Proceedings of the Nantucket Historical Association: Twenty-second Annual Meeting

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING July Twentieth, Nineteen Hundred Sixteen

THE INQUIRER AND MIRROR PRESS NANTUCKET, MASS. 1916.

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PROF. WILLIAM WATSON Born January 19, 1834.

Died

September 30, 1915.

PROCEEDINGS OP THE

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING July Twentieth, Nineteen Hundred Sixteen

OFFICERS. President, ALEXANDER STARBUCK. Vice-Presidents, HENRY B. WORTH, MOSES JOY, MILLARD F. FREEBORN, MRS. SARAH C. RAYMOND, MRS. ELEANOR W. MORGAN, ARTHUR H. GARDNER. Secretary, MISS ANNIE W. BODFISH. Treasurer, MISS HANNAH G. HATCH. Curator and Librarian, MISS SUSAN E. BROCK. Auditors, EDWARD A. FAY, MISS HARRIETTE A. ELKINS, MISS CARRIE J. LONG.

Councillors Term Expires

MISS EMILY WEEKS HARRY B. TURNER MRS. HELEN R. MILNE HENRY S. WYER MRS. SIDNEY MITCHELL REUBEN C. SMALL MISS ELIZA M. HUSSEY_ WILLIAM F. CODD

1917 1917 1918 1918 1919 1919 1920 1920

Standing Committees Finance—William F. Codd, Millard F. Freeborn, Susan E. Brock.

Publication—Susan E. Brock, Harry B. Turner, Mrs. Sidney Mitchell.

Building—Henry S. Wyer, Susan E. Brock, Wil­ liam F. Codd.

Annual Meeting—Mrs. Helen R. Milne, Miss Annie W. Bodfish, Mrs. Sarah C. Raymond, Miss Eliza M. Hussey, Harry B. Turner.

New Work—Miss Emily Weeks, Mrs. Sarah C. Raymond, Mrs. Helen R. Milne, Arthur H. Gardner.

'Sconset House—Millard F. Freeborn, Miss Annie B. Folger, Reuben C. Small.

Purchasing Committee—Miss Susan E. Brock, Mil­ lard F. Freeborn, Harry B. Turner.

ANNUAL MEETING. The twenty-second annual meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association was held in the Friends' Meeting-house on Thursday, July 20th, 1916, and was a most interesting occasion. Soon after 10 o'clock President Starbuck interrupted the cheery greetings of re-united friends by the call to order, and the busi­ ness meeting became the order of the day. The read­ ing of the minutes of the last annual meeting having been printed in the "Proceedings," and there being no demand for their special reading, that ceremony was omitted.

The annual reports of the Secretary, Treasurer and Curator were read, accepted and ordered printed in the "Proceedings." That of the Secretary contained interesting correspondence with Sir Gilbert Parker, which was accompanied by several volumes of histori­ cal interest from him largely devoted to phases of the European War. The report of the Treasurer stated that the Asso­ ciation now consisted of 3 Life Councillors, 59 Life Members and 260 Annual Members, a total of 322. The Association has lost during the past year—by death, 9; by resignation, 3; by being dropped for non-payment of dues, 7; a total of 19. The Curator's report gave an interesting summary of the acquisitions of the Asso-

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MINUTES OF MEETING

ciation during the past year. The Treasurer's report having been duly audited, the auditors had no special report to make.

The address of the President followed, the special feature of which was an appeal for an increased mem­ bership in order that the Association might enlarge its opportunities without encroaching on what ought to be held as permanent funds.

A communication, written by Henry S. Wyer, was read by Mrs. Walter Severance, calling for a broaden­ ing out of the program for the annual reception and a getting out of the rut into which the writer thought the Association was travelling.

The nominating committee being called upon, made its report through William F. Macy. That report was: For President, Alexander Starbuck; for VicePresidents, Henry B. Worth, Mrs. Sarah C. Raymond, Moses Joy, Millard F. Freeborn, Mrs. Eleanor W. Mor­ gan, Arthur H. Gardner; for Secretary, Miss Annie W. Bodfish; for Treasurer, Miss Hannah G. Hatch; for Curator, Miss Susan E. Brock; for Auditors, Edward A. Fay, Miss Harriette Elkins, Miss Carrie J. Long; for Councillors for four years, Miss Eliza M. Hussey, Wil­ liam F. Codd. The nominating committee, not under­ standing that they were to report a printed ballot, had not done so, and the motion was made that the secre­ tary cast one ballot for the names presented by the nominating committee. No other course being feas­ ible and no one objecting, that was done and the par­ ties as nominated were declared elected.

The following named were chosen a nominating committee for the ensuing year, the nominations being made from the floor, in accord with the provisions of the by-laws: Mrs. W. E. Severance, Mrs. A. H. Gard-

MINUTES OF MEETING

7

ner, Mrs. William Defriez, Mrs. R. P. White, Miss A. A. Folger.

Arthur H. Gardner, Esq., then read a most inter ­ esting paper on the "History of the Big Shop," a potent factor at one time as well in the political as in the commercial life of our island home. Contributory to the story, Moses Joy gave some reminiscences of the palmy days of its history and of some of the people who gathered under its roof, the radical men and new women of the period. Mr. Joy had with him an album of rare autograph letters from Charles Sumner, Wil­ liam Lloyd Garrison, Frederick Douglass, Lydia Maria Childs and others of note, which he showed and which he said would eventually be passed on to the Associa­ tion.

Harry B. Turner followed with a paper on "Van­ ished Treasures," giving brief sketches of rare and valuable relics of Nantucket's past that seem to have disappeared, completely, leaving no trace behind. It was quite a startling revelation. One of the interesting relics mentioned was Capt. Peter Paddock's whale-iron, which he thrust into a whale in the Pacific Ocean in 1802 and found thirteen years later, when he captured the same whale, and Miss Lydia B. Gardner stated that she thought it was still in existence.

Frederick Cobb Russell, whom the President pre­ sented as a former class-mate in the High School, gave impromptu some interesting personal reminiscences of life on the blockading squadron off the coast of the Carolinas during the Civil War, in which Nantucketers played important parts. Mr. Russell's remarks appear elsewhere.

Henry Harmon Chamberlin, of Worcester, a wellknown summer resident of Nantucket, was, entirely

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MINUTES OF MEETING

unexpectedly to him, presented to the audience and spoke briefly. _ The meeting was adjourned while the bell m the old South Tower was ringing the hour of noon.

The reception in the afternoon, despite the heat, was well attended, and for two hours friend met friend and talked over old times and planned for new ones.

Many looked over the autograph book referred to by Mr. Joy, and some saw the old Indian pipe referred to in the morning, which was found by Henry Coffin, near the village of 'Sconset, and is the only Indian pipe known to have been found on the island. Mr. Coffin has kindly loaned this interesting relic to the Associa­ tion, and anyone interested may see it at the rooms.

Five fair and attentive young ladies deftly served refreshments of ice cream and cake, and for that serv­ ice the committee is indebted to Misses Louise Mack, Ella Daniels, Florence Worth, Catherine Grimes and Beulah Smith.

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SECRETARY'S REPORT. Mr. President, Members of the Nantucket Historical Association and Friends: The day when we give you our annual greeting is one of the pleasantest of the whole year. Our organi­ zation is a living and growing one, for the interest in it widens and deepens. This is shown especially by the increasing requests for our publications and proceedings, by kindred societies all over the country.

Also, we are asked constantly by members of families to trace their genealogy. Some of this work is done without remuneration, but when much time is spent, our treasury is enriched.

The following letter will be of interest to you, proving that we are widely known: From Sir Gilbert Parker, Bart., 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, S. W., England.

13th December, 1915.

My Dear Madam: I am taking the liberty of sending to you a number of offi­ cial and semi-official documents connected with the war, in which it is probable the members of your Society will be in­ terested. The official documents present the British case from many aspects, and though it is probable that every American has made up his mind as to who is responsible for war in re­ gard to its primary causes, I cannot but think that your mem­ bers will be glad to have these publications for reference.

With all respect, I am, Yours very truly, GILBERT PARKER.

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SECRETARY'S REPORT

We have received from him many documents and books. As we have so little room to show such publi­ cations, I will give a few of the titles, so that the books and pamphlets may be asked for: "England's Effort," by Mrs. Humphrey Ward.

"The Irish at the Front," introduction by John Redmond, M. P. "International Law and the Blockade."

"Economic Conference of the Allies, Held at Paris, June, 1916."

I am sure you will like to hear one more letter from Sir Gilbert Parker: 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, S. W. My Dear Miss Bodfish: Your letter of January 17th came duly to hand, but, as you will have heard, I have been absent, by doctor's orders, in the south of France, and have only just returned home again.

I am very glad to know that the documents concerning the war, which I sent, will prove of service to your members. It is my great desire to place before American citizens the evi­ dence upon the issues involved in this great struggle.

We, in this country, are profoundly grateful to the great body of American women who are working to give ease and comfort to our soldiers and the soldiers of our allies. Such practical expressions of sympathy are of great value to us in our time of stress.

With kind greetings, Yours sincerely, GILBERT PARKER.

During the past year the Association has received two bequests—one from the late Dr. Benjamin Sharp, one from the late Prof. Wm. Watson.

I want to call your attention to the fact that we have a biography of Prof. Watson, one of the series in the Biographical History of Massachusetts. It seems

SECRETARY'S REPORT

11

fitting just here to read a few extracts from that bio­ graphy, to refresh the memory of the older members of the Association, and to interest our youth in the life of one of our islanders, whose counsel to the young men whom he taught, was: "Be independent, frugal, industrious and self-reliant, and choose such an occu­ pation that your highest enjoyment will be in your work."

William Watson, engineer, educator, pioneer in technical instruction, author of technical and scientific books and papers, secretary of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences from 1884, was born in Nan­ tucket, Mass., January 19, 1834. His father, William Watson, married Mary Macy, grand-daughter of Jona­ than and Lois Macy, and a descendant of Thomas Macy, who came from near Salsbury, England.

William Watson, Jr., was, from his childhood es­ pecially, fond of mathematics. He was the fortunate son of a remarkably intellectual and forceful mother, who encouraged his youthful studies and at the same time, by her example and precepts, directed his mind toward moral and spiritual truths that helped to form his character.

His school instruction was gained at the Coffin School, founded by Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, and at the Public High School at Nantucket, where he was graduated with honors. His personal preference di­ rected him to teaching as a profession, and in 1850 he took a course at the Bridgewater Normal School.

He entered the Lawrence Scientific School of Har­ vard University in 1855, and gave the instruction in descriptive geometry for a year. He helped to found the Boston Institute of Technology and was a profes­ sor there.

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SECRETARY'S REPORT

I have not time to enumerate the learned societies of which he was a member, both in this country and in Europe; you must read our little book for those. He traveled extensively, both for pleasure and for special scientific objects.

He did not forget the Coffin School, in which he received his early instruction, and when manual train­ ing was introduced, he testified his appreciation by presenting four lathes with velocipede foot-power, and a full outfit of the tools used in wood turning.

Today our membership is: Life Councillors, 3.

Life Members, 59.

New Life Members, 2.

New Annual Members, 13.

Annual Members, 260.

The Association has lost, by death, nine members, namely: Miss Phebe West Bunker, Capt. Arthur Fisher, Mrs. Emily Mitchell Fowle, Mr. Powell Macy, Miss Madeleine Curtis Mixter, Mrs. Jenny Cushing Un­ derwood, Mrs. Grace LeBaron Upham, Prof. Wm. Wat­ son, Miss Anna Yarnall.

Respectfully submitted, ANNIE W. BODFISH, Secretary.

