Historic Nantucket, October 1954, Vol. 2 No. 2

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET TOWN From an original lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton.

OCTOBER, 1954 SIXTIETH ANNUAL MEETING Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

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

VOLUME 2

OCTOBER 1954

No. 2

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association.

It is sent free to all members of the Association. Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00: Sustaining $10.00. Life—one payment $50.00.

Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts, under Act of August 24, 1912.

Copyright 1954 Nantucket Historical Association.

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

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New Membership Application Date To Nantucket Historical Association Nantucket, Massachusetts Application is hereby made for membership in the Association.

I enclose my check for the dues of the class marked X, made payable to the Association. ( ) Life — $50.00 (one payment) * ( ) Sustaining — $10.00 — annual ( ) Active — $ 2.00 — annual Name Permanent Address Nantucket Address * Placed in "Permanent Fund" and used for capital purposes only.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information

2

Editorial

4

60th Annual Meeting

6

President's Report

9

Nantucket and the Rest of America

14

Robert P. Tristram Coffin

15

Annual Reports

17

Bay State Historical League Annual Meeting

21

History Making Events

31

Membership Report

36

Things We Need

38

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

39

Gifts and Legacies

46

Officers

47

3

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EDITORIAL The Log of Mystic Seaport states that when George A. Salles, Director of the Louvre, returned from a visit to America, he wrote: "In France the word 'museum' has an unpleasant ring.

In America it has a pleasant ring. . . . We (in Paris) inhabit a collection of open-air museums which are the antechambers to the museums themselves, and we enter without changing our climate. In New York the present shows me its bare face . . . unlined, resplendent with life, rising straight out of Manhattan rock. . . . We are far from the confined world of museums. No­ where else in the world do museums attract such crowds. . . ."

Commenting editorially on this interesting comparison The Log says: "Indeed, outside the museum, America's scene is a transitory one — new, ever-changing, tearing down, rebuilding.

The present is all chrome and glisten and shining activity. We enter the museum with our minds confused with the meaningless whirl of the present. Inside, antiquity suddenly takes on meaning and falls into the enduring pattern. The solidity of the past, by comparison, is quiet and reassuring. We realize why we are here, where we are going, and face the future with less bewilderment.

We have renewed our energy, interpreted to ourselves the signifi­ cance of the passing landscapes outside, received a vision of what may lie ahead, and are ready for the great trek into the future."

How meaningful these words become the more one ponders over them and how appropriate when applied to our own Island.

"Nantucket and the Rest of America", Robert P. Tristram Coffin's caption for his talk at our annual meeting, might well have been the caption for this editorial comment.

Nantucket, for the most part, is a museum to those who come from "America". They find no chrome, no glisten and as yet no transitory scene of new, everchanging, tearing down and rebuild­ ing. As Mr. Coffin stated: "for constancy, beauty, and independence in architecture, there is no place in the world like Nantucket". Its preservation lies in the fact that its houses were built by thrifty people who wanted things well arranged and shipshape. They were built by masters who roved the world and chose the best of what they saw to fit their needs. That they did well is proven by the modern day owners making so few changes.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Nantucket houses were built to live in but in their build­ ing there was included the story of the past, its defeats and triumphs, an enduring pattern of its solidarity but above all an atmosphere of strength and peaceful assurance. Those from the outer world can find time in such an atmosphere to gain a new perspective of life as to "why we are here, where we are going and to face the future with less bewilderment." Into that group Amer­ ica today finds a growing army of substantial citizens.

But how to maintain this unusual birthright should be Nan­ tucket's most thought about and discussed problem. The answer would seem to lie directly in the hands of those who inherited this birthright, the resident citizens of Nantucket. As the years pass, the ranks of those, who had direct contact with forebears who built the historic past, are rapidly being depleted. The ancient homes and buildings, which are the antechambers to Nantucket's mu­ seums are accepted and lived in, more often than not, just as old but useful dwellings, and Nantucket's museums being of the same atmosphere and climate are rarely entered by, in fact are mostly unknown to, the younger generation.

Not so with the visitors to our Island, for in 1953, 32,000 admissions were paid during the summer months to see our ex­ hibits. That is but a small drop in the bucket compared to those who roam the streets to see the old houses and breathe the historic atmosphere, many of whom then make up their minds to come again and then settle down.

A questionnaire circulated a few years ago among transient summer visitors sought free expressions of opinions as to how to make Nantucket attractive. Summarized, 97, the largest number in any one category, replied: "Want Nantucket atmosphere kept as is." To this end we recommend that our members pledge and lend their active support.

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60th Annual Meeting The 60th Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Asso­ ciation was held in Bennett Hall at 3 p.m. July 20, 1954, attended by approximately 350 members.

Records of the last annual meeting were read and approved.

It was voted to accept the report of the Treasurer as it ap­ peared in the July edition of Historic Nantucket.

Dr. Gardner, Chairman of the Council, made a few humorous and general remarks outlining the work of that body and moved: That the report of the Council and its committees, for the year, from the annual meeting of 1953 to the annual meeting of 1954, be accepted by title and printed or summarized in the next issue of the Association's magazine "Historic Nantucket".

This motion was duly seconded and carried.

President Nancy S. Adams next made her report on the activities of the Association during the past year (copy of this report is hereinafter presented) and stated that the present membership stands at 942.

Under the heading of new business President Adams extended a welcome to all "off-Island" members present and appealed to all for a continuance of support in the Nantucket Cottage Hospital annual fund raising campaign.

Mr. Chadwick, Chairman of the nominating committee re­ porting for that body, presented the following slate of officers and council members for the ensuing year: President: Vice-Presidents:

Secretary: Treasurer: Auditor:

Mrs. Nancy S. Adams Howard U. Chase Everett U. Crosby Burnham N. Dell Miss Grace Brown Gardner George W. Jones W. Ripley Nelson George W. Jones Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth Ormonde F, Ingall

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Two Councillors to serve until 1958: Mrs. Joseph King Mrs. Mitchell Todd We regret that Dr. William E. Gardner felt it necessary to retire from office after serving this Association in various capa­ cities for many years.

Respectfully submitted, Alcon Chadwick Rozelle C. Jones Robert D. Congdon Nominating Committee Motion was made and seconded and voted:- That the slate of officers and council members as presented be accepted, that further nominations be dispensed with and that the Secretary cast one ballot for the election of these officers and council members.

Mr. Crosby then took the floor and made the following re­ marks relative to Dr. Gardner's decision to retire :•— Madam President: This would seem to be a proper time for all the members of our Association to express their feelings to Dr. Gardner.

Therefore a motion is here made that the following senti­ ment be adopted by a vote of this meeting and conveyed to Dr. Gardner by our Secretary.

The retirement of Dr. William E. Gardner — "Dr. Will" as he is affectionately known by so many of us — from official connection with this Association is our great loss.

We have yielded to his request knowing his personal rea­ sons for so doing.

For many years he has been a leader in our midst by rea­ son of his exceptional talents, abilities and character. We have known and appreciated his vision, endless endeavor, calm councils, constant unselfishness and kindliness to all.

And accompanied with an unfailing sense of humor and fund of historical and, shall we say, fictional ancedotes.

This is but a milestone and may we travel together past many more years to come.

This motion met. with unanimous and heartfelt acceptance.

60TH ANNUAL MEETING

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Mrs. Adams gave the following testimonial quoting from Shakespeare:— " 'All the world's a stage And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances: And one man in his time plays many parts.' " "To William E. Gardner belongs the honor of having played many parts in the Nantucket Historical Association affairs and to the Association belongs the privilege of having received and ben­ efitted by the many parts he has played in their behalf."

President Nancy S. Adams then introduced the speaker of the day, Mr. Robert P. Tristram Coffin, a man but eight generations removed from one of the original twenty purchasers of: "The Is­ land Tristram Coffin and his wife Doris Stevens", saying: "The Nantucket Historical Association in celebrating its 60th Anniversary is particularly honored this afternoon in having as a guest speaker a direct descendant of Tristram Coffin, through Tristram Jr. of the Newbury branch of the Coffin family. I shall not try to enumerate the many titles with which our speaker is honored. He is well known as a poet, author and educator and a lover of Nantucket. I have the great honor of introducing to you Mr. Robert Peter Tristram Coffin, who is going to talk to you about Nantucket and the rest of America — Mr. Coffin."

The talk was most interesting and Mr. Coffin gave a number of his poems and ballads to illustrate his points.

Following this talk the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m., and was followed by a social period when old acquaintances were renewed and new ones begun.

Minutes as Recorded by GEORGE W. JONES, SECRETARY

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President's Report This annual summary of the activities of the Nantucket His­ torical Association is rendered with a deep feeling of humility.

My earnest desire has been to serve the Association as ably as has been done by our former Presidents and it has been a constant challenge. However, I have endeavored to meet this challenge and I trust that the activities of the past year have shown that your President has been progressive in thought and action.

