Historic Nantucket
NANTUCKET TOWN From a lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton
JULY, 1957 ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER 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 5
JULY 1957
No. 1
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 Copyright 1957 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS Factual Information Editorial
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Annual Reports Admissions Record Historical Museum The Oldest House "1800 House" Old Jail Old Mill Whaling Museum Publicity and Advertising Finance Committee Treasurer Gifts and Donors Membership Annual Local History Awards ~ Railroads in Nantucket Nantucket History History Making Events Old Sturbridge Village Workshop Season Admission Schedule Map with Location of Museums and Buildings Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary Officers Staff Help Yourself — and the Association, Too
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8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 14 16 19 20 21 26 33 37 40 41 42 46 47 48
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EDITORIAL Summer is the season of the year during which we find the largest percentage of members of the Association resident on the island. It seems, therefore, the logical time to talk about membership and what it may mean from various points of view but, more particularly, what it really means to both summer and year-round residents. Does it mean just a small cardboard ticket, evidence of membership in what is generally accepted as a worthy local organization, which entitles one to free admission to its various buildings and to receive, free, its quarterly magazine? If so, it is falling far short of the true value of membership and to the economy of the Island. In fact it may be said you do not know your association and what you, through your membership, can do to attract and hold a desirable type of summer business through the preservation and publicizing of Nantucket's most desirable and unmatched asset—the reminders and atmosphere of the Island's whaling days, its prosperity and gracious living—to the preservation of which the Association is pledged. There are certain generally accepted functions of an histori cal association, nine of which are admittedly applicable to your Association, namely: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)
A program of scheduled activities. The collection and display of historical items. An active research program. A planned publication program. To promote teaching local history in the schools. Cooperate with other societies in historic projects. Locate and mark historic sites. Work for the preservation and protection of historic buildings, places, districts, and the peaceful, quiet historic atmosphere of the Island. (9) Promote a steady but healthy growth of the Association through securing new members who will whole-heart edly and actively carry out these nine purposes. And how are these objectives being attained and how can they be furthered? Let's take a quick look at just a few of our applicable activities.
EDITORIAL
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Number One: Each summer we have a series of "Informal Talks" in the Friends Meeting House. The speakers tell stories of old Nantucket and members and the public, invited also, learn of the Island's history which created its atmosphere and which all in turn can pass on to others. The Annual Meeting of the Association held in July, open to members and invited guests, tells the story of what has been accomplished through the past year's activities. Then there is the winter "Gam" which provides a social evening of reminiscing based upon individual and family memories of events published and many unpublished. You will be surprised at how much attendance at some of these events, if not all, may mean to you. Number Two: The reports of the Custodian of Collections on acquisitions, published quarterly in "Historic Nantucket", tells this story. But did you ever stop to think of how many priceless treasures are lying forgotten in attics, barns, yes, even sheds? Frequently they come to light when homes are sold. How much better for a member to give such articles when the member can tell the historical story or anecdotes about them. The loaning of articles for special exhibitions can give pleasure to members and non-members who, as a result, may become members. Number Three: Research has proved fascinating to the all too few who have done it but has provided informative articles for "Historic Nantucket" and pamphlets. "Whaling Wasn't Every thing", by George A. Sanderson, published in the April, 1957, issue was an outline for much-needed research on just one sub ject, "Nantucket Industries". Research is a wide and almost un explored field which leads directly into the next subject. Number Four: "Historic Nantucket" now enters upon its fifth year published quarterly with a circulation covering over 30 States, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Canada, England, and far away Ceylon. The American Association for State and Local History in one of its bulletins said: "Your historical society has many activities and numerous reasons for being. It is a social organization, a local society, a research group, a museum, a library, and a civic organization. Each one of these functions has something to commend it, but often it happens that one phase or kind of activity overshadows the others. Yet one of the most important functions of an historical society is to dis-
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
seminate historical information about the community. It is this which has led some societies to publish a local history magazine." Research and articles contributed by members can disseminate information about Nantucket which will be beneficial to the Town. The recently appointed "Publication Committee" is responsible for publication of pamphlets for all the Association's exhibits. Every member can help to distribute them and thus help the Association and the Town. Number Five: The Annual Local History Awards to which reference is made in this issue is our sole effort at this time. If this were supplemented by a program such as described by Kempton J. Cody, Jr., Principal of Brown School, Natick, Mass., and Mrs. Martha S. Sweetser, Director of the Junior Museum in Waterbury, Conn., as reported on in Mrs. Walton H. Adams' article in this issue, the interest of future generations in preserving the traditions of their home town would be enhanced, if not assured, but member volunteers are needed for such a program. Number Six: The "300th" Anniversary celebration presents an unusual opportunity for members to cooperate in an historic project with other societies. "Main Street", the eight page leaflet descriptive of the houses from the "Head of the Square to the Monument", is another example. Both are commented upon in "History Making Events" in this issue. Number Seven: Has it ever occurred to you how few of Nantucket's many historic sites have been marked aside from those of the Association? This is a delicate problem to handle so as to avoid the invasion of private property and over-indul gence in the erection of road signs, but it can be satisfactorily resolved as has been done in other small communities through Town, property owners, and historical associations cooperating. Number Eight: Nine organizations met in 1954 to explore ways and means of preserving the island's historic buildings, districts, and historic atmosphere. As a result Town Meeting of 1955 approved the creation of a Planning Board. Subsequently the same group was responsible for the enactment of the Historic Districts Act, accepted by Town Meeting of 1956, designed to preserve the exterior architectural features of the buildings in two defined districts and to insure the erection and display only
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EDITORIAL
of signs appropriate to the districts. Your Association took an active part in the acceptance of both the Planning Board and the Historic Districts Act but it is worth mentioning that all five members of the Historic Districts Commission are members of the Historic Association. Number Nine: The best way to tell the story of membership growth is through the following chart which shows the member ship on May 31st, the end of each fiscal year charted:
1952
495 709
1953 1954
858
1955 1956 1957
1007 1043 1020
Membership Growth — 1952-1957 The past three years show almost a stalemate but this can be corrected if we adopt the slogan for 1957-58: "Every member get a member". A new membership application is inserted in this issue. Summary: Again we emphasize that to successfully carry on the nine functions your Association needs the active support of all its members and the active participation of many. Your help is needed and by actively joining in the Association s work you will prove: "It is part of our American tradition to work things out together".
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Annual Reports The annual meeting of the members of the Association is scheduled to be held Tuesday, July 17th, 1956, and to insure orderly and prompt dispatch of the routine business the annual reports of the Chairmen of the various buildings and committees and of the Treasurer are submitted herewith. Members having questions with respect to any of these reports may present them at the meeting. The President's report is omitted as it will be presented by the President at the meeting.
Admissions Report Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail 1800 House Total
1956-57
1955-56
1954-55
3,193 2,832 4,383 18,308 3,355 921
2,728 2,704 4,770 15,631 3,313 1,218
3,010 3,245 4,933 15,042 2,481 1,391
32,992
30,364
30,102
Last summer, the largest number of people in the history of the association visited our various museums and buildings. Col lections are constantly being changed and augmented, making annual visits rewarding to all visitors and members.
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The Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House BY IDA L. MATHER, CHAIRMAN
The Historical Museum opened on June 11th and closed on September 22nd. During this period 3,193 visitors were welcomed. Mrs. Alma Backus retired at the close of the 1956 season after twenty-five years of faithful service. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Walton Adams has consented to become Receptionist and we are most fortunate to have one so familiar with the problems of the museum. Miss Alice Crocker continues as Librarian and Genealogist, also pointing out the interesting features of the Folger clock. Miss Bertha Eckert assumes the duties of receptionist and librarian on the days when the regular staff is off duty. We cannot list our staff without mentioning Mr. Jay Gibbs who, in his quiet way, helps keep the museum running, mows the lawn, and opens the building each morning, always faithfui and dependable. Eight lectures were given in the Meeting House on Tuesdays during July and August. Visiting Friends conducted services on Sundays as in the past summers. The entrance to the museum has been rearranged to make it more efficient. Mrs. Adams has loaned a flat-top desk with much needed space for records. The Association now has an office in the gallery of the Meeting House. This change required finding storage space in the museum proper for books, photographic plates, and posteis formerly stored in the gallery. By rearranging some exhibits space was finally found to take care of these items. We look forward to a busy season and hope to welcome many new friends to the museum as well as those who enjoy our exhibits each year.