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TREASURER'S REPORT. CREDITS. Balance on hand June 15, 1915 $ 40.24 Membership dues for 1916 125.00 Membership dues for 1917 123.00 Membership dues previous to 1916 20.00 Life membership dues 15.00 Admission fees Historical Room 244.70 Rent of room Siasconset House to NantucketAtheneum Library 65.00 Rent of Mill land 15.00 Cash for repairs to broken show case 6.50 Sale of Bulletins, etc 8.70 Gift 5.00 Legacy by will of the late Dr. Benjamin Sharp 1,000.00 Legacy by will of the late Prof. William Wat­ son 1,000.00 Cash for genealogical work 5.00 Cash withdrawn from Bristol County Savings Bank, Taunton, Mass 160.00 Cash withdrawn from People's Savings Bank, Worcester, Mass 290.40 Cash Siasconset House Repairs—Donation Fund 10.79 $3,134.33

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TREASURER'S REPORT

DEBITS. Deposit Spring-field Institution for Savings—$1,000.00 Deposit Charlestown Five Cents Savings Bank 1,000.00 Water bill, Historical Rooms 8.00 Water bill, Siasconset House 10.00 Gas bill ; 4.00 Cook & Turner, Subscription to Inquirer and Mirror 2.00 Cook & Turner, Printing and Advertising 2.75 Cook & Turner, Printing and Advertising 10.75 Cook & Turner, Annual Report, envelopes and printing 91.79 Cook & Turner, Printing 8.25 G. S. Davis, Fence bill, Siasconset House 40.00 T. H. Giffin, Repairs Old Mill 93.46 Contribution to the Fund for Perpetual Care of Friends Burying Ground 25.00 W. B. Marden, Plumbing 1.50 W. B. Marden, Plumbing 2.00 Secretary, Postage 6.50 Secretary, Postage 2.00 Secretary, Postage 6.50 W. F. Worth, Ice Cream for Annual Reception 9.00 M. E. Crowell, Cake for Annual Reception 8.40 M. W. Boyer, Photograph 1.00 Mowing Grass 2.75 Brown & Co., Sundries .58 C. A. Chenoweth, Relics 4.50 F. E. Carle, Caretaker Mill Hill property 5.00 Arthur Williams, Mason work 9.41 Bay State League dues 2.00 T. C. Pitman, Carpenter's bill 9.04 T. C. Pitman, Carpenter's bill 67.66 H. S. Wyer, old fire bucket 5.00

TREASURER'S REPORT

15

Perry W. Bates, Carpenter's bill Charles M. Crocker, Cleaning Historical Rooms W. J. Finley, Cleaning Historical Rooms M. F. Freeborn, Painter's bill M. F. Freeborn, Painter's bill Cleaning, etc., Siasconset House M. F. Freeborn, Paint, etc A. G. Brock, Insurance A. G. Brock, Insurance Emma Cook, Typewriting Treasurer's Report.

H. S. Wyer, Picture H. S. Wyer, Frame for print Stationery Stamps Salary of Attendant Siasconset House, 13 weeks at $4 Salary of Janitor Salaries of two attendants at Rooms, 13 weeks each at $6 Salary of Curator Salary of Treasurer Salary of Secretary Balance to new account

17.53 13.80 12.95 5.38 14.25 3.35 .60 20.40 16.09 .75 3.00 3.00 .15 15.00 52.00 60.00 156.00 100.00 75.00 50.00 76.24

$3,134.33 SUMMARY. Assets.

Fireproof Building Meeting House Old Mill Collection (Insurance) Siasconset House

$8,500.00 1,500.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 1,500.00

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TREASURER'S REPORT

Siasconset House Collection (In­ surance) 300.00 Springfield Institution for Savings. 1,000.00 Charlestown Five Cent Savings •$15,800.00 Susan W. Folger Fund: Nantucket Institution for SavPeople's Savings Bank, WorcesBristol County Savings Bank, Taunton, Mass

25.22

2,118.27

$17,918.27 Liabilities—None.

Hannah G. Hatch, Treasurer.

Approved July 14, 1916, the above report of the Treasurer of the Nantucket Historical Association for the year ending June 15, 1916.

Edward A. Fay, Carrie J. Long, Auditing Committee.

Membership July 18, 1916.

Life Councillors ... 3 Life Members 59 Annual Members 260 New Life Members 2 New Annual Members 13 Lost by death, Life Members 3 Lost by death, Annual Members 6 Dropped for non-payment of dues (3 years) 7 Withdrawn 3

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CURATOR'S REPORT. Mr. President and Members of the Historical Associa­ tion: In these strenuous times it is pleasant and restful to turn our minds from "wars and rumors of wars" to the simple and peaceful annals of the past year's life and doings of our Association, which, while seeming quiet and uneventful, give evidence of steady growth and increasing interest.

In numbers of donations, we find ourselves more favored than for some years, and in the historical value of these, the gain is very great.

First to be mentioned are eight large oil portraits.

Two of them, of Lieut. Reuben R. Pinkham and his brother Charles, have been in our collection for some time as a loan, but now become our own by bequest of Miss Phebe West Bunker. Four more are of mem­ bers of the Jones family, formerly prominent citizens of Nantucket: Silas Jones, born 1748, a very wellpainted and preserved portrait; his two sons, Matthew, born 1775, and Daniel, born 1779, and the wife of the latter, who was Elizabeth Arthur. The seventh is of Mrs. Eunice Hadwen, and we have hung this interest­ ing portrait beside that of her husband, William Had­ wen, which has been one of our most prized posses­ sions for many years.

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CURATOR'S REPORT

The eighth portrait is of Rev. George Bradburn, pastor of the First Universalist Church of Nantucket, between 1827 and 1834. Born in Lowell, he came here a young man and married a Nantucket woman, daugh­ ter of Valentine Hussey. He was "a forceful pulpit orator and an excellent public speaker, especially upon the anti-slavery platform. He took an interest in pub­ lic affairs and was chosen representative to the Gen­ eral Court for three successive terms, and while he was a member of the Legislature, the whole state was aware that Nantucket wa§ represented. Later in life, he was recognized as the dean of political history and statis­ tics, in the Boston Custom House, where he was em­ ployed."

This sketch of Rev. Mr. Bradburn is taken from an account written by the late Allen Coffin, added to a history of the Unitarian Church, compiled by Rev. J. F. Meyer in 1902. I have quoted so much of it, be­ cause there seems to be little known of this strong and interesting personality, at least by the present generation, and one who served Nantucket so long and so well should not be allowed to sink into oblivion.

The portrait was painted by Hathaway and hung in the Atheneum building when the latter burned in the great fire. It was saved and purchased for fifty dollars, by five prominent citizens, and presented at that time to Mrs. Love Parker, from whom it has descended through various channels, until we were enabled to purchase it last October for a nominal sum.

Other pictures added this year are, a fine photo­ graph of another of our well-known shipmasters, Capt.

•James Codd; a photograph also of a group of six cap­ tains , another photograph of the members of the Paci­ fic Club, taken about 1900 in front of their historic

CURATOR'S REPORT

19

building, and still another, of a large group of members of Clan Coffin, when assembled at the Reunion of 1881.

This is a fine, clear picture, and a large number of for­ mer well-known persons may be easily recognized.

Our library accessions consist, besides exchanges from numerous Historical Societies, of four large fam­ ily bibles, dates of 1788, 1791, 1849, 1851. The first was bought in London for Mark Coffin and sent him in 1790, and contains his marriage date and list of chil­ dren. We have received also sixteen volumes of Bos­ ton Records, from the library of the late Major Horace P. Williams, and a biography of Prof. William Watson, which is of special interest just now to us, when we are feeling so grateful to him for his generous bequest to our Association. In manuscript books we have had two more log-books, of ships Peru and Zenas Coffin.

Amongst donations of many letters, we find two writ­ ten by Cyrus Peirce, or Father Peirce, as he was affec­ tionately called by his pupils. One of these describes how he carried a monstrous anti-slavery petition to Washington in 1843. This letter is most interesting, and if time allows may be read to you later.

We have recently received a large box of very venerable looking manuscripts. These we have not yet properly examined, but just dipping into them casually has shown us that there must be many treas­ ures therein. The first noticed were two bundles of letters and papers of the late Benjamin Franklin Folger, who was locally renowned for genealogical knowl­ edge and antiquarian lore. Many letters and records of the once exciting anti-slavery days, and miscellane­ ous papers, which are many of them of value, and all of them of absorbing interest. A short list of a few of these, with dates, will serve to show their import-

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CURATOR'S REPORT

ance. Letter of Josiah Franklin, 1705. Letter to a grandchild, by Mary Starbuck, 1714. Deed from In­ dians to Edward Starbuck, 1668. Edward Starbuck's deed to his son Nathaniel, 1685. Marriage certificate of Tristram Starbuck and Deborah Coffin, 1729. Bar­ gain between Indian sachem Massaquat and Jonathan Worth, 1691. Deed of John Swain, 1682. Bill of sale of Robert Pike to Nathaniel Starbuck, 1686, and a much-stained and time-worn list of "some deaths and marriages on Nantucket from 1662 to 1707."

In scrim-shont work, we have added a very pretty silk winder, a large ivory fid, and a valuable and unique specimen of our sailor's handiwork in a toy four-post, corded bedstead. This is of whale ivory, with designs elaborately drawn upon it, and was made on a ship commanded by Capt. Timothy Upham.

In our china collection, we have received as loans some of the white and gold pieces so dear to the hearts of our grandmothers, and a tile from the fireplace of an old Nantucket house. This is in black and white, and evidently of the best early workmanship, as the printed design on it has much the quality of a steel engraving, and we have had donated two historic plates of blue-and-white Staffordshire pottery, of a pattern called "Boston Mails." The borders contain the figures of four side-wheel steamships, with these names sev­ erally printed under them, Acadia, Columbia, Cale­ donia, Brittannia. In the centre of one is a view labelled, "Gentleman's Cabin" and of the other "Ladies' Cabin." These were made by the Edwards Brothers in their Burslem Potteries, to commemorate the open­ ing of the first line of steamships between Liverpool and Boston, about 1840, and a large dinner set of them has been in a Nantucket house, probably ever since

CURATOR'S REPORT

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that date. We have been able to purchase a very an­ cient plate of blue-edged ware, which has been in one Nantucket family more than a hundred years. While this might not be deemed beautiful in itself, it is in perfect condition and bearing undeniable markings to prove its age, is full of the dignity which only a cen­ tury of life can impart.

In foreign curios may be mentioned two donations —a native Malay boat made entirely of cloves and brought home by Capt. Richard Mitchell, and a col­ lection of one hundred beautiful plaster medallions representing famous Italian works of art.

There have been only a few loans offered this year, and the best of these are two colored prints, one of George Washington on his horse, and the other of Na­ poleon at home with his son. These are very fine old prints, and may be purchased by us, but they are of considerable value, and as they are not exactly a part of Nantucket's history, we have hesitated at the out­ lay, but if any of our friends here would like to aid us in this way, as has often happened, this is an excellent opportunity for their generosity, as we should be glad to possess them, for their beauty and general histori­ cal value.

These are a few of the accessions the past year has brought to us. I am tempted to name others, but lest I weary you, will content myself with one more—a map of our island, so beautifully drawn and colored as to appear like a print until closely examined. This was the work of Lucy S. Macy, unfortunately not dated, but made in the Coffin School, and will bear comparison with the beautiful modern work done in that institu­ tion, as far as the faithful and painstaking labor mani­ fested.

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CURATOR'S REPORT

We have made some repairs on our wooden build­ ings and feel that the property is all in good condition, with the exception of the 'Sconset house, which has been just sufficiently repaired to make it habitable.

