Historic Nantucket
NANTUCKET TOWN From a lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton
OCTOBER, 1957 ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER Published Quarterly by
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.
PRISONER OF WAR MODEL OF A SLOOP OF WAR Gift from Mrs. William Wallace. Charles F. Sayle, one of the Association's life members, and an exper ienced maker of ship models, was commissioned by Mr. Wallace in the 1930's to restore and rig this rare and valuable item. Mr. Sayle says: "This model of a sloop of war is a fine
example of a
'prisoner of war model'. It was probably made in some prison of a beef bone and by a prisoner of war. The dark colored fittings
are from tortoise
shell. It was in very bad condition when I received it and I secured the aid of Mr. Nikita Carpenko, now a sculptor, but then doing some fine
work in
rigging models, and together we repaired and refitted this model. It is in very fine proportions and very neatly made, as were most of those prisoner of war models."
2
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
OCTOBER 1957
No. 2
MMTPMTC CONTENTS
Frontispiece: Prisoner of War Model .
2
Editorial
4
63rd Annual Meeting
5
Report of President
^
9
Main Street in Whaling Days
15
Helps for Researchers in New Bedford Whaling List
19
List of Books and Pamphlets
20
Keziah Coffin Tanning's Diary
21
Ten 1957 Events in the Island's History
25
Membership
3'0
Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Historical Association. It is sent free to all Membership dues are — Annual-Active $2.00 ; Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953,
Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket members of the Association. Sustaining $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00. 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.
3
4
EDITORIAL Since our last publication in July the man who had been at the helm since the inception of Historic Nantucket in July 1953, and who in fact had fathered these issues since that time, has been forced by necessary consideration for his health to relinquish the wheel. He can step aside with the satisfaction of a job well done. He has made this publication one of the best historic quarterlies to be found and in this work has been governed by the desire to do something worthy of this Association and of the community. W. Ripley Nelson is a man who has known Nantucket for a number of years. He has been spending his summer vacations here since 1919 when one came to Nantucket from New York via the old Fall River Line to that city, a train to New Bedford and then our boat line to destination. He is a graduate of Carteret Academy and Newark Academy of New Jersey and American Institute of Banking, and, for a number of years before his retirement, worked for the Guaranty Trust Co. of New York and for Sanderson and Parker (Engineers and Constructors) of New York City. Upon his retirement he and Mrs. Nelson came to the Island to establish their home in the house at number 25 Union Street and have subsequently built a new home on Vestal Street. He has been a member of the association since 1951, an active member of the Council since that time and one of our vice presidents since December 1953. During that time he acted as chairman of the School Local History Committee. In addition to filling these positions in an enthusiastic and helpful manner, he has for years been chairman of the committee in charge of the Whaling Museum, a position which he still retains, where he was instrumental in the installation of a modern sprinkler system and the extensive repairs to the interior made in 1955-56. His absence from the editorial staff of this magazine will be severely felt and poses the problem of his successor.
5
Sixty - Third Annual Meeting The sixty-third Annual Meeting of the Association was held July 16, 1957, at the Taylor Galleries. President Mr. George W. Jones extended a cordial welcome to those present, which were about fifty. Minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved. It was voted to dispense with the reading of various committee reports, and to accept them as already published in the July issue of "Historic Nantucket." The President read his annual report which consisted of a summary of the important activities of the Association during the past year. Among these were the finishing of the reconstruction work of the Whaling Museum, the painting and installation of heat in the office and Council room in the Friends Meeting House and the participation of the Association in encouraging students in the writing of historical essays. He also gave a resume of work completed, attendance, and work to be done for each building, with a word of encouragement to those who have helped in carry ing on the work of the Association for the past year. Nomination and Election The report of the Nominating Committee was read by Mrs. Rozelle C. Jones and was as follows: To the members of the Nantucket Historical Association, We present the following slate of officers for your considera tion: President: George W. Jones Vice-Presidents: Howard U. Chase, Everett U. Crosby, Burnham N. Dell, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Stokeley W. Morgan, W. Ripley Nelson Secretary and Treasurer: Miss Ethel Anderson Two Councillors to serve until 1961: Richard J. Porter Oswell J. Small The chair was then turned over to Past President Nancy Adams, who, after receiving the committee's report and there
6
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
being no further nominations, presided over the election of the President, George W. Jones. Mr. Jones then took the chair and it was moved, seconded and voted that further nominations be closed and that the secre tary cast one vote for the acceptance of the balance of the Nom inating Committee report, which was done. Mr. Jones then extended a welcome to the new Council members. He also announced that the regular meeting of the Council would be held at the Friends Meeting House Friday, July 19th at 4 p.m. and that the next summer lecture would be held at the Friends Meeting House Tuesday, July 23rd, with Mr. William Perkins as lecturer. His subject to be "History of Nantucket Schools." Mr. Jones, in introducing the speaker, explained the forming of the steering committee for directing of the celebration for the 300th anniversary of the purchase of Nantucket by the first white settlers on the Island. This has been done by the co-operation of eleven organizations in town, each one appointing a member to act on the steering committee. The town has appropriated $5,000. toward this project to assist in covering expenses. The Selectmen have obtained the services of Mr. Edward J. Teran to direct these affairs. Mr. Edward Teran, Speaker Mr. Teran, in his talk, explained that it was the purpose of the committee to do all in their power to keep the celebration from becoming a honky-tonk affair and to keep it in the tradition of the Island history. Plans are under way to revive the horse drawn carriage period and have available about 15-20 horses and carriages. It is also their plan to train young people to conduct tours, having them dressed in costume of the early days. For festivities, a birthday celebration with dancing in the street and possibly a "Horribles" parade July 14th are planning. Open houses and gar dens will also be featured, with special emphasis on the roses. The celebration is not planned for only a few days and crowded with activities, but is to last from June to September.