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The Oldest House BY RUTH PERKINS, CHAIRMAN
The opening and closing dates for the Oldest House for the season of 1956 were June fourth and September twenty-third re spectively. Once again we had a very busy season with a total of 4,383 visitors. This number does not include members, children, or guests. Miss Ethel Clark, dressed in appropriate costume, again served as custodian, as she has for so many years. Thanks are to be extended to the Garden Club for supplying fresh flowers during the summer months, and to Mrs. Lewis S. Edgarton and Mrs. Howard C. Barber for the linens used.
"1800 House" BY GRACE DU BOIS BARTLETT, CHAIRMAN
A number of changes have taken place in the "1800 House" during the past year. The west parlor has been refurnished with furniture bequeathed to the Nantucket Historical Associa tion by Miss Helen Cartwright McCleary. The furniture is appro priate to the period, and makes the west parlor a more inter esting room. The carpet loom has been warped, using the pattern of thread which was last used in the loom. It is now in operation, and a piece of weaving has been started. The suggestion made by the chairman and her committee in regard to the repairs and maintenance of the house are being carried out in so far as it is now possible. Mr. McGarvey has placed shelves in the closet off the kitchen, and in the small closet off the keeping room, where dishes may be placed. The ceiling of the keeping room has been painted and the leak in the clothespress will be repaired. It has been decided to wait until September, after the house is officially closed, to repaint the floor of the east parlor, the entrance hall and stairs, so that the paint and a heavy coat of varnish will have a good opportunity to harden before using again. Through the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Burnham N. Dell, two fine hooked rugs have been given, which will be helpful in
"1800 HOUSE"
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covering worn spots on the floors of both the east parlor and the entrance hall. Preparation of a pamphlet for the "1800 House" is under way and should soon be completed. Miss Sutton's drawing of the house will be used. A fine swell-front bureau with Benjamin Franklin brasses will be moved from the Fair Street Museum to the east bedroom of the House, making the furnishings of that room more complete. The attendance at the House in the summer of 1956 was 921 and we are expecting an increase in 1957. Mrs. Susan Cowden will serve as hostess for her fifth season and will again be assisted by volunteer hostesses. Mrs. John H. Bartlett will continue to serve as chairman until the annual meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association in July.
Old Jail BY JAMES A. NORCROSS, CHAIRMAN
Each year shows added interest in the Old Jail. In 1956 there were 3,355 visitors. The policy of relying on contributions has had a good test, and has been found wanting. The average contribution of the visitors was lO^ cents apiece. Since this amount did not even cover expenses it has been decided to ask each visitor for 25 cents. George T. King served as the Jail Keeper throughout the season, and we are glad that he will again serve in that capacity.
Old Mill BY EARL S. RAY, CHAIRMAN
Vanes on the Old Mill have been repainted and erected, and Mr. John E. Greene is again ready for all visitors. His com plete knowledge of the Mill and its workings and history, make a visit there memorable. The broken fence has also been restored. There is no charge to visit the Mill, but a voluntary contribu tion is generally gladly given. During the last season 2,832 visi tors were welcomed.
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The Whaling Museum BY W. RIPLEY NELSON
Eighteen thousand three hundred and eight persons paid admission fees during the 1956 summer season to see the Whaling Museum and its unusual collection of whaling exhibits. This is a new and all-time high to date for paid admissions, the nearest approach to it being in 1951 when 16,053 paid admissions were recorded. This by no means includes all admissions, for members are entitled to free admission as well as all children under 12 years of age when accompanied by an adult. As the 250,000 admission mark, since its original opening in 1930, was passed in midsummer of 1954 the 300,000 admission mark should be passed early in the 1957 summer season. The currently authorized restoration work to the building was completed this spring when repointing and water proofing the Broad Street front brick wall was finished. Careful checking during and after severe storms indicates we should have no trouble for some years with leaks through the east or south walls. Our next big job will be the north wall of Sanderson Hall which is in need of similar treatment, but which it was felt could be postponed for the present. The west wall, which is shaded by trees and not subject to the full fury of coastal storms, seems to be in such condition that it can go for a number of years without restoration. When and if funds become available the library must be redecorated and new linoleum laid, and on the first floor, new linoleum must be laid in the entrance hall, "Counting Room" and "Scrimshaw Room". Then our museum building will be restored and ordinary maintenance from year to year should keep it in repair. Special attention is being given to the arrangement of our scrimshaw exhibits to insure better and less crowded displays. To this end "The Trousseau of Baby Nye" has been removed with its large cabinet to the portrait room where it shows off much better as an exhibit. This has made it possible to install a new cabinet for our ever-growing scrimshaw collection. Archie Cartwright, Mrs. Foye, and Mrs. Chace are always busy handling visitors but still find time to improve the display of our exhibits and the descriptive caption cards.
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Publicity and Advertising BY STOKELEY W. MORGAN, CHAIRMAN
Advertisements were prepared to appear each week in "This Week in Nantucket" and "Nantucket Holiday" in order that Visitors should be fully informed about the six exhibits main tained by the Association, their location and admission charges. That these advertisements helped to stimulate interest in the exhibits would seem to be borne out by the large number of paid admissions during the 1956 season. Paid advertisements were also inserted in the two Nantucket weekly newspapers, "The Inquirer and Mirror" and "Town Crier" announcing each of the eight informal talks which were sponsored by the Association. A news story describing each talk was also prepared by the Publicity and Advertising Committee and made available to each of these newspapers. These reports were regu larly printed among the news items of both papers.
Finance Committee BY STOKELEY W. MORGAN, CHAIRMAN
The Committee prepared the budget of the Association cov ering operations for the fiscal year 1957-58. This budget was submitted to the Council, discussed and approved on May 21st. In submitting the budget, which provided for a small surplus at the end of the year, the Chairman of the Committee pointed out that the estimate of revenues for the coming year must be, in large part, based on wishful thinking since the income of the Association is so greatly dependent upon circumstances beyond its control, such as the vagaries of the vacationing public and the vicissitudes of the weather. If these factors turn out unfa vorably this comparatively small surplus may be greatly reduced or wiped out altogether.
