizabeth Wolff, a student at Amherst College and a summer resident of Nantucket. Elizabeth, on her bicycle, with camera, film, and notebooks slung over her shoulder, became a familiar sight along the historic streets as she located plaqued homes. She researched applications and, preparing a street-by-street map, photographed all houses that still display plaques and interviewed many of their residents as well as interested bystanders. Her work was thorough and gratifying and her contacts with such groups as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities and the Rhode Island Historical Commission were especially useful in helping us assess the future of the program.

Like well-intended preservation programs everywhere, our Historic Buildings Survey did not in its early years fully anticipate the responsibilities of longterm maintenance. The original NHA plaque program was carried on as an individual contract between the association and the homeowners who researched and applied for the plaque. If the home was sold, the owner was supposed to return the plaque to the NHA. HISTORIC

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The new owner, if interested in proclaiming and preserving the architectural features of the home, would have to reapply to make a new agreement with the NHA. A running record of photographs confirming the preservation of the original architectural features and consistent staff follow-up as properties changed hands would have been required. In practice, plaques were sometimes sold, along with the homes, to new owners who had less personal understanding of their significance and the responsibility for ongoing preservation and identification of the historic nature of the building to the public. New owners sometimes removed or misplaced the plaques when redecorating their homes. Occasionally owners sold their homes and took their plaques with them. And why not? It is a handsome piece of hardware!

Despite a few such setbacks, the NHA is convinced that the Historic Buildings Survey was an in1portant addition to its historic-preservation mission i.n 1976. It is even more important now as the composition of our architectural environment is threatened with LU1precedented change. The survey should and can be a cornerstone of preservation architecture on the island.

Linked with the work of the Historic District Commission, which sets the standards for new construction, the Historic Buildings Survey can provide the measure of authenticity against which new standards are set. Precisely because the NHA has been so involved in recent years in acquiring and struggling to maintain the full complement of historic properties it owns, it must work even harder to provide the information and leadership to enable island residents to identify period architectural features, protect original fabric and take great pride in what is surely one of the most historically accurate and visually exciting historic landscapes to be found anywhere. On Nantucket there is no need to recreate, no need to strive for simulated history or virtual reality; it is real.

The reality of the architectural landscape and the measures to presetve it are what this issue of Historic Nantucket is all about. In particular, the NHA puts itself first on line for accountability. In carefully reviewing our twenty-four properties, the board of trustees and staff are calling on structural engineers, architectural historians, and preservation architects to help us evaluate the significance, the condition, and the best interpretation of each. As we begin to plan for restoration and public programs and the fwlding required to make each of our properties representative models of Nantucket's history, we need an informed membership. We welcome your response.

by Jean Weber

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Nantucket Historical A complete list of our twenty-/our by Michael Jehle

ince our inception in 1894, the Nantucket Historical Association has been striving to preserve island history by the acquisition and management of properties. The first building acquired was the Quaker Meeting House (Society of Friends Meetinghouse) in 1894. Today the NHA manages twenty-four historic homes, museums, monuments, and other sites. It is with those buildings and sites, as well as with our extraordinary collection of artifacts, art, books, manuscripts, ships' logs, and photographs that we provide the public with an understanding of the island's history and its contributions to the economic, intellectual, political, cultural, and religious development of the community, Commonwealth, and nation.

It occurred to us, however, that many of our members may be unfamiliar with the rich variety of properties that we maintain. As you will see, we care for sites as grand and well known as the Nantucket Whaling Museum and Hadwen House, but we also preserve an open field in Nantucket Town called the Eleanor P. Ham Pony Field. While few island residents and visitors will miss seeing and appreciating the Old Mill, many will never know that we own and presetve the open space across the street to forever protect the mill's unique beauty and historic integrity.

Following is a complete list of the NHA's properties as well as a smattering of associated historic photographs, artifacts, and stories.

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Historic Houses "OLDEST HOUSE," JETIIRO COFFIN HOUSE, 16 Sunset Hill Built 1686; purchased in 1923 The oldest residence on Nantucket, the Jethro Coffin House is the sole surviving structure from the island's original seventeenth-century English settlement. It continues to capture the imagination of thousands of visitors a year. Schoolchildren especially enjoy the NHA's Summer Living History Program, which runs here throughout July and August.

HADWEN HOUSE, 96 Main Street

I Built 1845; donated by Jean Satler Williams in 1965 The Hadwen House's neoclassical facade is the island's best known architectural symbol of the prosperity enjoyed by nineteenth-century whaling merchants. The first floor parlors display the mid-nineteenth-century opulent furnishings and grand lifestyle that replaced the island's sober Quaker aesthetic. Visitors also enjoy the Victorian gardens, carefully maintained by the I Nantucket Garden Club.

ONE OF THE MORE NOTABLE PREVIOUS RESIDENTS OF THE NHA's ROBERT WYER HOUSE AT 33 ORANGE STREET WAS the Reverend Seth Swift, the first pastor of Nantucket's Second Congregational Meeting House Society, now known as the Unitarian Church.

Twenty-one years old and only a few months out of Harvard, Seth Swift moved to Nantucket in 1810. His firm leadership of the Second Congregational Church spanned twenty-three years and was distinguished by a commitment to the ideals of justice for all races- a somewhat controversial notion in 1810. Swift was held in high esteem by Nantucket's small black community for whom he celebrated several marriages, including that of Captain Absalom Boston, remembered as the master of the first whaling vessel that sailed from Nantucket with an all-black crew.

Reverend Seth Freeman Swift -portrait attrzbuted to William Swain, circa 1825. Collection of the Unitarz(m Universalist Church.

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Association Properties homes) museums) monuments and sites AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN

MACY-CHRISTIAN HOUSE, 12 Liberty Street Built 1745; donated by George and Ruth Christian in 1969 The Macy-Christian House was constructed by an island merchant who prospered before the American Revolution. Later residents of the home, George and Ruth Christian, donated the house to the NHA fully furnished with Colonial Revival antiques.

ROBERT WYER HOUSE, 33 Orange Street Built 1750; donated by Jon Stroup in 1987 One of the finest examples of eighteenth-century island architecture, the Robert Wyer house was the home of several generations of island whaling captains and China-trade merchants. Currently closed to the public, the house continues to be occupied by the donor under the terms of the gift.

THOMAS MACY HOUSE , 99 Main Street Built 1770 with an 1834 addition; donated by Oswald A. and Sallie Gail Harris Tupancy in 1987 This fine exan1ple of Federal architecture is the former home of island merchant and ship owner Thomas Macy and is currently used for special NHA events, meetings, and social occasions as well as guest and staff housing.

