Historic Nantucket, April 1958, Vol. 5 No. 4 by Nantucket Historical Association

Historic Nantucket

NANTUCKET TOWN From a lithograph by Ruth Haviland Sutton

APRIL, 1958

Published Quarterly by

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASS.

"Down in Old Nantucket" Words and Music by Thomas J. Ryan 1913

There's a dear spot called Nantucket It's an Isle far out at Sea: Oh, that's the place for me! The coolest spot on all this Earth, In good old summer time: And for spending your vacation It's a place that is divine. In the evening when the sun has gone, And stars appear above, Then take your girl down to the shore And whisper words of love — Next day you go to Surf side, 'Sconset, Out upon the moors: When you return, This little girl has promised to be yours. (Chorus) Down in old Nantucket, Where the Ocean breezes blow; To the dear Old Mill upon the hill We always love to go: 'Mid fragrance of the wild flow'rs, And the scent of woodland pine. The dearest spot on all the Earth! Nantucket, boys, for mine! The original words and music of this song have been presented to Nantucket Historical Association through the kindness of State Representative Robert F. Mooney of Nantucket.

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

APRIL 1958

No. 4

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CONTENTS s^rEDJ^

"Down in Old Nantucket"

A Few Words from Our President

Editorial

The Waterfront Studios

History Making Events

The Gam — 1958

"The Whaleman in Embryo"

Do You Know?

The Duck Factory

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary

Legacies and Bequests

"The Whale that Loved a Sailor-O"

Nantucket Historical Association Officers

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 1958 Nantucket Historical Association Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

A Few Words From Our President Many may be of the opinion that when the summer season is over and the exhibits have been properly closed and prepared for the winter months that the activities of our organization come to a halt. This is far from true. As you are probably aware your council meets regularly once each month and it is a rare occasion when the business allows adjournment before an hour and a half or two hours has elapsed. The Custodian of Collections receives additions to our exhibits through out the year and within the past three years repairs have been made to the Whaling Museum building that it might be safe and ready for the following year's patrons. The annual Gam is planned for and takes place during the month of February stimulating the interest of over 50 who have attended each one. An essay contest in the schools takes place in the Spring which endeavors to spark in the student a quest for further knowledge of local history. Your president and secretary are constantly receiving inquiries regard ing things connected with Nantucket's past, whale ships, their masters and voyages, history of the Island's whaling and industries connected with it here, genealogy (many seeking connection with old Nantucket families), and a number of other matters all showing that we are far from being unknown the world over. Recently we have had an example of distant inquiries. In November we received a letter from the Norwegian Whaling Gazette, a trade journal published in Norway under the name of Norsk Hvalfangst Tindende, requesting information and pictures relative to the Whaling Mu seum and Nantucket's part in the business of whaling. Through the chairman of the Whaling Museum, Mr. W. Ripley Nelson, pictures and information were dispatched promptly. There were two more requests for pictures and information on the sub ject. One came from Dr. Stanislaw Bernatt, Marine Writer for Jalenia Gora, Osiedle Rofootwize 28, Poland, and another from Dr. Kurt Schubert, who works in the government Institute of Fisheries in Hamburg, Germany. We were pleased to furnish the requested information which will bring our little Island to the attention of many readers throughout Europe and has a part, if only a small one, in creating a friendly feeling between the peoples of our respective countries. Thus the winter work goes along and we believe furnishes a service both locally and throughout the world.