Last fall the question of disposing of this property came before the Council, as it was felt that it did not attract sufficient interest to offset the expense of ex­ tensive repairs, and at one time it was practically de­ cided to sell it, if this course should be approved at the annual meeting. But as soon as this action became known, a strong protest was made by our 'Sconset friends and many of the summer residents there, so the matter rests in abeyance for future events to de­ cide, while the concensus of opinion seems now to be, that it is best to keep it and make whatever repairs are necessary.

While sorrowing over the fact that the passing years have of late deprived us of many of our most devoted, active members, who have seemed to be the "moving spirits" of our Association, we should yet be cheered by the knowledge that new, strong hearts and hands are joining us each year, standing, as the poet Lowell once said, "by the old thought, the old thing, the old place and the old friend."

Respectfully submitted, SUSAN E. BROCK, Curator.

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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. Fellow Members of the Nantucket Historical Associa­ tion: We are gathered here today for the twenty-second annual meeting of our Association. The vast majority of the people of the civilized world is arrayed in two military camps engaged in deadly conflict with each other. Even our own nation seems to be not entirely clear of the vortex of a sanguinary maelstrom. Let us hope that a war may be averted if the sacrifice is not too great.

During the year last past the Bay State Historical League has held three meetings.

The Fall meeting of the League was held with the Billerica Society in the Vestry of the First Parish Church of that town on Saturday, October 16th.

The League was c<rdially welcomed by President Smith of the Billerica Society, who in his remarks alluded to some of the old buildings of the town, of its schools, including its military school, and of its manu­ factories, the principal of which was the one formerly owned largely by Gov. Talbot.

An historical sketch of Billerica was given by Dr. Stearns, a former President of the Society.

The topic of the day, "Pioneers of Local History," was then taken up, and Mr. J. C. S. Andrew, of Lynn,

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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

was ('filled upon find presented as the principal speaker.

He spoke of the migration of the pioneers of Massa­ chusetts, that portion of them which had become dis­ satisfied with the Bay Colony, to Connecticut. The Indians, for obvious reasons, settled near ponds and streams. The correlation of important colonial events with local affairs can be studied advantageously, as, for instance, the connection of the various communi­ ties with acts under Gov. Andros. In Queen Anne's war a Billerica school teacher played a prominent part and Fryeburg was named for him. A different phase is put on the story of Evangeline when we ascertain how the Colonists treated the Acadians. Essex County men saved the situation for the Colonial Army at the Heights and at the crossing of the Delaware.

Find out what the local community was a pioneer in and what its relation was to County, State or Na­ tional affairs. The Middlesex Canal in Billerica, the old turnpike as an attraction for remote trade—these were pioneers in the great scheme for National im­ provement. Judge Curtis, of Lynn, was the only man to stand up in his boots and oppose the Dred Scott decision.

A delegate in commenting on the important part Billerica had in the boot and shoe industry said a Bil­ lerica man named Parker invented the first splitting machine.

Others who participated in the discussion were ex-President Read, Mr. Norcross and Mr. Mann. Mr. Mann said if we are going to teach history let's tell the truth. The Craddock House, reported to have been built m 1630, actually was built in 1680. meeting the ladies of Billerica served fight refreshments.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

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A vote of thanks to the Billerica Society for its hospitality was unanimously passed.

The following named Societies were represented by the numbers attached: Arlington 14, Bedford 1, Billerica 14, Bostonian 2, Brookline 3, Dover 2, Hyde Park 5, Lynn 2, Medford 5, Milton 6, Mendon 1. Nan­ tucket 2, Royall House 1, Somerville 10, Weitboro 1, Winthrop 1. Total 70, representing 16 Societies.

The Winter Meeting of the League was held by the courtesy of the Bostonian Society at its rooms in the Old State House on Saturday, March 26th.

Many of the assembled delegates and guests passed a pleasant and profitable hour before the meeting, ex­ amining the rare and valuable collection of the Boston­ ian Society.

President Smith called the meeting to order soon after 2 o'clock in the Assembly Hall of the Society, where President Norcross of the Bostonians welcomed all present. Mr. Norcross briefly outlined the history of the Society, which held its first meeting in Wesleyan Hall in 1879 in response to a circular addressed to such as it was thought would be interested. It was first known as the Antiquarian Club. In 1881 the Society held its meeting in rooms on Pemberton Square, and December 2d, 1881, it was incorporated under its pres­ ent name. Of the charter members only one, Rev. H. M. Jenks, of Canton, now survives. Its Presidents have been Hon. Curtis Guild, James Frothingham, and its present presiding officer.

Ex-President Read spoke feelingly of the passing away of Vice-President Charles J. H. Woodbury, Presi­ dent of the Lynn Society. As an outward expression of sorrows the badges in use for the day had a mourn­ ing bar printed across the face.

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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

President Smith introduced as the principal speaker of the day Mr. Worthington C. Ford, Editor of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the topic be­ ing, "The Function of Local Historical Societies." Mr. Ford's address was a very interesting and instructive one, and appears in full in Publication VI of the League, a copy of which is in the Library of our Asso­ ciation. Let me quote a paragraph. Starting with the statement that more records are wanted of early Ply­ mouth, Mr. Ford said: "We have Bradford and Winthrop for truth, Mor­ ton and Capt. John Smith for half truths, and a lot of moderns as out-and-out liars. We mourn the loss of the notebooks of William Blackstone of Shawmut, the letters of the Mavericks, who dispensed entertainment beyond the legal limit, and the full report of criminal causes, conducted upon methods which no modern tribunal would tolerate. In default of these we fill in the details as we think they should be, and thus one generation puts forth a tradition, calling it an inter­ pretation, the succeeding one strengthens it by false details, and the lie comes down in verse and story with a power which defies alteration. There is less excuse for this falsification of history in local than in national history. The canvas is so small that the detail can be wrought more consistently. The annals of a New Eng­ land town at any of its periods are not particularly interesting as the annalist tells them, yet they are essential to an understanding of conditions which make a congeries of towns into a county, the counties into a colony or state, and the states into a confederation or union. This is what I mean by describing local his­ tory as feeders of the larger writing of history."

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

27

Commenting on the province of the local Society, he said: "The Society enjoys the membership of all in the community who have interest in its existence and labors—that is a great advantage, for it means that papers and collections may be had at call. There is no lack of material. The Society is in a position to control the product, and this is an even greater advantage be­ cause of its possibilities. It offers a chance to system­ atize study, restrict publication, and prevent the un­ necessary duplication and cross-purposes which involve expense, contradictions of statement and confusion of names. It has its building, however modest; its mu­ seum, however small; its officers, a part of whom are certainly disinterested and willing to sacrifice time and thought to its welfare. By interchange with its sister societies—speakers, publications and collections—it accumulates experience and objects, awakens the doubtful and stimulates investigation."

It was very interesting, to me at least, to note in the general discussion of the topic which followed, the importance attached to the gathering of pictures, es­ pecially of photographs, of local streets, buildings and other objects of interest.

At the close of the meeting President Norcross escorted the delegates and guests to Young's Hotel, where a light collation was served. The following named Societies were represented by the numbers attached: Arlington 10, Bedford 2,Billerica 2,Bostonian 17, Brookline 2,Danvers 2,Dedhaml,Dover 3,Foxboro 2,Old New­ bury 4, Holliston 8, Hyde Park 3, Lexington 1, Lynn 4, Maiden 2, Marblehead 1, Medford 4, Mendon 2, Milton 5, Nantucket 3, Norwood 1, Roxbury 3, Sherborn 4.

Society for the Preservation of New England Antiqui-

28

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

ties 1, Somerville 14, Natick 1, Watertown 2, Westboro 2, Winthrop 2, N. E. Historic Genealogical 1, Old South 1, Royall House 2, Ashland 3, Hingham 3. Guests 9. Total, 34 Societies, 122 persons.

The annual meeting of the League was held by invitation of the Canton Historical Society at its rooms in that town on Saturday, June 10th, last. The Presi­ dent of the Society, Mr. F. D. Dunbar, gave a brief historical sketch of the town. The Nominating Com­ mittee recommended as officers for the ensuing year: Frank Smith, of Dedham, President; Nathaniel T. Kid­ der, of Milton, Vice-President; A. Starbuck, of Waltham, Secretary; Frederick W. Parker, of Somerville, Treasurer; Grenville H. Norcross, of Boston, Alonzo E. Locke, of Lexington, Horace Sumner, of Hyde Park, and Charles H. Stearns, of Brookline, Executive Com­ mittee. Our Association was recognized by the elec­ tion of your President to the office of Secretary for the sixth successive year.

There were present 71, representing the Societies of Arlington, Bostonian, Canton, Danvers, Dedham, Dover, Foxboro, Old Newbury, Hyde Park, Lynn, Mai­ den, Medford, Mendon, Milton, Nantucket, Roxbury, Royall House, Preservation of New England Antiqui­ ties, 18 in all. A collation was served after the meet­ ing.

It is a matter of interest to note that so many speakers at the meetings of the Bay State Historical League lay special stress on the development of the work of local historical societies along the lines in which our Association is interested, such as obtain­ ing photographs or engravings of local buildings, streets and noted persons, recording streets and the occupants of abutting houses, and similar lines of

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

29

work. There are street plans of Nantucket now in the office of the Town Engineer. If a set of blue prints can be obtained, the houses located on the streets and the names of the present occupants attached, the Associa­ tion would have an easily acquired but invaluable rec­ ord for future use.

It is to be regretted that we have not been suc­ cessful in interesting High School pupils in the work of local historical research. To insure satisfactory results needs the hearty co-operation of the school au­ thorities with the Historical Association. The plan works well in other communities—Nantucket is par­ ticularly adapted to it, and it should work well in this.

If the object of tuition in our public schools is to in­ duce habits of study and research, as it assuredly is, the opportunity we offer should serve a two-fold pur­ pose—to develop the pupils in original investigation and to interest them in the excellent work for which our Association was founded.

During the past year two members of our Society have published another purely Nantucket book. The "Scrap Basket," that year after year has afforded so much amusement at the annual gatherings of the "Sons and Daughters of Nantucket," has, through the efforts of William F. Macy and Roland B. Hussey, taken on a tangible form. We wish it complete success.

Others will call your attention to the beneficiaries of our Association during the past year. The sad feature about bequests is that those to whom we are so much indebted can never be present in person to listen to our expressions of gratitude.

In closing let me call your attention to the fact that our Association is not on the financial basis it should be on. Our income does not quite meet our

30

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

expenses, and yet it is difficult to see in what available way our outlay can be curtailed. It is no better financ­ ing for an association to be obliged to draw upon its capital to meet current expenses than it is for an in­ dividual. Our funds should remain intact to insure our stability, and the income alone from them should be used. It is unnecessary to enlarge on that subject, for you need no argument to convince you of its soundness as a business proposition. Let me urge upon you as strongly as I can to see that the condition is remedied.

Let us open at once a campaign for a large accession to our membership. The Danvers Historical Society has a membership of over 500; Lynn has about 1,000; Nantucket should have 1,000. That condition would mean a surplus instead of a deficit; enlarged oppor­ tunities instead of hampered ones! Begin today! Make the effort systematic. Let us be able to report in 1917 that 1,000 are members of our Association. Every native Nantucket man and woman should have pride enough in our old home to join an association that keeps its memory green, and I am sure many of our regular summer sojourners would become members if the subject were brought to their attention.

31

THE NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION. ITS ORIGIN AND ITS OBJECTS. Mr. President, Members and Friends: It may be pardonable for one who was present at the birth of this Association, which now is well past the critical stage of infancy, to indulge, briefly, in rem­ iniscence, and to draw a moral or two from his experi­ ence.

In the year 1894 a small group of local residents were induced, through the urgency of a few enthu­ siasts, to gather and discuss the advisability of start­ ing an Historical Association.