WILLIAM HADWEN -

as "Tup and Sallie Gail," the Tupancys were generous island residents who donated their home at 99 Main Street to the NHA in 1987. The house had been acquired in 1947 by Mrs. Julian Harris, Sallie Gail's mother, from a descendant of its early nineteenth-century owner Thomas Macy . Mrs. SallieGailHarrisTupancyandOswaldA. Tupancy Harris, and later the T upancys, used 99 Main as both a summer retreat and a permanent home.

Both T up and Sallie Gail believed strongly that their home at 99 Main was too important a featme of Nantucket's history to be left to private ownership and made provisions in their will for it to be left to the NHA. But, as long-time residents of Nantucket, the Tupancys were aware of the NHA's limited budget and were at times concerned about the association's limited ability to fully care for its historic properties. Therefore, along with the donation of their home, the Tupancys established the Tupancy-Harris Foundation, which among other philanthropic efforts on Nantucket underwrites the care and maintenance of 99 Main. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Tup and Sallie Gail and the TupancyHarris Foundation, the NHA is able to properly preserve 99 Main for generations to come.

THE MAN WHO BUILT THE TWO IMPOSING NEOCLASSICAL HOUSES ON MAIN STREET AT THE

corner of Pleasant Street -was a highly successful whale oil merchant who devoted his later life to helping the island community he loved. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, Hadwen first came to Nantucket in 1820 as a silversmith. Soon thereafter he married Eunice Starbuck, daughter of the powerful merchant Joseph Starbuck, and entered into the whale oil refinery business with his cousin Nathaniel Barney. Their first refinery was in the back yard of their home at 100 Main Street, and in a matter of years Hadwen and Barney prospered, later moving their business to the brick building that now houses the Whaling Museum. By 1845, when Hadwen built his home at the corner of Main and Pleasant streets and one for his niece Mary Swain next door, he was one of the wealthiest men in Massachusetts. With no children of their own, William and Eunice Hadwen generously supported Nantucket's less fortunate children, sending many to schools they could not otherwise afford. The extent of Hadwen's generosity is perhaps best indicated by the popularity on Nantucket of the given name William Hadwen in the generations after his death.

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At nght: Intenor of Greater Lzgbt

Originally an eighteenth-century livestock barn, Greater Light was adapted to a summer residence in 1933 by two sisters from Philadelphia. The house with its eclectic furnishings and architectural details is a rare window into Nantucket's twentieth-century summer artists' community. The house is currently closed for structural stabilization; however, visitors are invited to enjoy its lovely garden, maintained in memory of Betty Palmer by her daughter Gale Arnold.

1800 HOUSE 8 Mill Street Built 1805; donated by Frederick Melhado in 1951 First occupied by the island's high sheriff, who managed the Old Gaol, the 1800 House reveals the aesthetic simplicity and fine craftsmanship that characterized the Quaker-influenced architecture that dominated nineteenth-century Nantucket. It is currently closed to the public to undergo structural stabilization.

Historic Properties GREATER LIGHT Built c. 1790 and remodeled 193 3; donated by the Estate of Gertrude and Hanna Monaghan in 1970

THE OLD MILL, Mill Hill Built 17 45; purchased in 1897 The NHA is proud to own the oldest American windmill still in operation. Much to the enjoyment of visi-

the house at the troublesome hour THE MOST HAUNTING TALE OF THE -. and watch. He was not disappointed.

NHA properties belongs to the 1800 After hearing the latch on the House. Nantucket electrician Parker door click, Parker crept out of his Gray told of a mysterious, shimmerhiding spot and saw that the door to ing, floating ball that walked the the keeping room had swung open. halls of the house in 1972.

Coming toward hin1 he saw a "shimGray was hired that year to install a complex security system in the mering soap bubble the size of a home. When the system was activatbasketball; it was pulsing, moving gently in and out in all directions." ed, an alarm went off if a window or door was opened. From the time the Nervously, he watched it travel through the house and up the stairs. alarm was first installed, the alarm He said that he was not truly afraid, went off several times between seven o'clock and quarter to eight. Each Inhabitants of 1800 House dryzl1g codfish on a rack at left (c. 1885). but he could sense an "extraordinary and really horrible coldness" time the police went to the house they found it quiet and undisturbed, except for an open door coming from the ball as he watched it travel through the first floor of the house and up the stairs. between the west parlor and the keeping room.

After reporting this eerie incident, Parker put a hook on the The opening of the door was a mystery to all, and after the fifth week of false alarms Gray was eager to resolve the problem. door to the keeping room and there has been no trouble with After ruling out all other explanations, Gray decided to hide in the alarms ever since.

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tors, the Old Mill's impressive original handcrafted wooden gears still transform the power of the wind to grind corn into meal in the summer season.

OLD GAOL, 15R Vestal Street Built 1806; acquired in 1946 The Old Gaol is one of the oldest surviving prison buildings in the country. Constructed of massive oak timbers reinforced with iron straps, it held island prisoners for over 125 years.

OLD TOWN BUILDING, 5 Washington Street Built 1833 and 1846; purchased in 1968 The oldest commercial and municipal building on Nantucket, the Old Town Building was an office for the merchant Thomas Coffin. Later the building was purchased by the Town of Nantucket and until 1966 housed a variety of government offices.

needed to outfit Nantucket's whaleships. Today it is leased by a private art gallery and is used as a welcome center for visitors to the NHA.

Above: The hose cart is brought up Main Street

THOMAS MACY WAREHOUSE

FIRE HOSE CART HOUSE, 8 Gardner Street

past the

12 Straight Wharf Built 1846; donated in 1984

Built 1886, acquired in 1960

Paafic National Bank

The last remaining nineteenth-century fire house, the Hose Cart House displays historic fire-fighting equipment related to Nantucket's Great Fire of 1846.

on its return /rom

Erected following the Great Fire of 1846, the Macy Warehouse originally stored supplies and equipment

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curator of structures, started to repair shingles on the side of the Old Gaol, we were reminded once again of the sturdy and serious construction of tllis building.

Rick uncovered large iron bolts running the length and width of the building walls. It was clear that at the time of the jail's construction in 1806 the fear of prisoners escaping was real. The original bill from John and Perez Jenkins, the two brothers that built the building was $2,090.49.

That is roughly the cost of building a whaling ship at that time.