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Treasurer's Report Balance Sheet May 31, 1957 Exhibit A ASSETS Free Funds Pacific National Bank Nantucket Institution for Savings Sidney Mitchell Fund Mary E. Macy Fund Total Less—Unexpended Appropriations and Special Funds Total Available Cash Inventory — Pamphlets Land, Buildings, and Collections Fair Street Old Mill Oldest House Whaling Museum Old Jail Mill Street—1800 House West York Street—Land Collections Furniture and Fixtures
|5,375.74 5,801.31 3,000.00 500.00 14,677.05 954.49 -
$13,722.56 296.19
8,800.00 4,500.00 4,000.00 10,000.00 1,834.00 5,350.00 500.00 10,000.00 407.92
45,391.92
Restricted Funds (Resolution) Life Membership—Permanent Old Mill Preservation
5,958.22 1,037.94
6,996.16
Restricted Funds (Principal) Ella Starbuck Emma F. Hayward William Swift
3,000.00 2,000.00 5,000.00
10,000.00
Restricted Funds (Principal and Interest) Susan E. Brock Will Gardner
1,007.50 574.39
1,581.8
TOTAL
$77,988.72 LIABILITIES
Capital Surplus
$62,336.31 15,652.41
TOTAL
$77,988.72
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Treasurer's Report Exhibit B Income and Expense Statement for the Year ending May 31, 1957 Net Income Department Income Expenses or Loss* Whaling Museum Fair Street Oldest House Old Mill Old Jail 1800 House Miscellaneous: Annual Dues Sustaining Members Interest and Dividends Donations Life Memberships
$ 9,623.93 1,825.10 2,410.65 572.46 319.16 512.05 $ 1,557.00 670.00 802.43 1,645.88 600.00
$ 5,200.18 $ 4,423.75 1,697.49 127.61 1,057.53 1.353.12 692.84 120.38* 558.98 2-39.82* 984.55 472.50*
5,275.31
5,211.49
63.82
820,538.66
$15,403.06
$ 5,135.60
SPECIAL PROJECTS Exhibit C Whaling Museum Restoration $ 3,610.03 Whale Ear Bone Cuts 88.45 Council Room 300.00
$ 1,984.26 88.45 6.10.77
$ 1,625.77
Totals
$ 2,683.48
$ 1,315.00
Totals
$ 3,998.48
ANALYSIS OF SURPLUS Balance May 31, 1957 Additions: Net Income (Exhibit B) Excess Special Projects: Income (Exhibit C)
310.77*
$ 9,847.15 $ 5,135.60 1,315.00
Total Additions
6,450.60 $16,297.75
Deductions: Transfer to Restricted Funds: Life Membership (Exhibit A) Interest Earned (Exhibit A) Adjusted Surplus May 31, 1957
$
600.00 45.34
645.34 $15,652.41
The foregoing Balance Sheet and Summary Statement of Income and Expenses have been prepared after an audit of the Treasurer's Books of Account and certification of Bank Balances. It is my opinion that they reflect the true condition of the Association. Ormonde F. Ingall, Accountant
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Gifts and Donors 1956-1957 BY IDA L. MATHER, CUSTODIAN OF COLLECTIONS
The Association has received a great number of interesting donations during the year. Miss Margaret Folger, daughter of Admiral William M. Folger, sent a china bowl which was found on Pitcairn Island when discovered by the Captain of the "Topaze". Mr. and Mrs. A. Stewart Rogers gave a large collection of items from the Bunker house—now known as the "1800 House". Following is a list of accessions: Historical Museum Bunker, Clarence A.—Dinner plate from service made for Capt. Reuben Ramsdell Bunker, 1775-1855. Cummings, Miss Florence E.—Copy tintype pictures of Samuel Jenks and Mrs. Martha Washington Jenks; 2 framed receipts of Samuel Jenks to William Coffin, 1810, and Capt. Charles E. Myrick, 1820. Cressey, Mr.—Books, Ordination and Installation of Rev. Phebe Hanaford, 1868. Davidson, Louis—Photographs, Moses Joy; interior and exterior of Meeting House. Folger, Walter W.—Miscellaneous papers on Folger genealogy. Folger, Miss Margaret H.—China bowl, from Pitcairn Island when discovered by the Captain of the "Topaze"; Silver spoon with replica of S. S. Kersage, Flagship of Admiral William Mayhew Folger (father of the donor) when in com mand of the Asiatic Fleet; silver loving cup; framed photo of the U.S.S. "New Orleans" commanded by Adm. Folger in the Spanish American War. Hatch, Miss Hannah—Framed photo of Henry S. Wyer and dog; large key to sail loft, formerly Holmes' carpenter shop, now Kenneth Taylor Gallery; scrapbook of Henry S. Wyer; hand written poem—original. Howard, Frank B.—Bequest of tea-box—belonged to Kezia Folger Coffin; snuff box—property of John Wood, 1833. Jackson, Arthur H.—Greetings from Port and Council of Milford Haven, Wales; Welsh Love Spoon; genealogical chart
GIFTS AND DONORS
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of Nantucket families who went to Milford Haven, 1780, including those of Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger; photographs of house of Samuel Starbuck Meeting House. Lindley, Harold—Old ledgers from the Charles Starbuck Estate; books and papers belonging to Judge Thaddeus Defriez. Ludolph, Helen Hussey—4 small samplers; hand-written journal of Eliza Ann McCleave. Robinson, Norene Dunham—Coast Guard uniform (worn by father of donor). Robinson, Mr. Patrick and his daughter, Lewis, Mrs. Richard— Census of Nantucket to 1870; Genealogy of Coffin family. Roys, Miss Margaret—Book of Shakespeare's Dramatic Works. Swansea Historical Society—Clippings "Nantucket and Naushon". Selectmen of Nantucket — 3 stereoscopic views of Nantucket; photostatic copy of the Act to Establish an Historic Districts in Town of Nantucket; quill pen used by Gov. Herter in sign ing bill. Small, Oswald—U. S. at a glance; old fashioned lamp, carried on beach patrol, belonging to William E. Small. Simmonds, Miss Margaret Alden—Wooden box, belonged to Tris tram Coffin; six silver spoons, marked A. T. (Abagail Tobey) Coffin; letter from Lafayette to Capt. Samuel Aiken. Smith, Mrs. Everett Whitney—"Fanny" (small doll) with com plete wardrobe made by mother of donor in 1878. Webster, Miss Viola Cushman—Fluting frame and pins; copy books and pictures. Whitman, Miss Marjorie—Copy of letter dated Nov. 3, 1862 writ ten by William and Eliza Macy Mooers to Capt. Charles Mooers of the bark "Kathleen". Oldest House Smith, Mrs. Starbuck—Old pewter tray, said to have belonged to the great Mary Starbuck. 1800 House Adams, Mrs. Walton—Boston rocker (loan) ; small maple stand (loan). Bartlett, Henry—1 small pottery churn (loan). Gardner, Dr. William E. and Mrs.—Quaker dress, quilted skirts, and hoop skirt.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Grout, Mrs. John—White dress, black shawl; Quaker coat with cape; riding coat, brass buttons. Lewis, Mrs. Richard V.—Patchwork quilt. Lord, Miss Harriet—1 small firkin. Norton, Nicholas—1 small child's chair; 1 basket. Rogers, Mr. and Mrs. A. Stewart—Framed Bunker coa:t of arms; fire bucket, 1796, H. Bunker; 2 white vases; rocking chair, belonged in Bunker house (now "1800 House") ; photographs and papers relative to Bunker House. Simmonds, Miss Margaret A.—Challis dress, belonged to Sarah Coffin Aiken. Whaling Museum
Adams, Mrs. Walton—Book, "Moby Dick for Young Readers". Bunker, Capt. Malcolm—Sea chest, used on the "Henry Astor" during voyage around Cape Horn. Congdon, Miss Josephine—Reports of the wreck of the "Joseph Starbuck". Connecticut Historical Society—Book, "Connecticut River Steam boat Story", Jacobus. Ludolph, Mrs. Helen Hussey—12 carved ivory napkin rings: "Purchase", "Nantucket Landfall". Blanchard State St. Trust Co.—Book, "Pilots and Pilot Boats of Boston Harbor", East man. Tripp, William H.—41 bound volumes of Whaleman's Shipping lists. Urann, Mrs. Julia Macy—2 custers; wheels of whalebone. Vance, Mr. Albert C.—Whalebone door stop. Waterman, Miss Marjorie—3 sheets from Journal dated 1793.
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Membership Committee Report New members who have joined since the last quarter are as follows: Life Francis B. Lathrop Sustaining Peter Folger Active Annual Ralph F. Carey George Munson Barbara Dahn John P. Starbuck Max Lee Harter Dr. Charles Sziklas Arthur Jackson Mrs. Charles Sziklas Arthur McKie Pauline Weaver We regret the loss during the last quarter of the following members by death, all of whom have been valued members for many years: Mrs. Fuller Davenport Nelson Macy Mrs. Frank Gale Mrs. Miriam Price William H. Gesell Dr. Joseph C. Starbuck Frederick P. Hill Lyster C. Reighley Frank Macy Leland Topham During the fiscal year, June 1, 1956, to May 31, 1957, there have been 106 new members and 18 deaths. The total membership is 1,020 divided as follows: Life 144 Sustaining 58 Annual Active 818 This does not include 71 members whose dues have not been paid. We do not wish to lose these members and trust it may have been just an oversight on their part to remit and we are hoping to hear from them soon. These added to the 1,020 would indeed make our membership very gratifying. We would like to increase the membership this year as usual, as the income from members is an essential part of our carrying on the work of the Association. We would indeed be grateful if everyone would help us by interesting other people in the ad vantages and privileges of membership which includes free ad mission to all exhibits as well as a subscription to our quarterly magazine, "Historic Nantucket." This keeps them posted as to the activities of the Association and brings them many interest ing articles of historical value.