Our Council members have been consistently loyal in their attendance at the monthly meetings and much serious business has been transacted. There have been several changes in member­ ship of the Council caused by resignations of Mr. Bassett Jones, Mrs. Oscar Eger, Mrs. Clark Coffin, and Mrs. Stacy Knopf. These vacancies have been filled by new members who, we hope, will learn to love our work and be useful volunteers for the many tasks involved in carrying on a large Society like ours. To say we regret the resignations of those who found it necessary to retire from active participation is only a mild statement. We are truly sorry to lose them and trust they will not fail in their interest because of retirement.

Your Vice-Presidents have held several meetings acting as a sort of executive committee in clearing the slate of many minor details thus relieving the Council from lengthy sessions.

The biggest project this year was the installation of a sprink­ ler system in the Whaling Museum. This project was ably handled

by Mr. W. Ripley Nelson who gave many hours of time, labor and supervision to get this work done in time for opening day. This work could never have been done had it not been for the financial assistance of a group of generous friends of the Association and I know you all wish, with me, to thank them most sincerely for their generous donations.

The Whaling Museum is now entering its 25th year of exis­ tence and is visited by thousands of interested people each year.

Under the supervision of Chairman Nelson the building is given good care. We are sorry to have to report that Mr. Wallace Long has had to take an enforced vacation because of illness. Our thoughts are with him and we wish him a speedy recovery.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

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The demolition of the House of Correction was found neces­ sary because of the rapid deterioration of the building and the great expense which would be found necessary to repair it. Mr. Burnham Dell has had the care of the Old Jail property as Chair­ man but has resigned to take up a more important position as Assistant Editor of "Historic Nantucket". His place has been ably filled by Mr. James Norcross.

The Old Mill has withstood any catastrophe this past year and is the object of ever-increasing interest to the visitors to our Island. Mr. Earl S. Ray is the present Chairman of that building and has given valuable advice about its upkeep.

The Oldest House has been undergoing further restoration and is now in excellent condition. Ardent care and devotion is given to the upkeep of this house by Chairman Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton and her committee and to them we extend appreciation for their labor of love.

"1800 House" has blossomed forth this year with new rooms for the crafts of the older generations. The Ceely loom has been set up in the small east room on the first floor and a quilting frame and implements for spinning, winding, and preparing flax and wool for weaving, have been set up on the second floor, in the South room. Mr. Everett Crosby and Mrs. Clark Coffin have had this project carried out and we think it is a great asset to the House.

With minor repairs the Fair Street Museum building has started another half century of service. Meetings were held in the Friends Meeting House through the summer of 1953 and are being held again this season.

To all the Custodians of these buildings we express apprecia­ tion for their never failing interest and responsibility in their duties. I would like at this time to express a deep sense of grati­ tude and praise to Mrs. Bessie C. Winslow, who has for twenty years, been Librarian at Fair Street Museum and has, in those years, given valuable assistance to many, many seekers of gene­ alogy. With her retirement from the position we would like her to know that she is greatly missed. Miss Alice Crocker, retired school teacher, has taken the position for this year.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Our financial affairs have been ably handled by the committee headed by Mr. Nelson and his co-workers, Mr. Earl Ray and Mr. Howard Chase with the ever-devoted labor of our faithful Treas­ urer Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth. Through their endeavors we are keeping the budget balanced.

The Secretary's position has been "off and on" through the year but we are fortunate now to have Mr. George W. Jones serving as Secretary. It has been found necessary to have addi­ tional clerical assistance the past year and most of the typing and office work has been done by Mrs. Arthur Vincent. We are using the gallery of the Meeting House at present for an office but during the cold winter months were grateful to be permitted to use desk space at the Red Cross Headquarters on Main Street. This room was the scene of great activity during the winter months. It has also been found necessary in view of growth and progress to obtain a public accountant and a counsellor at law for assistance in our many problems.

With the advent of "Historic Nantucket" in July 1953, we started a new project which has been diligently handled by the Editor, Mr. Nelson. No one can realize how many hours have been put into this project and we hope you like the magazine and . assure you as time goes on we hope it will be better and better.

Any suggestions will be given due consideration. To enable Mr. Nelson to carry on the labor, the Council appointed Mr. Burnham Dell and Miss Helen Winslow as Assistant Editors.

The Association in conjunction with the Civic League, Rotary, and Public Relations Committee of the Town has sponsored a very fine leaflet describing Main Street houses. The labor on this leaflet was arduously carried out by Mr. Nelson who was a constant record seeker in the Town Office for many weeks, proving owner­ ship, etc., in order to make as true a record as possible. The pur­ pose of these leaflets is to sell them at a very low cost to hotels, innkeepers, rooming houses, and business places to be distributed free by them to the visitors to our Island. We think it has proved to be a very successful project.

The Walter Folger Clock has continued to carry on its astro­ nomical wonders and has been carefully tended throughout the year by Mr. Grenville Curtis who has gone to the Museum once every week to wind the clock and make any necessary adjustments.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

12

On February 24th the third in a series of winter "Gams" was conducted at the Maria Mitchell Library and with Mr. Archie Cartwright as Chairman it was a genuine success. About 65 people gathered there for this real Nantucket entertainment.

Your President has been honored by being elected a Director of the Bay State Historical League, also the Council of Cape & Island Historical Societies.

I have attended two meetings of the Bay State League, one held in Boston in January and the other at Concord, Mass., in April. I have just recently attended a meeting of the Cape & Island's Council at Harwich, Mass. All these connections with the mainland Societies are very helpful both to the Nantucket Histor­ ical Association and to me. I also attended as a member of both Societies the Annual Meeting of the Dukes County Society in Edgartown and the Old Dartmouth Society in New Bedford.

In commemoration of our 60th Anniversary we invited the Bay State Historical League to hold their annual meeting here in Nantucket. The invitation was accepted and on June 25th about 90 of the delegates from member societies came to our Island and had a very happy twenty-four hour sojourn. The "Gam" with which we entertained them was a great success and many of the members were very enthusiastic in praise of the very enjoyable visit with our Association.

Also in celebrating our Anniversary we have been conducting a membership campaign with "1,000" members as cur goal. At this time we have not reached the end of the goal but are very close to it and I hope before the sun sets on this last day that we shall have reached even closer than at this minute. We now have 930 members. Of this number 142 are Life Members, 23 new; 55 Sus­ taining Members, 38 new, and 733 Annual Active Members, 418 of these are new. Four hundred seventy-nine new members have joined since the start of our campaign. This is very gratifying and we hope we can hold to this number for many years. We have had some resignations and many of our members have passed away the past year and at this time we express our sympathy to the members of their families.

A series of informal lectures has been arranged for the sum­ mer months and already two of them have been given in the Friends Meeting House on Tuesday afternoons July 6th and 13th.

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

We were favored with a fine talk by Mr. Leeds Mitchell about his father, Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell, who was the Association's first President and by Mr. Everett U. Crosby who spoke about Nan­ tucket Silversmiths, Light Ship Baskets, and Nantucket's Under­ ground Moon. This was a good start for our series and there are many topics for the coming Tuesdays that will be of an interesting nature. These lectures are free to all and we hope you will avail yourselves of the opportunity to hear them.

More and more people are more thoughtful about our Ameri­ can past as has been demonstrated by the interest shown in restorations all over the country. May the work continue in good earnest.

With the close of this report I would like to express my thanks and deep appreciation to all Council Members, Chairmen of Com­ mittees and all who have in many ways been of valuable assistance to me during my term of office as your first woman President and I hope I have not been derelict in my duty to our fine Association.

Thank you.

Nancy S. Adams, President

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Nantucket and the Rest of America Address by Robert P. Tristram Coffin at the Sixtieth Annual Meeting.

by Mrs. Merle T. Blackshaw.

Mr. Coffin, who is well known the world over for his literary achievements in the field of poetry and prose and as a noted lecturer, spoke most informally, delighting his audience with his rendition of many of his ballads, some of which had Nantucket as their subject.

His subject, "Nantucket and the Rest of America", he said, "was an inspiration on the telephone when Mr. Will Gardner was talking to me the other day. I'm frank to say that I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to talk about even now. I think I feel some ideas coming on, but before I do say anything up that par­ ticular street of Nantucket and the Rest of America, I must . . . read a poem that Dr. Will has said is one of his favorites ... on the subject connected with the many magnificent portraits you have here, especially primitive ones, in your different museums." Mr. Coffin then read a little ballad about the wandering portrait paint­ ers of America, who went around the country with a sample lot of bodies "to put your face on."

In speaking of his family, he said: "By the way we have a very ancient history across the water as I discovered when I lived in England and got to know some of the Coffins over there . . . they stole the 'Tristram' to use on their own sons and so I stole their favorite boy's name right back, and it has been on a Coffin heir for over six hundred years, Richard . . . the debt is now evened up."

"What can I say about Nantucket? I can say plenty but I'm not going to ... I can tell you perhaps some things you didn't know about—that my ancestor was the first man on earth to pass a prohibitory liquor law, for the benefit of the Indians not the white people, on the island of Nantucket. ... He was a great man in many, many other ways. He was constantly getting into hot water and it was getting into hot water that he came to Nantucket, I think. It was an attribute of most Americans, the early ones, that they got into such hot water that they jumped high and far into hotter water farther on. ... I think practically

15

everybody in America, by the way, is related to him. I have no distinction in so being, but I do have the distinction of being only eight stairs down; most of my contemporaries are twelve and thirteen. But in eight strides we have covered the time of his coming until now. I think it is sort of an example of long-windedness or long-stridedness, or something in the family that made it possible to cover so many generations so quickly.