In front of the Old Gaol c. 1885 Unfortunately, the money and iron that went into the construction did not hold all the prisoners. There are several tales of

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a fire zi1 1893.

escapes. One of the most ingenious was staged by a fifteen-yearold boy at the beginning of the century. He managed to escape by knocking out the bricks in the chinmey in the upper east cell and getting out onto the roof. Sadly for tills clever boy, he was caught and the chimney was rebuilt with a smaller flue.

After the Civil War the Old Gaol became a quiet place, and escaping prisoners was less of a concern. In fact, Edouard Stackpole reported that when a jailer was asked by a visitor how he knew if a certain prisoner was still there, he replied "Oh, I just holler 'Joe, are you there?' and if he ain't gone out for a walk he hollers back."

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THE QUAKER MEETING HOUSE

Above: The Quaker Meeting House on Fair Street

is an exan1ple of an ideal use of a historic building. Since 1939 members of the Religious Society of Friends have used the Meeting House for worship. Today they continue to meet year-round on Sunday mornings. In the meeting house historical and present-day needs come together. The public can experience Quaker faith and practice; visitors are participants, not just observers, in a historic setting.

The association is careful to use the Meeting House appropriately. As well as being open to the public daily, we have hosted summer concerts, meetings, and other small gatherings.

Meeting House in 1864. The only surviving meeting house on the island, it continues to be a place of worship for Quakers throughout the year.

Museums and Support-Services Buildings NANTUCKET WHALING MUSEUM 13 Broad Street Built 1847; purchased in 1921

Built 1838; purchased in 1894

The Whaling Museum presents a fascinating array of exhibits on the history of Nantucket's primary industry. The building was originally constructed and used as a whale oil refinery and candle factory by Richard Mitchell and Sons and subsequently acquired by the prominent island merchants William Hadwen and Nathaniel Barney. During the past summer, over 30,000 visitors attended daily lectures, group tours, children's workshops, and educational programs.

Initially constructed in 1838 as a school for the Society of Friends, the building was converted to a Quaker

FAIR STREET MUSEUM, 7 Fair Street, Built 1904

QUAKER MEETING HOUSE, 9 Fair Street

The NHA constructed this building as its first museum exhibition gallery, and the first exhibit of NHA collections was displayed here from 1904 until the 1970s.

This year we exhibited "Nantucket: Picturesque and Historic," a celebration of the diverse array of souvenirs and photographs by late nineteenth-century island photographers Henry Wyer, Josiah Freeman, and Hemy Platt.

PETER FOULGER MUSEUM 15 Broad Street Built 1971 The Peter Foulger Musewn is a modern gallery that presents changing exhibitions such as the current "Away Off Shore."

The second floor is home to the Edouard A. Stackpole Library and Research Center and the NHA administrative offices.

At left: The Nantucket Whaling Museum.

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MUSEUM SHOP, 11 Broad Street Built 1986 Right at the beginning of Steamboat Wharf, the NHA Museum Shop is a popular gift shop for many island visitors and residents. The shop, designed and built with the generous support of Bernard and Grace Grossman, carries a wide selection of gift items, furniture reproductions, and books.

BARTHOLOMEW GOSNOLD CENTER 66 Bartlett Road Built 1994 The recently constructed Gosnold Center is a secure and climate-controlled storage and conservation facility for the NHA's extensive historic collections. It also houses a workshop and design space to facilitate the maintenance and restoration of the association's other properties and holdings.

TODAY, THE NHA IS WELL KNOWN FOR its extensive collections of island furniture and fine and decorative arts.

Although our collections have grown considerably over the past century, thanks to the generous efforts of hw1dreds of donors, the association's first curator, Susan E. Brock, deserves special credit for her dedicated efforts in creating the foundations of that extraordinary collection as well as her creation of the NHA's first exhibition at the Fair Street Museum.

Susan was born in 1852, the daughter of Captain George H. and Charlotte Brock.

At the age of six she joined her mother and father for a lengthy voyage around Cape Horn and in the South Pacific aboard her father's clipper ship Midnight, an adventure she later narrated in her book Doubling Cape Horn. A music teacher and organist for the Unitarian Church, Susan served as the NHA's curator for thirty-four years until her retirement in 1928.

Susan E. Brock, theNHA 's first curator

Historic Monuments and Sites FOLGER-FRANKLIN MEMORIAL FOUNTAIN, BOULDER, AND BENCH, Madaket Road Built: Abiah Folger Franklin Fow1tain, 1900; boulder, 1959; bench, 1959 and 1996 Situated on land granted in 1663 by the island's first settlers to Peter Foulger, the memorial boulder and bench mark the location of the home where Abiah Folger, the mother of Benjamin Franklin, was born in

1667. The fountain was erected by the Abiah Folger Franklin chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

SETTLERS BURIAL GROUND, Off Cliff Road Established c. 1700; acquired in 1973 This small plot of land and memorial marks the burial site used by Nantucket's First Settlers.

WilEN ENGLISH SETTLERS FIRST MOVED TO

Nantucket in 1660, they established a proprietaty form of government in which each of the twenty families involved equally controlled the affairs of the community. As the settlement grew, however, it became necessary for the original twenty families to recruit fishermen, carpenters, and other tradesmen who could help the island's growing economy. Those individuals were given half-shares in the proprietary.

The first settlers had bought their rights to Nantucket with the intent of using the land for their own benefit. But, as more and more people came to Nantucket to live and work in the late seventeenth century, the newcomers began to resent their limited power and representation in the island's government. Led by ambitious newcomer John Gardner, many of the "half-share

men" staged a peaceful revolt against the proprietary government led by Tristram Coffin. Through several appeals to the provincial government in New York, the half-share men eventually succeeded in having the original proprietary transformed in favor of a more democratic, town-meeting-based government, where all men who held property had equal voting rights.

The political details of the half-share revolt were settled in 1680. But the symbolic resolution of the conflict did not occur until1686, when Mary Gardner, the daughter of the half-share revolt leader, married Jethro Coffin, grandson of the proprietary's leader. John Gardner supplied the land and the Coffins supplied the lumber for the couple's new home, known today as the Oldest House.

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TRISTRAM COFFIN HOMESTEAD MONUMENT, Capaum Road

Tristram Coffin Homestead

site date c. 1650

Monument.

This monument stands on the site of the home of Tristram Coffin, the dynamic leader of the first settlers of Nantucket.

LITTLE GALLERY, 10 Straight Wharf Builtc.1900 Next door to the Thomas Macy Warehouse, this gallery has been leased to the Artists' Association of Nantucket through 1996.