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 Fun«T' and uaed for capital purposes only.
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Annual Local History Awards For the third successive year, the Nantucket Historical As sociation has offered awards for the most interesting essay on a subject involving the history of the islands, or its inhabitants, to be written by a High School student. Also, an award is offered for the best presentation of island history written by a Voca tional School student. The essay "Nantucket Railroads" by Sandra Fee receiyed the High School prize, and "Nantucket History", by Frederick Chase, was awarded the Vocational School prize. The awards which were presented at commencement exercises on June 6 are beautiful gold-framed certificates engraved in color, bearing the name of the winner and the nature of the award. Two excellent papers from the High School were also presented: "The Camels", by Betty Gomez, and "Quaker Meeting Houses", by Betty Perry. From the Vocational School four other histories were presented by Richard Minstrell, Lionel Starr, Everett Reith, and Albert Ottison. All of these students have been given a year's membership in the Historical Association which entitles them to free admission to all of the Association's buildings and museums. They will also receive the quarterly magazine, and may participate in the general activities of the Association. Wooden plaques will be placed in each school, to be hung permanently, and bear the name of each winner year by year.
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Railroads in Nantucket BY SANDRA FEE
From 1881 to 1917 Nantucket had a railroad which operated across the island. The track and train were then thrown into the junk heap because of the automobile, a more modern method of transportation, which had come into use.
Engine Number One of the Nantucket narrow-gauge railroad, at station at Steamboat Wharf. The building behind the locomotive is the railroad depot, now the Wharf Gift Shop.
In 1881 the plan of constructing a railroad between the town and Surfside began. A company was formed with the help of Philip H. Folger to finance the undertaking. The first ground for the Nantucket Railroad was broken at South Beach on May 4, 1880. All the necessary stock was brought here on a barge by the name of "Roslyn Sherman", which arrived on July 1, 1881, at Commercial Wharf. The Surfside boom, as they called it then, had begun and they had great hopes that that section would be an attraction for summer tourists. The first sleeper was laid in the construction of the road on May 13. The first train was run on July 4, 1881. William D. Clark, the old town crier, was given the honor of driving the first spike. The first train was called "Dionis" which was named after the good wife of Tristram Coffin. The letters were printed clearly on each side of her tender. In her first year "Dionis" hauled a total of 30,135 passengers at 35 cents a round trip. For several years
22
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
following she did a big business. The train carried many people who were famous on Broadway. Among them were DeWolfe Hopper, Joseph Jefferson, Lillian Russell, and many hundreds more. Most of them lived in the 'Sconset actors' colony. Another passenger of importance was the Chief Executive of the United States, Chester A. Arthur. The Coffin Reunion was held in Surfside in August of 1881, about a month after the railroad service was established. The railroad carried many of the descendants of Tristram Coffin to the south shore for their reunion and clambake. In 1882 the Surfside boom was at its height and the high way leading there was widened that year. In 1883 the Riverside Hotel was removed from its site on the Providence River at Providence, R. I., brought to Nantucket and erected at Surfside as the Surfside Hotel, which was opened to the public on July 4. "Dionis" was doing a rushing business and she was very popular. The run of only three miles to Surfside was short, so it was decided to extend the track along the south shore to 'Sconset, hoping that the success of the railroad would expand and become more prosperous. In the spring of 1884 the railroad was extended to 'Sconset. "Dionis" then made her first acquaintance with 'Sconset, which turned out to be a happy occasion. In the year 1885 another train was added to our island. It was christened with the name "'Scon set". She made her first trip on June 25. The reason for getting the '"Sconset" was that the "Dionis" was getting old. The "'Sconset" was a peculiar little engine of unusual con struction. The locomotive and her tender were all mounted on one truck. The Nantucket railroad boomed and in August the village of 'Sconset held a big "Illumination". Dances were attended by many people at the Surfside Hotel at the south shore and the Nantucket Hotel on Brant Point. Those two hotels were employing rival bands that season. Old "Dionis" had been having her troubles. On August 29 at almost the height of the season the heaviest surf known at Nan tucket washed away parts of the bluffs on the south shore. In 1887 they had to move the track in from the edge of the bluff
RAILROADS IN NANTUCKET
23
because it was washing away fast. Storms still threatened the tracks, and the next year another heavy storm came in No vember, and the railroad line was washed into the surf. They finally realized they could not control nature and try to keep the road-bed along the edge of the south shore. In 1895 the promoters of the line rebuilt the railroad. The shore route to 'Sconset and Surfside was abandoned. The interest and energies of the line were centered on the development of the village of 'Sconset. The hotel at Surfside was closed and the building fell into decay. By November, 1899, it had collapsed completely. The Nantucket railroad was owned by many different people. None of them became rich out of the investment. In 1906 the railroad took a rest and the whistle of the locomotive was not heard for a whole season. 'Sconset suffered that season because the only way one could travel to 'Sconset was by stage coach. Delmont L. Weeks, who had been the manager of the railroad for several seasons, announced that the company which he rep resented was ready to sell out.
Workmen crank up the motor-powered car known throughout the Island as "the Bug" while passengers watch from its baggage car-trailer "the Birdcage".
Nantucket people by the name of Macy became interested in buying the railroad. They secured the aid of New York capital ists and bought the line. Cromwell G. Macy was president of the
24
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
new company and Thomas G. Macy, general manager. Their plan was to discard the train for a more modern method of trans portation called a gasoline motor car. A little car was then placed in service with the intention of having an all-the-year line. This little car was called the "Bug". It could accommodate six to eight passengers. It had a trailer on which trunks could be piled, and was known as the "Bug and Birdcage". It was very crude in appearance and operation, but it could skim over the rails faster than "Dionis". The "Bug" made a trip to 'Sconset in 19 minutes on November 29, 1907. It then became unruly and a year later it was ruined. In 1911 it was resurrected for temporary duty while the regular train equipment was being overhauled. In 1908, a large gasoline motor car was placed in service. It could hold thirty passengers, but its vibrations were so intense that the trip could not be made in comfort. The motor car was then shipped back to the mainland again the next October.
with its locally-built baggage car ond one of the open passenger cars.
In 1909 a new line of track was laid, and the reconstruction of the road-bed started. Another train had been brought to the island. It was purchased from the Revere Beach line to take the place of the old "Dionis". On July 23, 1909, the new engine turned
RAILROADS IN NANTUCKET
25
upside down on the South Beach, but no one was hurt and it was used for several years longer. In 1910 a new train built especially for Nantucket was brought here. It included a locomotive, passenger, and baggage car. The old outfit was then discarded. The new train made its first trip to 'Sconset on June 7, 1910, which proved to be a very thrilling day for the people of Nantucket. More thrilling to them was the fact that the new train was brand new and not second hand as the other trains had been. The New York capitalists still had control of the line, but another change came in the ownership and management of it. In 1917 rumors began to spread around that the railroad was at its end because it was losing money. The Empire Trust Com pany of New York announced that the Nantucket Railroad had been sold to the Boston firm of Thompson and Kelly for scrap. The rails and tracks were then torn up and the iron was shipped to the mainland to be used for weapons for the war which was raging in Europe. The engine and its cars were also shipped to the mainland. This was the end of the Nantucket Railroad. References: "The Nantucket Railroad", a pamphlet put out by the Island Service Company; "Hundred Years in Nantucket", The Inquirer and Mirror.