Most of us, naturally, were pessimistic, or at least luke warm. But, for decency's sake, we allowed our­ selves to be persuaded by the leaders, namely, the Rev. Myron S. Dudley, the public-spirited and indefatigable, and Mrs. Elizabeth Starbuck, the generous and broadminded, to give the project a trial.

It may be said, without question, that, on a certain evening, at the house of the honored lady above re­ ferred to, we allowed the infant to be born. Like many another infant, he was puny, sickly and unpromising.

He was also homeless, except for the temporary shel­ ter of the hospitable mansion where he was born. But he was not doomed to an early death. In fact, he in-

32

THE NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

sisted on living and waxed fat as time passed, and, at an early age, he made an imperative demand for a home of his own.

About that time, Quakerism having become ex­ tinct on the island, the building which had served as its last temple was thrown upon the market, and, by a series of fortunate accidents, it was secured for the housing of the infant and his belongings (which al­ ready had begun to collect, as belongings will.)

To shorten the story, the new home, previously so bare of all ornament, rapidly became decorated with all sorts of antique treasures, until, in a few years, every available space was occupied, and the baby cried for more elbow room.

Our infant was born lucky, and it was the privilege of a daughter of Nantucket, Miss Susan W. Folger, a resident of Boston, to provide, in her last will and testa­ ment, the ample means which made the fire-proof building an established fact. The infant, now grown to manhood, has come to stay. Years pass in rapid succession, tides ebb and flow, but they touch him not, for his is the youth eternal. The passage of centuries will find him still holding court in his impregnable castle, and generations will come to pay him tribute.

Thus, we, the skeptical of twenty-two years ago, have, thanks to the generous support of Nantucketers, and their friends far and near, "builded better than we knew," and have ample reason for pride in our achievement. The remarkable collection now shown in our building speaks for itself and needs no trumpet­ ing. Each year adds to its treasures, a process which is certain to continue through countless years.

The "object" for which this Association was started, as we read in the by-laws, "shall be the col-

ITS ORIGIN AND ITS OBJECTS

33

lecting and preservation of such memorials, books, papers and matters of interest as may tend to illus­ trate and perpetuate the history of the early settlers of the island, their descendants, and of the race which vanished before them."

This primary object has, in our brief time, been well begun; its completion will rest with our succes­ sors in many generations. Is it not worth while at this period, to ask ourselves if there are not other ob­ jects than the one specified in the by-laws that might well engage our attention? Must the collection of relics and memorials of the past generations neces­ sarily exclude all consideration of present conditions, all interest in the generations now living ? Knowing, as we do, that the present generation of Nantucketers and their descendants are scattered far and wide over the land, but a small residue remaining on the island, would it not be a laudable ambition to encourage every effort to keep these absent ones and their descendants in touch with one another, and with their native isle.

In a community like this, where public spirit is, as a rule, more a matter of theory than of practise, where cohesion in commercial and political circles is conspicuous by its utter absence, would it not seem fitting that an association like ours should, so far as is feasible, broaden its scope, so as to include a few lines not specified in its by-laws? For instance, why should it not stand ready at all times to extend a cor­ dial welcome to returning Nantucketers as well as to visiting "strangers," and make them fell that this is a headquarters where they may meet and exchange reminiscences, and feel that they are indeed at home ?

Would that all fees for membership and admis-

34

THE NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

sions might be abolished, and doors spread wide open to all, without money and without price!

A broad and liberal spirit in the management will tend to popularize the institution, and need in no wise interfere with its legitimate work. It is especially im­ portant that our annual reception should be made at­ tractive to the younger generation. From this element must come our successors in trustee-ship. In their hands will ere long be the future fortunes of this asso­ ciation.

Just now, a move is being made in the right di­ rection, in the proposed reception of the Sons and Daughters by the N. H. A. and the C. S. A. It is safe to predict that the result of this enterprise will prove gratifying to all parties.

May it be the precursor of other similar enter­ prises in the future. In a time like the present, it is well to remember that patriotism, as well as charity, may begin at home, though it need not necessarily end there.

Above all, let us not allow this association to fall insensibly into the slough of ultra-conservatism and old fogyism, a process to which any historical associa­ tion easily becomes liable. But let us, while we are still young and frisky, despite our years, stand, now and always, for the eternal, indomitable, unquench­ able "youth" of the Nantucket Historical Association.

HENRY S. WYER.

35

THE BIG SHOP. Members and Friends of the Nantucket Historical Association: Nantucket, like all Gaul in the time of Caesar, was from time immemorial divided into three parts—North Shore, Newtown and Chicken Hill. In the latter sec­ tion, half a century ago and for half a century preceeding, stood the Big Shop, conspicuous and distinc­ tive in its individuality. Larger buildings the island may have boasted, but never but one "Big Shop." It held its title unchallenged and exclusive, for upwards of a century, and as "The Big Shop" is inseparably linked with the annals of the island.

I have been unable to determine definitely the date of its erection, but from a somewhat exhaustive re­ search am confident that it was not far from 1800, and that it was built for Hiram, or Charles and Hiram Folger. They were both boat-builders and wheel­ wrights, were at one time in partnership, and owned nearly, if not quite, all the tract of land south of Friends' Cemetery, bounded east by Grave (Saratoga) street, south by Milk street and west by a way.

As the mechanical industries of the island at that date were mostly allied with or tributary to the whal­ ing business, so the principal work carried on in the "Big Shop" was boat-building, and its products for

36

THE BIG SHOP

half a century dotted the seas of every clime pene­ trated by Nantucket whale ships.

The fact that from early manhood to the close of life my grandfather was identified with the Big Shop and its interests, as apprentice, journeyman and owner, during a period of more than sixty years, attaches to it the ties of family association. Here he learned his trade and gained his livelihood. Directly opposite, to be handy to his work, he built his house, brought his young wife thither, and reared his family.

I have in my possession the account book contain­ ing a daily record of the work done in the Big Shop from 1815 to 1836 inclusive, apparently in my grand­ father's handwriting. Blank books and papers were not so plentiful or cheap a hundred years ago as now, and the same book had done service for half a cen­ tury or more before the opening of the Big Shop rec­ ord. The earlier entries are crude, illiterate and in­ distinct, and spread over perhaps a quarter of the book, including the cover. They apparently represent several individual accounts, with nothing to identify any. Interspersed are private memoranda and items of moment to the recorder, enclosed in brackets, such as [1780 may ye 10 Sott a Hen], [Lent Nat. Russell a Bote anker], etc.

The circulating medium of that date was English pounds, shillings and pence, with occasional designa­ tions of "Lawful," which was a somewhat depreciated standard. The earliest entry wherein United States money is recited is 1805 and reads: "Dbtr Charles Folger the first day of February to George Coffin's wages at $0.50 per day." From this I infer that my grandfather, then seventeen years old, was apprenticed to Charles Folger, and that this en-

THE BIG SHOP

87

try "was made by his father, John Coffin, in accordance with the custom of parents to collect the wages of minor children.

March 10, 1815, is opened a new account entitled: "Account of all the work done at Hiram Folger's shop

by Hiram Folger, George Coffin 2d, and Reuben Coffin 2d." This would seem to indicate that a co-partner­ ship was formed at this time by the above-named.

Two years later Hiram Folger sold the shop to George and Reuben Coffin, who thereafter carried on the busi­ ness until 1848, when, owing to the decline of whaling and consequent falling off in demand for boats, they dissolved partnership and divided the building and land, Reuben taking the south half, which he finished as a dwelling house and occupied a number of years. It was subsequently sold to Charles A. Reyot, father of the present owner of the building.

The north half was retained by my grandfather in its original state, and so remained until the building was moved to its present site and remodelled in 1903.

In its semi-improved condition it presented an incon­ gruous appearance, and each half proved a handicap to the other. With only a partition of laths and plas­ ter between, the occupants of the dwelling very natur­ ally objected to the other half being utilized as a barn or stable. There was no demand for it as a work-shop, and standing idle, it grew dilapidated and became an eyesore and annoyance to the owners of the house part and an "elephant" to us, until some years after my grandfather's death, we sold it, "with the land un­ der and adjoining," to Mr. J. W. Reyot for the munif­ icent sum of $25.

While the manufacture of whale-boats and candle boxes was ostensibly the business of the shop, numer-

38

THE BIG SHOP

ous other branches of industry were interspersed, in­ cluding coffin-making, cabinet work, carpentering, re­ pairing "calashes," etc. Labor was cheap and charges moderate. According to the account book referred to, the cost of a whale-boat was $50 to $55; candle boxes $3 a dozen, while the charge for coffins ranged from $1 for a child to $3 for an adult. There was always a huge pile of shavings and chips outside the shop to which the neighbors had free license to help them­ selves.

The "Big Shop" was always a rendezvous for men in the western part of the town, particularly evenings.

Its frequenters represented all shades of political and religious belief and non-belief, but all believed in free speech and plenty of it, and many and marvelous were the tales that were told and fierce and hot the debates that waxed, while laws were made and unmade with a facility and assurance which carried conviction to the hearers, and not unfrequently shaped the policy of town meeting, particularly on questions affecting sheep husbandry.

My grandfather was for many years one of the large sheep owners of the island, and on shearing days all work in the shop was suspended and everyone re­ paired to the shearing grounds. In a communication to The Inquirer and Mirror in 1880 appears the follow­ ing relative to the Big Shop: "As the great majority of the visitors were sheep owners, it was here that all questions relative to the management of the sheep were settled, the days for yarding, washing and shear­ ing fixed upon, drivers appointed, etc. Here the hides of all sheep found dead upon the commons were brought, the finder cutting out one fore-quarter as his share, and leaving the rest for the owner.

THE BIG SHOP

39

But it was on shearing days that the old shop was a glori­ ous place for us boys, who assembled there bright and early on those mornings, and as the carts of the various owners came along, they invariably pulled up at the shop to take a fresh departure, engaged some of us to catch sheep for them, and gave the smaller boys a ride to the pens. During the day the great sacks of wool were sent to town, and hoisted into the shop for storage."

In the famous sheep war and attendant litigation, about 1845, which practically ruined that industry, a number of the Big Shop frequenters were quite severe­ ly "hit," by judicial decisions, to their great surprise, which gave rise to the remark by "Cousin" Charles Folger, one of the victims, who had hitherto pinned his faith thereto, that "Big Shop law might be good enough for town meeting, but in court it wasn't worth a damn."

When the memorable anti-slavery convention was held in Nantucket in August, 1841, and rotten eggs and brick-bats formed such potent arguments that public halls and churches were closed against the aboli­ tionists for prudential reasons, the proprietors of the Big Shop tendered them its free use and guaranteed protection. The offer was accepted and the Big Shop men did picket duty outside, while the business of the meeting went on inside without interruption.

At that mid-summer meeting seventy-five years ago history was made. The convention was called by Miss Anna Gardner, of this town, as secretary, and there were present, besides local members and sympa­ thizers, William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips, Parker Pillsbury, Edmund Quincy and many others of national repute, then or in after years, and with them comes a young colored man called Frederick

40

THE BIG SHOP

Douglass, a name assumed to conceal his identity, but which he retained through life. He was a runaway slave from Virginia, who had recently worked his way north and settled and married in New Bedford.

He was prevailed upon to address the meeting.

It was his first speech in public, and he commenced, stammering and hesitating, but gathering confidence as he proceeded, electrified his hearers by the fervid eloquence with which he pleaded for his race and its emancipation from bondage. As he closed his re­ marks, William Lloyd Garrison arose and pointing his finger at the speaker, asked with laconic impressiveness: "Is that a man or a thing ?" and when the responsive chorus subsided, roused the meeting to still higher pitch of enthusiasm by the query: "Shall that man be sent back to slavery?" The audience sprang to their feet and the rafters rang with the cry shouted back in unison—"No! Never!!" Then and there the anti-slavery organization realized that Douglass would prove a most valuable acquisition. They immediately engaged him as a speaker, and thenceforward he con­ secrated his life to the emancipation and uplifting of his race.