ELEANOR P. HAM PONY FIELD 10 Mill Street Bequest of Eleanor P. Han11979

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Reminiscent of a time when the town of Nantucket was dotted with livestock fields, grazing patches, and farms, this plot of land is one of the few remaining publicly accessible green spaces in downtown Nantucket.

MILL HliL, Prospect Street Acquired in 1898 These one-and-a-half acres of wooded property across the road from the Old Mill are presetved by the NHA to maintain a sense of the natural environment.

The Eleanor P. Ham Pony Field reminds us that grazing animals (seen here at left c. 1890) were once a common sight on Mill Street.

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Preservation Institute: Nantucket A Model Preservation Program he Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) was created during the Great Depression as a means of creating work for unemployed architects and draftsmen.

Its purpose was to identify and document buildings representative of America's past. The program was recognized as worthwhile and continued in operation after the end of the depression under the National Park Service and the American Institute of Architects.

When HABS revamped its program in the late 1950s, the decision was made to have a summer-based program that employed college professors. F. Blair Reeves , a professor at the University of Florida, applied to HABS and, by chance , was sent to Nantucket. Reeves applied the following summer and, again by chance, was returned to Nantucket. He eventually made arrangements with HABS whereby students from the University of Florida would accompany him and comprise the documentary team. Over time , Reeves became acquainted with Walter Beinecke and became an enthusiastic supporter of Beinecke's efforts to preserve the downtown area of Nantucket. In turn, Beinecke became a strong supporter of Reeves's efforts on behalf of HABS to document representative structures on island. Eventually, the two decided to establish a program of their own and ensure the continued documentation of island resources.

The buildings selected by HABS for documentation were designed to illustrate the overall flavor of the island. When Beinecke and Reeves established the Preservation Institute: Nantucket (PI:N) in 1972, one of their goals was to fill in the record to include "modest cottages on small lanes and back roads. " Under Reeves's direction, PI:N's program and the University of Florida became recognized for their emphasis on docun1entation. Reeves's underlying philosophy was that although lectures and participants may change, the documentary record would not. PI:N was advertised nationally and attracted a wide variety of participants. Each year Reeves worked to ensure that

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participant groups included a wide range of both universities and backgrounds. He sought to integrate the participant group into the Nantucket community and carefully selected projects that would serve a community purpose as well as an academic one. Rather than concentrate on "landmark" buildings, documentation efforts centered on structures that were "typically Nantucket. " The progran1 directors who followed Blair Reeves have maintained his philosophy and goals while adding their own. Ron Haase's projects emphasized how individual buildings can provide a sense of community. Susan Tate also looked at Nantucket's sense of community while adding a number of Greek Revival buildings to the record. Projects under Tate's direction often centered on the advent and realization of this "high style" on Nantucket. Studies ranged from carpenter details to grand buildings. Tate was the recipient of funding for research projects and won national awards for her studies on the Coffin School and Hadwen House. She also introduced the development of Historic Structures Reports to the PI:N program. Recently, under Herschel Shepard's direction, emphasis has been placed on the narrative record as a necessary accompaniment to the graphic record.

Building Analysis Reports and Historic Structures Reports have gained recognition and have become an in1portant part of the PI:N record. This parallels the development and recognition of the Lowell Cultural Resource Center, noted as the National Park Service's preeminent agency for the production of this type of record.

Recent PI:N projects have included neighborhood studies of Academy Lane and in Siasconset; individual residences such as the Paddock-Yerkes House at 13 India and William Andrews House at 22 Hussey; studies of adaptive use at the India House, Wood Box Inn, and James Barker Gallery; town churches including St. Paul's Episcopal and the Methodist Church; the Coffin School, Sherburne Hall, the Atheneum, the Wharf Rats Club, tl1e Old Mill, and Hadwen House.

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The growth of the Preservation Institute: Nantucket and the Nantucket Historical Association is closely interrelated. The association, along with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, aided in the founding and development of PI:N. Over the years, the institute's continued relationship with the NHA has led to the completion of a number of academic exercises centered on NHA properties. They have included graphic documentation of sites and structures, building-analysis reports, and historic-structures reports. With the completion of this past summer's project at Greater Light, PI:N students have successfully documented many of the NHA properties. In addition, the NHA remains a repository for PI:N records. Each year, the originals of work produced are forwarded to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. , with copies kept in both the Edouard Stackpole Library and Research Center and the University of Florida library. In addition, outside of the Library of Congress, the Edouard Stackpole Library and Research Center is the only repository of both the HABS and PI:N record on Nantucket, making the NHA's library a prin1ary resource for the serious scholar as well as the interested layman.

The number of participants attending the Preservation Institute: Nantucket is limited to fifteen per year. Despite this, many key players in the national preservation community are PI:N graduates, including several who have served or are now serving as state historic preservation officers throughout the nation. In addition, the submission of PI:N projects to the Library of Congress has resulted in its archives housing more information on Nantucket than on any other community in the United States.

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Patty ]o Rice has been associated with PI:N for the past two years. In 1995 she was the administrative assistant and this year she was the program's site administrator and a visiting lecturer. In May 1996, Rice received her doctorate in Historic Preservation /rom the University of Florida School ofArchitecture.

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Architectural rendering of one of Greater Light's garden gates by Carol McChesney, one of

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this year's students at PI.N FALL

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The Nantucket Historic District Commission An Overview

N

ANTUCKET'S LEADERSI-ITP IN THE PRESERVA-

tion of historic individual structures and the protection of community character is widely recognized. Nantucket was among the earliest historic districts in the country, along with Charleston, South Carolina, and the Vieux Carre in New Orleans. Since 1955 the Historic District Commission (HDC) has played a central role in the island's preservation.

The purpose of the HDC is clearly stated in the original enabling Act written in 1955, limited then to the Town of Nantucket and the Village of Siasconset. "to promote the general welfare of the Town of Nantucket through the preservation and protection of historic buildings, places and districts of historic interest through the development of an appropriate setting for these buildings, places and districts and through the benefits resulting to the economy of Nantucket in developing and maintaining its vacation-travel industry through the promotion of these historic associations."

Guidelines for the HDC have evolved over the years starting with six amendments initiated by Town Meeting voters, including the 1972 action that expanded the commission's jurisdiction to the entire island, as well as Tuckernuck and Muskeget islands.

Other amendments have been written to conform with the commonwealth's historic preservation enabling legislation and to include standards set by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Department of the Interior.

Today, the HDC reviews all exterior structural changes and new construction on Nantucket Island.