EDITORIAL Once again the season has rolled around to the long sunny days and brisk, soft breezes from the west when all Nantucket begins to stir, to blos som forth even as the crocus and Johnny-jump-ups. This is the time when the members of the Nantucket Historical Association who remain here on the Island year around, and' those who comprise the crew of this steady craft turn thoughts to the Oldest House, the Mill, the Old Jail, the 1800 House, the Fair Street Museum, the Whaling Museum, and to the many old acquaint ances, the new friends and visitors who will derive pleasure from visiting one, or perhaps all, of these historical shrines during the coming months. To one and all, whether Nantucket is part of your inheritance with pre cious memories, or a new-found spot of incomparable charm, we wish to say an anticipatory, "Welcome!" We can never have too many friends, nay never, too many friends and members to keep these historic places and relics with the careful attention which they deserve. We hope that you will find pleasure and satisfaction in quiet perusal of the Island's historical past. We hope, too, that many will find these historic spots source material for study, for better understanding of events which went into the making of our democratic ways. Here history reaches the farthest places on the globe. From this Island men sailed itheir frail barques, by way of the Atlantic, to the Arctic, the Antarctic, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and the China Sea. Besides the distant-going sailors Nantucket had many citizens who saw far places only through the eyes of others, the stay-at-homes, who were true geniuses, gifted artists, teachers, silversmiths, builders; the list is too long to be more than briefly noted, but some records of their work, some examples of their art are kept here for your pleasure, interest, and study. To many of you who know all this we bring it to your attention with the hope that you will help us give to others, strangers perhaps, those who may have an inheritance from Nantucket's past of which they are unaware, or those who are alert to the inherent values in our past as well as the rapidly moving present history; a knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, the priceless mementoes from this Island's unique by-gone events which will live long in many memories in many parts of the world. We welcome all and look forward to your renewed interest in the ex hibits, and coming events, and hope you will bring new members to give long-lasting and ardent interest in carrying on the work of Nantucket His torical Association.

The Waterfront Studios BY RUTH HAVILAND SUTTON

Could they talk, what stories the buildings on the corner of Commercial Wharf and Washington Street could tell! Close to the Salt Sea Harbor, they have gone through a saturation of whale oil to slaughter house gore to artists' turpentine and paint. In the days of whaling Commercial Wharf was rightly named for it was the wharf where the ships were outfitted and some forty businesses flourished. The buildings near the corner known now as Harbor View and The Candle House were part of the Matthew Crosby candle business. Harbor View was the "Counting House" containing the counting room on the second floor in the northeast corner. The wide board floors and paneled wainscoting of the original structure are still intact in that room. The Candle House was the oil shed where the whale oil was stored, covered with a round brick roof. The old maps show high water right up to the Candle House. Matthew Crosby was one of the prominent business men of Nantucket during the early and middle 1800's. He married a daughter of Zenas Coffin, who was also an oil merchant, and made his home at 90 Main Street. This is one of the handsome old houses on Main Street. A direct descendant of Matthew Crosby, Mrs. John Ditmars, a great-granddaughter, now lives at 98 Main Street in the house in which she was born. Mr. Charles C. Crosby succeeded his father and was wharf inger and carried on a coal business. He was treasurer of the Nantucket Historical Association in its early years. During the 1880's the solidly build Harbor View became a slaughter house and an ice house with outside staging on the wharf, and elevator to hoist the ice to the top of the building for storage within its vast interior where it was packed in seaweed. The Candle House became a slaughter house also; Richard E. and D. W. Burgess conducted their separate businesses. About 1910, Mr. R. E. Burgess rebuilt the Harbor View into an apartment house and members of several Portuguese families lived there. Those were the days, the Good Old Days, uncompli-

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

cated by plumbing other than cold water pumps in the kitchens. Other sanitary facilities stood five in a row in the yard. Wide boards fenced the corner. In 1920, Mrs. Henry R. Lang, from the "Whip City," (Westfield, Mass.), a painter interested in bringing fellow artists to the Island, purchased the property. Mr. and Mrs. Lang also estab lished the Island Service Company which continues to supply our needs for fuel, ice, lumber, and appliances to this day. For nearly 100 years, the three-story building on its stone foundation, constructed with nautical ships' knees has stood strong and firm. Mrs. Lang developed seven studios from the apartments, and part of her story is how the porches came into being. She had bought the railroad station on Steamboat Wharf. This was surrounded by a porch which she had removed, dropped in the yard on Commercial Wharf, and cut into sections which were attached to the south side of Harbor View for the pleasure of the occupants. Distinguished painters and writers came to the studios which were complete and charming. The Candle House became an exhibition north window giving good light; a grape arbor shade in which to sit, and a pleasant shade gallery looking through the wide doors, over harbor.