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Nantucket History BY FREDERICK CHASE
Nantucket has quite an old and interesting history that goes back to when it was a desolate island, with nothing but sand and trees on it. The island itself was probably put here in the glacial age when a glacier moved across the North American continent and all the sand it picked up was dropped on the shoals along the Northeast coast. Nantucket was formed by this deposit. Leif Ericson appears to be the first man to have sighted the island, but probably didn't claim it because of the other land he saw. It is possible he may have landed. After Ericson, Sebastian Cabot seems to have been the next man to land, and he claimed it for England. Bartholomew Gosnold is believed to have landed at Sankaty in June or July of 1602. Shortly after that, in 1606 a man by the name of Pourtrincourt came. There were about 1,500 In dians here, but no white people. The first name of the Island was Nautican which may have come from Ericson. It is similar to an Indian word which means "Far Away Island". Thomas Mayhew bought the Island from Lord Sterling. Sterling received it from the King of England in payment of a debt the King owed him. After a while Mayhew sold the Island to Tristram Coffin and a group for 30 pounds of sterling and two beaver hats. The group was made up of nine people including Mayhew who kept one share for himself. In 1630 war broke out between the Indians of West and East Nantucket but the reason is not known. Thomas Macy, one of the group, first settled here in the fall of 1659 with his wife, five children, and two hired men who were Edward Starbuck and Isaac Coleman. Their home was made at Madaket. They originally came from Salisbury, Mass. In 1660 the west end of the island was bought from the In dians so that white people who were coming over could settle.
NANTUCKET HISTORY
27
On Oct. 31, 1662, the first white person died. She was the wife of Richard Swain. On October 3, 1681, Tristram Coffin, one of the Island's first settlers died, but he will always be remembered in Nantucket History. Ownership Originally there were ten proprietors led by Tristram Coffin. The other owners were Christopher Hussey, Richard Swain, Thomas Macy, William Pike, Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Steven Greenleaf, John Swain, and Thomas Mayhew. Each of the owners took a partner which then made twenty owners. Half-shares were later issued to fourteen people including Peter Folger, who was Benjamin Franklin's grandfather. He received one in order to become the miller and official Indian interpreter. He also held many other jobs such as keeping the town records. John Gardner, who was well known in town affairs, received a half share too. There were twenty-seven shares in all, 20 full and fourteen half shares. To each original owner a house lot was given which consisted of approximately 221/2 acres. All the land that was given to them was around Capaum Pond. The land that wasn't divided was used by everyone and was called "Common Land". Later the name "Sheep Commons" was given to the undivided land because of the rule stating that people could graze the number of sheep in proportion to the shares of Common Land they owned. Later on disputes of land ownership developed and Governor Lovelace of New York ordered all owners to appear in New York in 1670. Tristram Coffin and Thomas Macy appeared before him in New York and settled the dispute temporarily. When the Dutch took over the control of New York, owner ship disputes got worse. Later on, Massachusetts worked out a "Land Court Plan" to settle all land disputes permanently. White settlers bought land from the Indians as well as from the King. Two Indian chiefs, Wanackmamack and Nickanoose, sold land to settlers and then claimed that it wasn't an absolute sale and continued to hunt on the land. The saying "Indian gift"
28
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
came from Indians taking back what they had given. The land these two chiefs sold to the white settlers was not theirs, but was controlled by other tribes which made the land problem even more serious. Quakers The Quakers came to Nantucket about 1700 and left about 1900. The Quakers were a very strange and interesting people who came mostly from England. Their churches were much different from other churches be cause they had no priests or bishops. You could always tell Quakers because of the plain clothes they wore with no fancy ribbons or decorations. They didn't believe in fighting and would not go into any battle. Many famous English Quakers such as Chalkley, Storey, and Richardson came to the Island to try to change the people to Quakers. Mary Starbuck, the best known Quaker on the Island, held meetings in her parlor which was, and still is, known as Parliament House. Part of the building was brought into town and now stands on the corner of Pine and School Streets. A meeting-house was built out toward the water tower in 1711 and in 1731 they built another one by the cemetery on the corner of Main Street and Quaker Road. There are still a few places standing that were used as meeting houses. They are the Roberts House, Historical Museum, and the movie theatre. In the cemetery on the corner of Main Street and Quaker Road, there are about two thousand Quakers buried. The Quakers' population never included more than half the Island's people and they led a very simple life. Industry In the days when Nantucket was just a young town, farming was the main and important industry among the early settlers. Corn was the principal crop of that era because the people couldn't go into a store and buy bread or other things containing flour.
NANTUCKET HISTORY
29
They had to depend on the flour that was turned out by the four mills which were located on Mill Hill. One of the original mills is still standing. Peter Folger set up the first of these four mills. With these four in operation there were many acres of corn grown on the Island. As other industries came to the Island, farming slowly died out and there isn't much farming on the Island now. Fishing from the shore and from small boats always aided the natives in their food problems. Drying platforms were built at both ends of the Island so that when the men brought in fish they could spread them out on the stages to dry before salting and packing them. The fishing fleet out of Nantucket was the second largest on the East Coast at one time. Shellfish aided the people because they were plentiful and easy to get. When the skippers of the boats found that it was less ex pensive to ship out of the mainland, many moved from here to places such as New Bedford and New York. Sheep raising was another important industry of the original settlers and it may have been the greatest attraction to the Is land. The sheep were mostly grazed on the common lands, later called the sheep commons. Sheep, just like cattle, had bands on their ears to indicate ownership. At one time there were possibly 30,000 sheep here. Sheep shearing was the big social event and was one of the principal affairs at that time. Before shearing, the sheep were washed off in the ponds. On the day in which the shearing was done and at night the people enjoyed eating, drinking, and dancing. Whaling Nantucket has many old and historic features such as the Old Mill, the Oldest House, and the 1800 House, but the whaling industry did more for the people of Nantucket than anything else. Whaling started on the Island about 1670 and ended about 1870. The Quakers are believed to have had quite a hand in the
30
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
whaling industry, since they were both here at approximately the same time. Nantucket's famous whaling industry started when a Scrag whale was killed in the harbor and towed ashore. In the year 1672 James Loper was offered ten acres of land if he would come to Nantucket and start whaling, but he refused. When the peo ple of Nantucket heard that, they started it themselves by build ing lookout stations along the south shore. Some people say that they also built some on the east side of the Island. Improvements were made on the lookout towers by putting up tall masts with thick pieces of strapping going through the mast forming a ladder so the men could climb to the top and watch farther out on the horizon for whales. In 1690 the people of Nantucket sent to the mainland for a man who could further their knowledge of whaling. When whaling from small dories decreased because of the lack of whales in 1700, the men started going out in larger boats with sails and then were able to whale as far north as Davis Strait and as far south as the Bahamas. In 1720 Nantucket whalemen sent their first oil to England. The money that the oil brought in was very welcome. In 1723 a wharf was built directly down from Main Street and was called Straight Wharf. The main idea in building it was so the whalemen could dock their ships there and unload their cargoes of oil. When whales became scarce between Davis Strait and the Bahamas the whalemen knew they had to go further away, and they also knew that they had to take the process of getting the oil from the whales with them. A man with more knowledge than any of the Island people was consulted about this problem and he told the people to build the tryworks right on the boats and so they did. Tryworks is machinery that is used to extract the oil from the whales which are caught. In the whaling industry many different kinds of products are used, so many factories and other industries sprang up all over the Island. Some of those industries were barrel making, rope making, and ship building.
NANTUCKET HISTORY
31
Rope making was very important to a whaleman. A good piece of rope often meant life instead of death and was very important in making a boat fast. Barrel making was a job for a man called a cooper and it was very important that the barrels were made so the stays would fit tight when put together aboard ship. If they were already assembled when brought aboard ship, they had to be tight so the whale oil wouldn't leak out. The ship's carpenter, called a "Chips", was a very important man on any ship. He often had to repair boats that were dam aged while chasing a whale or got damaged in a storm. Many times masts were snapped off at the top and would need to be put back in place with braces or by other methods. There are still some rope factories left in New Bedford and Plymouth, but they do not put out as much rope as they once did. Candle making was also an industry that grew because of whaling. It was a big industry in those years because of no elec tricity, but kerosene soon took its place. When the ships brought the oil to England and returned, they brought with them, clothing, hardware, and other manufac tured goods that were helpful to the people of Nantucket. On one trip when three Nantucket ships, the "Dartmouth", "Eleanor", and "Beaver" were on their way back with tea cargoes they stopped in Boston and were in on the "Boston Tea Party". None of the three ships was damaged, but they lost their tea. Whalers in 1600 and 1800 were paid just about the same way as fishermen are today. They are paid by shares usually called a "Lay". A share means that when a cargo of oil is sold and the money collected by the captain or owner it is split up among the ship's crew after the boat expenses are taken out. Nantucket whalemen were probably the first men in the world to attempt whaling in the Antarctic and are believed to have discovered many islands in the South Pacific. During the Revolutionary War Nantucket lost 134 ships. They were often sunk by the British navy or captured by them; fifteen ships were lost and nobody knows anything about them.