SIXTY-THIRD ANNUAL MEETING
7
Dr. William Gardner is working on the Gardner family reunion for that year and Mr. Robert Caldwell, member of the steering committee, is trying to create interest in other family reunions of the early settlers' descendants. These are to be scattered through the three months making it possible for room accommodations for families attending. An invitation to the President of the United States for a visit to the Island during the season and invitations to the Gov ernors of the 48 states to attend are things being considered. Mr. Teran displayed the new seal which the committee has adopted, and which was designed by Mrs. Richard Beer. These will be used for many things including letterheads and envelopes. Advertising will be aimed at the better type magazines and newspapers such as the rotogravure sections, and the magazine "Holiday" is planning a feature article on Nantucket in the spring of 1959. There are also plans for a postal cancellation and postage stamp design for the occasion. Mr. Teran explained his background and, having worked on both the Cape and Vineyard for many years, he feels he has a good idea of the desires of the people in this section. He com mended the steering committee for their co-operation and felt sure that 1959 would be a summer long to be remembered. B.B.C. Broadcast from Milford Haven, Wales Mr. Jones, in introducing the next part of the program, explained that in 1792 after the Revolutionary War a member of families in Nantucket had lost many of their possessions and moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia to establish a whaling base but this adventure did not turn out as well as expected. England was anxious to obtain her own whale oil and encouraged the men to seek a port in Great Britain. Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger were among the men who settled in Milford Haven, Wales. Timothy Folger's wife's diary was sent to this country to her daughter during the early period of this settlement and recently came to light in the Jones' attic. In 1954 while looking over the contents of the attic Mrs. Jones came upon the diary and found it contained information about the settling of Milford Haven.
8
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Dr. Gardner had been in correspondence with the Clerk of the Urban District Council of Milford Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Burnham Dell and Miss Margaret Harwood were also interested and visited Milford Haven and became friends of Mr. Arthur Jackson, Deputy Clerk of the District Council. Mr. Jackson vis ited Nantucket in 1956 and Mr. and Mrs. Jones returned the visit in the fall of the same year. Thus a warm, friendly feeling exists between people in Milford Haven and Nantucket. Recently Mr. Jones received a letter from Mr. Jackson which gave the time and wave length of a BBC broadcast on June 19th and 20th of a speech Mr. Jackson was to make in respect to the relationship between our two towns. Milford Haven is the only known place in Europe which was originally settled by Americans and Nantucket has the distinction of being the town from which they came. On June 20th Mr. and Mrs. Jones and Miss Margaret Har wood were guests of Gordon Turner, who has a "ham" radio station, and were able to hear the speech of which Mr. Turner made a tape recording. He played the recording at the meeting so that all could hear the voice of Mr. Jackson as well as his greetings to many friends in Nantucket. It was a clear recording and very interesting to all. The meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m.
9
Annual Report of the President A year has elapsed since I had the honor of being elected president of your society and it is again time that a statement of the condition and welfare of this association be made to its members. I am pleased, as I am sure are all the members of your Council, to be able to report a successful year past and healthy signs for continual progress in the future. The Council has been active and regular meetings, held monthly, have been well attended. During the fall and early winter the upstairs room in the Friends Meeting House was renovated. It was completely painted, electric lighting and a gas space heater and storm windows were installed. We now have a very attractive office and Council Room, and it is there that Council meetings are now held. A very large proportion of the expense for these improvements was donated anonymously from one of our staunch friends. FAIR STREET MUSEUM I regret that Mrs. Alma Backus, who has for twenty-five years been a gracious receptionist at the Fair Street Museum, was unable to resume these duties this year and has retired from the position which she has filled faithfully and well. We were indeed fortunate that Mrs. Walton Adams, Past President of this Association, and one who knows more about our exhibits than anyone else whom we could possibly get, was interested in the position thus vacated and is now doing her usual excellent work in that capacity ably assisted by Miss Alice Crocker, who has under her charge all the items in the upstairs apartments. Mrs. Adams, who voluntarily relinquished her duties as Cus todian of Collections, (and was immediately reappointed to that office in an Honorary capacity), was succeeded by Council mem ber Mrs. William Mather. We could not have made a wiser choice as Mrs. Mather has proved most interested in this work and with the friendly assistance of Mrs. Adams is filling this position to the satisfaction of all concerned.
10
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
The Friends Meeting House has again, as in previous years, been placed at the disposal of the visiting Friends for their use as a place of worship each Sunday. OLDEST HOUSE Our oldest structure and one which becomes more interesting to the public each year that passes, the Oldest House, is being thoughtfully cared for by the chairman Mrs. William Perkins and the receptionist Miss Ethel Clark. The building is fundamentally sound. Although rather hidden and out of the beaten path, it was visited by 4383 persons last year and apparently as many visitors again this year. OLD MILL The paintwork on the old mill has been redone, the rail fence repaired, and under the chairmanship of Mr. Earl Ray it now has an eye appeal which it has lacked for some time. At Mr. Robert Caldwell's suggestion and by his effort the descriptive drawings in the mill which were rapidly deteriorating have been photostated and preserved for the future. The cordial receptionist, Mr. John Greene, who has filled that position for a number of years, is there again this year and doing his usual competent job. OLD JAIL The Old Jail seems to be the problem child of all our exhibits. Tucked away almost out of sight from the streets surrounding it and subject to childish depredations during the winter months it is indeed a challenge to find some way of increasing attendance and caring for proper maintenance. We will hope that the challenge can be successfully met and that people can be made sufficiently interested to seek it out. 1800 HOUSE The 1800 House under the direction of Mrs. John Bartlett Jr., chairman of this exhibit, is as attractive as ever and has several additions to its furnishings this season. Mrs. Mather and Mrs. Adams transferred a number of items from the Fair Street Museum to this house where they could be more advantageously shown.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
11