NANTUCKET AND THE REST OF AMERICA

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. . Every war had a Coffin in the midst of it, having a repu­ tation even before Nantucket of being in the middle of trouble."

He went on to mention the famous Coffin Reunion of 1881, saying that he thought all the two or three thousand Tristram Coffins in the country all got their name from that reunion. His mother also had several favorite men's names, "and I got the whole batch ... it so happened that my mother was also a Coffin, back two generations, so I got a double dose of family names and I have always been proud of it, and proud of Nantucket and I have written about it, and, by George, I feel a ballad coming on about the Island of Nantucket now, about my ancestors, the whalers of this island."

Mr. Coffin read the ballad "The Square-Toed Princess", fol­ lowing it with several others, interspersed with the Yankee humor found only in those whose roots are firmly imbedded in New England.

In connecting Nantucket to the "rest of the world", Mr. Coffin said that what Nantucket had done well, the rest of the world was quick to follow. He stated that he wanted to answer the question "What makes America tick?" and went on to prove his theory that it was by independence, expansion and mysticism that Amer­ ica—a new country—was able to catch up with a great many older civilizations. America had to be independent or die three hundred years ago; it had to expand because nothing in a vacuum can ever live; and he described what he called the "mysticism" as learning to live with the howling wind, the running waters, the great seas, the wild animals, and the wild Indians, and to learn from them the many things which formed the background of this country. He illustrated his points with many songs and ballads, reading them with feeling and giving his listeners a small idea of one of the reasons -why he has become the famous writer and lecturer he is today. His ballads touched on whaling, schools, church, the old swimming hole, and other common everyday American things which find a spontaneous feeling of sympathy in those who read and hear them.

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Annual Reports 1953 - 1954 Reports of the Membership and Finance Committees; Exhibit Attendance Record; the Balance Sheet, Earnings & Surplus Statements as submitted by the Treasurer were published in the July issue of "Historic Nantucket". Additional reports from chair­ men of the various exhibits are presented hereinafter as provided for by resolution at the annual meeting.

Whaling Museum W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman.

The outstanding accomplishment at the Whaling Museum was completion of the installation of an automatic dry pipe sprinkler system, by the Rockwood Sprinkler Company of Worcester, and formal inspection and approval thereof by the New England Fire Insurance Rating Association. Special care was observed to have this system cover every area of the building. This led to finding many hidden areas not observable to the eye between various odd floor levels but which were very definite fire hazards. The installa­ tion assures, in so far as possible, the safety and preservation of one of the Association's and Nantucket's most valuable historic sites and collections against the hazard of fire.

Repainting the entrance hall an attractive yellow green has been a great improvement for it gives a cheery and good house­ keeping welcome to the visitor upon entering. The porous condition of the east wall and the lack of gutters and leaders presents a major problem which must be faced promptly for in an easterly storm, rain water penetrates through the walls to such an extent that puddles of water have to be mopped up. This is resulting in rapid deterioration of walls, floors, and ceilings, and prohibits further redecorating but more important, the use of the east side inside wall space for exhibits.

Paid admissions of 15,865 for 1953-54 attest to the popularity of the Whaling Museum and its claim to being Nantucket's lead­ ing single historic attraction. This figure represents an increase of 4,064 over 1952-53 and almost equaled the 1951-52 record of 16,053 when the admission charge was only 25c plus tax as com­ pared with the present charge of 50c with no tax. The effect on

ANNUAL REPORTS

18

earnings is the most encouraging factor for in 1953-54 admissions and sales amount to $8,321.71 as against $6,088.11 for 1952-53 and $4,223.95 for 1951-52.

"1800 House" Everett U. Crosby, Chairman.

When conversing with my friends the Melhados in New York in 1952, I found they were ready to sell what we call the "1800 House", provided it could go into ownership that would bid fair to preserve it. They were immediately pleased with the suggestion that they donate it to our Historical Association and from that time on I personally have enjoyed one of my pleasantest activities with the Association in restoring it and assisting Nancy Adams in the selection of a majority of its furnishings, which were among the collections at the Fair Street Museum.

Of late, Marie Coffin has been co-chairman with me, prelimi­ nary to taking over, which transfer is taking place at this time.

Mrs. Coffin is thoroughly familiar with "1800 House" and has personally with her husband during recent months spent much time in arranging and putting in order our most recent acquisi­ tions, namely the considerable equipment in our spinning room now located in the second floor of the house, and the carpet weav­ ing room in the first floor adjoining the keeping-room at the east.

Its great loom Mr. and Mrs. John H. Bartlett, Jr., have advised us about and have kindly undertaken to set it up for complete opera­ tion this fall.

There is one thing aside from all this which I wish to empha­ size, thinking of the future. It is that avowedly and by repeated assertions and complete sympathetic understanding and coopera­ tion of the Council and the officers of the Association, this, our newest property, has been set up and maintained as a residence as it could have been furnished in 1800 by its then owners, approxi­ mately from the Revolutionary to the Civil Wars period. It is not a museum for collections, intelligently described by placecards, such we have elsewhere at the Fair Street Museum and the Whal­ ing Museum, excellently and properly described. It is my hope that this principle will be strictly maintained at "1800 House" as otherwise a slow and perhaps unconscious intrusion of contents and exhibition methods which did not properly belong according to this intent, might, before it was realized, change the picture.

19

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Historical Museum Nancy S. Adams, Chairman.

There have been no major changes in this building the past year. The attendance was 3,493 for the year compared with 2,459 for the previous year but at the start of this season we are falling behind in numbers. An open house afternoon last Autumn was well attended and two groups of school children were shown through the building in the Spring.

Much work was done on the files of papers in the vault and filing cabinet, making them more accessible. Cleaning and changes were made in the exhibit cases and new exhibit cards made.

The visitors to the museum are very much interested and ask many questions about exhibits. The Walter Folger Clock, cared for all through the year by Mr. Grenville Curtis, was an outstanding object of interest.

The Oldest House Mildred C. Edgarton, Chairman.

In recording the progress of the past year in the Oldest House, undoubtedly, the most important step has been the continuation of the interior restoration, begun in the early months of 1953.

At that time, restoration was started on the west side of the house. This year, similar steps have been taken on the east side.

The modern auxiliary beams, supported by metal stirrups, were removed and by laying a new sub-floor above, covered with the old boards, the floor has been sufficiently strengthened to support the present traffic load and we have been able to restore the original appearance of the first floor room, with just the one original summer beam in evidence. By whitewashing the under­ neath side of the new boards as well as the joists, girts and plastered sidewalls, we now have achieved the desired effect and everyone seems to approve of its present appearance.

The custom, begun last year, of having the custodian in authentic 17th Century costume, has been continued, and has greatly added to the atmosphere of this early American home.

With volunteer hostesses, some of them in costume, to assist the custodian on busy summer afternoons, we have been better able to care for the increasing number of visitors, and to answer their many questions in connection -with its early history.

ANNUAL REPORTS

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In order to recreate the homelike atmosphere, we have en­ deavored to maintain a constant supply of fresh flowers through­ out the house, and are greatly indebted to a number of interested and faithful friends of the Association, who have rallied to that need and have thereby made it more colorful and attractive.

A survey of our budget will show that additional funds have been spent in its daily maintenance. This has been well worth­ while, when one realizes the wear and tear of several thousand people passing through it in the course of a season.

We have been most fortunate in a number of acquisitions of various types of furnishings, all of which have greatly added to the general attractiveness of the house. We hope that we may continue to acquire additional items of needed furniture as the years go by.

Perhaps the remark of a recent visitor best exemplifies our aims in maintaining and caring for the Oldest House, when she said: "Every year I come to the Oldest House, to try to recapture some of the simplicity and dignity of life as it was, in the days when this house was just lived in."

We look forward to continuing the work of restoration on the second floor, and in the attic, during the next few years, as funds permit us to accomplish that end.

Old Mill Earl S. Ray, Chairman.

While the Mill has been one of Nantucket's landmarks for years it has always presented a financial problem for it has proved most difficult to induce the visitor, who can see so much from the outside, to pay an admission fee to see the ancient wooden inner works. In 1953 the admission charge was removed and in its stead visitors were asked to make a voluntary contribution for the up­ keep of the Old Mill. The number of admissions increased from 1997 to 3127 and gross income increased from $325.50 to $638.30.

Mr. John Greene, Custodian, makes visitors feel that they are really welcome and stirs their interest and prompts many a ques­ tion by his interesting and informative comments about the mill and its ancient wooden mechanism.

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Bay State Historical League Annual Meeting Visitors Come Aboard for a Gam.

BY HELEN L. WINSLOW

On June 25th the Bay State Historical League held its annual meeting here at the invitation of the Nantucket Historical Asso­ ciation, with President Stacy B. Southworth of Braintree presiding.