The commission effectively maintains the charm and essence of Nantucket by setting the standards for building. There are clear goals for construction in the Old Town of Nantucket as well as outside of town. For instance, in town special care is taken to preserve the old structures built before the middle of the nineteenth century and to ensure that the historic character of the town in scale, historic pattern, streetside building, and HISTORIC

NANTUCKET

pedestrian detail is maintained. Out of town the HDC aims to protect the character of existing small settlements on the island, especially Siasconset, but also Wauwinet, Quidnet, Surfside, and Madaket. The commission also tries to foster a common character among all new buildings and to preserve and protect the spacious character of tl1e natural landscape.

The original efforts to preserve Nantucket's unique historic character and sense of place came at an appropriate time. In the 1950s, many traditional communities were impacted by thoughtless suburban sprawl and modern construction, without attention to detail, scale, or craftsmanship.

The fact that Nantucket remains a living, working community distinguishes it from historic reconstructions such as Williamsburg or Sturbridge Village.

Nantucketers are proud of what has been called the United States' finest collection of late seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and early nineteenili-century structures.

On the national level, local preservation efforts were united in 1949 when the National Trust for Historic Preservation was established as a nonprofit, private organization to provide national standards for the protection of individual historic properties. Legislative strength was acquired in 1966, when the National Historic Preservation Act was passed. The act enabled the Secretary of the Interior, with the National Park Service, to establish tl1e National Register of Historic Places. Through federal grants, state preservation offices and the National Trust were directed to protect the properties and districts listed on the National Register. In Nantucket, any property that is over fifty years old and is considered contributing to the Historic District can qualify for the National Register.

There are at least 2,500 properties that are over fifty years old and at least a iliousand that are considered individually significant.

Until recently, the collaboration of public and private preservation interests has not been actively pursued on Nantucket. While community members

by Patricia Butler

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who support the stewardship of individual properties and the broader education and conservation work of the Nantucket Historical Association may be equally supportive of the Historic District Commission's work, the two efforts have been generally separate. As intense land development threatens the island's historic community character and unique quality of life, increased efforts by the Nantucket Historical Association to express concerns and work with community leaders in the public and private realms are welcome and vitally important.

Patricia Butler has been administrator of the HDC /or ten years and is a member of the NHA Advisory Board.

The doorway at 105 Main Street stands as an example of classic Nantucket design.

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Preservation Restrictions A Creative Tool /or Preserving Private Property

W

E ALL HAVE OUR FAVORITE UNSPOILED

corner of the world. Whether it is for the solitude of a mountain hike, a run along a rural back road, or a family picnic on a beach, we have our cherished memories of a place that we hope will never change. We are also aware that a national system of parks and highways makes it easier for more of us to see remote and pristine environments. Development allows us to take family vacations in the mountains, drive our cars deeper into rural America, and has brought many more people to Nantucket. The concern of many who own property in such locations is how to preserve their corner.

Fortunately, creative tools have been available for preservationists. These include creating a historic district, donating or selling property to a nonprofit organization, and common-law covenants. One of the most effective ways, however, for individual homeowners to restrict future development on their property is to create a preservation restriction. The Nantucket Historical Association is pleased to hold three such restrictions.

There are two different types of restrictions: conservation restrictions can be created to preserve scenic and open spaces; historic preservation restrictions protect the exterior or surrounding land of historic buildings and safeguard interiors of significant buildings.

These are all legal agreements property owners make to restrict the type and degree of development that may take place on their property. The restriction is given to a qualified conservation recipient, such as a public agency, land trust, or historic preservation organization The best way to understand this is to think of your property as a bundle of sticks.

A landowner may sell or give away the whole bundle, or just one or two sticks. These may include, for example, the right to construct buildings, to subdivide the land, or to restrict access. Owners identify specific rights that they want to restrict in order to protect the property. By giving away certain rights while retaining H I STORIC

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others, the owner is granting a restriction to an appropriate third party who becomes responsible for enforcing the restrictions.

Historic preservation restrictions preserve the facade and surroundings of historic structures or historic land areas. It is this kind of restriction that has been granted to the NHA. We have two facade restrictions: Sherburne Hall on Centre Street and the Nantucket Looms building on Main Street. We also hold a preservation restriction at 37 Hulbert Avenue.

Our donors have their own reasons for creating restrictions (see sidebar for the Hulbert Avenue property) but generally there are a number of advantages to creating a restriction.

Without giving up the title, property owners continue to live in their homes or use the property at the same time guaranteeing its preservation. They also are assured that the integrity of the property will be preserved after their death. And finally there are tax incentives for the owner. For federal income tax purposes, the most important benefit is that the value of the donated restriction is deductible as a charitable contribution. For federal estate tax purposes, the value of the estate will be reduced because of the restriction's development limitations. State laws may authorize deductions similar to federal provisions and also may decrease a property's local tax assessment and therefore its local property taxes.

Once a restriction is in place, preservation organizations and public agencies with only a partial interest in the property can protect properties against adverse changes. The full burden of property ownership is left with the grantor or future owner of the propetty. Since a preservation restriction can be made for a term of years, or in perpetuity, the holder of the grant and the grantor must be certain that the intended restrictions are clearly defined. For instance, they may choose to forbid or limit all alterations in exterior or interior features of the structure, changes in appearance or condi-