New shelves in the china closet also allow of a further display of old china in which most people are interested. Mrs. Susan Cowden is doing her usual commendable work as re ceptionist here and rejoices with us all when the attendance figures take an upward turn. WHALING MUSEUM The Whaling Museum, although last on this list, is un questionably the most heavily attended. Visitors reached an alltime high last year of 18,308. Mrs. Bernice Foye, Mrs. Ellen Chace and Mr. Archie Cartwright, all now veterans at their jobs in the old candle house, are doing a commendable piece of work under the able direction of the chairman of this exhibit, Mr. W. Ripley Nelson. The display of scrimshaw has been re-arranged and spread out to give a better setting and a more pleasing appearance. It is a collection of which we should all be very proud and contains some of the finest pieces to be found anywhere in the world. Mr. William Tripp, former curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum and one of our greatest well-wishers, pre sented the museum a fine 40 volume collection of "Whalemen's Shipping Lists" dating back to the year 1843, which he had acquired over the years. This is a very valuable set of reference books and we are indebted to him for his generosity. Among other gifts received during the year is a fine model of a Revolutionary War period frigate in a glass case given us by one of our summer resident friends, Mr. Gilbert Verney, President of the Verney Co. of Manchester, N.H. It is a welcome addition to our model collection. Necessary Repairs The highly necessary repair work, the major part of which was done last year, has been completed with the water-proofing of the south wall. Cost of this work ran approximately $13,800. We have, to date, collected funds from friends and members totaling $10,800 to defray this expense. This leaves a deficit, in round numbers, of $3,000, which it is highly desirable to eliminate before contemplating any further improvements even though they may be
12
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
important. The Council hopes that this deficit may have the kind consideration of any friends who might wish to assist m reducing it to zero by their generous contributions. Summary In summary I make a few general statements touching on the activities of your Association and things past, present and future connected with these activities. Our membership remains high (1,024 by latest count) and interest in our work seems to be shared by an increasing number. Our contacts with other organizations on the mainland continues to keep us informed as to what is being done by similar groups. Past President Nancy Adams is a director of the Bay State League of Historical Societies and attends most of the meetings. Both my wife and I were able to accompany Mrs. Adams during the work shop session of the Bay State League at Sturbridge Village last spring. It was an informative meeting and one which was very well attended by delegates from all over Massachusetts as well as from New York and Rhode Island. Our own "Historic Nantucket" under the editorship of VicePresident W. Ripley Nelson continues to be one of the best pub lications of its kind in this New England area and many have been the compliments received from its readers. A winter "Gam" was held at the Maria Mitchell Library building as in past years. It was attended by over fifty persons and Mr. Norman P. Giffin, acting as master of ceremonies, did an excellent job. The subject was Nantucket Transportation and the subject was covered from ox-cart to airplane with special emphasis on former steamboat service in the days of wooden ships. All who attended appeared to be much entertained and to enjoy the occasion. Last summer the series of weekly lectures continued through out July and August. This year it was decided to limit the series to four, two in July and two in August to be held, as formerly, in the Friends Meeting House on Fair Street. The first of these, by Dr. William E. Gardner, took place on July 9th and the attendance exceeded the seating capacity. We trust the others may be similarly well attended.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
13
As you are aware, 1959 will be celebrated as the 300th Anniversary of the settlement of Nantucket Island by white peopie. Our Association is one of the sponsors of this celebration and has a committee of three Council members who will be engaged in this work. One of this committee will sit as a member of the steering committee composed of representatives from eleven local organizations. Plans are in the development stage and you will hear more about this a bit later in this meeting. It would seem that the function of an historical society or association is not only to collect and preserve items and docu ments from the past. It is to so exhibit them and make them available to the present inhabitants that they may learn from these relics the great qualities of industry, courage and perse verance their ancestors possessed and which built up and improved the surroundings to their present state which they are now enabled to enjoy. It is these better traits of human nature which such an association should tend to emphasize and which in spite of Shakespeare and his statement that "the good is oft interred with their bones" should be recalled and exemplified to all persons but more especially to the younger generations for their guidance. I believe we are doing this in a number of ways. Our exhibits all show under what difficulties our ancestors lived and how by their energy and industry they overcame them. STUDY OF ISLAND HISTORY IN SCHOOLS
We have encouraged the teaching of local history in our schools and endeavored to stimulate interest by awarding two very attractive certificates of merit for the best essays on this subject submitted by both the High School and the Vocational School students. This has now been done for several years and seems to be creating the interest for which it was inaugurated. We do from time to time open our exhibits to groups of younger people coming to the Island from other schools or form organizations as Boy or Girl Scouts, Mariners, etc. Many in these groups show keen interest in our local history and we feel sure leave the Island with a clearer understanding of its past.
14
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
We will continue to encourage those who are interested in the work of our forebears and try to present the material we have as attractively as we are able. In closing I wish to take this opportunity to thank Past President Nancy Adams, whose past experiences in this associa tion make her advice and suggestions most helpful, our hard working secretary-treasurer Miss Ethel Anderson, without whose effort and energy the whole machinery would slow up and tend to stop, the Vice Presidents and other members of the Council, who keep up on an even keel, and all the personnel working at and on our exhibits who have been most cooperative throughout the past year and whose aid is very much appreciated. Two of our Vice Presidents, Mr. Everett U. Crosby, a worker of long standing, and Mr. W. Ripley Nelson, a hard worker of more recent membership, have currently been patients at the new hospital, and if they are not present it is through no fault of their own. I extend greetings to both of them and may their recoveries be accelerated. May the Nantucket Historical Association continue to flourish and make itself more and more an organization of value to this community. Summer Informal Talks at the Quaker Meeting House
The Tuesday afternoon talks on Old Nantucket were con tinued last summer. They were given on alternate Tuesday after noons and well attended. We here express our gratitude to the speakers for their gift of time and interest. Dr. Will Gardner, July 9, told stories of Old Nantucket which revealed Island characteristics. Mr. William Perkins, principal of the Cyrus Peirce School, July 23, gave a description of the growth of our school system from a number of private, family schools to those required by Massachusetts. Miss Mary Turlay Robinson, lecturer on art, August 13, spoke on the days of her grandmother and summer residence in 'Sconset. Curator Edouard A. Stackpole, of the Mystic Museum, Mystic, Conn., August 27, analized the motives back of mutinies and told seme of the stories.