Of the 125 member organizations, 44 were represented, with the largest visiting delegation present from the Fitchburg and Ar­ lington historical societies. One member came all the way from the Western Hampden Historical Society at Westfield.

In welcoming the League, Mrs. Adams spoke briefly of the progress which has been made by the Nantucket Historical Associa­ tion since its organization sixty years ago, and extended an invi­ tation to all to see its exhibits. Visitors had previously been supplied with descriptive leaflets and tickets of general admission.

President Southworth outlined a movement to fight legislative proposals that Boston's Mystic River bridge be named for the late Maurice Tobin, former Mayor, Governor of Massachusetts and, be­ fore his death, Secretary of Labor. He further described efforts to be made to name the bridge for Revolutionary hero General John Stark who directed American forces in the battle for control of the river section.

Strong support is expected from the Bunker Hill Historical As­ sociation whose president has already advised the Bay State head that his organization is ready to back the General Stark proposal.

Sons of the American Revolution are also supporting the move.

The League president said that $100 is being raised to send mimeographed material on General Stark to state historical so­ cieties. Local observers close to the Beacon Hill political scene, said that several names are expected to be put before the legislators including John F. Fitzgerald, former mayor of Boston.

New Hampshire historical groups also plan to add their voices to the din on Beacon Hill when legislators convene this fall. General Stark, whose defense of the Mystic River section against the Brit­ ish regiments won him fame in the Colonies, was a New Hampshire native.

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING

22

Newly elected officers were: President—Dr. A. Warren Stearns of Billerica, former dean of the Tufts Medical School; VicePresidents—Rev. Laurence L. Barber of Arlington, Bertram K. Little of Brookline, T. Temple Pond of Boston; Secretary—Mrs. Winthrop P. Haynes of Boxford; Treasurer—Paul C. Hanna of Framingham. Mrs. Walton H. Adams, President of the Nantucket Historical Association, became one of the Directors-at-Large.

A Nantucket "Gam", a custom which islanders have inherit­ ed from the whaling era when ships met in mid-ocean and men visited to exchange news and stories, was the featured entertain­ ment of the evening. "Gammers", Mrs. Charlotte Giffin King, Mrs. Rozelle Coleman Jones, Mrs. Adams, Dr. William E. Gardner, Edouard. Stackpole, and George Jones, were introduced by Chair­ man Leroy H. True, who humorously apologized for being the only "off-islander" on the panel, attributing the error to his parents.

Conversation then moved swiftly and story followed upon story as the group recalled Nantucket's past.

In outlining reasons for first settlement in 1659, George Jones emphasized the economic, although he noted that Thomas Macy and Tristram Coffin were well-to-do. Others, settling first in Mass­ achusetts and finding a repetition of the English pattern of re­ ligious oppression, may have found the Island, then under the jurisdiction of New York, a place of refuge.

"Will" Gardner, "a self-acclaimed heretic about Tristram", injected lightly that he wasn't entirely certain that these ex­ planations, albeit generally accepted, could be applied to this "cantankerous" early settler. Tristram, arriving first at Salisbury, mofed often. While at Newbury he "formed a company and bought up Haverhill from the Indians". The deed, now to be seen at Exeter, N. H., was agreed upon for one arrow and one bow. Tristram only lived at Haverhill for four years, then returned to Newbury to operate a ferry from Carr's Island. Trouble arose here when Tristram's wife "made the beer too rich". Dr. Gardner believes that Tristram "wished to express his individuality" and that "Nantucket was the place." Furthermore he suspects that Tris­ tram and his son, Peter, who had vast lumber interests, owning both timber and sawmills, saw in Nantucket a place to use this lumber. Therefore, upon meeting Thomas Mayhew in court and learning of the merits of the Island, "no lumber—good fish—good place for raising sheep, no wolves, but plenty of ponds for washing

23

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

. . he shortly afterwards formed a company with Edward Starbuck and others. These early proprietors bought the land from Thomas Mayhew for "thirty pieces of silver and two beaver hats— one for Mayhew and one for his wife". He "raised the Devil here, too!" Dr. Gardner characterized him as "irascible, dominating, and altogether an unfortunate man!" Irreligious, too, for he al­ lowed for no church services.

Leroy True then remarked that the original price of the Island is now incorporated in the seal of the Nantucket Historical As­ sociation. The present assessed value of the Island is around $13,000,000.

Later, Mr. Jones explained, the Indians collected "their pound of flesh" in a well-worded deed of transfer for an additional £26.

The Island was shortly divided into twenty full, and fourteen half, shares, or 27 shares.

In answer to the chairman's question, "When did the propri­ etors begin to wrangle over property?" Mr. Jones went on to de­ scribe the development of two "factions". "The 'half-share men' led by John Gardner opposed Tristram's rule, and complaints to the New York governor were legion, the Coffin clan vs. the Gardner clan. Years later John's daughter, Mary, became engaged to Peter Coffin's son, Jethro. Peter agreed to give lumber for the house; John agreed to give the land. When the wedding day arrived, Peter inquired to see the deed. Upon discovering its absence, he declared: 'No land, no wedding!' John had to produce the deed before the wedding ceremony could take place."

"And that deed has never been found!" ejaculated Dr. Gard­ ner.

Mrs. Adams, reminded of the famous "Indian closet" story, told of the drunken Indian who fell into an upstairs closet through a loose board in the attic of Nantucket's "Oldest House", built from Peter's lumber on John's land at the top of Sunset Hill. The Indian entered the adjoining bedroom where Mary, her husband off-island, was rocking her baby. Horrified when the savage began to sharpen his knife on the hearthstone, the young mother swept up her child and ran down the stairs and out of the house to safety, just barely avoiding the grasp of the Indian who, made unsteady from the effects of too much "fire-water", lurched and fell down the steps.

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING

24

Mrs. Charlotte King suggested that the visitors might see in the dish closet of the Jethro Coffin House some pieces of green china. According to legend a Nantucket wife asked her whaling captain husband to bring her a set of china. After a four-year voyage the captain returned with a very large set packed in a number of casks. When the first cask was unpacked in the kitchen, the mistress of the house looked at it, saw that it was green, and said simply, "I would have preferred thee had brought blue."

The china was promptly stored away in the cellar, and the subject was never mentioned again.

Mrs. Rozelle Jones then told an amusing story of the famous blue and white "put-it-here" china which had been hand-painted "to order" for the wife of a Nantucket captain. At her request scripture passages were lettered in the center of each dish. How­ ever, upon its arrival in Nantucket, the set was found to be un­ usable since her careful instructions to "put it here" had been included at the end of each verse. The last known piece was found in use as a soap dish on a Polpis farm, and was taken to a home in West Medford. Later it was accidently broken by a carpenter working in the house. Hearing this story, Mrs. Jones' father, Dr. Ellenwood Coleman, long looked for another piece of this unusual china but to no avail. It would be a rare collector's item.

The chairman's remark that the Quakers or Friends, in Nan­ tucket from about 1700 to 1900, were not the original settlers, but formed "a firm heritage" of the Island, brought a series of Quaker stories from the panel.

Will Gardner noted that Quakers seldom spoke profanely even on board ship. He recalled the Quaker captain who "sailed with a good crew except for Jack, who swore like a trouper". One day the captain called Jack aft, "Does thee know that thee is an inveterate swearer?" The sailor demurred that he "meant nothing by it." The good captain then ordered him to "take my coat and wear it for a week, and thee'll find thee'll not be disposed to swear".

At the end of the week Jack returned the coat. In answer to the captain's inquiry he agreed that he had had "no desire to swear" but had had "a hell of a hankerin' to lie".

This story reminded Mrs. Adams of the Quaker captain of a coasting vessel, frustrated in his attempts to dock at New York by an uncooperative Nova Scotia captain who refused to move.

25

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Whereupon the captain summoned a member of the crew, "Friend Peter, come up here and talk some of thy ill-advised language!"

Handing him the speaking trumpet, the captain added, "And don't spare thyself, Peter."

Mrs. Jones repeated the rebuke of an old Quaker, "Friend Charles, if thee'd be one half as economical of this world's goods, as thee is of the truth, thee'd be the richest man in Nantucket."

To further illustrate Quaker frugality, "Eddie" Stackpole told about the wife of a skipper of a coastal vessel who decided to have a candy pull to surprise the children. The next night when the captain returned home, their son, awake upstairs, overheard his parents talking: "Jonathan, does thee remember the barrel of molasses the rat fell in?"

"Yes." "I have disposed of it."

Will Gardner then told of his personal experiences at a Nan­ tucket candy frolic. According to custom the girls would hide, while the boys hunted for them between six o'clock and curfew.

The only known clue was the smell of cooking candy in the house where they would be found. In this instance "Will" and his friends found candy cooking in every house. They were further confounded by the fact that the man of the house had papered over the wall to hide the door of the closet where the girls were secluded.

Needless to say there was a window in the closet. Promptly at nine o'clock a delighted group of girls appeared on the steps of the house to confront the sheepish boys.