gallery, a huge making pleasant from inside the the lawn to the

Mrs. Lang bought other fish and scallop shanties and turned them into studios appropriately named. "Wateredge" had been occupied by one "Doc" Brown who, "smoked fish and smoked himself." "The Scallop" was developed from two little shanties and the railroad porch. Between them stood a little building screened by tall Rosa Rugosas, equipped with plumbing but still a relic of an earlier, primitive day. Hur ricanes and storms gave it an interesting cant, but on a day of history-making, individual facilities were developed for each stu dio, and now the rugosas bloom for beauty only. In 1929, when the harbor was being dredged, Mrs. Lang had sand pumped onto the beach thus making a good bathing area of what had been marshes and muddy bottom. A stipulation was

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HISTORIC NANTUCKET

made that the way to the beach should be kept open, and the beach is for the use of townspeople who wish to make minor boat repairs. In 1943 the property was acquired by the writer and history continued to be made. Two small buildings no longer needed at the cranberry bog were moved in and took their place among the silvery shingled group on the harbor. Overall improvements were made in keeping with modern standards, and after seven years, like Jacob waiting for Rachel, the writer turned attention to her "Castle in Spain," the half of the Candle House known as the "Middle Building." Wide barn doors, dirt floor, irregular brick wall; it was the repository for a great many things, some usable, some strange, some discarded. A relic of the slaughter house, the huge bookkeeper's desk, a real Uriah Heep desk, stayed. Affection, imagination, and a good architect: the blueprint literally was tailored to the size of rugs and furniture from her childhood Massachusetts home. "My window frames the Harbor, the seagulls dip and soar, To the west the Gold-tipped tower gleams in sunset gold." History came full circle; in 1953 the writer went on holiday by freighter down the West Coast of South America. In Lima, Peru, she met and was graciously entertained by a grandson of the original owner of the wharf, Mr. William Crosby, a prominent businessmen of Lima. His father had jumped ship at Callao in the 1860's, married a Peruvian lady, and became a resident of that country. Mr. Crosby, half Peruvian, a gentleman of the Old School, and more at ease speaking Spanish, still was all Nan tucket. In his home he showed his store of Nantucket pictures sent to him by relatives from the Island, and an amusing one was a postal card showing the writer sketching on Easy Street! A picket fence bounds the corner of Commercial Wharf these days; iris, day lilies, and hollyhocks bloom in their season along the border and in beds by the studios. Trees cast shadows on the lawn. Painters, sculptors, actors, writers, and receptive lay people gather on the beach. Creative work and history is still being made in this section where the tradition, charm, and stability of Nantucket is felt, recognized, and carried on.

History Making Events of 1958 "Thar She Blows" The United States of America got the satellite "Explorer" into its orbit in February, 1958! What American will forget the date when our moon finally began circling the earth. Since Feb ruary 2, "Explorer" has been sending clear and instructive signals to the International Geophysical Year scientists as well as to the radio fans, amateur and professionals. "Explorer," weighing a little less than 31 pounds, is higher and moving more rapidly than either Sputnik I or Sputnik II, but is not visible over the Island hence there are now no moon-watchers here. At least none watch ing for "Explorer." Town Elections and Town Meeting On February 24, 1958, 1,400 voters went to the voting booths to elect the Town Officials who will carry on the affairs of the town for another year. With a few exceptions last year's officers were re-elected. On February 25, 1958, the Annual Town Meeting was held in the High School Auditorium with standing room only and lively interest in several projects, namely, the Jetties Beach project and the Steamship Authority's deficit in operation costs. Approval of a budget of $939,681 was voted. This increase in expenses will probably raise the tax rate to $50. Winter Weather The harbor had a thick coating of ice for several days and seven iceboats as wTell as many skaters got thrills and spills on Hummock Pond. For nearly two weeks children were out on the hills with their sleds. At Cisco there was a great mound of ice making a bank as far as the eye could see in both directions; a high bank of ice frozen in the very shape of the waves as the tide ran in! The 300th Anniversary Celebration Members of the 300th Anniversary Steering Committee and the Board of Selectmen are carrying forward plans for the 1959 celebration and have engaged Mr. Paul B. Newsome of Boston, to be Technical Director for the celebration.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