15
Main Street in Whaling Days From reminiscences of George F. Worth written approximately in 1880 ARRANGED BY NANCY S. ADAMS
Last summer -Mrs. Nancy Adams, in addition to her work as re ceptionist at the Fair Street Museum, gave a gift of service to the Association by overhauling the hundreds of valuable documents, books, and items kept in a vault. In the process she discovered stories and records of great interest which may appear from time to time in "Historic Nantucket." The following description of Main Street and other locations was lifted from reminiscences and incidents written by George F. Worth. He was born in Nantucket in 1809, a descendant of the early settlers, learned the cabinet maker's trade and served as publisher of the "Islander" from 1840-43. He later was Postmaster from 1845-49. In 1849 he sailed on the ship "Fanny" for California and for thirty years was U. S. Deputy Marshal in Martinez, California, retiring in 1891. Mr. Worth spent twenty-five years tracing the families of Nan tucket people and wrote two volumes on the whaling industry on the island as well as several volumes of reminiscences, all written in the later years of his life. He died in 1893 and these valuable records were given to the Nantucket Historical Association.
Starting from Straight Wharf and going directly west on Main Street to the house of Charles Folger, (located where New Lane and Madaket Road join), occupied later by Samuel Lowell, less than forty buildings are now standing that were on the line of the street fifty years ago, and the greater part of these have been so remodeled and made over as to be hardly recognized as the same buildings they were then. Below the monument not more than a half dozen could be pointed out as the same, by a person who had been absent for some time. Keeping west of the Lowell place beyond where the road branches, all the houses are gone. The Bowen, Thomas James, Nathaniel Frost (an old revolutionary pensioner) Folger, Whiteus, Randall, Newbegins and Daniel Allen houses have all disappeared, only the Elihu Coleman (Hosier) house and the Paul Gardner (Cornish) house being left to mark what was known as Uppertown. Through Center, Orange, Union, Fair, Liberty and Pleasant Streets the change has been very great, many of the old houses having been taken down and the new ones built in their places.
MAIN STREET IN WHALING DAYS
17
While the whole district between Main, east of Center and that east of the south part of North Water Street, which were swept out of existence by the great fire of 1846, have been entirely rebuilt, widened and of course have lost every vestige of their former appearance. Independence Lane, running along from Centre to Federal Street, opposite Rose Lane, was taken in by setting back the buildings on Main Street and Biscuit Alley running from Center to Federal Street, between Lower Pearl and Chestnut, was closed up fifty years ago, the new south tower had just been completed and the North was soon after built. Pearl Street was wet and unpaved. Let anyone who can remember Main Street look back to the unpaved Street with the uncouth covering over the cistern at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets, upon which the boys were wont to spin their tops while waiting for the Fifth day Friends Meeting to be out and on the First days to view the throng of Friends that came pouring out of the doors, filling the streets in every direction. Where the three bricks now stand was a great green yard with one unpainted house standing back from the street, and the old pump in the middle of the yard, the rough board fence run ning down to the next estate, where now stands the Eastern brick house. On the eastern corner of Pleasant Street where now stands the residence of Joseph S. Barney, Esq. and the house formerly occupied by his father, stood the house of Cartwright and that of Elihu Coffin, fronting south, back door to the street, the land on this side being much higher than on the other and the eastern house stood on quite a high bank below which on hot days the town sheep used to lie where they could get a little shade, although their periods of rest were brief, as they were frequently started up from their repose by some boy, taking malicious pleasure. Wonderful animals were those town sheep, taking their abode in the precincts of the town, lying nights under the steps and buildings, they became accustomed to the noise and bustle of a busy street and would run from nothing but human beings. Woe
18
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
to the stranger dog who came among them and made an attack on a flock of them, that dog would go rolling over and over in the mud and go off yelling, while the sheep would go on eating as coolly as though nothing had happened. Between Traders Lane and Pine Street, where the houses of the late Job Coleman and George C. Macy now stand, was another house fronting south, with its long low back roof running down to just over the back door, the outer ones of which are invariably painted red and the only part of the houses in those days guilty of paint. A School House in the Middle of Main Street Further down, just in front of the eastern portion of Atlantic Hall building, the Franklin Schoolhouse stood, jutting out into the middle of the street and, as I believe, though am not sure, that the road went each side of it. Just where the residence of Mrs. Sarah Hallet now stands, (Wallace Hall in 1957) was a long unpainted cabinet maker's shop, (in this shop the writer of these reminiscences served an apprenticeship of seven years at cabinet making) standing side to the street, upon the side of which, on huge hooks of iron, hung the fire ladders, kept there, I suppose, because it was a central location. The space between Fair and Orange Streets was occupied by an antique looking building known as the Cary building, in the yard of which, on the Orange Street side, up a flight of stone steps was a well of excellent water, where the thirsty passerby always stopped to slake his thirst. The land on the west side of Orange Street was high like that on the west side of Fair and was dug down by Philip H. Folger, Esq., when he built the brick house now standing thereon. From here to the wharf the street on this side was on nearly the same line as now, with large buildings occupied as dwelling houses, stores, paint shops, offices, etc., but on the north side from Parker's store or corner the street trended south, narrowing until it came to where Mooers auction room now is, the building at that place standing half way across the street, the flagstone leading from there to the opposite corner below, being still to be seen forming what is called the "lower square."
19
Helps For Researchers In New Bedford Whaling List At the Whaling- Museum Library, this summer a large un dertaking was the indexing of the 40 bound books of Shipping Lists fom 1843 through 1893 which were given to the Association by William H. Tripp, for many years curator of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. These contain many references interesting to Nantucketers, crew lists, captains, and the whereabouts of ships at certain times. The index is typed and placed at the beginning of most of the volumes and helps the reader or researcher to locate the information or subject that interest him. Many stories by William Hussey Macy, a Nantucket whaleman and author of "There She Blows or the Log of the Arethusa," who, stricken with blindness, became the Nantucket Register of Deeds and was the father of Will Macy the founder of the Nantucket Museum. One item expressing alarm for Nantucket (May 2, 1843) sounds humorous today. It says in part: Great noise is made by many of the newspapers and thousands of the traders in the country about Lard Oil, Chemical Oil, Camphone Oil, and half a dozen other luminous humbugs; and it has been confi dently predicted by more than one astute prophet that "the Sperm Oil trade would ,soon come to an end, and the whales be left in undisturbed possession of their abode, living under their own brine and seaweed with no one to molest them or make them afraid." Nay it has even been said, HORRIBLE DICTU, that Nantucket would soon be reduced from its elevated position among the isles of the sea and the habitations of the earth, to a poor miserable spot capable only of nourishing sand-fleas ana horse-shoes and compelled to live on its accumulated stock of Sperm Oil and candles.