That these candy frolics were not exclusive to the unmarried set was brought out by Mrs. Jones. A young mother of twins who had tried unsuccessfully all day to leave the house to hide without the knowledge of her alert husband, solved the problem nicely at supper time by dropping a baby in each of his arms and running out of the house.

Another subterfuge was described by Dr. Gardner who then recalled that one girl had changed her dress in two houses. He recognized her each time she came out, but failed to catch her at the third house.

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING

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A quaint Quaker story was told by Mrs. Adams. Visitors to the island applied for accommodations at a boarding house kept

by Quakers, and were met with this reply: "Yes, we can eat thee, but we shall be compelled to sleep thee in Coffin's." The tourists enjoyed the situation when the full meaning was grasped.

The chairman then directed the discussion to the subject of agriculture. Corn was the subsistence crop of the Island which at one time boasted four mills. There were also nearly 9,000 sheep.

Mr. Jones read several excerpts from town records describing the marks of ownership on sheep's ears as registered with the proprietors of the island. He also pointed out that Peter Coffin had been given a monopoly of the corn trade and was the only man allowed to trade corn to the mainland.

Mrs. Adams spoke briefly of the sheep gates separating the residential area from the commons. Uncle Cash who kept the New Town gate was also well known throughout the community for his quaint way of advertising his wares: "Here's your good apples. Who buys?

Here's your good pears. Who buys?

Here's your good apples and pears. Who buys?

Onions five cents a bunch.

Tomorrow is my giving-away day!"

This prompted Will Gardner to reminisce nostalgically about the delicious kelp and seaweed smell on the early morning air which prefaced the fish-monger's cry of "Fish! Fresh fish!"

In introducing the topic of whaling, Chairman True briefly sketched the industry's early beginnings in Nantucket, circa 1670, from land stations and tryworks on the beach. These were later transferred to shipboard as the search for whales took Nantucketers to all parts of the world.

Mr. Stackpole, noted authority on whaling, outlined a few of the many remarkable things about this industry. Voyages were two to three years long or even longer. This fact made the women of Nantucket outstanding; they were required to take care of business at home. Logbooks, kept by the mate, were often the "examination papers" by which he advanced to captain. (Here the speaker inserted the anecdote of the mate who celebrated too

27

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

much at Valparaiso. The captain entered on the log: "Mate came aboard ship drunk." The mate upon reading this remonstrated with the captain fully realizing that it would be considered a de­ merit by the owners. The captain, however, refused to remove the damaging statement, remarking, "Well, it's true, isn't it?"

Much to his consternation in picking up the log several days later, the captain read the following at the close of each day's entry: "Captain sober today." To his query came the reply, "Well, it's true, isn't it?") Perhaps the outstanding fact is the enterprise of the whaleman, "as much at home on sea as on land." These men had confidence, ability; they "invested in themselves", and they "give present Nantucketers something to think about. Nan­ tucket was once the greatest whaling port in the world". Only 95 years ago, despite the fact that whaling had moved away from the Island and it was faced with depression, Nantucket whaling masters were in demand in other ports.

The fact that wives of some of the whaling captains fre­ quently accompanied their husbands on long Pacific voyages was well illustrated by Mrs. Adams with stories of her grandmother.

Soon after Captain Charles Grant, who has been acknowledged Nantucket's most successful whaling captain, arrived home in 1849 from a voyage in the "Walter Scott," his wife informed him, "If you go out again, you ship me, too." In August of that year they sailed*together in the ship "Potomac", and in the following Decem­ ber their first child Charles William Grant, was born at Pitcairn's Island, famous as the home of the mutineers of the "Bounty".

Mrs. Grant with baby Charles went on the next voyage on the ship "Mohawk". A daughter, Eleanor, now 99 years old, was born at Bay of Islands, New Zealand, and later in the same voyage, another son, George, the father of Mrs. Adams, was born at Apia, Island of Opolu, in the Samoan Islands. When Mrs. Grant rejoined the ship with baby George, she wrapped him in a banana leaf.

Dr. Gardner took this opportunity to question the veracity of the following George Grant story: The young seaman fell in love with a Nantucket girl who promised to marry him if he'd bring back a parrot that could recite the Lord's Prayer. Although this was a large order, George secured a parrot in the tropics and took on the task despite the fact that 'Forgive us our trespasses' almost stymied the bird. He even carved a beautiful scrimshaw cage.

However, when he arrived at Cottage City near the end of the

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING

28

voyage a New Bedford man offered him one hundred dollars for the talented bird. When the offer reached $250, George could no longer refuse, although he feared what his sweetheart might say.

At length the young man returned to Nantucket with much trepi­ dation. Upon inquiring about the young lady when he reached shore, he learned that she had married a man at Cottage City.

Mrs. Adams agreed that such a story did exist, then told another well known in the Grant family. As was customary, Capt.

Charles Grant nailed a bounty, in this instance a twenty-dollar gold piece, to the mainmast with four copper tacks. This prize was to be earned by the first person on ship to sight a whale.

Shortly afterwards, "Grandmother, hanging out clothes, sighted a whale, gave the traditional cry, and won the twenty-dollar gold piece". Mrs. Adams then demonstrated the call assisted by William H. Tripp, Curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, who was seated among the audience.

"Thar blo-ows."

"Where-away ?"

"Two points off the starboard bow!"

Chairman True concluded the topic by summarizing the effect which the introduction of kerosene played in bringing about the decline of whaling.

Conversation then turned to the problems of Nantucket during times of war. The chairman stressed the fact that during the Revolutionary War 1,600 Nantucket men were either captured, killed, or lost at sea, and that the War of 1812 brought similar problems. It is doubtful whether any other community of the times sacrificed one-third of its population.

Mrs. Adams and Mr. Stackpole discussed the part played by the three Rotch ships, the "Beaver", the "Dartmouth", and the "Eleanor", in the Boston Tea Party. Francis Rotch, then in Lon­ don, arranged to take the cargo from the East India Company.

Upon the tea's arrival in Boston all consignees refused it except Governor Hutchinson and some of his friends. Then followed the well-known meeting at Old South Church and the party of "In­ dians" at the wharf. With the exception of a broken hatch cover, not one of the vessels was harmed. Another famous Nantucket ship was the "Bedford", commanded by Captain William Mooers, which displayed the first American flag in a British port.

29

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mr. Jones, in defense of Nantucket's loyalty to the American cause, stated that 21 Nantucketers served on the "Bon Homme Richard" and the "Ranger" under John Paul Jones. Existing records show that 56 Nantucketers served on American privateers, and that there were more than a hundred known subscribers to the defense of the Colonies among the islanders. However, he clearly pointed out that the Island was, by its very location, be­ tween two fires. An active pro-American sympathy meant no food; therefore, an attitude of pro-British sympathy was expe­ dient for existence.

The gam ended in a humorous vein with three anecdotes told

by Mrs. King and Mrs. Adams. The first served to illustrate the uncertainty of mail service in the Pacific as evidenced by the following correspondence between a whaleman and his wife: "Dear Ezra, where did you put the axe?"

(Fourteen months later.) "Dear Martha, what did you want the axe for?"

(Two years later.) "Dear Ezra, never mind about the axe.

What did you do with the hammer?"

The second grew out of the story of the wreck of the "H. P. Kirkham", bound from Halifax to New York with a cargo of dry and pickled fish, which struck on Rose and Crown Shoal in the evening of January 20, 1892. The rescue of the crew on the fol­ lowing day is considered one of the most outstanding in the history of the Lifesaving Service. To Keeper Chase and to each of the rescuing crew was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. In later years George Lawly, a former summer resident living on the Cliff, hearing this story "down town" was greatly impressed. When he reached home that day he found Josiah B. Gould mowing the lawn. Mr. Lawly, after pacing back and forth across the lawn in the wake of the mower and recounting the story enthusiastically in great detail, climaxed his remarks with the question, "Don't you wish you'd been there?" " 'Si B.' said. 'I was'.

And he never missed a blade of grass," Mrs. King concluded triumphantly.

The final reminiscence, contributed by Mrs. Adams, concerned Benny Cleveland's advertisement, "I will sleep in the homes of timid women, 15c each night—2 nights for a quarter."

BAY STATE HISTORICAL LEAGUE ANNUAL MEETING

30

The evening's entertainment concluded with a reading of the salty Obed Gardner will, by Mrs. H. Brooks Walker.

Following the meeting an informal reception was held and refreshments were served providing an opportunity for members of our association to meet and greet their visitors, which resulted in many an interesting conversation.

The refreshment committee included Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton, Chairman; Mrs. Howard C. Barber, Mrs. Howard U. Chase, Mrs. Henry B. Coleman, Mrs. Burnham N. Dell, Mrs. Oscar B. Eger, Mrs. Herbert W. Foye, Mrs. Richard V. Gray, Mrs. George W. Jones, Mrs. Joseph King, Mrs. William L. Mather, Mrs. W. Ripley Nelson, Mrs. James A. Norcross, Mrs. Cyril C. Ross, Mrs. C. L. Sibley, Mrs. Harry B. Turner, Mrs. Franklin F. Webster, Miss Helen L. Winslow, and Mrs. C. Clark Coffin.