by Cecil Barron Jensen

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Famzlies in Nantucket have been exploring/or years ways to preserve their property. Many have donated land to land conservation trusts as a way to maintain open space, while others have painstakingly remodeled and updated old homes in historically accurate ways. The Sawyer family, who own a summer house on Hulbert Avenue, chose to make a preservation restriction. What follows is a brief description of that process by Charles Sawyer, written December 11, 1992. n August of 1988, I thought to us, and is a The Sawyer home on Hulbert Avenue attended a workpossibility we would like shop on charitable to prevent, for our family giving presented by and for whomever might Stephen Small, a Boston follow. attorney experienced in With this in mind, we such matters. One part of immediately started his talk was an explanation working with Steve Small of the concept of the conon the idea of giving a servation easement as a conservation easement means of preserving open on our property at 3 7 spaces, and preventing Hulbert Avenue. By developments. To illusdoing so he showed us trate he used the example how we could keep the of the owner of a farm or a property in the family, rural homestead who faces and prevent forever, the unpleasant reality that regardless of ownership, the property will have to the development scebe sold at his death to pay nario outlined above. the estate taxes. It is one matter if this were simply a problem It has been a long and complicated process, especially for the family involved. Unfortunately, however, it is a probbecause we are one of the first to propose such an easement lem for everyone who appreciates the value of open space. on a property in town. First of all we had to find an organizaThe forced sale of the property often means that the one-time tion on Nantucket willing and qualified to be the holder of an farm must be subdivided and developed. easement. While sympathizing with the intent, those island While Steve's focus was on larger rural properties, my organizations set up to deal with rural open spaces felt that family became personally interested because we face a similar they would be confusing their mandate were they to accept problem at a smaller scale, namely a house and subdividable in-town easen1ents as well. Thus our search, with the invaluproperty in town. Since its purchase many years ago, the able assistance of Arthur Reade, Pat Butler, and Linda property has appreciated so much in value that the estate Holland, led to the Nantucket Historical Association. taxes will force a sale of the property if no planning measures After several years of hard work on the part of many are now taken. The prospect of this eventuality is doubly concerned people the preservation restriction was achieved. troubling to us. First of all because we love the place for all The NHA is now the grantee of an easement that will prethe obvious reasons. Secondly, and more significantly for the serve in perpetuity the Sawyer property in the historic Brant NHA and the public at large, because if it were to be sold, Point area. This distinguished turn-of-the-century residence the present zoning bylaw could arguably permit up to five with views of Nantucket Harbor is representative of the earliadditional structures on the property. (With 152' of road est resort development in town. Its value to the Sawyers is frontage, there are potentially three buildable lots, each of immeasurable, and to generations of Nantucketers that which could have principal residence and a secondary follow it will be a lasting image of its time. dwelling such as a garage apartment.) This is an appalling - CHARLES SAWYER

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continued/rom page 149 tion of the site, or uses that are not historically appropriate. Whatever the plan is, the details must be clearly stated in the restriction. Endowments may also be required to cover administrative and legal expenses, including the monitoring and enforcement of the preservation restriction conditions.

For the NHA, a preservation restriction is a valuable tool in guarding historic sites. It guarantees that historic properties will be conserved, while avoiding the financial responsibilities of owning a historic home, site, or museum. It is encouraging to watch this trend, and it is hoped that through restrictions the historic integrity of the island will be preserved for generations to come.

Preservation Restrictions Selected Bibliography Legal Conszderations in Establishing a Historic Preservation Organization. Information Series #14.

Collette C. Goodman. Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1991 Rev. ed.

Starting a Land Trust: A Guzde to Forming a Land Conservation Organization. Alexandria, Va.: Land Trust Alliance, 1990.

Appraising Easements: Guidelines for the Valuation of Historic Preservation and Land Conservation Easements. 1984. 2d ed. Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation and Land Trust Alliance, 1989.

Easements and Other Legal Techniques to Protect Historic Houses in Private Ownership. Thomas A. Coughlin. Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation. Reprint from Preservation Law Reporter, 1988.

The Conservation Easement Handbook: Managing Land Conservation and Historic Preservation Easement Programs. Janet Diehl and Thomas S. Barrett.

A 1996 facade

Historic Preservation Law and Taxation. Tersh Boasberg, Thomas A. Coughlin, and Julia H. Miller.

restriction on the

New York: Matthew Bender, 1986.

Nantucket Looms

The Federal Tax Law of Conservation Easements.

building

Stephen}. Small. Alexandria, Va.: Land Trust Exchange, 1986.

(pictured above c. 1965)

Preservation Easements: The Legislative Framework.

is the most recent

Steven}. Zick. Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1984.

o/theNHA's restrictions.

Land-Saving Action. Consetvation Foundation. Covelo, Calif.: Island Press, 1984.

Conservation Easements: The Urban Setting. Thomas A. Coughlin, ed. Washington D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation and Technical Preservation Services, U. S. Department of the Interior, 1981.

Alexandria, Va.: Land Trust Exchange and Trust for Public Land, 1988.

Preserving Famzly Lands: A Landowner's Introduction to Tax Issues and Other Considerations. Stephen J. Small. Boston, Ma.: Powers and Hall P. C., 1988.

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---In the but/ding's original location (as seen /rom the clock tower c. 1870 tlz the tnset opposite on bottom right), it was set back/rom Main Street. Built in 1829, it was used as a Hicksite Meeting House unttf 1851. It later became a "straw works" and, ultimately, Atlantic Hall. When it was moved, 76 Main Street was bwft in its place.

Reassembled on Brant Point, the buzfding gained dormers and wings and became part of the old Nantucket Hotel (above). Backzng up on what is now Hulbert Avenue, the hotel was open /or business /or twenty-two years starting in 1884. In the winter of 1906, the building was taken apart, the wings and outbuildings were used/or other structures on the island, and the main section was floated across the harbor (see large photo opposite). In its present location (znset bottom left), the buzfding was first used as the Redmen's Hall in 1907. It became a movie theatre in 1922. The present lobby area was added after World War II.

Dreamland Theatre: Moving Picture House

T

HE DREAMLAND T HEATRE'S CENTRAL STRUC-

ture has been relocated several times during its life and has served a multitude of uses.

Th e pres ent buildin g encapsulates the Hicksite Friends Meeting House, a significant part of the early history of Nantucket. The repeated moving of the building makes the Dreamland significant as a prime example of this broad pattern of the island's history. Dreamland is one of the island's original moving-picture houses. In the small, tight-knit community of Nantucket the theater has always served as a place of assembly.

HI S T OR J C

NANTUCKE T

The central portion of the structure under the gable by Patty Jo Rice roof with its side dormers is probably the most distinguishing feature of the building. This part of the building was originally the Hicksite Meeting House. An addition to the east facade, redone in the early 1900s, a later addition to the west facade of the building was done to make the building suitable as a movie theater.

In a time when the reuse of historic structures is I gaining recognition, this building stands as a fascinating example for emulation. Through the building's multiple moves and uses it has always served as a place of public assembly on the island of Nantucket.

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The African Meeting House

by Helen Seager

uilt in the 1820s by the trustees of the African Baptist Church - which included Nantucket's only known black whaling captain, Absalom Boston - the building first housed the African School and provided worship space for the York Street Baptist Church. One of the stuAbove: The African dents, Eunice Ross, initiated legal action that led to the integration of Nantucket schools in the late 1840s.

Meeting House, at Ross's action led the Massachusetts legislature to pass York and Pleasant the nation's first equal education opportunity law. streets, as it appeared After the school was closed, the congregation reorgain1968 when it nized as the Pleasant Street Baptist Church under the was documented by Rev. James E. Crawford. He served the congregation the Historic American for forty years, the longest tenure of any island minister before or since.

Buildings Survey.