That speech was the turning point in his life, and the speaker who had entered the Big Shop an unknown fugitive slave "went out from its portals a man," des­ tined to become a leader of his race and to fill an honored niche in the subsequent history of America.

My personal recollections of The Big Shop date from the period of the Civil War, and are consequently restricted to the north half, owned by my grandfather.

Work had long since ceased there, but it was occupied continuously, afternoons and evenings, as a club room, until after his death. The old work-bench still re-

"THE BIG SHOP" From a Photo Taken Prior to 1900.

THE BIG SHOP

41

mained on the east side with the massive iron vise attached. Tradition says the latter had never been removed but once, and then surreptitiously one night during the sheep-driving excitement, when it lent valued assistance in withdrawing the staples from the gate-post of the pound and releasing the imprisoned sheep. When day dawned the vise was in its place, the staples driven back, the gate securely locked—and the pound empty.

In summer the huge doors were thrown open and the frequenters assembled in the west half of the outer or main shop, but in winter they fleeted into a closed room partitioned off in the southeast quarter. The floors were always heavily sanded and copiously dec­ orated with expectorations, the "spit law" not having then been enacted.

Sliding windows in the partition gave light and ventilation to the inner room, which was heated by a small cylinder stove, standing in a box of sand in the centre. The walls were decorated with pictorial illus­ trations, and a trap door in the ceiling, operated by a rope and pulley, gave added ventilation. On the walls of the outer room hung working patterns used in boat building, divers other implements, and a huge picture of the Great Eastern, showing the completed vessel and sectional drawings. The library comprised the Boston Journal, the Adjutant General's report, the State Agricultural Report, the Old Farmer's Almanack and a checkerboard. The air was at all times redolent with tobacco smoke, while a wooden bucket of water with a periwinkle shell for drinking cup, furnished liquid refreshment.

The men seemed old and venerable to me. Many of them walked with canes, and nearly all wore stove-

42

THE BIG SHOP

pipe hats and swallow-tail coats. But as I reckon back­ ward to compute their ages I find a number must have been a good deal younger than I am now. There was Peleg Folger, who used to thump his cane in close proximity to my little bare toes; and Alfred, who ex­ pounded the law; and Mark and Captain Isaiah; and Rowland, who kept the jail; Henry B., who read the war news aloud; and Moses, who was blind; and Charles and Edward and William—oh, more Folgers one time and another than you could shake a stick at. Then there was Oliver C. Gardner, philanthropist and aboli­ tionist, and "George C.," of town meeting fame; and Uncle Isaac, short of stature, but long of tongue, whose vernacular was often unique and always pungent.

There was Edward Coleman and Capt. Henry, his brother; and Capt. Charles, an authority on rainfall statistics; and Charles Easton, and Jesse Coffin, and Reuben M., and Capt. Micajah Swain, and Charles Brock, who'd been to the Legislature; and William Ceeley, and John Adlington, the neighborhood doctor.

Oh! I could run on naming them for half a day, but first, last and always was my grandfather—"the Ad­ miral," as he was called, to distinguish him from four or five other George Coffins of his day and generation.

Each forenoon, with methodical regularity, he donned his beaver hat and swallow-tail coat and went down-Tong," but afternoon and evening invariably found him on deck in the "Big Shop" up to 9 o'clock, when he blew out the lamp and all went home. This was his programme up to the last day of his life in the early spring of 1867, when he came home one Sun­ day evening, retired in his usual health and quietly passed from earthly sleep to that which knows no waking.

THE BIG SHOP

43

For a brief period the old shop was deserted, but grandmother missed the light from over the way that had shone across the street during all the fifty years of her married life, and so the dear old lady sent word to the club that 'twas lonesome not to see the shop lighted and begged them to come back and occupy it "the same as when 'father' was living." They did so for a season, but the death of the owner had severed the ties of association which linked them with the place; one by one dropped out and ere many months the old shop was deserted forever.

The voices which for half a century and more echoed through the Big Shop with argument and pro­ test in fierce debate are forever stilled. The feet which wended thither have long since journeyed to that bourne whence no traveller returns. The building it­ self has disappeared from its site and been converted to other uses. But with the passing of its identity its memory remains. In its day it was the Fanueil Hall of Nantucket, the "Cradle of Liberty." It stood for freedom of thought, freedom of speech and freedom of humanity.

It was a potent factor in moulding local opinion, and was ever arrayed on the side of liberality and en­ lightenment when in conflict with bigotry and super­ stition. Dear to us all are recollections of by-gone days, and among the scenes and names that never fail to awaken tender memories in the hearts of scores of Nantucketers at home and abroad are Chicken Hill and the "Big Shop."

ARTHUR H. GARDNER.

44

VANISHED TREASURES. Had the Nantucket Historical Association been born forty years earlier than it was, probably many valuable Nantucket relics, which cannot now be located, would have been in its collection. Without a doubt more relics of real historic value have been lost beyond recall than have been preserved, simply through thoughtless destruction or sale by parties who did not appreciate their real value, or because, in the change of time, they looked upon them as old-fashioned and fit only for the dump or for the collector. Each year the Historical Society learns of some relic which has been lost, which ought to have become a part of its collection, as even a tiny link in the great chain which makes the history of Nantucket. And in this direction with the hope that some of the missing articles may yet appear I will mention a few interesting relics which were known to be in existence not a great many years ago, but which cannot now be found.

Perhaps among the most valuable reminders of the past which have been lost are some of the real inlog-books®ne these missing ones is that of the ship Henry Astor, which sailed from Nanuc et in 1840. The Astor's log-book was in existence a ew years ago, but it seems to have disappeared. It was picked up one day among a lot of rubbish at the

VANISHED TREASURES

45

rear of the William R. Easton warehouse, which stood at the head of Steamboat wharf, and for a number of years it was cherished by the finder most carefully.

The tales of adventure written on its pages were so thrilling that they were impressed on his memory in­ delibly, and more than once they have since been re­ lated down in the Captain's Room. The Henry Astor had a voyage which was replete with excitement from start to finish. Two boats were smashed by whales, there was a mutiny on board, followed by a courtmartial and the placing of men in irons. Shortly after, the ship was boarded by cannibals and the crew fought the invaders off. Then came a severe storm, during which the ship sprank aleak. The captain, Seth Pinkham, died at Pernambuco; the mate, Henry Smith, was killed by a whale; and the vessel was finally brought home by Henry Colesworthy. The ship was gone four years, yet in spite of her eventful voyage, so carefully had she been navigated, that when she made Block Island on the homeward passage she was only twelve miles off her course by dead reckoning. The log-book recorded speaking a ship only two days out from New York, which was off her course and de­ sired to be set aright by the Nantucket ship that had been gone four years and was just nearing home. The book was available in the early nineties, but one day it was loaned to the late Charles Henry Webb, who wanted to put the facts of this exciting voyage into story form. Mr. Webb died a few months later—and the log-book of the Henry Astor simply disappeared.

Doubtless every Nantucket family has discarded or destroyed articles of historic value, which in after years has brought genuine regret. I clearly recall a hugh chopping block belonging to my grandfather,

46

VANISHED TREASURES

which was a big tree stump he had dug up out of one of the peat-swamps to the west of the town. For years it stood at the rear of the house on West Chester street, now the hospital building; and I recall that it was a very tough piece of wood, which I was told was white oak. It stood about three feet high and was eighteen or twenty inches in diameter at the top. Un­ doubtedly it was a piece of one of the big trees which tradition tells us once grew on this island. Had that tree stump, or one of the many others which are said to have been found in the peat-swamp, been pre­ served to this day, it would probably have convinced the skeptics that Nantucket actually was heavily wooded at one time.

At the first fair held by the Nantucket Agricul­ tural Society in 1856, a monument of spermaceti was exhibited in imitation of Bunker Hill monument. It was as white as snow and was made in the candle factory of Hadwen & Barney. It was not preserved.

Neither was the statue of Hercules, which had been carved from a hickory log by a Nantucket man, and was said to be a truly remarkable piece of workman­ ship. Hercules and Bunker Hill, both in minature, were exhibited in 1856 in the same room with the Dauphin," but of the trio the "Dauphin" alone re­ mains. The spermaceti monument disappeared in 1859, but Hercules lived six years longer, the last mention of the hickory log carving being in 1865.

The story of Peter Paddack's whale-iron is already familiar to some. Capt. Peter Paddack was in com­ mand of the ship Lion, which sailed from Nantucket in 1802. Out in the Pacific Ocean he struck a whale, but the whale escaped, taking the iron away with him.

One day thirteen years later, however, when Capt.

VANISHED TREASURES

47

Paddack was again out in the Pacific, this time in command of the Lady Adams, he struck and captured a whale, and when the crew were cutting-in one of them came across the head of a whale-iron. It was the same iron which Capt. Paddack had hurled into the whale thirteen years previous, and the captain was certainly overjoyed to meet that whale again. He was positive it was his long-lost iron, for there were his initials "P. P." stamped into it. That he should strike the same whale after a lapse of thirteen years was something more than a coincidence to Capt. Paddack, and as long as he lived he preserved the iron as one of his most interesting relics. When he retired from the sea and removed to Kennebec, Me., to reside, the iron went with him, but his house caught fire and burned down and the iron was lost in the ruins. Capt.

Paddack was reluctant to give it up, however, so hired a gang of men to search through the ashes, and the iron was finally located, much to his gratification. A year or so later the captain returned to Nantucket, and the iron was exhibited upon different occasions as late as 1860, when it left Nantucket in the possession of Capt. Paddack's grandson.* Peleg Ray, who lived up North Shore during my boyhood, in a house which stood just above the top of the hill, was totally blind during the later years of his life. He had been an active man and possessed a remarkably memory, and he also had in his possession many very interesting and valuable relics. Among them was a whale's tooth upon which had been carved the Lord's Prayer. The base of the tooth was mounted *The writer has since learned that the whale-iron is in the possession of Lawrence Davis, of Mount Vernon, N. Y., a great-great-grandson of Peter Paddack.

48

VANISHED TREASURES

on pearl, the whole being fashioned on a Nantucket whale-ship. Where this tooth went will probably never be known, but it is fair to presume that his daughter, who lived in the old house a few years after his death, sold it, as she did many other relics when the summer folks came after them.

A rather eccentric colored individual named Pit­ man Moore, on seeing numerous models of whale-ships made by the men at sea, in 1850 conceived the idea of making a full-rigged ship according to his own ideas.

He built it, rigged it and painted it alone, and when the task was done he took full credit for it, labelling the craft, "A Notion of My Own." One of the island newspapers referred to the negro's work as a very in­ genious specimen—stating that such an example of naval architecture had never been seen since Noah navigated the ark.

Deacon Gruber, who was an expert cooper, in 1811 made a tiny cask which was only three inches in diame­ ter at the heads and held just a quart. There were 365 staves in it, besides the bung stave, and each head was composed of forty-five pieces. As a relic of the skill of the Nantucket coopers of a century ago, it was a gem.

Another oddity was a small cask made at sea by a cooper on ship Peruvian. Each end was in the form of an ellipse. The longest diameter of the two ends would cross each other at right angles, while the bung measurement would form a circle, and it was impos­ sible for two staves to be alike. The last time it was on exhibition, A. B. Whipple, then principal of the High School, endeavored to ascertain its capacity by every conceivable rule of mathematics, but he finally gave it up in despair. Both of these casks disappeared.