31

History Making Events The annual organization meeting of the Council of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association was held Friday, July 23rd, at the Friends Meeting House. Mrs. Nancy S. Adams was elected Chair­ man of the Council, succeeding Dr. William E. Gardner whose re­ tirement was announced with regret at the annual meeting of the members. Mrs. Adams will continue as President to which office she was re-elected by the members.

Chairmen of the various buildings were reappointed as follows: Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House, Mrs. Walton H. Adams; Oldest House, Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton; Old Mill, Mr. Earl S. Ray; Old Jail, Mr. James A. Norcross; Whaling Museum, Mr. W. Ripley Nelson. With respect to 1800 House, Mr. Everett U. Crosby, who has served as chairman since the acquisition and is re­ sponsible for its successful development, asked to be relieved and upon his recommendation Mrs. C. Clark Coffin was appointed chairman.

Mr. Burnham N. Dell was reappointed chairman for the Old North Cemetery and Mr. John W. Grout for the Old 'Sconset Pump, for which properties the association was designated some years ago by vote of Town Meeting as the agency to keep them in order under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.

Messrs. Earl S. Ray, Howard U. Chase, and W. Ripley Nelson were reappointed to serve as the Finance Committee. The Presi­ dent, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, was designated to carry on the work of the Membership Committee, and she was reappointed Custodian of Collections.

Advertising and publicity will be handled as at present by Mrs. Nancy S. Adams and W. Ripley Nelson. The latter was re­ appointed Editor of "Historic Nantucket". Miss Helen L. Winslow and Mr. Burnham N. Dell will continue to serve as Associate Editors.

Our President, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, during the past summer, was elected a Director-at-Large of the Bay State Historical League and subsequently a member of the Council of Cape & Island Historical Societies. These two elections are a signal honor for Mrs. Adams for the two groups represent opposite extremes in age,

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

32

the former dating back to 1903 whereas the latter is newly organ­ ized this summer. It is recognition of her outstanding position as an authoritative historian. Our association will surely benefit from our President's direct contact and work with these two historical groups.

In celebrating the Association's 60th Anniversary, our President arranged a series of eight informal lectures which were held at the Friends Meeting House on Tuesday afternoons during July and August. The speakers and the subjects of their talks were: Mr. Leeds Mitchell: "Story of the Association's first President, Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell."

Mr. Everett U. Crosby: "Nantucket Silversmiths; Nantucket Lightship Baskets; Nantucket Underground Moon."

Dr. William E. Gardner: "Scribbling About Our Ancestors."

Mr. Burnham N. Dell; "Quakerism in Nantucket."

Mr. Edouard A. Stackpole: "Old Nantucket."

Rev. Clinton T. Macy: "Tristram Coffin's Dream of Empire."

Miss Helen L. Winslow: "The Folk Art of the American Whalemen."

Mrs. Nancy S. Adams: "A Nantucket Whaleman and His Family."

A member of the Council, or the Association, presided at each meeting as chairman and acted as host to welcome visitors. Those who served in this capacity were: Mrs. Nancy S. Adams, Dr. Wil­ liam E. Gardner, Henry C. Carlisle, George W. Jones, Howard U. Chase, W. Ripley Nelson, and Miss Grace Brown Gardner. A ques­ tion and answer period, conducted by the chairman, followed each lecture which produced many interesting sidelights. Our President is to be congratulated upon the success of these lectures which produced an average attendance of 100, and a wealth of favorable comment. It is hoped that a similar series can be arranged for next summer.

Accessions for the year 1953-1954 were reported in the July issue under the title of gifts and donors. Since that report there have been a number of interesting accessions at our various build­ ings.

At the Whaling Museum there have been added to the library several of the new books on whaling. Under bequest from Mrs.

33

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Sarah Swain Phillips we received a fine portrait of her father Capt.

William T. Swain; an old sea chest and several framed drawings of subjects taken from a log book. We have received copies of a collection of letters from whaleship captains to their owners C. G. & H. Coffin, dated from 1828 to 1863. These were a gift of Mr. Henry C. Carlisle.

An outstanding gift from the Atkins home on Brant Point, given by a granddaughter, is a fine old mahogany secretary, formerly in the home of Robert and Gertrude King on Union Street.

This acquisition has been placed at the Historical Museum.

Mrs. Florence Bennett Anderson has very generously donated the last remaining copies of her book, "A Grandfather for Ben­ jamin Franklin". The proceeds from the sale of these books is to be deposited in the treasury.

There have been several interesting loans and donations at the Oldest House. Among those at "1800 House" are a pair of hand woven linen towels, dated 1800; an old silk and velvet auto­ graph quilt and a fine old knife box. A very handsome four post bed, which has been a loan, has been removed and we are very much in need of a high four post bed to fill its place. Please com­ municate with Mrs. Adams if you have one.

Memories of old Nantucket were brought back to many through a special exhibition of pictures shown during August in the Friends Meeting House. The pictures, loaned and arranged by Mr. David Gray, Jr., were photographs of selected subjects found in the Historical Association's famous Henry Wyer collec­ tion of glass slides. The pictures, enlarged, developed, and finished

by Mr. Gray, included views of the town, Nantucket railroad, the old steamboats, famous Nantucket wrecks and old landmarks such as the Swain farm at Polpis. Mr. Gray has done a great deal of this type of work as a hobby for a number of years. The pictures shown, displayed in old time frames, ordinarily hang in his home at Polpis as part of a large collection of excellent reproductions.

Newcomers as well as old timers enjoyed the exhibition which so graphically presented Nantucket of the past.

M.UTm

to

»» a Plan cards "A Littl. ', r through explanatory ds. A Little Local Color Not Found in History Books" is the I017

a Start has been nMde exhiWts

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

34

caption for the story of "The Stone Fleet" as depicted in a number of prints. The destruction of the Arctic Whaling fleet as shown in Benjamin Russell's beautiful prints is now described under the heading New Bedford's Worst Disaster". The sequence of pictures, Whaling on the Brig Daisy", remounted and redescribed, present a fascinating story of the life of an old time whaler. The case showing the "trousseau" of the baby, Mary Palmer Nye, born in the West Indies during a whaling voyage, has been relocated and the story presented through excerpts from the journal kept by Mrs. Mary Harris Nye while on board the Bark Alto of Fairhaven before the birth of her child and during her sojourn on land at the time of her birth. Mrs. Herbert W. Foye, Receptionist, and Miss Helen L. Winslow, Librarian, are responsible jointly for these new presentations which greatly enhance the interest of the public in the exhibits.

Three new exhibits have been presented this year in the library of the Whaling Museum. Arranged and set up with descriptive cards in three separate glass cases, they tell stories of whaling not heretofore available to the public for the items shown are too old and valuable to permit handling.

Old log books opened at interesting recordings telling stories new to this age and descriptions of the symbols used by whalemen in their log books is the subject of one case. The item of greatest interest is the log book of "Ship Edward Carey" with many il­ lustrations in color, drawn and colored by the keeper of the log.

Various old time whaling records are assembled in another case. These include: A sailor's account—monies due & spent; slops list; bill of sale of 1/32 interest in a whale ship; bill of lading; a list of outfits for whaleship "Phoenix"; and a policy of insurance.

All of these are aptly displayed under the caption "Red Tape of Whaling".

The third and probably most unusual exhibit includes pictures, books, and manuscripts covering the tragedy of the "Essex", the whale ship, sunk by a whale. Of special interest is the strong box of Mate Ewen Chase, one of the survivors, and several articles and writings credited to surviving crew members.

To Miss Helen L. Winslow, Librarian, goes credit for the arrangement and presentation of these exhibits which have

35

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

proven to be a real drawing card to the casual visitor but more particularly to the student interested in serious research.

The history of the Nantucket Indians prior to the coming of the white settlers has received comparatively scant study and rela­ tively few stories and anecdotes of their subsequent life have been published. It was welcome news, therefore, when we received from one of our members a letter reading in part as follows: "Last summer I gathered together a few of the available In­ dian stories of the Island to tell my children. In the process of searching them out, I became fascinated with the idea of getting a book together at some future time. As a result I spent much of last year on the trail of every bit and piece of information on the Nantucket Indians. ... I feel it would be foolish to embark on the actual writing of the book, however, until we are relatively sure that all information has been gathered. It is quite possible that there may be stories known to island families that have never come to light. Would you be willing to run a paragraph in your next issue requesting that any Indian information available be sent to me?" The writer of this letter is Mrs. Addison G. Brenizer, Jr., of 1301 Providence Road, Charlotte 7, N. C. Mrs. Brenizer, in pur­ suing her research, has received much help from old time residents who have made available out of print text books and other usually unobtainable data. Members who can offer any Indian data are urged to communicate with Mrs. Brenizer by letter addressed to her at Charlotte, N. C. Hurricane Carol left all our buildings unharmed but Hurricane Edna was not so considerate for she left definite evidence of her visit in the damage done to our most exposed and vulnerable exhibit—the Old Mill. We are happy to report, though, that the damage was limited to the destruction of one of the four vanes.