The nation's second oldest community building Right: Rev. Crawford built by free Africans for their own use, the building

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ceased being used for that purpose in the early decades of this century. The facade was remodeled in the 1920s when the building was converted to a garage and storage facility. The property was purchased in 1989 by the Museum of Afro American History in Boston and, thanks to a recent grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, is slated for restoration beginning this year.

A $600,000 capital campaign is under way.

Further information my be obtained by writing to the Friends of the African Meeting House on Nantucket (FAMHIN), P.O. Box 1802, Nantucket, MA 02554.

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STAFF NEWS

Back row: Tracy Murray,

Greeting visitors to our office is Meredith Haskell.

Haskell has been the secretary/receptionist for the NHA administrative office since May. With a B.A. in History and American Studies from Regis College in Weston , Massachusetts, Haskell has recently been promoted to administrative assistant to the executive director. She is pleased to assume her new responsibilities working with Jean Weber.

As the new administrative assistant, Haskell takes over the responsibilities of Christina LeBlanc. LeBlanc, who has been with the NHA since 1994, is now taking on the in1portant task of information systems manager.

Her goal is to completely redesign the membership and donor program software. "We're cleaning up our institutional records and modernizing our information retrieval system," explained LeBlanc. She is hoping that the new system will set the standard for future record keeping at the NHA. The two newest members of the staff are Cecil Barron Jensen and Betsy Lowenstein. Jensen is the new editor of Historic Nantucket and coordinator of NHA public relations. With a background in writing, editing, and desktop publishing, Jensen is enthusiastic about joining the association. "I an1 looking fonvard to working on Historic Nantucket. It is an important link between the association and its members. " Her ain1 is to inform members about NHA events and collections and to keep the magazine interesting to readers of Nantucket history.

Lowenstein arrived in the Edouard Stackpole Library and Research Center in August. She brings with her a dual master's degree in Archives Management and History from Simmons College. She has recently worked in libraries at Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts , and the Old State House Museum in Boston. "I am looking fof\llard to fan1iliarizing myself with the collections, as well as having an opportunity to meet the researchers, members, and historians that pass through the library."

Also new to the office is Tracy Murray. Murray has been the finance manager since April. She and her family have long been associated with Nantucket and moved back to the island after fifteen years in Connecticut.

With two children at Nantucket's New School, she is delighted to settle here and to take on her new accounting responsibilities.

Marcel Duranleau,

HISTORI C

NANTUCKET

Christina LeBlanc, Cecil Barron Jensen.

Front row: Meredzth Haskell and Betsy Lowenstein.

Assisting Rick Morcom, our curator of structures, is Marcel Duranleau. Duranleau joined the team in April and has had a busy summer helping to repair, stabilize, and maintain our historic properties. Originally from Sherbrook, Quebec, Marcel has been building and working on the island since 1968.

It should be noted that copy editor Elizabeth Oldhan1 has been a tremendous help in the library and in the administrative office over the past year. Her support and energies are appreciated.

RESEARCH FELLOWS At the NHA's 102nd Annual Meeting held July 8, Executive Director Jean Weber announced a new resolution of the trustees: the establishment of an honorary categmy of Research Fellow, to be named and elected by the NHA Board of Trustees.

This year's fellowships were awarded to Dr. Elizabeth Little and Nathaniel Philbrick. Criteria for fellowship include significant volunteer service to the NHA in fields pertinent to the historical collections and properties of the NHA or through independent

The Nantucket Historical Association is pleased to announce the arrival of a new Folger-Frankli11 Memorial Bench. Rebuilt

by NHA's curator of structures, Rick Morcom (seated at left), the new bench is made of mahogany planking generously donated by Michael Egan.

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research that substantially augments understanding of the history of Nantucket and achievement in fields directly related to the mission of the NHA. Dr. Little was cited for her service over the past ten years as the NHA Curator of Prehistoric Archaeology on a volunteer basis. Her contributions have been significant and have ranged from identification and curation of the archaeological materials in the collections to giving public lectures, providing training for docents, acting as overseer of archaeological sites and field work on Nantucket, and serving as liaison to the wider archaeological community.

Nathaniel Philbrick's citation noted his service to the NHA as a speaker, advisor, teacher, and scholar.

He has been especially effective in conveying the excitement of history to the island's schoolchildren. He has worked closely with the NHA in many capacities: he is a member of the NHA's Library Committee and Editorial Board; he has contributed articles and continues to guide the development of the quarterly magazine Historic Nantucket; he works with both the staff and the collections resources of the association to provide special NHA programs for teachers and students in the Nantucket Schools.

Our congratulations and thanks to them both.

REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS FROM THE EDUCATION PROGRAMS Now that the summer of 1996 has come to a dose, it is tin1e to look back and see where we have been and look forward to where we are heading. This surnmer's hands-on activities were a great success with over 500 children involved. In the fall we will continue to offer programs to school-age children. And plans are already in the works for next summer.

To illustrate the way Nantucketers lived and worked during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, children involved themselves in a variety of inter-

sixth grade island students.

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esting educational programs, some of them new this season. Based on Nantucket's whaling industry, "The Whale Fishery" offered children a chance to "learn the ropes" by studying some common knots and creating a knotboard for display. This new program, designed in response to suggestions from children and parents, dovetailed nicely with two of our older programs: "Whaling Lore" and "Colonial Life." The programs were once again offered to the Nantucket Community School Camp for both local residents and visitors. Our dedicated staff ensured a memorable summer experience for all.

During the months ahead, the NHA will continue to provide the same kind of programming for the island's young people. We are continuing to work with the P.E.A.K. (Planned Enrichment Activities for Kids) after-school program offered by the Nantucket Public Schools. The elementary school children enjoy an indepth, eight-session program on the whale fishery.

Here they follow in the footsteps of Nantucket's whalemen and learn about tl1e development of their town as it grew into the whaling capital of the world.

The NHA has received a grant from the Bank of Boston to support the exhibit "Away Off Shore" at the Peter Foulger Museum and to develop educational programs in connection with Nantucket Public Schools. The NHA is working in connection with Nathaniel Philbrick and local sixth-grade teachers.

A schedule of our summer activities will be announced in upcoming issues of Hz:rtoric Nantucket and reservations may be made at the beginning of the year. For more information please call our administrative offices at 508-228-1894; the office is open from 9 A.M . to 5 P.M., Monday through Friday.