VANISHED TREASURES

49

There was once a bridal shoe, made in 1737, which was presented by a Nantucket lover to his lady friend, together with a pair of garters, bearing the inscription, "Let Love Abide." As a relic of old-time Nantucket courtship these articles would certainly be of interest at this time, but they, like hundreds and thousands of other things, have been swept away.

As late as 1863 a cradle quilt was in existence which had been made in 1729 by Sarah, the first wife of Abisha Folger, who spun the material and wove the cloth of which it was made. Sarah was the grand­ daughter of Thomas Mayhew, and her husband was the grandson of the first Peter Folger.

The first easy chair made on the island was in existence as late as 1858, then in the possession of Mrs. Peggy Riddell, yet it is very doubtful if any of Peggy's descendants today even heard of it.

One other genuine relic seems to have been lost— at least the Historical Society has no knowledge of it—and that is the ancient coffee pot which belonged to Abiah Folger, the mother of Benjamin Franklin.

It was presented to her at the time of her marriage to James Franklin in 1697, by her father, Peter Folger.

Mrs. Samuel B. Swain had this coffee pot in her pos­ session in 1866, and that year placed it on exhibition at the county fair.

The same year Mrs. William Worth had in her possession an antique pitcher, which bore on one side the picture of a machine supposed to be grinding old women into young girls. The old ladies were pic­ tured going into the hopper at one end and were com­ ing out fresh and new at the other. According to the illustration upon the pitcher, the rush of old ladies for a chance at the machine was tremendous.

50

VANISHED TREASURES

Maria Mitchell, in 1855, executed an oil painting of a Nantucket scene, for which she was awarded a two-dollar prize at the first county fair held on the island. This painting was preserved many years, and if it could be found and identified today would probably be of considerable commercial, as well as historical, value.

The silver spoon used by the first white woman on the island was preserved and cherished as late as 1870, but whether it is still in existence is not known. There are numerous silver spoons in our collection, but none which can be identified as this particular one, and it is a safe guess that it was sold either as a curio or for the silver it contained.

Reuben G. Foiger once carved a very handsome dog out of a tree-stump which was found imbedded in a peat-swamp near Polpis, gilding it and placing it on exhibition wtih considerable pride. Possibly this dog joined the carving of Hercules, for it, too, dis­ appeared years ago.

Mrs. Lucy Mitchell, who lived up at the head of Gay street, saved the feathers shed by her pet canary and made them into a vase of flowers, which was said to be a thing of great beauty. Capt. Henry Cleveland once fashioned a curious specimen of plaster work, representing an old woman asleep on a street corner, while a young scamp was transferring the contents of her basket to his hat. Although not exactly to be classed as historic relics, these articles would never­ theless have been interesting to future generations.

Whatever relics of the whaling and commercial activities of Nantucket may have been lost, however, it is certain that enough have been preserved to bring the Historical Society a collection to be proud of. But

VANISHED TREASURES

51

there is one branch of the island's history which is obscure as far as relics go, and that is the Nantucket Indians. To be sure, hundreds, and perhaps thousands of arrow heads have been found among the sands and on the moors, but aside from those, mementoes of the Indians are very rare, and this society does not even possess a tomahawk. Not that no tomahawk has ever been found on the island, but because the finders of the few specimens which have been unearthed have not had historic appreciation enough to have them preserved in the collection of the Nantucket Historical Association.

One day in the summer of 1887 four boys who were "tending" the north herd just west of Washing pond, came across a depression in the ground which excited their curiosity. Boy fashion, they commenced digging with some pieces of board, and only about a foot below the surface they discovered some dry bones and with them a tomahawk, a spear-head and an arrow, all in excellent condition. For my part I feel a bit guilty to this day in having disturbed the rest of that old Indian, and actually robbing his grave, but until last week I really thought I could place my hands on that tomahawk and secure it for this Association.

When I asked for it, however, I found that in dividing the spoils the boy whom I thought took the tomahawk took something else, and the tomahawk went to Akron, Ohio, in the possession of the son of the author of "Tristum and His Grandchildren."

Several other tomahawks have been found, but as yet the owners does not feel inclined to part with them, even to become a part of this society's collection.

About fifteen years ago Isaac Dunham, while plowing on Tuckernuck one day, turned out a tomahawk which

52

VANISHED TREASURES

he preserved several years, finally presenting it to the son of a favorite summer resident, who still has it.

Lawrence Mooney, Jr., has an excellent specimen in his possession, which he found near Quaise a few years ago. This tomahawk, unlike the others which have been found, has a peculiar ridge about it, to which the handle was evidently fastened. Mr. Mooney keeps it under lock and key in the local police station, but it is hoped that he will yet be willing to part with his treasure and place it in the Historical Society's col­ lection, if only as a loan.

An Indian arrow, with the stone head firmly bound by sinews to the wooden shaft, in every way intact and perfect, was found in a sand-hill just west of the town about a dozen years ago. This arrow is still preserved, but instead of becoming a part of the His­ torical Society's collection, it was presented to the local order of Red Men, in whose possession it still re­ mains.

There is another relic of the Nantucket Indians in existence, and a very interesting one, too. It is an Indian pipe—not the kind which grows on the moors oi in the swamps—but a pipe which may have been smoked as the pipe of peace on more than one occa­ sion in the days of our dusky predecessors. This pipe was found about a mile west of the village of 'Sconset

by Henry Coffin, who has always cherished it as a valuable relic, refusing large sums of money for it at different times, but always turning them down with the statement that the pipe is not for sale.* These are only a few of the "vanished treasures" TT. , has since placed the pipe in the collection of the Nantucket historical Association as a loan.

VANISHED TREASURES

53

which ought to have become a part of our collection.

Many more, equally interesting and equally valuable historically, could be named if space and time permit­ ted. However, the mention of some of these relics which have disappeared may kindle anew the fires of memory, as it is only within the last half century that they vanished, and it may be that some of them may yet be located, to ultimately find a permanent resting place in the fire-proof building on Fair street. * * • * Since this article was prepared for the annual meeting, the grave of a Nantucket Indian has been found at Quaise, and the bones, including the skull, have been placed in the Association's collection, to­ gether with pieces of Indian pottery which were found buried at the foot of the grave. Although possibly grewsome, in a way, the bones are, nevertheless, an interesting and valuable relic historically. The pieces of pottery are the first specimens of this kind of Indian handiwork found on Nantucket and preserved. An in­ teresting and touching incident in connection with the discovery of this Indian grave, was the finding of the bones of the Indian's dog, which was buried near the feet of its master, and which also had its bowl of pot­ tery. In the line of sentiment, portions of the dog's skeleton were preserved and have been placed in the same case in the Historical Rooms as have those of its master. Tradition says that the Indian's dog was al­ ways "faithful unto death," and the discovery of the two graves at Quaise is proof that this particular In­ dian certainly took his dog with him when he started on the long journey to the "happy hunting grounds."

HARRY B. TURNER.

54

IMPROMPTU REMINISCENCES

By F. C. Russell.

As I have listened to the various interesting pa­ pers which have been presented today, many thoughts have been suggested by them. First—Some of us re­ member the early days of the Nantucket Agricultural Society. A part of the exhibition was in the Atheneum Hall. In one of the rooms was a ship, made by Pitman Moore, a former colored citizen of the town, to whom reference has been made by one of the previous speakers.

I remember seeing the ship, and when the ques­ tion was asked: "Did you make this ship, Mr. Moore"? the reply came, 'Yas, sah! Ah made dat all out ah mah own head, and got wood enough left to make an­ other."

But what gave me a desire to say a word was a remark in our friend Gardner's paper, viz: "Chicken Hill.

A little more than fifty years ago I was on a United States steamer going South. The sailing mas­ ter of the steamer was William H. Baldwin. In con­ versation one day, Baldwin used the well-known term 1C XT*1 ^ immediately matched it with some other Nantucket term (I dpn't remember what at this moment), and Baldwin grasped my hand, exclaiming,

IMPROMPTU REMINISCENCES

55

"Where are you from"? "Same place as you," I re­ plied, "Nantucket."

I had not known Baldwin previously, and met him for the first time at the Charlestown Navy Yard in 1862, just as the steamer "Huron" was getting to sea.

It was very pleasant to form such an acquaintance under such circumstances.

I remember seeing this same Baldwin on the beach at Sapelo Island, Ga., with a boat's crew braiding a torpedo netting to go around the steamer, held by out­ riggers, and weighted by shot, to keep the netting in place under water. Baldwin had the commendation of the admiral for having the best torpedo netting in the fleet. So much for Nantucket!

Again, I remember seeing Baldwin one Sunday afternoon in the shade of a dismantled light-house on Sapelo Island with an open testament in his hand, and before him a row of little colored urchins. I have won­ dered since how many, perhaps, got a good start from that Sunday afternoon. I was impressed with the contrast—Baldwin, with his shoulder straps, and gold stripe on his arm, and those black faces looking up so earnestly to him. So much for Nantucket!

Again, I remember seeing Baldwin in an emer­ gency, on one occasfi n, in a gale. We had both an­ chors down and our engines were making seventy-six turns a minute to keep the strain off the chains. We were off Charleston then, and had we gone ashore we should have been right under the guns of Fort Moultrie.

When there came a lull, it was "all hands up an­ chor." We got the starboard anchor up all right, and when the port anchor was hove short there came

56

IMPROMPTU REMINISCENCES

a big sea lifting our bow and parting the chain, and that anchor was lost.

Then Baldwin, directing his crew, got the spare anchor from the hold, had it slung over the bow and the extra chain "bent on." All this was done during the gale while we were making slow headway oif shore to more open sea. One expression which Baldwin was in the habit of using when taking the anchor, was, "Stamp and go! Stamp and go!" The crew occasion­ ally used this as a by-word among themselves. So much for Nantucket!

When transferred to another steamer, one of the ironclads, I found her name was "Nantucket." You see I couldn't lose the name of my native isle.

We are told that Benjamin Franklin came near being a native of Nantucket, and it is a fitting coinci­ dence that the Franklin Union, founded by funds from Benjamin Franklin, should have as its first director a young man who can trace his ancestry to Nantucket.

57

PUBLICATIONS of the Nantucket Historical Association:

Quakerism on Nantucket since 1800, by Henry Barnard Worth.

Vol. 1, No. 1, 1896, 50 cts.

Timothy White Papers, by Rev. Myron Samuel Dudley.

Vol. 1, No. 2, 1898, 25 cts.

Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, by Henry Barnard Worth.

The Title and The Nantucket Insurrection.

Vol. 2, No. 1, 1901, 25 cts.

The Settlers, Their Homes and Government.

(Map) Vol. 2, No. 2, 1902, 25 cts.

The Indians of Nantucket.

Vol 2, No. 3, 1902, 25 cts.

Sheep Commons and The Proprietary.

Vol. 2, No. 4, 1904, 25 cts.

Ancient Buildings of Nantucket.

Vol. 2, No. 5, 1906, 35 cts.

Indian Names, Wills and Estates, Index.

Vol. 2, No. 6, 1910, 35 cts.

Wills and Estates, Continued.

Vol 2, No. 7, 35 cts.

A Century of Free Masonry on Nantucket, by Alexan­ der Starbuck.

Vol. 3, No. 1, 1903, 25 cts.

Proceedings of the Annual Meetings of the Nantucket Historical Association, from 1895 to 1916, with the exception of 1899, which is out of print, price 10 cents each.

58

LIST OF MEMBERS. LIFE COUNCILLORS. Folger, Annie Barker, Nantucket, Mass.

Lamberton, Hon. Alexander Byron, 303 East Ave., Rochester, N. Y. Worth, Henry Barnard, New Bedford, Mass.

LIFE MEMBERS. Austin, May (Haberlin), 134 St. Mary's St., Boston, Mass.