This work was done by Mrs. Bernice Foye, receptionist, and Mrs. Ellen D. Chace, librarian.
Committee on Publications A committee on publications of the Association has been formed, Vice-President Burnham N. Dell, chairman. The first work was to revise the pamphlets sold at the different exhibits to aid the visitor in a more intelligent and enjoyable viewing of the items he will see. The small general folder distributed free at all exhibits has been revised and new drawings of our buildings, generously contributed by our Island's popular artist, Miss Ruth
20
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Haviland Sutton, have replaced the long-used block cuts and give the folder a delicacy of appearance which increased the desire to visit and see. In addition, the committee has revised the pamphlets for sale at the exhibits, calling them "Souvenir Guides" and now on sale at the Whaling Museum, Fair Street Museum, Oldest House, the old "Gaol," the "1800' House," and the Old Wind-Mill. These are all listed in the books and pamphlets for sale on this page. The committee has also erected at the busy corner of the Whaling Museum, a large map of the streets leading to the his toric exhibits so that one beginning at Main Street can find his way easily to all the buildings of the Association. This map is another gift from Miss Sutton and she suggests that during the winter she will make the map in color and sketch a drawing of the buildings of the Association at the points where they are located.
Books and Pamphlets Available We have the following for sale. Orders with cash or check plus an estimated cost for postage may be addressed to: Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Island, Mass. P. O. Box 1016. Granfather for Benjamin Franklin (out of print) Through the Hawse Hole (out of print) Wrecks Around Nantucket (revised edition) Three Bricks and Three Brothers—paper covered The Clock That Talks Nantucket Odyssey Guide to Nantucket Quakerism on Nantucket The Folk Art of the American Whalemen Scrimshaw) Nantucket Whaling Museum The Old Gaol The Relic Auction Historic Nantucket (Historical Association Quarterly) The Old Wind Mill (Souvenir Guide) Fair Street Museum (Souvenir Guide) Old Jail (Souvenir Guide) 1800 House (Souvenir Guide) Oldest House (Souvenir Guide) Card of Camels Whale Prints Post Cs rds Colored Post Cards Ancient Buildings and Locations—Bulletin No. 5
5.00 5.00 2.50 1.65 2.75 3.00 1.00 50 50 .50 50 25 .50 ,10 10 10 10 10 10 10 2 for .05 .05 1.00
21
Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary BY NANCY S. ADAMS
Oct. 6—Pattey Hammatt dau. of William died last Saturday. Oct. 10—Ship commanded by — Swift arrived at Vineyard from Batavia. George Perkins with him sickened and died on way home. Nov. 29—News of Dr. Wood's wife's death six days after birth of child. Dec. 8—Polly Cathcart, Eunice Swain & Mary Dow taken into full Communion. Dec. 13—Last week Alexander Gardner sailed from here to Bos ton the wind blew very fresh and on Friday eve. increased to a hard storm, the vessel was drove on shore at — Gardner and his wife's son & a son of Elisha Folger (both lads) were drowned in attempting to go on shore in their boat. Owen — reached the dry land & was preserved. Owen Bunker was found on board almost perished with wet and cold. 1801 Jan. 30—Sukey Coleman taken in Society & baptised. Feb. 8—News came of the death of Thomas Swain, Capt. of the Brig John was in at Tavanna La Mar, Jamaica. On Dec. 20th he was going ashore in boat to take off—slipped on stairs of the wharf and struck sharp edge of a board, lived 36 hours. Feb. 17—Grindell Gardner died very suddenly at 8 p.m. March 29—Mrs. Fitch buried after meeting. Dr. Wood & Hitty W. Fanning published. April 19—Daniel Wood & Fanning Hitty married by Mr. Beachum. June 30—Mr. Beauchamp & Fanny Russell married by Abner Coffin. July 5—Fanny Russell, Anna Bocot & Phebe Swain taken into full Communion with Church. July 7—(Marriage of Fanny Russell & Beauchamp recorded again.) Aug. 2—In Boston, Went to Methodist Church. Mr. Sergeant preached. Sept. 6—In Nantucket. Sept. 15—Mrs. Brock died p.m. Putrid fever.
22
HISTORIC NANTUCKET 1802
Jan. 3—Polly Cathcart oldest child (5 yrs. old) died suddenly. Jan. 4—Simeon Hussey died to-day. Jan, 13—Wm. Gardner admitted to Society & Avis Chadwick re admitted (had forfeited privileges by going to a dance). Jan. 18—Went to John Cartwrights they have just heard of the death of their oldest son. Feb. 4—Telemachus Bartlett & Lydia Coffin married P.M. Feb. 15—Abner Coffin died to-day, several years Notary Public, & Probate Clerk. A few years one of the Justices (Special) & Justice of the Peace the past year up to within 3 weeks of his death. Cashier of the Bank. April 9—Went to see Matty Wood, she lay in 2 weeks ago with her ninth child. April 16—Went to Mr. Woods childs funeral yesterday, not a month old. April 21—Two Methodist ministers from Baltimore came to-day with Mr. Wells. Wells is going to Baltimore to preach, one of the strangers to stay here — the other going to the Cape. June 6—Yesterday p.m. Christopher Gardner, son of William, about 22 yrs. old, stepped into a boat intending to get aboard a lighter to go to the Bar to get on board a ship on which he was bound to sea on a whaling voyage. A young man happened to fall betwixst the lighter & the boat and Gardner reached over to save him and at the same time the Lighter fetched a lurch & struck him in the head — killed him outright. Nov. 26—Called to Hitty's, she had son born a.m. (Named William Fanning) I kept school to-day & then broke up my school for the winter. (Remainder of 1802 mostly baptisms and joining Society) 1803 Feb. 3—Spent eve with Eunice Chace, she is sick, had a little one first of last week—still born. Daniel Coffin's wife had son last Thursday.
KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY
23
Feb. 4—0. Wood lately moved into his new house, going into New town. Feb. 5—Daniel Wood came home last eve in the Packet from Bedford she struck on the Bar, after laying several hours, stove a hole through her & now lies there. Feb. 16—Nabby Coffin, widow of George died to-day. March 2—Christopher Hussey died to-day. March 27—Eunice Wederhold expelled from the Church for in temperance. May 20—Elizabeth Brock (widow) mother of John, died sudden at noon from consumption. June 5—Sally Hammond came home with me, she is a member of Mr. Gurney's church. Mr. Bigelow dissolved connection with Church by his own request. Jedida Sawyer daughter of Abishai Swain & Betsey Nichols taken into Society. June 101—Rode to Franc James' Rope Walk. July 21—Josiah Barker, Sr., died very suddenly p.m. Aug. 15—Doctor Bartlett moved to new house he has bought on Wesco Hill. Aug. 17—Yesterday noon Shubael Coleman, an aged man, up wards of 70 yrs. went from the try works where they were trying whale, to go home, soon after he was discovered by some men who were coming into town in the water on his face, undressed & lifeless. Supposed he was a little lost in his wind. Aug. 18 Brightman & Sally Dow married by Mr. Beauchamp. Sally was 15 last spring. Oct. 18—George Rawson aged about 19 died yesterday, believed with yellow fever, has lately come from New York with his father. Oct. 20—Went into Charles Norris', just received news of death of Shubael Gardner—Mrs. Norris' brother, drowned going into Baltimore. Nov. 20—Aaron Cleaveland died yesterday of colic. From Dec. 15th to June 29, 1804, was in New York. Speaks of Bowery Lane, Bowery Church, John St. Church, African Church, States Prison, & North River.
24
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
1804 Aug. 10—Mr. Bishop, wife & children came to Island today. He is Methodist Minister, appointed here by New York Conference. Sept. 21—Hitty had daughter born a.m. Sept. 30—Mattie Wood received in to Society. 1805 Jan. 1—Mrs. Bartlett & Sally Gardner each had daughter born to-day, they are sisters. March 4 —Began keeping school, 3 of John Cartwright's children & 3 of Dr. Bartlett's & Mrs. Raymonds. June 11—Nancy Fanning had daughter born a.m. Dec. 14—After the meeting this afternoon the congregation went down to the shore. Mr. Bishop baptised Mrs. Hutson, Bashsheba Chandler, by immersion, more than 1,000 present, 1806
March 24—Extreme winds at N.E. Storm abated towards even ing. very racking works among the shipping at the wharf, tis said such a storm has not been known for more than 20 years. (From May to August 31st was in New York. Speaks of explosion of a powder house August 26th.) Aug. 31—Arrived in Nantucket. Hitty had son born 2 weeks ago today. Sept. 29—Account came to the Island in the last night of Peter Coffin's death (Daniels son) he was with Davis Whippey a whaling. He with a black man were drawn overboard from a boat last December. Oct. 3—Hitty & her 2 youngest children (Charlotte & Edward Fanning) went off to spend winter at Daniel's father's in Swansey. Oct. 11—Thomas Fanning sailed this morning in the Lady Adams, Jonathan Cole master, bound to Bedford to take in freight thence to the Straits and some part of Europe. Dec. 5 Howland Swain died this eve. supposed to be quick con sumption. (To be continued)
25
Ten 1957 Events In The Island History 1. The curfew bell in the old Watch Tower was rung by Jay H. Gibbs for the last time by a bell rope at 9 P.M. July 13, 1957. He had notified the selectmen a year before that he "would quit." For twenty-seven years he had climbed the stairs of the tower three times each week day, calling the town to rise at seven, eat at twelve and sleep at nine. To him the ringing of the bell was more than a job—it had become a family responsibility because Jay and his father had been the town's bell-ringers for nearly fifty years, a long and laudable service with practically no in terruptions ; one was remembered more than others: the night when Jay's key to the tower broke in the lock. As Jay tells the story, his voice still reflects his tumult of anxiety as he feverishly tried to force open the door. He succeeded and the curfew began as the ninth bell of the clock died away. Those who knew that July 13th was Jay's last curfew listened and counted: 49-50-51—52 and then silence, felt that something very precious was lost. In imagination they saw Jay coiling up the rope and hanging it on the hook, making way for the magic of electricity. The installation of the new mechanism is now in process with the necessary interruption of the bell ringing. When the experimental stage is over the old bell will continue its more than one hundred years of service to the town but it will miss the affectionate hand at the end of the bell rope. 2. The new Cottage Hospital was occupied Tuesday, May 21. The moving of patients, nurses and equipment was carried out smoothly and successfully. The Hospital has 37 beds and possi bilities of additions in two solariums and some of the large rooms. A "maternity wing" with a labor room, a delivery room and a formula room with other facilities, is now available. The new Cottage Hospital was designed by the architectural firm of Hoyle, Doran and Berry, successors to Cram and Ferguson and demanded the successful raising of over a million dollars; the first appeal brought in over $500,000. A Federal grant of $250,000 was added and a final effort on the part of a large number of Nantucket residents and summer friends, leads to the expectation that the
26
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
needed $315,000 will be raised before the end of the year, making possible the final payment on construction, the meeting of the usual annual operating deficit of 1957 and the building of a nurses' home; estimated cost, $50,000. To hundreds of residents and sum mer friends the community owes gratitude and commendation, and especially should be mentioned the president of the Hospital Corporation, Leroy H. True, and Clarence H. Gifford, Jr., Hinckley Lane, and Mrs. Charles Conyngham Gifford of Beachside for their extensive work in making this drive a success. 3. It was an historic event when, at the annual Town Meeting of 1957, the sum of $5000. was appropriated, without opposition, for the initial work to be done in promoting the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Nantucket by the white man. This celebration will center around July 2, 1959, the date when Tristram Coffin and his friends bought Nantucket from Thomas Mayhew of Martha's Vineyard for "thirty English pounds and two beaver hats, one for myself and one for my wife." The celebration now has the following "steering committee" formed with representatives from organizations in the town: George W. Jones (Nantucket Historical Association) chair man; Albert E. Whitehill (Chamber of Commerce), secretary; John L. Hardy (Board of Selectmen) ; Edgar Orpin (Rotary Club) ; Robert Hardy (Public Relations Commission) ; Robert C. Caldwell (Nantucket Historical Association) ; Sidney Killen (Fish ermen's Association) ; Lincoln Lewis (American Legion) ; Harold C. Beach (Civic League) ; Mrs. Charles Stackpole (Parent-Teach ers Association) ; Mrs. Robert Young (Maria Mitchell Associa tion) ; Walter Knott (Town Finance Committee). This Committee is now at work on possible events and program. The committee is seeking the suggestions of all interested in the program for this celebration, in the length of it and in many problems that arise. Two public meetings have been held, called by the committee: one for all real estate agents, and representatives of banks, hotels, guest houses, inns and restaurants; the other meet ing for all Island retailers and general services. These meetings were productive of very valuable comments and suggestions and will greatly aid the various committees dealing with definite tasks.