-Jeremy Slavitz, Docent Coordinator

ANTIQUES SHOW The nineteenth annual Antiques Show held August 9-11 was a tremendous success. Thanks to the hard work of chairman Barbara Hajin1 and her committee, to the many volunteers, to the dealers and participants, the show far exceeded expectations and netted over $200,000 for the NHA. The theme images for this year were four samplers from the NHA collection that were worked in the early nineteenth century by four young women of Nantucket - a Miss Cary, a Miss Starbuck, and two Miss Coffins.

"The samplers were a good addition to the show. They added a strong educational element and public awareness of some of our lesser known collections," explained NHA board president Dorothy Slover.

The show, managed by the Antiques Council, preFALL

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sented thirty-nine dealers including some of the country's most notable. The range of wares included fine silver, rare books, oriental rugs, dolls, folk art, and furniture of English, American, and European origin from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Over the course of the weekend thousands of people attended the show and participated in related activities at the Nantucket High School.

Along with a lecture and special evening events, six items generously donated by island residents were included in a highly successful raffle.

"Everyone was very excited about this wonderful show," said Barbara Hajim. "I was so impressed with the committee's enthusiasm, participation, and dedication to the show." Many thanks to all seventy members of her committee, especially the eighteen committee chairs. The NHA has true friends in these capable volunteers.

Special thanks go to honorary chairs Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Scaife. The contributions of the show's lead sponsor, the Chase Manhattan Private Bank, and the support of Chubb Insurance are greatly appreciated.

N E W S

NEW CONCERT SERIES

Far left: NHA president

The NHA joined with the Religious Society of Friends Dorothy Slover, Antiques late this swnmer to present a series of chan1ber music Show chairman Barbara concerts in the Quaker Meeting House on Fair Street.

Ha;im, Antiques The concerts were funded with a grant from the Boyd Council coordinator Endowment of the Nantucket Arts Council.

Mollie Glazer- cellist, composer, and string teacher Victor Weinblatt, and - conceived of tl1e series after she had played in a cello and guitar concert in the meeting house and was struck NHA executive director by the acoustic quality of the old wooden building, Jean Weber. which she describes as perfect for chamber music. She programmed a three-concert series and approached Jean Weber, NHA executive director, who readily agreed to write the proposal for the Boyd grant on behalf of the NHA and the Society of Friends.

A graduate of New England ConservatOty who also studied at the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands, Glazer was able to call on her wide acquaintance with musicians in the New England region to join with her at four o'clock on the afternoons of August 22 and 29 and September 22 to play to capacity audiences. Music included works of the baroque and high renaissance played on period instruments as well as romantic and contemporary pieces.

From the NHA's point of view the concert series was a fitting way for the public to experience the building and to learn more about its living history. It is hoped that such concerts will become a continuing component of the NHA's programs.

Fred Gardner Remembered Nantucket and the Historical Association lost a valuable friend and supporter this past August with the passing of Fred Gardner. Born and reared in Arlin!rton 0 ' Massachusetts, Gardner was descended from a long line of Nantucket Gardners and spent summers on the island from the age of three. His dedication to the preservation of Nantucket's history was reflected in his generosity to the NHA's Whaling Museum. A passionate collector of whaling artifacts and scrimshaw, Gardner gave generously from his collection and helped the NHA develop one of the nation's most comprehensive collections. Gardner will be deeply missed by all who looked forward to his arrival each summer on Nantucket. Many gifts in his memory have already been received to initiate the Whaling Museum's Fred Gardner Memorial Fund.

HISTORIC

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Pictured til front of whaleship

Charles W. Morgan c.

1955

(left to right): Fred Gardner, Charlie Sayle, Bob Deeley, Edouard Stackpole, Leslie Lane, with Matthew Stackpole in front.

Photo by Paul Morris.

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GIFT MEMBERSHIP Give a gift of membership and give members of your family and your friends a gift that reflects your love for Nantucket.

A membership in the antucket Historical Association includes free admission to our museum and historic houses, free or reduced admission to our lecture series, use of the Research Center, a subscription to Historic Nantucket, and ten percent off the regular price for all purchases from the Museum Shop.

The categories of NHA membership are: $ 30 Contributor Individual Family 50 Hadwen Circle Sustaining 100 Thomas Macy Associate

$ 250 500 1,000

Memberships are renewable annually in May and are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Gift Memberships purchased through this offer will be renewable in May 1998.

FESTIVAL OF TREES Mark your calendars for the third annual Festival of Trees. Judi Hill, Kim Corkran, and Kathleen Walsh are planning this year's festival at the Fair Street Museum. A preview party is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, and the festival will continue through Tuesday, December 10. Please join us for this exciting event and enjoy the beautifully decorated trees.

To commemorate this year's Festival of Trees, we are offering a coliection of handsome gifts.

Porcelain Tree Ornament- 3 1/2" high; gift boxed; $12 This beautiful green, red, and gold ornament will enhance your tree for years to come. The reverse side displays the HA seal and "Festival of Trees- Nantucket" in black print.

Tea Towel with Tree Cookie Cutter- Gift bagged; $12 This white woven cotton towel is bordered with red and green trees.

Screened on the towel is a sugar cookie recipe \vith a tree cookie cutter attached.

Ladies Festival Nightshirt- Gift bagged; $20 Our soft pre-shrunk, white cotton nightshirt celebrates the holidays with three colorful Christmas trees. Underneath, in red and green lettering is "Nantucket." One size fits all, 36" long.

Sweatshit-ts by Lee- Gift bagged; adult, $25; youth, $18 Youth and adult hunter green sweatshins are embroidered with a 2 112" inch Christmas tree in festive colors and at the base of the tree is "Nantucket." Stock is limited so order soon. Youth sizes: 6-8, 10-12 and 14-16. Adult sizes: M, L, XL, and XXL. 50% cotton and 50% polyester.

Shipping charges and in Massachusetts a 5% sales tax \vill be added to all mailed orders. Ali sales final.

MUSEUM SHOP The museum shop is featuring many fine holiday gift ideas including a bright blue and gold scarf decorated with Nantucket in1ages - flowers, lightship baskets, roping and anchors. This 100% silk twill scarf has a hand-rolled edge and is available in a limited edition.

Designed exclusively for the NHA by Classic Scarfs of Washington D.C., the Basket Scarf can be shipped all wrapped up and ready for giving for $75 (plus shipping and handling).

The shop will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday through the Christmas Stroll. Following the Stroll, the shop will be open Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. until Monday, December 23.

Call (508) 228-1894 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) before December 1 to place an order for Festival of Trees Gifts and to order a Gift Membership.

For gifts from the Museum Shop call (508) 228-5785.