A Street Named "Nantucket Avenue"

Mr. Edouard A. Stackpole, curator of the Mystic Seaport, Mystic, Conn., has received word from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, that a street in that town crossing the old Common of 150 acres which was set off to Nantucket families in 1785, has been named "Nantucket Avenue." These families established a whaling col ony there and the history of their settlement in Dartmouth is of great interest to all Nantucketers. We hope to hear further from Mr. Stackpole on this subject. Former Training Ship "Nantucket" Gone to Junk Yard

In September, 1919, the three-masted bark "Ranger" became the U.S.S. "Nantucket" of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. There was a presentation ceremony in the Great Hall of the Atheneum and a beautiful new bell was given, for the ship, by the town. Mr. Arthur H. Gardner, father of Miss Grace Brown Gardner, and Nantucket's State Representative at the time, made the presentation. The bell, engraved, "U.S.S. Nantucket. Presented by the town of Nantucket, Mass., Sept. 1919," presumably re mains with the ship. Our president has communicated with the Boston Metals Company, Baltimore, Md„ in an effort to obtain this bell for the Nantucket Historical Association. Whaling Museum News

International attention is focused, once again, on Nantucket through an article on the history of the Island's whaling days and the Whaling Museum which appeared in the January issue of the Norwegian Whaling Gazette, a monthly magazine pub lished by The International Association of Whaling Companies of Sandefjord, Norway. The twelve page article is printed in two columns to a page, the first column in Norwegian and the second in English. Life is added to the article by seven pictures which include the exterior of our Whaling Museum building, Sanderson Hall, the try-works, and the whaleboat. Evidence of the international circulation of this magazine and the wide spread interest in Nantucket is found in two inquiries we have received from persons who have read the article. The first request for data for similar articles came from Jelenia Gora,

HISTORY MAKING EVENTS

Poland, and included this comment, "Because in Poland your place is very popular through the translation of Moby Dick, I wish to make a contribution of your Whaling Museum for the Polish monthly 'Motze' (The Sea)." The second request, a week later, came from Germany. The Norwegian Whaling Gazette story resulted from an inquiry which we received from the editor last summer in reply to which we sent a copy of our Whaling Museum pamphlet and various glossy prints for reproduction. The condensation by the editor of the data furnished produced an excellent article. Nat urally we are glad to supply similar data to the succeeding in quiries from Poland and Germany. The restoration and repair of the first floor entrance hall, scrimshaw room and the office and counting room is nearly com pleted. The laying of the cement floor and repairing and cement ing of the brick walls inside the building was finished before the winter weather set in, so the work has had ample time to harden and dry out. Painting the walls and trim has now been finished which leaves only the laying of the new tile flooring which will be down the latter part of April. Thus we will have May to clean house and set up again the first floor exhibits, which will in clude rearrangement of our large collection of scrimshaw through the addition of at least one new showcase which will lessen the present crowding of exhibits. Decoration Day, Friday, May 30, the usual seasonal open ing date will find the museum ready for business. Archie Cartwright, Custodian, who pilots the visitors through the many exhibits; Mrs. Bernice Foye, who extends a welcome at the re ception desk and answers many a question about our scrimshaw, and Mrs. Ellen Chace, in charge of our library and a fountain of knowledge about log books, whaling records and stories, we are glad to say, will be with us again for the 1958 season. "The New England Story" Editor Henry Beetle Hough of "The Vineyard Gazette" has recently added this new story to his long list of publications. "The New England Story" tells a tale of the adventures of a young man searching out the life experiences of a whaling cap-

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

tain which will enable him to write a biography. The scenes are in New England and could be on Martha's Vineyard, our neigh boring Island. 'Islands of New England" Hazel Young has written a comprehensive report of the islands along the Atlantic shore with concise descriptions, inter esting historical facts, and data pertaining to the present. The last chapter is entitled "Nantucket." All who love Nantucket will enjoy this pleasant book published by the Atlantic Monthly Press, Little, Brown and Company, Boston.