Austin, Rachel, 85 Congdon St., Providence, R. I. Barnard, Prof. Charles, 139 East 39th St., New York, N. Y. Barnard, Marianna (Sprague), American Book Co., Washington Sq., New York, N. Y. Barnes, Thurlow Weed, 43 Exchange Place, New York, N. Y. Barney, Elizabeth Gardner (Macy), 103 Green St., Lynn, Mass.

Beebe, Alice Geissler, 25 Grove St., Wellesley, Mass.

Bennett, Elizabeth Crosby (Plaskett), 1219 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Bodfish, Annie Warren, Nantucket, Mass.

Brock, Susan Emma, Nantucket, Mass.

Brown, Julia D„ 35 West 130th St., New York, N. Y. Capp, Seth Bunker, Box 2054, Philadelphia, Pa. Cartwright, Alexander Joy, 180 Twentieth Ave., San Francisco, Cal. Cathcart, Wallace Hugh, Pres, The Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, O. Channing, Eva, Hemenway Chambers, Boston, Mass.

Coffin, Elizabeth Rebecca, Nantucket, Mass.

Coleman, Dr. Ellenwood Bunker, Nantucket, Mass.

Coleman, Emma, Nantucket, Mass.

Davis, Charles Henry, 18 Old Slip, New York, N. Y. Dudley, Mary (Marrett), Standish, Me.

LIST OF MEMBERS

59

Durfee, Mary Galucia (Hatch), Palmyra, N. Y. Elkins, Harriette Ann, Nantucket, Mass.

Elkins, Richard Gardner, 40 State St., Boston, Mass.

Elting, Irving, 729 Washington St., Brookline, Mass.

Elting, Susan (Green), 729 Washington St., Brookline, Mass.

Folger, Gulielma, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, Sarah Joy, Nantucket, Mass.

Fowle, Seth Augustus, 164 Federal St., Boston, Mass.

Frothingham, Ellen Folger, 9 Exeter St., Boston, Mass.

Fuller, Frederic Vincent, 42 Vernon St., West Medford, Mass.

Fuller, Mary Louisa (Myrick), Nantucket, Mass.

Hanaford, Rev. Phebe Ann (Coffin), 213 Goundry St., North Tonawanda, N. Y. Hartley, Frances Chester (White), 232 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Hussey, Martha, 303 East Ave., Rochester, N. Y. Hutaff, Grace (Elkins), 103 East 86th St., New York, N. Y. Johnson, Minnie Agnes (Jonah), Bath, N. H. Joy, Moses, 765 Whitney Ave., New Haven, Conn.

Kimball, Laura M., 145 Troup St., Rochester, N. Y. Macy, Mary Eliza, Nantucket, Mass.

Macy, Nelson, 441 Pearl St., New York, N. Y. Macy, Thomas, Nantucket, Mass.

McCleary, Helen Cartwright, 47 Craft's Road, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Mead, Edwin D., 20 Beacon St., Boston, Mass.

Middlebrook, Caroline Allen, 115 East 53d St., New York, N. Y. Mitchell, Emily Burns, 1735 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C. Mitchell, Helen (Leeds), Nantucket, Mass.

Paine, Mary Elizabeth (Folger), 315 Thayer St., Providence, R. I. Raymond, Sarah Coffin (Codd), Nantucket, Mass.

Rollins, Rev. Walter Huntington, Pres. Fairmount College, Wichita, Kan. Starbuck, Alexander, Pres. Nantucket Historical Association, Waltham, Mass.

Starbuck, Charlotte Puffer (Baxter), 831 State St., Santa Bar­ bara, Cal. Starbuck, Henry Pease, 831 State St., Santa Barbara, Cal. Starbuck, John Austin, 831 State St., Santa Barbara, Cal.

60

LIST OF MEMBERS

Starbuck, Mary Eliza, Nantucket, Mass.

Starbuck, Susan Amelia, 144 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Sweet, Samuel B., General Freight Agent, Lake Erie & Western R. R. Co., Indianapolis, Ind. Swift, William Henry, Pittsfield, Mass.

White, Caroline (Earle), 2024 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. Wyer, Henry Sherman,, Nantucket, Mass.

ANNUAL MEMBERS. A Albertson, Alice Owen, 3940 Brown St., Philadelphia, Pa. Allen, Mrs. Le Moyne Dillingham, Granville, N. Y. Allen, Lucy Ellis, West Newton, Mass.

Ayers, John Killen, Nantucket, Mass.

Ayers, Mary, Nantucket, Mass.

B Babcock, Mary, 146 Lake St., Oakland, Cal. Baker, Ellen (Fitzgerald), 67 Stimson Ave., Providence, R. I. Baker, Maude, 67 Stimson Ave., Providence, R. I. Bancroft, Beulah M. (Hacker), 917 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. Barnard, Frank Redfield, American Book Co., Washington Sq., New York, N. Y. Barnard, Marian Jessup, American Book Co., Washington Sq., New York, N. Y. Barnard, Job, Associate Justice Supreme Court (Retired), 1306 Rhode Island Ave., Washington, D. C. Barnes, Elizabeth Balmer (Williams), Glyn Hap, Martinez, Cal. Barnes, Grace (Davis), Nantucket, Mass.

Barney, Alanson Swain, Nantucket, Mass.

Barney, Lydia Howland (Swain), Menlo Park, San Mateo Co..

Cal. Barrett, Charles Cook, 14-16 West Lake St., Chicago, 111.

Barrett, John Wendell, 60 Wall St., New York, N. Y. Beadle, Elizabeth Wood (Thayer), Nantucket, Mass.

Benham, Lizzie Elliot (Thompson), 86 Howe St., New Haven, Conn.

Bennett, Harriet Stanton, Nantucket, Mass.

Bennett, Prof. Florence Mary, 1219 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y.

LIST OF MEMBERS

61

Bennett, Henry Hollis, 1219 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Bensusan, Sarah (Gardner), 11 South Portland Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Benton, Amy Alice (Isom), Nantucket, Mass.

Benton, William Josiah, Nantucket, Mass.

Blackburn, Elizabeth Mary, 24 Littell Road, Brookline, Mass.

Blossom, Dr. Anne Moores (Gardner), Nantucket, Mass.

Boone, Elizabeth Starbuck (Barker) Overman, 327 Central Park West, New York, N. Y. Booth, Andrew S., Ballston Spa, N. Y. Boyer, Maurice Weimer, Nantucket, Mass.

Brayton, Annie Sale (Chinery), Nantucket, Mass.

Briggs, Charlotte Puffer, 257 Steuben St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Briggs, William Coffin, 257 Steuben St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Brock, Albert Gardner, Nantucket, Mass.

Brock, Annie (Cartwright), Nantucket, Mass.

Brock, Joseph Chase, Nantucket, Mass.

Brooks, Josephine (Sylvia), 881 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

Brown, Henry, Nantucket, Mass.

Bryant, Adelaide (Thompson), care Mrs. R. S. Snodgrass, Walsenburg, Col. Bunker, Alfred, 29 Juniper St., Roxbury, Mass.

Bunker, Alice Macy, State House, Boston, Mass.

Bunker, Lauriston, Nantucket, Mass.

Bunker, William, 20 Nassau St., New York, N. Y. Bunker, Hon. William Mitchell, Cloyne Court Hotel, Berkeley, Cal. Burrell, Caroline (Cayford), 993 Charles River Road, Cam­ bridge, Mass.

Burnell, Barker, San Diego, Cal. Butler, Harriet Parker (Winn), Nantucket, Mass.

C Caryl, Harriet Elizabeth, 1904 Beacon St., Brookline, Mass.

Catlin, Sarah Affia, Warsaw, Ind. Chamberlin, Henry Harmon, 22 May St., Worcester, Mass.

Chase, Ann Worth (Brock), Nantucket, Mass.

Chase, Edward Gardner, 4851 Kenwood Ave., Chicago, 111.

Chase, Estelle Lillian (Jenness), 4851 Kenwood Ave., Chicago, 111.

62

LIST OF MEMBERS

Chase, Harriet Ann, Nantucket, Mass.

Chase, Mary Jane, Nantucket, Mass.

Chase, Sidney, Nantucket, Mass.

Chase, Susan Mabel (Johnston), 364 Ray St., Manchester, N. H. Chatfield, Margaret (Burnet) Easton, Nantucket, Mass.

Clark, Susan Tyler, 799 Asylum Ave., Hartford, Conn.

Codd, Eliza, Nantucket, Mass.

Codd, William Fitzgerald, Nantucket, Mass.

Coffin, Celia M., 272 Manhattan Ave., New York, N. Y. Coffin, Frank Mitchell, 272 Manhattan Ave., New York, N. Y. Coffin, John Bridger, 15 Fair View Heights, Rochester, N. Y. Coffin, Tristram, The Ruremont, 2731 Broadway, New York N. Y. Coleman, Harriet Maude, 2 Potter Park, Cambridge, Mass.

Coleman, Hester Eudora, 2 Potter Park, Cambridge, Mass.

Coleman, Mary Myrick, 111 Pinckney St., Boston, Mass.

Collins, Cora Neville (Staples), Nantucket, Mass.

Conable, Florence (Easton), 415 North Primrose Ave., Mon­ rovia, Los Angeles Co., Cal. Conable, Morris Easton, 356 North Primrose Ave., Monrovia, Los Angeles Co., Cal. Congdon, May Housatonic, Nantucket, Mass.

Cook, Emma, Nantucket, Mass.

Corn, John W., Oasis Ranch, Rosewell, New Mexico.

Crosby, Almira Esther, 1110 Beacon St., Brookline, Mass.

Crosby, Mary Eliza, Nantucket. Mass.

Crosby, Uberto C., 1110 Beacon St., Brookline, Mass.

Curtis, Bracey, Nantucket, Mass.

D Dahlgren, Augusta (Smith), Nantucket, Mass.

Danforth, Mrs. George H., 106 West 58th St., New York, N. Y. efnez, Sarah Elizabeth (Barron), 537 Washington St., Brook­ line, Mass.

Dibble, Annie (Hayt), 275 North Fulton Ave., Mt. Vernon, N. Y. N Y60rge

WiHiam' 275

North

Fulton

Ave., Mt. Vernon,

Dillingham, Louise G. (Bulkley), Milburn, N. J. Ditmars, Mary Coffin (Worth), 800 Carroll St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dunham, Harrison Grey Otis, 135 Front St., New York, N. Y.

LIST OF MEMBERS

63

E Earle, Sarah Folger, 38 William St., Worcester, Mass.

Edwards, George Whitefield, 539 Cass Ave., Detroit, Mich.

Edwards, Harriet (Brown), 539 Cass Ave., Detroit, Mich.

Elkins, Mary Gardiner (Reed), West Newton, Mass.

Edwards, Phebe Coffin, Nantucket, Mass.

Elliot, Dr. Herbert, Arlington, Mass.

Emery, Jennie Starbuck (Chadwick), Blackstone, Mass.

F Farnham, Joseph Ellis Coffee, Providence, R. I. Farrington, William Hyatt, 1099 Mary St., Elizabeth, N. J. Fay, Prof. Edward Allen, 3 Kendall Green, Washington, D. C. Fish, Anna Gardner, Perkins Institution, Watertown, Mass.

Flagg, Charles Noel, Hartford, Conn.

Fletcher, Mrs. Keddy Ray, The Orchard, North Betchworth, Buckland Surrey, England.

Folger, Annie Alden, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, Clifford, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, Clinton, 312 California St., San Francisco, Cal. Folger, Franklin, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, George Howland, Medford, Mass.

Folger, John Brown, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger Lisabeth Sarah (Lawrence), Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, Lydia Maria, Nantucket, Mass.