TEN 1957 EVENTS IN THE ISLAND'S HISTORY
27
The chairman of the Steering Committee is George Jones who made at these meetings this significant statement of the purpose of the celebration: "On one point the committee feels very strongly, and believes you will feel the same way—that we must be sure that no element of the 'midway' or 'honky-tonk' creeps into any planned program or event. We must keep in mind at all times that we are observing a dignified historical event and that the Nantucket we are honoring has an American heritage that goes far deeper than our present day activities may indicate."
At these meetings statements were made to the effect that the Steering Committee was doing a good job of planning and is thinking in terms of an appropriately balanced program of events in keeping with the historic background of Nantucket. 4. A new steamboat came "round the Point" Wednesday, April 24. Name: Nantucket; capacity: over a thousand passengers, 56 automobiles or 6 trailers and much freight. The captain is Joseph Gwodz. The steamboat was built and financed under the direction of the New Bedford, Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority. To accommodate this large boat many changes were made in the arrangement of the old Steamboat Wharf. 5. The Great Hall of the Atheneum now preserving the original platform from which Emerson, Audubon, Thoreau, Walter Folger and many others delivered lectures after the Great Fire in 1846, was again used this summer when the president of the Trustees, Lewis B. Jelleme, invited the proprietors to view the Hall and listen to a lecture on Germany as Today by Pennington Haile. 6. The Survey of the Nantucket Schools, in the minds of many might be considered the most important event in the Island during the past few months. By vote of Town Meeting, money was appropriated to secure the services of experienced educators, mem bers of faculty and graduate students, of the Graduate School of Education of Harvard University. The survey was made last spring and a very detailed report, more than 250 typed pages, is now in the hands of the School Committee and will soon be printed and available to all interested citizens. In due course of time the report will have a notable result in the study of the town's edu-
28
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
cational responsibilities by pointing out to the School Committee, and at the same time to the teachers and parents, those difficulties, in a statement in the possession of all. It will also provide for all interested in the youth of the Island (policemen, Boys' Club, Par ent-Teacher Association, Churches, lodges, etc.) a common guide for observation and make clearer the exchange of comments and suggestions. The report of the survey in one comment says that ten years will be needed to enlarge and unify public opinion and create the background out of which will appear some of the results the survey dares to anticipate. The survey closes with this sentence: "The child represents tomorrow, and Nantucket's future is more important than its past." 7. The Steamship Historical Society of America held a two-day meeting at the Sea Cliff Inn the latter part of September. Besides addresses and conferences, a feature of the meeting was an ex hibit arranged by Robert E. Deeley and David Gray, Jr., and shown in the Easy Street Gallery. The exhibit contained a most complete and interesting collection of historical memorabilia con cerning the long history of the Nantucket steamships. Much of the exhibit came from a collection made by Mr. Deeley and Mr. Gray because of their personal interest in the large subject of transportation in Nantucket life. To their own items they added pieces from the Nantucket Historical Association's Fair Street and Whaling Museums and from many private collections on the Island. 8. The Historic Districts Commission with the effective leader ship of its chairman, one of our vice-presidents, W. Ripley Nel son, is well along in its second year. We can say with conviction, that the cooperation of property owners has been outstanding and there is a definite trend towards the restoration and pres ervation of our Island's architectural forms. To December 31, 1956, the Commission has issued 234 Certificates of Appropriate ness for structural projects. This year to September 30th the number has been 76, a total of 310. As a result of experience, the Commission issued, early this year, a Bulletin which eliminated the necessity of approvals for certain repairs and repaint jobs. This accounts for the large decrease in the issuance of certificates of appropriateness this year.
TEN 1957 EVENTS IN THE ISLAND'S HISTORY
29
For appropriateness of signs, during 1956, 103 certificates were issued and during the present year 67, or a total of 170. Granting permanent approval for signs re-erected from year to year simplified this procedure and accounts for the decrease this year in certificates issued. Because of the activity of the Commission there is decided growth in the public mind that the antiquity of our buildings and streets is our best asset. 9. 1957 is the year when the Whaling Museum exceeds all other years in the figure of paid admissions. If we count the free ad missions of children 12 years old or younger (accompanied by adults) the total admissions at the Whaling Museum will amount to many more than 20,000. Final figures must wait until after October 13, when the museum closes. The other exhibits show excellent records: Fair Street, 3,203; Oldest House, 4,871: 1800 House, 1,265; Old Mill, 2,825; Old Jail, 1,865. 10. The demolition of the Beach House in 'Sconset must be recorded for it has provided hospitality to many guests for over fifty years. It is the last of the large hotels whose popularity now must yield to "shuggeries for protection and sleeping and a va riety of eating places for food." But the memories of the Atlantic House on Main Street and the Ocean View near the bridge cannot be forgotten, especially the Ocean View Annex with its wide verandas, and on each of the three floors and the full length of the building — an enticing feature — but not today when rocking chairs and verandas have disappeared. A syndicate will control the land where the Beach House stood and houses meeting certain restrictions will be built upon it.