NANTUCKET ISLAND

The Gam - 1958 A Presentation of Prize Possessions from Nantucket's Whaling Days BY THE EDITOR

On Friday evening, February 28, 1958, some more than 60 persons gathered in the Maria Mitchell Library on Vestal Street to attend the ninth Gam presented by the Nantucket Historical Association. Dr. Will E. Gardner, beloved by all Nantuoketers old and young alike, and by those "Off-Islanders" who have had the privilege of his acquaintance, presided over the Gam in his inimitable manner as he did over the first Gam which was held in 1943. Introduced by the president of the Association, Mr. George W. Jones, Dr. Gardner said that if one searches the dictionary for a meaning of the word "Gam" its origin is uncertain and meaning vague but his grand father told him when he was very young that the word was derived from the gamboling of the whales in the South Pacific, hence a gam is taking (or frisking) of whales! The whales were doubtless courting and here at the Gam we court tales of whaling days. Thus the meeting opened in a happy mood as Dr. Gardner stood before a table loaded with the well-wrapped mystery packages which he had requested all those interested to bring. Opening the first small box Dr. Gardner held up the beautiful lustre ware pitcher which his grandmother, Mary Hussey Tracey Gardner, had set on the front steps each mbrning with a two-cent piece carefully placed inside, for the milk which would be poured in from the milkman's can. The remaining two-cent piece was dated 1851. The tiny cover of the pitcher was still intact. Each package was then held up to view and the owner requested to unwrap the contents and give the legend of the article. Mrs. George A. Folger opened a set of eight apothecary's weights which were made in France in the early 1800's probably. These weights, perfectly graduated, all fitted into the largest which covered and closed them securely. Mrs. Wallace Long unwrapped and held to view a carefully inlaid wooden box which had once held the personal papers of Captain George Pollard1 who was master of the whaling ship "Essex" which was sunk by an angry whale in 1820. Only five survived of the crew of 20 after drifting for 93 days in the open sea, and enduring unimaginable hardships. Mrs. Harold Page, having worked a long year when she was very young to learn to sew a fine seam, presented for inspection a serviceable pair of doll's pants with truely infinitesimal stitches and lace edging. Miss Grace Brown Gardner gave a delightful history of the painting of her great-grandmother's home which was located in "Egypt" (near Lily and North Liberty Street), and was given to Miss Gardner's mother by Nantucket's famous artist, Walter Folger. She also showed the tiny lantern which her grandmother had carried' until her death at 97 years when she was still very active. Especially had she carried the little lantern on trips

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

to "Egypt" to visit her old home, and, Miss Gardner added, she was the last person in Nantucket to use snuff which was presented to her by a well known tobacco company! Mrs. George W. Jones opened a large and beautifully painted Chinese tea caddy which was brought from China by her grandfather, Captain Henry Coleman, who mastered the famous ship "Howqua" out of New York in 1885. Captain Coleman's wife and two isons accompanied him on this 126 day's voyage to China and 130 days returning, and his log book has only one entry which mentions his wife and children! The "Howqua" was named for a Chinese who had been appointed by the Emperor to engiage in trade with the West. He became not only fabulously wealthy but was highly re spected in this country as well as in China. In the Nantucket Atheneum hangs a painting of his spectacular gardens. The ship "Howqua" eventually went to the Port of Missing Ships but the tea caddy remains intact, painted black with gold designs, and containing two compartments for holding vast amounts of tea. Mrs. Alice Shurrocks' grandfather, James Austin, once had a tin shop on Main Street where the First National store now stands. When her mother was a little girl he made an expertly finished1 tin scoop for her and Mrs. Shurrocks brought this little scoop which had inspired some of the incidents in her book, "Two Steps Down." Mr. Norman Giffin's grandfather, Captain Joseph Palmer Nye, sailed with his bride, on the ship "Alto" from Fairhaven, on an Atlantic whaling voyage in 1864. While on this voyage, Captain Nye, in company with an other whaler, rescued the crew of the British ship, "Wigtonshire," which was destroyed by fire. In 1866 Her Majesty's Government presented Captain Nye (and the captain of the other ship) a fine sextant most adequately boxed and' still in fine condition. Mr. Griffin brought the sextant for all to see and a copy of the presentation letter which read in part: "Washington, Sept. 14, 1866 "Her Majesty's Governors are desirous of testifying their isense of the service rendered by Captain J. P. Nye, the Master of the American Whaling Barque Alto ... to the crew of the British ship Wigtonshire of St. Johns, New Brunswick, which was destroyed by fire on the 27th of April in the South Atlantic . . . while on voyage from Liverpool to Panama . . . I am instructed to transmit to you two sextants with request that you will cause them to be conveyed to Captain Nye . . ." Mrs. James Hammond brought and demonstrated the unusual tone of a temple gong from India which she had acquired while in Turkey. This small daintly decorated gong is perhaps 1,500 years old and still has its tone! Mrs. Charlotte King brought the sewing kit which had been given to her grandmother, Mary Harris Riddell, by her father, Timothy, in 1851, when she was twelve years old. This kit is a group of drawers, very small, placed on top of one another somewhat in the fashion of a Chinese temple, with a covered container for spools of thread on the top which have bone or ivory eyelets, and topping all an embroidered pin cushion.