The heavy blow snapped the vane from the arm like kindling wood carrying it into the field next to the old mill lot. The twelvefoot base board was torn loose from the rest of the vane and carried 100 feet across an adjacent field dropping it just short of a nearby residence. No attempt will be made to replace the A ane this season for all of the vanes are scheduled for removal in October for winter storage. With two hurricanes blasting the Island in a period of 12 days we are fortunate to have escaped with but one mishap.

36

Membership Report

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

"Over the Top" is the report of the drive for 1,000 members.

Mrs. Frances Souza, 96 Orange Street, is acclaimed the 1,000th member.

Our present membership stands at 1,004. Of this number there are: Annual Active Sustaining Life Members

798 — New 60 — New 146 — New

487 50 36

New members always will be welcome. Please keep the Com­ mittee informed of changes in address.

New members and changes in classes since July issue.

LIFE MEMBERS Beinecke, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Mitchell, Mr. & Mrs. Leeds Mitchell, Mr. Leeds, Jr. Potter, Mrs. Lucius

Rawson, Miss Dorothy Rawson, Miss Marion Wendell, Mrs. Margaret Whitman, Miss Marjorie

SUSTAINING MEMBERS Brooks, Mrs. Walter Burdick, Mrs. Julian Coffin, Mr. H. A. Coors, Mrs. Adolph Craig, Mr. & Mrs. Alexander M. Davenport, Mrs. Fuller Fowlkes, Mrs. J. Winston Gifford, Mr. C. Conyngham Houghton, Mrs. Woodson

King, Mr. Clarence Levine, Mr. Paul Z. Lucas, Mr. John M. Marshall, Mrs. A. E. Miller, Mrs. Lawrence Peaty, Mr. F. H. Starbuck, Mrs. Joseph C. Williamson, Mr. Clifton P.

ANNUAL ACTIVE MEMBERS Armstrong, Mr. A. A. Barker, Mrs. James Bean, Mr. Gilbert L. Bell, Mrs. Brian Benning, Mrs. Edna Berna, Mr. & Mrs. Tell Berry, Mrs. Charles C. Boyle, Mrs. Ira

Brooks, Mr. Frank Brougham, Mrs. John Bruyere, Mrs. Mary F, Bunker, Miss Miriam Cameron, Mr. A. T. Clymer, Miss Elizabeth Coburn, Miss Mary Comstock, Miss Bessie

37

HISTORIC NANTUCKET Membership Report Continued

Comstock, Miss Laura Cowring, Mr. Percy DeMenocal, Mrs. D. A. Dolliver, Rev. Robert H. Donavan, Mrs. R. A. Durant, Miss Margaret Elbertz, Miss Mary F. Elston, Mr. & Mrs. Emanuel Everett, Mrs. Richard Eversole, Mr. & Mrs. George E. Fairchild, Mr. & Mrs. E. Payson Folger, Mrs. Alice Jones Fowler, Miss Ella C. Gardner, Miss Dorothy Gardner, Miss Louise Gates, Mrs. Natalie B. Giardet, Mr. G. S. Gibbs, Mr. Jay Hinckley Gifford, Mrs. C. Conyngham Gilpatrick, Mrs. Roy Glidden, Mr. James K. Gordon, Mr. Harry, Jr. Greene, Mr. Elmer W. Hall, Mrs. David Hallock, Major Gifford H. Hannant, Miss Louise Hanna, Mr. James W. Harps, Mr. Harry M. Hayward, Mrs. Susan Hautzeman, Miss Josephine Hazen, Mr. & Mrs. William Heard, Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton Hecker, Mr. & Mrs. C. H., Jr. Hilliard, Miss Grace Holmes, Miss Edith Hubbard, Mr. James Hugh Hunt, Mrs. William P. Hurwitz, Mr. & Mrs. David Ingall, Mr. Ormonde Jones, Miss Anne Joy, Miss Leatrice Langdon, Mr. Arthur E. Lavoie, Mrs. Albert Lazar, Miss Ruth Lennon, Mrs. Evelyn G. Lincoln, Mrs. Charlotte Jones Linton, Mr. & Mrs. Fred

Little, Mr. William B., Jr. Little, Mrs. Marriott Long, Mrs. Harold Macy, Mrs. Huram W. Macy, Mr. John, Jr. Manso, Miss Eleanor Maniver, Mrs. Mina B. Marlow, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mather, Mr. William L., Jr. Mather, Mr. Francis B. McCracken, Mr. William McGlinn, Mr. John C. McKnight, Mrs. T. H. B. Miller, Mr. George F. Money, Mrs. Mildred Morgan, Mrs. Henry S. Orpin, Mr. Edgar F. Palmer, Mrs. Phyllis P. Phillips, Mr. Ernest A. Pond, Mrs. Effie L. Pope, Miss Adrienne Ritchie, Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. Rogers, Mrs. Elsie T. Roth, Miss Nancy Roth, Miss Grace Sanderson, Mr. David Schauffler, Mr. F. S. Schauffler, Mr. Jarvis Scully, Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Shaw, Mr. Charles G. Shepherd, Miss Ada Sherman, Mrs. William Skiba, Mrs. A. F. Smith, Mr. Ernest C. Smith, Mrs. Elinor C. Soderberg, Mr. C. Richard Souza, Mrs. Joseph Spring, Mr. John K. Stearns, Dr. A. Warren Steinmetz, Miss Elizabeth Stillman, Mrs. Leland Sterenson, Mr. George L. Sutherland, Mr. C. M. Tate, Miss Harriett Thorn-ton, Mrs. George H. Tillman, Mr. Lawrence Tillman, Mrs. Hazel

3.8 Membership Report Continued True, Miss Lois TuppCr, Mr. Harmon Upham, Mrs. William G. Urann, Mr. Marcus

Van Valkenberg, Miss Dorothy Von Zombusch, Mr. Robert Worth, Miss Isabel F. Yerkes, Mr. & Mrs. George B.

DECEASED MEMBERS Campbell, Mrs. Olive Dame

Hedges, Miss Lila C.

RESIGNATIONS Barber, Howard C. Butlsr, Miss Mabel R. Gill, Mr. & Mrs. George L.

Gill, Mr. Phillip Crocker, Mrs. Ernest Williams, Miss Harriet C.

Things We Need Oft times an interested member may be in a position to make a gift of "something" we need and which would be as welcome as a gift of money. So from time to time we shall publish this column.

A "Contoura" portable photo copier (legal model). A machine, manufactured by F. G. Ludwig, Associates, Woodbridge, Connec­ ticut, which copies anything—anywhere—at low cost.

A high four post bed for a bedroom in 1800 House to replace one that had been loaned and had to be returned.

One three drawer letter size steel filing cabinet, gray finish to match present equipment. Manufactured by Cole Steel Equip­ ment Company Inc., New York.

39

Keziah Coffin Farming's Diary

BY NANCY S. ADAMS

1777 May 12—Mr. Proctor came here to-day with his family from Dartmouth—the people are in daily expectation of the enemy's (as they call them) entering their towns in Dartmouth.

May 14—Elizabeth Folger had a son born to-day.

June 3—Timbers rafted up for a Quaise house.

June 8—Mrs. Tupper died at 2 p.m. The Doct. came to the Island 10 days since. Sheep sheering time.

July 1—Barzillai Coffin—Richard's son, died today, was taken ill last Friday—Charles Jenkins sailed last fall for Philadelphia after a load of flour, has been blocked in all winter by the British Men of War, last Spring they got out but were taken & carried into N. York. Uncle Barnabus Coffin sailed with him—news came to-day that he catched the smallpox and died with it, he has left a large family in low circumstances.

July 7—Father about to build a house in his part of Quaise. Stephen Hussey, Henry Macy, Shubail Pinkham, & Elijah Swain carpenters.

Esthany Pease came to do housework.

July 15—Nathan & Richard Coffin & a number of others went from this place for London before those unhappy times & have not been able to return since last Spring. The Coffins, Gid Worth, Francis Hussey & several others got a Brig & cleared out for Halifax but intended directly here—they were taken in the W. Indies by an American Privateer, the Brig sent into some Port a piize, the Privateer soon met a British arm'd vessell they engaged in battle. Francis Hussey & another Nantucket man was killed outright, the American was taken by the British.

July 19

House at Quaise raised. (Many visitors Quaise-ward.)

July 20

Elizabeth Calef (Esq. Calef's widow) died last eve.

Jul} 25 David Rand in from St. Peter's. Mr. Fanning had a venture in her.

Sept. 6 Aunt Mary Barnard, widow of Wm. Barnard, my Father's sister departed this life yesterday.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

40

Sept. 6—Jonathan Neal of Long Island at Nantucket. Lived once at Father Fannings—after British landed he removed to Con­ necticut.

Sept. 17—New House finished & partly occupied.

Sept. 23—Henry Folger & Collin sailed some time ago for the W. Indies. News came yesterday of Folger's death.

Sept. 24—Shubael's barn at Quaise raised.

Sept. 25—Nat Starbuck's wife died this morn of miscarriage.

Oct. 9—Wm. Rotch & wife had a daughter born last night.