Folger, Dr. Rupert, 72 North 8th Ave., Whitestone, N. Y. Folger, Rear-Admiral William Mayhew, Cornish, N. H., P. O., Windsor, Vt. Francis, Eben Willis, Nantucket, Mass.

Freeborn, Lydia Sanford, Nantucket, Mass.

Freeborn, Millard Fillmore, Nantucket, Mass.

French, Louisa Barnard (Winslow), Plympton, Mass.

G Gardner, Arthur Hinton, Nantucket, Mass.

Gardner, Mary Macy (Brown), Nantucket, Mass.

Gardner, Helen Anthony, 2 Cleveland St., Roxbury, Mass.

Gardner, Lucretia Macy, 2 Cleveland St., Roxbury, Mass.

Gardner, Lydia Bunker, Nantucket, Mass.

Gill, Phebe Andrews (Luther), Woodmere, L. I.

64

LIST OF MEMBERS

Glenn, Elizabeth (Franklin), Nantucket, Mass.

Goodsell, Elizabeth Frances (Mitchell), 144 Clinton St., Brook­ lyn, N. Y. Gray, Donald Cameron, Baker's Drug Store, Bolyston St. and Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Mass.

Green, Charles L., 7 Prescott Place, Lynn, Mass.

Greene, Edward Payson, 616 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. Greene, Mary Elizabeth (Coffin), Nantucket, Mass.

Grouard, Dr. John Shackford, Nantucket, Mass.

Grouard, Lena (Weymouth), Nantucket, Mass.

Gummere, Amelia (Mott), Haverford, Pa. H Haggerty, Mary Swift (Stran), Clifton, Mass.

Hanna, Arrial, Cleveland, O. Hanna, Edith F., Cleveland, O. Hanna, Harriet L., Cleveland, O. Harding, Harriet, Pittsfield, Mass.

Hatch, Hannah Gifford, Nantucket, Mass.

Havre, Paraller, 1436 Euclid Ave., Berkeley, Cal. Hawes, Abbie (Steele), 1 Allston St., Dorchester, Mass.

Hayt, Ella (Bigelow), Nantucket, Mass.

Hill, Murray Gardner, Adelbert College, Cleveland, O. Hinchman, Lydia Swain (Mitchell), 3635 Chestnut St., Phila­ delphia, Pa. Hodge, Ann Eliza (Joy), Nantucket, Mass.

Hodge, Howard Douglas, 3002-3 Equitable Building, New York, N. Y. Hollister, Elizabeth (Watson), 375 East Ave., Rochester, N. Y. Hollister, Emily Weed (Barnes), 8 Granger Place, Rochester, N. Y. Hopkins, Samuel Milford Blatchford, 252 Henry St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Howes, Sarah Sprague (Sampson), Nantucket, Mass.

Humes, Lucy Drew (Morton), Nantucket, Mass.

Hussey, Eliza Myrick, Nantucket, Mass.

Hussey, Roland Bunker, Nantucket, Mass.

Hussey, Arrietta (Cathcart), Nantucket, Mass.

Hussey, Elliot Benham, 134 Summit Cross, Rutherford, N. J.

LIST OF MEMBERS

65

J

Jackson, Hannah W. (DeMilt), Manhasset, Long Island, N. Y. Janes, Anna Louisa (Brown), 2192 Massachusetts Ave., Cam­ bridge, Mass.

Janes, Benjamin Franklin, 2192 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

K Kelley, Charlotte Rebecca (Macy), 478 County St., New Bed­ ford, Mass.

Kempton, Eliza Jane (Barnard) Adams, Sharon, Mass.

King, Gertrude Mitchell, Nantucket, Mass.

King, Robert Bowne, Nantucket, Mass.

L Lamson, Kate Glidden, 12 Remington St., Cambridge, Mass.

Lang, Florence Osgood (Rand), Nantucket, Mass.

Long, Carrie James, Nantucket, Mass.

Long, Josiah Coffin, 929 West End Ave., New York, N. Y. Loring, Margaret (Gardner), 2 Cleveland St., Roxbury, Mass.

Lothrop, Sarah Gorham (Swain), 101 Beacon St., Boston, Mass.

Lovell, Sarah Elizabeth, 31 Glenwood St., Brockton, Mass.

Lowden, James Morton, 143-5 West 15th St., New York, N. Y. Lowden, Matthew Crosby, 415 Washington St., New York, N. Y. Lowden, Susan Barnard (Crosby), South Dartmouth, Mass.

Luther, Christiana (Salom), Nantucket, Mass.

Luther, Mary Hartness (Gould), 886 Carroll St'., Brooklyn, N. Y. Luther, Mary Gould, 886 Carroll St., Brooklyn, N. Y. M Mackay, George Henry, 304 Bay State Road, Boston, Mass.

Mackay, Maria Mitchell (Starbuck), 304 Bay State Road, Bos­ ton, Mass.

Macy, Elizabeth Easton, Nantucket, Mass.

Macy, Isaac Augustus, 135 Front St., New York, N. Y. Macy, Janet P., 214 Alexandria Ave., Upper Montclair, N. J. Macy, Sarah Lucretia, Nantucket, Mass.

Macy, William Francis, 1151 Old South Building, Boston, Mass.

Marshall, Helen, 71 Williams St., Norwich, Conn.

McKnight, Martha Harding (Bakewell), Sewickley, Pa.

66

LIST OF MEMBERS

Mead, Mabel C., 1078 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Mead, Mrs. Charles L., 1078 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Mildram, Sarah Eliza (Hallett), Nantucket, Mass.

Milne, Helen (Ring), Nantucket, Mass.

Minshall, Charles, Liquid Carbonic Co., Chicago, 111.

Mitchell, Richard, Webster, Mass.

Mitchell, Susan Rebecca (Hallett), Nantucket, Mass.

Mitchell, Sidney, 200 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y. Mitchell, William Rich, 15 Prospect St., Taunton, Mass.

Morgan, Eleanor (Williams), Nantucket, Mass.

Morissey, Charlotte Elizabeth (Wyer), Nantucket, Mass.

Morse, Edwin Wilson, 123 East 53d St., New York, N. Y. Morse, Florence (Stone), 123 East 53d St., New York, N. Y. N Neall, Imogen (Bonnaffon), Hamilton Court, Philadelphia, Pa. Nicholson, Caroline Harriet (Bartlett), 27 G St., South Boston, Mass.

Noyes, Lou (Chamberlain), 283 Alexander St., Rochester, N. Y.

P Paddack, Henry, Nantucket, Mass.

Pease, Ellen Gray (Parker), Nantucket, Mass.

Phinney, Joseph W., 270 Congress St., Boston, Mass.

Phinney, Priscilla (Morris), 270 Congress St., Boston, Mass.

Pitman, Timothy Coffin, Nantucket, Mass.

Pray, Nellie M. (Chamberlin), 29 Crowinshield Road, Brookline, Mass.

Prescott, Mabel E., 199 Rochambeau Ave., Providence, R. I. R Read, Sarah (Farrington), Nantucket, Mass.

Rhodes, Eva, 1707 West Lafayette Ave., Baltimore, Md. Richmond, Dr. George Danforth, 32 Water St., Yokohama, Japan.

Riddell, Benjamin Franklin, Fall River, Mass.

Riddell, Elizabeth (Swain), Nantucket, Mass.

Ring, Anne, Nantucket, Mass.

Robinson, Edward C., 25 Broad St., New York, N. Y. Robinson, Clara B., 25 Broad St., New York, N. Y.

LIST OF MEMBERS

67

Robinson, John Henry, 1932 First St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Rogers, Adelaide May (Brown), Nantucket, Mass.

Rogers, Annie Bartlett (Robinson), Nantucket, Mass.

Round, Ellen Miner (Thomas), Nantucket, Mass.

Rutter, Jay Edgar Thompson, 707 South Sixth St., Springfield, 111.

S Severance, Madeleine (Fish), 15 West Delason Ave., Youngstown, O. Severance, Walter E., 15 West Delason Ave., Youngstown, 0.

Sharp, Virginia May (Guild), Nantucket, Mass.

Sheffield, Hannah Gardner, Nantucket, Mass.

Sibley, Alice, 108 Winthrop St., Roxbury, Mass.

Simonds, Jennie (Smith) Allen, Nantucket, Mass.

Small, Phebe Hanaford (Coffin), Nantucket, Mass.

Small, Reuben Cahoon, Nantucket, Mass.

Snow, Charles Armstrong, Nantucket, Mass.

Smith, Mary Pollard (Riddell), Nantucket, Mass.

Solly, Judge William Franklin, 908 DeKalb St., Norristown, Pa. Soule, Mary Yeates, Baker City, Ore. Starbuck, Annie Whitefield, 2114 Calumet Ave., Chicago, 111.

Starbuck, George Franklin, Waltham, Mass.

Starbuck, Walter Fisher, Waltham, Mass.

Steele, Emma Josephine, 1 Allston St., Dorchester, Mass.

Stone, Rosamond (Mitchell), 9 Catherine St., Worcester, Mass.

Streeter, Lillian (Carpenter), 234 North Main St., Concord, N. H. Swain, Anna Gardner, Nantucket, Mass.

Swain, Eunice Swain (Barney), 194 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Swain, David Whiton, 194 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Swain, Maria Theresa (Swain) Dibble, Nantucket, Mass.

Swain, Capt. Richard, Hongkong and Shanghai Bank, Yoko­ hama, Japan.

Swain, Wilbert D., Aberdeen, S. D. Swift, Anne Coffin, Nantucket, Mass.

Swift, Caroline Elizabeth, Nantucket, Mass.

Swinburne, Charlotte (Gardner), 501 West Ave., Rochester, N. Y. Sylvia, Ella Frances, Nantucket, Mass.

68

LIST OF MEMBERS

T Tewksbury, Judith Coffin (Gardner), 282 Pleasant St., Winthrop, Mass.

Tewksbury, Mary Winifred, 282 Pleasant St., Winthrop, Mass.

Thebaud, Lieut. Paul Gilbert, 34 West 103d St., New York, N. Y. Thomas, Ellen W., Nantucket, Mass.

Torrey, Mary Adams, 23 Winthrop St., Boston Highlands, Mass.

Tracy, Phebe Whippey, Nantucket, Mass.

Turlay, Mary Dresser (Stebbins), Great Barrington, Mass.

Turner, Gertrude Coffin (Holmes), Nantucket, Mass.

Turner, Harry Baker, Nantucket, Mass.

U Upham, Henry Macy, 1 Joy St., Boston, Mass.

V Van Tuyl, Effie (Hiatt), 310 Fifth Ave. Leavenworth, Kan. Veo, Harriette (Williams), 128 Newbury St., Boston, Mass.

W Wait, Annie (Spencer), Nantucket, Mass.

Wallace, James Chase, American Ship Building CO., Cleveland 0, Wallace, Elizabeth Caroline, American Ship Building Co., Cleve­ land, O. Weeks, Emily, 1304 Beacon St., Brookline, Mass.

Weston, Thomas, 276 Franklin St., NeWton, Mass.

White, Amelia (Barnard), 329 Bainbridge St., Brooklyn, N. Y. White, Elias Henley, 700 West End Trust Building, Philadel­ phia, Pa. Whitford, J. Mortimer, 566 Lexington Ave., New York, N. Y. Williams, Arthur, Nantucket, Mass.

Williams, Mary Frances (Mitchell), Nantucket, Mass.

Wing, Clementina (Swain), 152 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Winslow, Bessie (Chadwick), Nantucket, Mass.

Wood, Nannie Riddell, Nantucket, Mass.

Woodlock, Francis William, Nantucket, Mass.

Worth, Frederick, 314 Cumberland St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Worth, Marianna (Coffin), 314 Cumberland St., Brooklyn, N. Y.