THE GAM OF 1958

Mr. Robert Cary Caldwell unwrapped the singularly beautiful sterling porringer, a Benjamin Bunker work of art, similar to one which Mr. Everett U. Croslby pictured in his book, "Books and Baskets, Signs and Silver of Old-Time Nantucket." This porringer was originally owned by Edward and Lydia Gary, who were the first of the family on Nantucket, in 1738. Since that time it has been handed down to direct descendants of the Cary family, Mr. Caldwell being the last of the line. Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Wilson showed a card case, small, attractive, still in good condition which had been used by the renowned actress Mrs. G. H. Gilbert who for some years was a frequent guest in Mrs. Wilson's home in 'Sconset. Mrs. Gilbert played in the Daley Theatre in New York for many years and was a member of the cast of the "Royal Family." Mrs. Wil son also showed a pair of antique earrings which her mother, Percy Haswell, wore when she played with Otis Skinner in the "Honor of the Family." Both of these very well-known actresses were for long years associated with 'Sconset. Mrs. Nancy Adams presented to the audience her one precious piece of scrimshaw, a tiny most artfully made penknife with a handle of whale hone carved into a perfect leg and slippered foot! She brought also a book which bad become a prize possession on this very day, a copy of "Pitcairn Island; "The Island, the People, and the Pastor," by the Rev. Thomas Boyle Murray, M. A., 1853. This Ibook contains the record of the birth of Mrs. Adams' uncle, Charles William Grant, born in Pitcairn Island in 1850. Mrs. G. E. Hutaff brought an interesting long chain and scissors which had belonged to her great-grandmother, Susan Burnell Elkins, having been given to Susan by her father, Jonathan Burnell, who was lost at sea in 1783. This interesting old "housewife" has belonged to direct descendants of the Burnell family since that date. Mrs. Alice P. Amey brought to the Gam the cameo which Maria Mit chell had cut in Rome in the year 1857. This is a "Quaker" head of Mrs. Amey's great-grandmother, and Maria Mitchell's mother, Mrs. William Mitchell. This large, unique cameo is probably the only one of its kind in existence. Mrs. Molly Norcross showed the lovely sterling card case which be longed to her great-grandmother, Sarah Allen, who married William Starbuck iand at one time lived in the Lower Brick. Miss Marjorie Barrett ex hibited the very appealing portrait of her grandfather, Josiah Barrett, which was painted by Phoebe Fitzgerald Barney. This tiny portrait in color on a light background has a charm of its own. Miss Gladys Wood, sayinlg she had searched unsuccessfully for a Nantucket ancestor, brought two enticing silhouettes, a gentleman who could easily have been an affluent Nantucket merchant, and a demure but firm lady who could have been his capable wife. Mrs. Mary L. Gouin presented a gold watch anld chain, the lovely large watch with key to wind, was the possession of Mary Anne Chase, who died at the age of 77 in 1917. The watch may have been fashioned from California