Oct. 22—Hannah (Sampson's wife) had a son born Saturday.

Oct. 23—Aunt Mary Starbuck had fine fat daughter born.

Nov. 14—Meader came in to-day from wooding. Mrs. Butler & Matty with him.

Dec. 7—Walked to Bach Swain's at Polpis to see 3 children that his wife had at a birth, healthy looking children about 8 months old. Dec. 23—Barzillai Swain died in Boston last Saturday, Was a wreck. He sailed for the W. Indies more than 12 months ago— was taken & carried into Halifax, remained there in Goal till very lately.

Dec. 25—Uriah Swain & Elizabeth Pinkham married this eve.

Dec. 26—News came to the island to-day of the death of Barnabus Gardner & Abel Gardner, they died on board the Prison Ship at New York.

Dec. 27—St. John's day. Masons dined at Jethro Husseys. (Had to get wood for Quaise house from town.)

1778 Jan. 10—"father cut his leg yesterday very bad with a broad axe shaving (or shorming) rails." Dr. & James up to-day to dress it.

Feb. 4—Phillis—Esq. Hussey's negro wench had 2 sons born last night.

Feb. 3—Got Cedars from Coatue for wood.

Feb. 7—A violent stormy day—a higher tide than has been known for a number of years, stove boats, drove Water fences away, hurt mill &c. (Storm commenced on Friday swerved very hard Sat.)

41

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Mar. 3—Dorcas Swain, Christopher's wife, died Sunday eve.

Mar. 5—George Folger's wife had a son born last night.

Mar. 6—Susanna Giles (wife—) died this morn at 12 o'clock.

Mar. 8—Sarah Folger (George's wife) died 2 a.m. supposed con­ sumption.

Mar. 13—Nabby Coleman (William's wife) died p.m. left 3 children.

Mar. 27—There is a town meeting warned at 3 o'clock p.m. to see whether inoculation shall be carried on upon the Island or not.

James Coffin has lately come from Dartmouth and has got the distemper in the natural way; he is at one of the Pock Houses. A great part of the town is for carrying of it on. Yesterday Jethro Hussey took his wife and children and carried them where Coffin was sick and had them inoculated with out the consent of the town; others intended to carry their families to-day. The Coffin teachers came here and lodged. P. F. came home from town meeting. The vote is against carrying on inoculation (Quaise seems to be a summer resort.)

Apr. 13—Meader went in a boat to Connecticut after provisions last week.

Apr. 18—Daniel Coffin arrived to the Island last night after 2 yrs. and a half absence, he was taken with Timothy Coleman & carried into York, could not get his liberty to come away & so entered on board a transport, has sailed several voyages from York, he was taken this winter past on board the Lady Gage packet & carried into Boston & there put on board prison ship. Nat Barber got an order of council went on board and released him. Do not know for why or what reason Barber befriended him—he has lost the chief of what he had—he is son to my Mother's sister, Abagail Coffin.

Apr. 19—Anna—Macy's wife died last night.

Apr. 29—Daniel Paddock arr'd from W. Indies.

Apr. 30 Miriam Coffin, Micah's daughter died last night.

May 2—Robert Meader's child died.

May 12—Timothy Folger arr'd to-day from South Carolina in a Brig.Sailed last Fall for the West Indies "fell in" at Carolina went no further, was generally supposed to be captured.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

42

May 19—Robert Meader & Seth Mayo arr'd from Connecticut with boat load of provisions.

May 24—Mrs. Rea had son born this p.m. and Abiel Swain's daughter.

May 28—K. F. had a son born (John Coffin Fanning).

June 21—Matthew Barnard Jr's wife died last night has left 2 children.

June 22—Mr. Fanning's mother died June 9 at Long Island.

July 2—Peleg Easton & Eunice Hussey married.

July 5—P. F., Juda the child & myself rode away to the Salt Works and then up to Sassacercher was gone 4 hours.

July 9—Rebecca Bunker — Ben's wife had a son a.m.

July 11—Mr. Butler, Matty Tupper came to-day from Falmouth, Arrived here this eve. Mr. Butler has moved here to live intends to keep school—is dismissed from his ministry in Falmouth.

Aug. 3—Uriah Gardner died the forenoon very suddenly was taken with vomiting and purging.

Aug. 25—Nathaniel Coffin the hatter's wife died to-day.

Sept. 4—Went up to George Lawrence's forenoon bought 1 7/9 worth silk, hard money.

Sept. 10—George Athearn & Happy Hussey married this eve.

Sept. 11—News came to the Island that there was a large number of men of war at the Vineyard burning & destroying there and that they were bound here to destroy the stores and shipping. In consequence of it people are moving their goods out of town.

Sept. —Mr. Fanning came down with the mare & calash at 2 o'clock. 4 o'clock father, myself, the child Ritta & Robert Coffin set out for Quaise, got there in an hour. Sampson Tom Bill Thomas, the oxen & 2 horses went down in the afternoon to bring up things—Mr. Fanning Rachel, Lydia & Albert Coleman came up with the young horse.

Sept. 15—Stephen Hussey & Washburn carried their whale boat to Quaise for safety.

45

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Apr. 16—Twelve o'clock vessels hove in sight from the west, are called privateers. The people are very much alarmed and came at 3 o'clock and anchored at the bar; two boats soon came on shore.

Two Levi Brothers, Jews came after oil which was on the Island, they had purchased three years ago. They assure us that the privateers will not meddle with any property except it be vessels afloat. The chief of their oil is stored in our cellar. Two of the small vessels ran into the harbor; one of the Levis was in for a few minutes.

Apr. 17—The people began to take oil out of the cellar & by noon got it all out, about 300 barrels. P. F. and Chace came down (from Quaise) on foot before noon. Josh. Bunker, Harry Smith and some others sent up all the hard and paper money they owned in Chase's boat yesterday, they seeing the privateers boat put up in the harbor were persuaded they went after Chace's boat. Before night Ben Bunker, and Uriah Swain with their guns and Josh Bunker unarmed went up to Quaise to retake the boat, as they said there were but 4 men in the privateer boat & they three with Chace (as he carried his gun in the boat) could retake her) but the boat went no further than to a little vessel that ran up the Fulling Mill Creek; but they were so bereft of reason that they would not but believe but that the boat had got Chace's boat that they went down to the shore raving bulls determined to fight; Father went with them to prevent mischief; but when they got to the shore there was no boat in sight, and so they came down as they went. P. F. knew not that there was any money in the boat. Chace had hid it on their first landing, concluding that the boat was after them.

They searched for the money until dusk and could not find it.

Chace being so terrified at the time he hid it he knew not the place. (Watch, the dog) found it in the swamp near the shore this morning. Josiah Sampson's little vessel was in just before night loaded with wood and was taken by one of the privateers.

Tim. Folger came on the Island to-day, he has been to Boston to petition the court for leave to go to R. Island to try to get pay for the stock taken off Martha's Vineyard last fall & to get pay for the property taken last week from here. The Court has given him leave to go. Ben Clark of Boston came with him.

Apr. 18—Privateers not gone yet.

Apr. 19—Before night the privateers set sail & went away they have carried off 2 or 3 vessels that belonged here.

46

Legacies, Bequests and Gifts The cost of installing the fire prevention sprinkler system at the Whaling Museum has been paid for in part by an advance of funds from one of our permanent accounts which must be repaid through the receipt of special donations. Counsel has ren­ dered the opinion that gifts to the Nantucket Historical Associa­ tion are deductible from Federal Income Tax by virtue of limited States Code Annotated, Title 26, Section 23 (o) (2). Your help in the form of a donation (large or small) to the "Sprinkler Fund" is earnestly solicited.

Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program. You can perpetuate that interest by naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future.

Counsel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nantucket Histor­ ical Association are deducted from federal estate tax by virtue of Internal Revenue Code, Title 26, Section 812(d).

Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as di­ rected by the donor. A sample form of bequest may read as fol­ lows: FORM OF BEQUEST "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket His­ torical Association, a corporation duly incorporated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of . dollars."

Bequests may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paintings, or any objects having historical value in which event a brief description of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

The officers and members of the Council will be glad to dis­ cuss the Association's need for an Endowment Fund of $500,000.

What better occasion than the 60th birthday of the Association for a member to arrange a legacy to its benefit ?

Officers 1954 - 1955

President Mrs. Walton H. Adams

Vice Presidents Howard U. Chase Burnham N. Dell George W. Jones

Everett LJ. Crosby Miss Grace Brown Gardner W. Ripley Nelson

Secretary

Treasurer

George W. Jones

Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth

Councillors Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Chairman Term Expires

Albert Egan, Jr. Mrs. Cyril C. Ross Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton John W. Grout Earl S. Ray James A. Norcross Mrs. Joseph King Mrs. Mitchell Todd

1955 1955 1956 1956 1957 1957 1958 1958

Custodian of Collections Mrs. Walton H. Adams

Finance Committee W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman Earl S. Ray

Howard U. Chase

Membership Committee Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Chairman

Historic Nantucket W. Ripley Nelson, Editor Burnham N. Dell Associate Editor

Miss Helen L. Winslow Associate Editor