32
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Also during the war there were 1,600 Nantucket men either lost, killed, or captured. On February 3, 1783, Captain William Moore put the first ship flying an American flag into a British port. After the Revolution, Nantucket was very prosperous again in whaling until the War of 1812 when many more ships and men were captured or killed. After the war it was even more prosperous than before. The largest cargo of oil brought in by a Nantucket ship was 3,497 barrels and was valued at $98,000. Nantucket's highest population was between 1842 and 1843 and was probably over 10,000 people. Some people say that the population never went up to 10,000 but according to books and documents it went over that. Nantucket's famous whaling ended because of three main reasons: (1) the fire of 1846, (2) the 1849 gold rush, (3) common use of kerosene. Another reason many people believed caused it was the poor harbor passage. Although Nantucket's whaling days are over they will al ways be remembered, because of a large collection of relics and many old pictures of famous Nantucket whaling ships in the "Whaling Museum" at the foot of Broad Street. The Museum itself was once one of Nantucket's whale-oil candle factories.
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History Making Events Annual Meeting The call for the Annual Meeting of the members of the Association has been or will be received shortly by all members but this is to remind one and all that it will be held Tuesday, July 16th, 1957, at 3 p.m. at the Kenneth Taylor Galleries at the foot of Main Street. President George W. Jones will present his annual report. The election of officers and the transaction of the routine business will follow. Plans as to a feature speaker have not been completed at this writing but, as everyone knows, we have not lacked for one for many years and this year should prove to be no exception. The meeting will be open to guests of members who will be cordially welcomed by the Council and officers of the Association. We look forward to the usual large attendance. 1957 Formal Opening The formal opening for the 1957 season of the Association's buildings started with the Whaling Museum on Thursday, May 30th, to take care of visitors over the long Memorial Day holiday weekend. Sunday afternoon, June 2nd, was given over to "Open House" when all visitors were received as guests of the Association. This was followed on Sunday, June 9th, by the opening of the Friends Meeting House, Historical Museum, and the Oldest House. 1800 House, the Old Mill, and Old Jail followed shortly thereafter. The weekly and hourly schedule and admission fees are given in detail in this issue under "Season Admission Schedule". 300th Anniversary The Steering Committee for the 300th anniversary celebra tion (1959) have held several meetings presided over by our President, George W. Jones, who is Chairman of the Committee. A number of important decisions have been reached. The official name for the celebration is to be "Nantucket Island, 300th Birth day, 1959". It was made clear also, in the early discussions that as the program develops a great deal of work and responsibility will fall upon the members of the standing and various special committees, and that the standing committee will welcome ideas
34
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
and suggestions. Two points have been emphasized, however, one being that Nantucket is fortunate in having preserved its au thentic and historic background and is not a reconstructed site as are so many historical places advertised and visited annually by the public and that the Committee would not recommend or accept any ideas which would detract from the true historical and educational features of the "300th Birthday". The second point is that the celebration to be a success will require the ser vices of a full time, experienced director, but one who will assure the celebration being kept within the bounds of point number one. The committee believes they have found such a person in Mr. Edward J. Teran, a public relations counsellor from Boston with whom they have met and talked on several occasions. It was unanimously voted, therefore, to recommend to the Board of Se lectmen the appointment of Mr. Teran to this position. Acting favorably on the recommendation the Board of Selectmen author ized the Committee to enter into a contract with Mr. Teran which has been consummated which now puts the Committee in a position to actively adopt plans for the celebration with the knowledge that they will be carried forward by an experienced director whom it appears understands fully the desirability and wishes of the Island to keep the celebration within bounds appropriate to the Island's historic setting. Publications Committee
Real progress is reported being made by this committee. Five separate pamphlets, the same size as Historic Nantucket and printed on glossy paper, are in the course of preparation, in fact are in the printer's hands now. These will be for the Oldest House, Old Jail, Old Mill, 1800 House, and the Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House. The six page leaflet describing all of the exhibits, which has been distributed for many years, is being revised so as to include a map which will clearly locate our various buildings which should be a great improvement over the present set up and a real help to the public in locating our build ings. The Committee is having made also a glass covered bulletin board which will be displayed on the Whaling Museum grounds at the corner of South Beach and Broad Streets. It will display a map of the town locating clearly our buildings and brief descrip tion data about them. It is believed these leaflets and the bulletin
HISTORY MAKING EVENTS
35
board will stimulate interest in all our exhibits and increase ad missions. No change is planned at present in the illustrated booklet "The Nantucket Whaling Museum" which is on sale at all our buildings. Bay State Historical League The spring meeting of the league was held at Sturbridge Village on May 3rd and 4th. It was the occasion of "work shop sessions" of a highly informative and constructive character. Mrs. Walton H. Adams attended the session as the Association's dele gate. A digest of her very complete report submitted to the Coun cil will be found in this issue. President George W. Jones and Mrs. Jones also attended the session. Summer Lecture Series Four lectures, or better termed, "Informal Talks", will be held this season in the Friends Meeting House during July and August instead of eight as in the past several years. As soon as arrangements are completed for the speakers and the dates are determined an announcement will be made in the two local papers. These "Informal Talks" have proven to be very popular in the past and are open to members and guests, admission free. Milford Haven Nantucket continues to receive favorable international pub licity in the active publicity campaign of Milford Haven. The London Times in its January 25th, 1957, edition published a lengthy article "Friends Found an Oil Port" which tells the story of how Samuel Starbuck was induced to settle, with a large group of Friends, in Milford Haven in 1793, and how they went on whal ing for some fifty years because as one of them said it brought "a vast quantity of coin drawn from the bottom of the great deep." The article was quoted in full in the June 15th, 1957, issue of The Inquirer and Mirror. Another reference appears in the "Daily Mail" of May 25th in a paid advertisement of "Milford Haven — Port with a future". Again reference is made to its having been established in 1793 by a group of American Quakers whose business was whaling. It is interesting to note the value placed upon Nantucket's historic past by others in promoting
36
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
present day business — something we may well bear in mind constantly. Main Street and Dr. "Will" Gardner's Rambles. Summer visitors, friends, and strangers, are now with us and you can make their visit more enjoyable and informative by giving them copies of these two pamphlets and by so doing arouse their interest in Nantucket's greatest asset—its historic past. "Main Street", a pamphlet edited by the Association and published under the auspices of the Nantucket Civic League, Rotary Club of Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, and the Public Relations Committee, Town of Nantucket, gives a brief historical description of the houses on Main Street from "The Head of the Square to the Monument". Single copies may be obtained free at the Association's buildings, Information Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Guest Houses, and many business establishments. For bulk distribution twenty copies or more may be obtained at 11/2 cents a piece at the Whaling Museum Reception Desk with the understanding that they will not be sold but given away as a public service. "Rambles in Historic Nantucket District", by Dr. "Will" Gardner, is another pamphlet full of interesting anecdotes. It takes you on six rambles around town — good for clear and rainy weather. Copies may be secured free at the Chamber of Com merce and Miss Stevens' store — corner Main and Centre Streets. These pamphlets are a boon to the town and its summer visi tors. Why not keep a supply on hand to give out as your small contribution towards helping promote the economy of Nantucket? You'll be surprised how much pleasure you will derive when you see the expression of agreeable surprise and gratitude when you hand one of these pamphlets to a visitor — friend or stranger.