New Edition of the Coffin Saga
Miss Cora Stevens will publish the fourth edition of the "Coffin Saga," by Will Gardner. This book gives the history of Nantucket as lived by the many descendants of the first settler, Tristram Coffin. This edition will be bound in stiff paper covers and available in a few weeks.
30
Membership Report Changes in membership since June 1, 1957, are as follows: Sustaining Members changed to Life Membership Annual Members changed to Sustaining Sustaining Members changed to Annual Deaths—Life Members 4; Annual Members 5 New Members: Sustaining 1; Annual 82 Present Membership Life 143; Sustaining 64; Annual 886 — Total 1,093 Deceased Mr. Hal B. Armstrong
Miss Lila C. Fisher
Mrs. Alma Backus
Mr. Allan Melhado
Mr. Theodore Bunker
Mrs. William Wallace Miss Mary Winsor
New Members Sustaining Mrs. Dominique A. Homan
Annual Miss Mareelle Avery Mrs. Arthur E. Arnoff Mr. Bruce Allan Mrs. Ware Baker Mrs. Louise Bragdon Miss Josephene Bender Mrs. Louisa Blackman Mr. Floyd H. Blackman Miss Evelyn Blackner Mr. Arthur R. Brogan Mrs. William H. Cassebaum Miss Esther Clemence Mr. Charles Duponte Mr. John F. Doran Mr. George H. Danforth Mrs. Frank K. Dutton Miss Diane deBonneval Miss Jean G. Douglas Mrs. Edith Evers Mr. Walter Elmer Mrs. Gladys Elmer
Mrs. C. E. Feldman Mr. C. Chauncey Gray Mrs. C. Chauncey Gray Miss Ann Goodwin Jocelyn Gill Mr. Robert Gilbreth Miss Ann Goodwin Mists Mildred Hareting Mrs. Amond Heinones Mrs. R. G. Hoydt Mr. Walter Heidrich Mrs. Walter Heidrich Mr. Don M. Heydt Mr. William Haddon Mr. Robert Kay Humphrey Mrs. Elmer C. Johnson. Mr. David C. Jenney Miss Carolyn Johnson Mrs. John Kelley Mr. William Skilling Leffler Mrs. Dorothy S. Lent
5 7 2 9 83
MEMBERSHIP REPORT Mr. Arnold Malkau Mrs. Arnold Malkau Miss Gladys Medley Capt. David Goodwin Maraspin Mrs. Marg>aret Mines Miss Helene MeNichols Miss Martha Nagle Miss Phyllis C. Noble Mrs. Leo R. Nicolson Mrs. Malcolm Parry Mrs. Margaret Phillips Alexander Preston, M. D. Mr. Robert Proddow, Jr. Mr. W. C. Payette Mrs. Leo Quindley Miss Alice L. Robinson Miss Jeanne M Salmon Miss Ella Riley Miss Mary Louise Stanton Mr. Parry L. Starbuck
Mrs. Emma R. Starfbuck Miss Marilyn Shainfine Dr. Edward W. Shannon Mrs. Ethel M. St. Hilavie Miss Ruth Simms Mr. Norbet L. Schmitz Mrs. Norbet L. Schmitz Mr. Charles B. Stillman Miss Clara E. Trites Mr. Arnet Taylor Mrs. M. N. Thomason Mrs. Ellery L. Wilson Mrs, Mary Windrow Mr. Peter Wilson Miss Doris Warren Mrs. George Dee Williams Mrs. A. W. Weston Miss Genevieve Wimsalt Mrs. Peter Von Zumbusch Mis® Elizabeth Yorke
(As we go to press.)
UNSUSPECTING, HE WAS SURPRISED A fortunate man entered the Whaling Museum, Thursday, 12:35 p.m., October 3. Mrs. Foye, the receptionist, asked his name and told him that he was the one to make the record of 20,000 admissions, the highest ever made in any season. Then she presented him with an inscribed copy of the compre hensive and illustrated booklet, "The Nantucket Whaling Museum," prepared by W. Ripley Nelson, director of the Museum, and presented with his compli ments. The man's name ? Roland R. Read, of Morristown, N. J. The pleased hut envious ones with him and Mrs. Read, were their host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Thorman, of Winnebka, 111.
THE COMPANY AND CREW Of the many who make the Nantucket Historical Association a success: — 1,000 members and more; — Donors who give and make bequests in their wills; —• Nantucket who made our history and keep alive our memories, we add our officers for 1957-58. President, George W. Jones. Vice-Presidents, Howard U. Chase, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, Everett U. Crosby, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, W. Ripley Nelson. Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson. Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall. Councillors, George W. Jones, chairman; Mrs. Joseph King, Robert C. Cald well, term expires 1958; Mrs. Cyril C. Ross, Albert Egan, Jr., term expirees 1959; Mrs. William L. Mather, Mrs. William Perkins, term expires 1960; Richard J. Porter, Oswell J. Small, term expires 1961. Honorary Custodian of Collections, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams. Custodian of Collections, Mrs. William L. Mather. Finance Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman, Editor, Historic Nantucket, (To be appointed). Publicity Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman. Exhibit's Publications Committee, Burnham N. Dell, chairman, Mrs. John Bartlett, Mrs. William Perkins, Miss Ruth Haviland Sutton. Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. William Perkins; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1800 House, Mrs. Robert Ray. Post Office Box—1016
Office, Fair Street Museum