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Old Sturbridge Village Workshop Report of Special Delegate of Historical Association Council BY NANCY S. ADAMS
As your appointed delegate to the Workshop Sessions at Sturbridge, Mass., on May 3rd and 4th, 1957, I would like to report that I have never attended a more stimulating and important meeting. The four sectional discussions were held four times, so that each delegate could attend every session. The general session was held in the Village Meeting House, with Alexander J. Wall, Cur ator of the village, as speaker. Mr. Wall told us about accessioning and care of historical material. He said that there are 773 mu seums in local historical societies, and that specializing in col lections gives strength. We should always be thinking of the future and collecting for it. In collecting, thought should be given to the question, "Can an article be used and can it be exhibited?" In other words, is it worth the work involved in caring for it? Mr. Wall then spoke about storage, card catalogs, arrangement of exhibits, and many other informative matters. Purpose of Historical Societies The first of the Workshop sessions was held in the Tavern gallery, where we heard Bertram K. Little speak about "The Business of and in Historical Societies." Mr. Little suggested that care be taken in fundamental matters, and that one should have a simple organization, low dues, and many committees to do the work. The purpose of societies, he said, is to record and preserve the history of the community, to interest new people coming into the community, and to be on the alert to keep the manifestation of the community's history, whether it be articles, parks, waterfronts, commons, streets, or private buildings. Publi cations, he said, may be made less expensive by using economical printing methods, and newspapers should be used for publicity. He suggested that exhibits should be set up in stores, libraries, and schools, and that films could be made of the community's business and industrial activities.
38
HISTORIC NANTUCKET How to Preserve Books and Documents
Our second session was held in the Mansion House, where the speaker was Robert W. Lovett, of the Baker Library, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. Mr. Lovett told us about the handling and repair of books and documents. He stressed the fact that scotch tape should not be used for mending, and suggested the permanent mending tape made by DuPont. This is gummed and safe for use. Books should be mended with brown, gummed cloth, while leather-bound volumes are best pre served with neat's-foot oil and lanolin. For worn bindings, he recommended the plastic adhesive called ''Bind Art". Mr. Lovett added that he would gladly supply reference for these materials. We Are Entertained by Old Sturbridge Village
All our sessions were informal, and questions could be asked at any time. After a brief rest period, we were invited to be the guests of Old Sturbridge Village for cocktails, after which dinner was served at Lincoln House. Then the Bay State League quarterly meeting took place, and we were shown a film, entitled "Dear Nancy", which portrayed the life of an ordinary family through the seasons in the first part of the 19th century. We Hear About Materials and Exhibits for Schools
Early the next day, the third session was held at the Mansion House. The speaker was Kempton J. Cody, Jr., Principal of Brown School, Natick, Mass. His subject was "Materials and Exhibits for Schools". Schools, he said, are ideal places for a museum for children. The type of exhibits could be old tools of carpenters, coopers, and cobblers, and Indian and fire relics, all of which are better enjoyed by children when they can handle them. Models of historic buildings could be made by the youngsters themselves. Local people should talk to the children about local history, and there should be frequent consultation between schools and mu seums, with new teachers being helped by historical societies to learn about the community's history. Local historians should talk to high school freshmen, and older people could demonstrate how various articles were used in former times. Mr. Cody pointed out that much work is involved in setting up exhibits, but the re wards are well worth the labor.
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE WORKSHOP
39
Volunteers and Teachers Immediately following this session, the fourth one was held in the Tavern ballroom. The leader was Loring B. McMillen, Di rector of the Staten Island Historical Society, Richmond, N. Y. Mr. McMillen proved to be a very alert speaker, and knew his subject thoroughly. He said that volunteers should be used, but that they should not be weighed down with work at first. They should be led by an expert in each field. He told about the work of his society, where volunteers had been very helpful. This concluded the Workshop sessions. We adjourned to the Village Meeting House, where a General Session was held, with Mrs. Martha S. Sweetser, Director of the Junior Museum in Waterbury, Conn., as the speaker. Her subject was "How Historical So cieties Can Help Teachers and Schools". Some of the highlights of her talk were that: there should be cooperation between schools and museums, tours of museums should be made by students, and papers should be written by them, these papers to earn them points for their honor work. Mrs. Sweetser stressed local history being taught in the schools, and said programs should be given periodically for the separate grades, such as an Indian program for Grade 5, Colonial program for Grade 7, and Industrial program for Grade 8. Illustrated lec tures might also be given, followed by tours through the museum, emphasizing the subject of the lecture. The speaker also pointed out that students should be allowed to look at and touch the articles being talked about. An Inspiring and Helpful Experience Following Mrs. Sweetser's very informative remarks, a buffet luncheon was served at the Village Tavern, after which your delegate left for Boston with the feeling that the Workshop sessions were most inspiring and helpful. Not all the activities apply to our Association, but I am sure that many of them may be followed with very hopeful results. I wish to thank the Nan tucket Historical Association for sending me as its delegate.
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Season Admission Schedule The various buildings and museums of the Association will be open officially to the public for the 1957 Season on the following schedules: Week Days and Sundays
Whaling Museum
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oldest House
Week Days
Historical Museum Friends Meeting House 1800 House Old Mill Old Jail
Sundays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2 to 5 p.m. Week Days Only 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission Fees
The admission fee is 50 cents to each building except for the Old Mill and Old Jail where visitors are asked to give a donation. All Association Members presenting 1957 and Life Member ship cards and all children under 12 years of age are admitted free.
Historical Buildings The map, on the next page, of part of the Town, is a reliable guide for those who wish to ramble through the Streets and Lanes of the Town. The Nantucket Historical Association buildings and museums are located and numbered as follows: Whaling Museum Quaker Meeting House and Historical Museum 1800 House Old Mill Oldest House Old Jail
Broad Street
1
Fair Street Mill Street Prospect Street Sunset Hill Vestal Street
2 3 4 5 6
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Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary BY NANCY S. ADAMS
( Continued)
1798 Jan. 6—Nancy wife of Samuel Cary died very suddenly 3 a.m. had a son born—weeke ago. Feb. 7—Sailed for Boston via N. B. Feb. 8—Started for Boston in open sleigh & 2 horses; arrived 7 p.m. March 13—Went to Catholic Church to a burial service, went also Sun. Mar. 18th. March 25—Sailed for Nantucket. Arr'vd Nantucket Monday mid night. Found Mother senseless & speechless, she was as well as usual, went to Court in the afternoon, was going up stairs just at dusk had got near the top of the stairs, fell backwards into entry, was taken up for dead, but about 9 o'clock she revived so as to speak several words, but did not know her own sister; she soon fell into a snoring sleep & such was her condition when I first beheld her, surrounded by her brethren and my dear children. She died (Mrs. Keziah Coffin) on the 29th, at V2 Past 3. Buried March 31st. April 5—Cos. Hulda Barney died Tues. night. April 26—Moved into south part of house that was Henry Clark's. June 7—Coffin Myrick and — Barnard married in p.m. June 17—Uncle Caleb Macy died to-day. June 19—Jonathan Macy buried to-day. July 14—Coffin Whippey came home this week was returning home in a ship from Cape Horn with near 2,000 bbls, of oil, taken by the French & carried into a French port & condemned. War is not declared between France & America, but the French take almost every American that they come across. July 30—Jos. Gardner, Blacksmith, died suddenly last night — cramp in stomach.
KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY
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Aug. 1—Alexander Gardner died p.m.—putrid fever. Aug. 25—Moved to Sol. Coffin's house in Egypt. Sept. 19—Supposed murder of Hannah Cata (black) wife of Cata (also black) found dead off end of one of the wharves. Verdict of Coroners Jury, wilful murder by parties unknown. Wounds on her head and marks of fingers on her throat. Sept. 20—Hitty (black) arrested on suspicion of murdering Han nah Cato. Hannah much addicted to drink and seen drunk on the wharf. Hitty very quarrelsome and beating & pounding her threat ening to kill her & throw her into the dock. By the evidence both were on board of a small vessel in the harbor manned by blacks, until 9 in the evening. Mrs. Hammatt died at sunset, was delivered of a son (her 12th) child. Was taken with paralysis. Nov. 4—Obed Coleman died in Siasconset to-day—bilious colic. Nov. 5—Mr. Fanning sick sent for Dr. Easton. Nov. 11—John Wetherholt's mother died to-day—an aged person. Nov. 29—Thanksgiving. Mr. Fanning evidently failing. Dec. 20—Mr. Fanning died p.m. Long and tender notice of his death. 1799 Jan. 3—James Gary & Betsey Swain married to-day. Jan. 4—Randall Rice returned. He says the Court passed no judg ment on him but liberated him as an innocent person and injured man. Jan. 5—Susanna Pinkham (John's wife) died a.m. after a few days illness. Jan. 29—Capt. Henry Smith died last night after a short illness, 84 years old. Feb. 3—Mrs. Johnson & myself went to Town House to meeting. Mr. Cannon (Methodist) preached. Feb. 21—Jo. Elkins & Polly Hern married to-day. March 10—We had a son born, named him Phineas. April 7—Brown son of Francis buried. Came home from a voyage
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
but a few days ago & died very suddenly. April 11—Reported that John had died at Surinan on Brig Dol phin, account doubted the next day. N. Barnard son Simeon commands Brig. April 12—Peter Coffin died last night very suddenly at Tuckernuck. April 14—Susan Folger died yesterday. May 5—Old gentleman Mr. Burnell buried to-day. May 7—George Myrick sailed for Boston about 2 o'clock Wednes day morning, a squall struck the vessel. A young man named Long son of barber Long aged 19 went up the mast, fell overboard & was drowned. May 26—Heavy thunderstorm, struck Thomas Coffin's house. July 7—Mr. Cannon preached at afternoon service. 6 o'clock went to Friends meeting house, it was very full at least 2,000 persons there, a Man named Jones first spoke then 3 women, one of them was Lydia Rotch daughter of William. July 16—Matthew Barney's wife was delivered of a child & died before night. July 30—Went to Comwell Bartletts school house to meeting. Mr. Beachum performed. Water baptism on Susanna Orpin, she is about to become a member of the Methodist Church. Aug. 2—Took tea at Maxcy's, he lives in New Town in his own house. George Perkins & Betsey Johnson married by Esq. Abner Coffin, nearly 60 persons there. Sept. 30—Peter Fosdick's wife died yesterday. Oct. 24—Love Feast at Mr. Rands. Bread & water taken & given around in token of mutual love. Oct. 25—Capt. Delano buried. Meeting in eve, Mr. Pickering preached. Martha Alley, Mary Long, & Samuel Crosby's wife & Betsey Folger her daughter baptized. (Kezia Fanning joined Methodist Church.) 1800
Jan. 1—Mr. Beachum preached a sermon in the new Methodist Meeting house at New Town, considerable large collection of peo ple, the house is unfinished, only temporary seats.
KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY
45
Feb. 16—Peleg Pinkham & Elizabeth Ellis admitted to Society. Feb. 22—This day appointed by Congress for all to meet at the public places of worship to solemnize the day—as it was the day which would have completed George Washington's 68 years, had he lived to this day—but God saw fit some time in — to call him from this mortal state in consequence of which Congress saw fit to have the day set apart in honor to his memory and his virtues. Feb. 23—Elizabeth Rice baptised. Peleg Pinkham & and his wife were baptised, a very solemn sight two such aged persons to come forward. March 2—Hepsa Swain taken into Society. May 16—Cos. Rebecca (Aunt Coffin's daughter) has baby 5 weeks old. June 15—Dr. Abraham Pease & Mrs. Mary Long married in the meeting House by Mr. Beachum. June 19—Thomas Smith, Ichabod Aldridge, Desire & Love Nichols, Molly Pease (that was Long), Susanna Whitehouse, Betsey Folger, Mrs. Bigelow and myself admitted to full Communion in the Church. July 8—Mr. Beachum baptised my 3 youngest children. July 11—Margaret Rawson was at B. Folger's funeral on Sun day last and on Monday complained, a violent fever sot in & this day she departed life. Was buried next day from the Meeting House and there was a prayer made by Mr. Gurney of an hour long as some judged. July 13—Mr. Beachum took leave of Society. On August 4 the Conference at Lynn returned him to Nantucket. Sept. 2—Molly Crosby married last Sunday to Ben Whippey. Sept. 14—Mr. & Mrs. Bigelow going to Portland to live & Tommy Fanning gone with them to keep store. Oct. 5—John sailed mate of a Brig commanded by Thomas Swain. (To Be Continued)
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Officers 1956 - 1957
President George W. Jones
Vice Presidents Everett U. Crosby Miss Grace Brown Gardner W. Ripley Nelson
Howard U. Chase Burnham N. Dell Stokeley W. Morgan
Secretary-Treasurer
Auditor
Miss Ethel Anderson
Ormonde F. Ingall
Councillors George W. Jones, Chairman
Term Expires
Earl S. Ray
1957 1957 1958 1958 1959 1959 1960
James A. Norcross Mrs. Joseph King Robert C. Caldwell Mrs. Cyril C. Ross Albert Egan, Jr Mrs. William L. Mather Mrs. William Perkins
1960
Honorary Custodian of Collections Mrs. Walton H. Adams
Custodian of Collections Mrs. William L. Mather
Finance Committee Earl S. Ray
Stokeley W. Morgan, Chairman Howard U. Chase
Historic Nantucket W. Ripley Nelson, Editor Harmon Tupper
Mrs. Harold P. Page
Associate Editor
Associate Editor
Publicity Committee Stokeley W. Morgan, Chairmat
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Staff 1956-1957 HISTORICAL MUSEUM and FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE Chairman Receptionist Librarian
Mrs. Walton H. Adams Mrs. Alma Backus Miss Alice Crocker OLD MILL
Chairman Receptionist
Earl S. Ray John Greene OLDEST HOUSE
Chairman Receptionist
Mrs. William Perkins Miss Ethel Clark THE WHALING MUSEUM W. Ripley Nelson Albert Egan, Jr. Mrs. Kent K. King Archibald Cartwright Mrs. Herbert W. Foye Mrs. Ellen D. Chace
Chairman Committeemen Custodian Receptionist Librarian OLD JAIL
James A. Norcross George T. King
Chairman Receptionist T800" HOUSE Chairman Custodian
Mrs. John H. Bartlett Mrs. Susan M. Cowden
Help Yourself—and the Association, Too Did you ever stop to think that outright gifts, bequests, and legacies to the Nantucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under Federal Income and Estate Tax Law and are also lawful deductions under the tax rules of many States? This means that every year you can reduce your own taxes by making a donation to the Association. It can be your own per sonal or business check, bonds, shares of stock, books, works of art, articles of unique historical interest, or anything else on which a definite monetary value can be set. What's more, you can ease the tax burden on your estate by including the Association as a beneficiary under your will. The more you give, the less tax you pay. It's as simple as that. It's equally simple to tell you why the Association needs your annual donations and special help. Contrary to mistaken be lief, we have the most modest endowment—less than $12,000, in fact, and sums must be taken every year from this amount to preserve what we already have in irreplaceable buildings and the treasures they house. At no time have adequate funds been avail able for sound restoration of our properties, for major repairs, improved light, and other amenities. We have had to refuse rare collections (which would enchant you and our visitors) because we didn't have even the small price asked for them. Many pre eminently worthwhile projects have had to be deferred indefi nitely. Much as we would like to give the green light to these undertakings, our treasurer has had to say "No." And with reason, for the Association just hasn't got the money. You can help our treasurer to change this "No" to "Yes" simply by sending us your check right now (be sure to record your contribution on your checkbook stub—remember that In come Tax allowable deduction). Then call your lawyer—he'll con firm our own counsel's opinion regarding the Estate Tax laws. In short, help yourself—and the Association, too.