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

gold Mr. Warner White, who has adopted Nantucket, brought for viewing exquisite examples of French laces which he had purchased in France while he was assigned there in 1918. These laces can hardly toe duplicated today as the art of making them has almost ceased to exist. Mrs. Norman Giffin told the story of the tiny silver spoon which has been handed down in the family. Mr. Giffin's grandmother, Mrs. J. P. Nye, had been promised a silver spoon for her first born but when the baby arrived the family finances were low and the desired, regular sized spoon was not within their means. Not to fail in his promise her husband presented her with this miniature spoon which has become a family heirloom. Mr. John Bartlett produced the second piece of scrimshaw of the evening, a carved whale's tooth which had come to him through his mother who was a Hussey and some of whose ancestors were whalers. Dr. Gardner commented that it was surprising to see only two pieces of scrim shaw among a collection of Nantucket possessions, for, as everyone is aware, Nantucket houses abound with this special art of the whaling days. Miss Margaret Harwood read some short excerpts from the private correspondence of Miss Maria Mitchell, Nantucket's world famous astron omer, which were both amusing and illuminating. Mr. George W. Jones showed a color snapshot of a beautiful banjo clock which has remained in his family for four generations. This clock hung over the mantel of the living room fireplace in his grandfather's home at the corner of Plumb Lane and Orange Street when Mr. Jones was very young. His grandfather, Asa Jones, handed it to his son and in this way the clock has come in direct line for four generations to Mr. George Jones. It is a fine, large banjo, with brass pendulum, decoratively painted with gold and striking colored designs. Mr. Jones also had a color picture of a large Benjamin Bunker grandfather clock which was built during the revolution (1775) when brass was very scarce and the plates which hold the words are made from many small pieces of brass so carefully 'dovetailed the clock keeps accurate time to this day. As this was the last lof the planned presentation of precious possessions, Dr. Gardner inquired if there were further articles which would be of interest to all those present, and there were—several fascinating articles! All presented with enthusiasm and examined with keen interest. Mrs. Amey showed the beautiful gold pen of Maria Mitchell with the jeweled cap and long chain, which was dated 1856, and which Miss Helen Wright used when she autographed copies of her book, "Sweeper in the Sky." Mrs. Charlotte King came forward with the gold ring set with a sapphire which was given to her aunt, Mrs. Walter N. Chase, wife of Cap tain Chase who was the keeper of the Ooskata Life Saving Station, by the Captain of the "Western Belle" in 1890 after that ship had been in dis tress and was aided by Captain Chase. Captain Chase was offered extra re muneration for the service. This he refused as he felt the assistance was

THE GAM OF 1958

given in line of duty. Then the captain of the "Western Belle" asked per mission to give Mrs. Chase a small gift. Permission was granted and Mrs. Chase received the gold ring. Later there was some chagrin on the part of the good Captain Chase when an article appeared in the Boston papers giving an account of the "Western Belle" which had come from Singapore with smuggled jewelry aboard.' With thanks and applause for Dr. Gardner for a most enjoyable and entertaining Gam, and sincere thanks to the librarian, Mrs. Norcross, of the Maria Mitchell Association for the use of their pleasant rooms, Pres ident Jones closed the 1958 Gam with all persons present satisfied that they had never attended a more interesting and enjoyable Gam session.

This Simon Willard -clock was pre sented to Samuel and Mary (Paddock) Meader on their wedding day, August 22, 1817. It was given to their daugh ter, Susan (Paddock) Jones, and by her to her son John C. Jones, and by him to his son, George W. Jones, in 1929. The painted panels are believed to be the original ones and the face has never been repainted. The paint ing on the large lower panel is of an English fox hunt showing fox, hounds, and red coated rider. The plain glass over the face has been replaced at least once as it was broken in 1943. This clock is now in Auburn Cottage, Brant Point, and keeping excellent time in 1958.

"The Whaleman in Embryo" In the town of Nantucket, a place which has been noted from earliest time for the enterprise which its inhabitants have exhibited in sailing distant and stormy seas in search of the leviathans of the deep, a little incident occurred many years ago, which a friend assures us has never been published. Everything about the town wears a look suggestive of whal ing. Whaling and sea-phrases are thickly woven among the ordi nary conversations of the "first circles"; the very boys in their sports and general action, seem to be whalemen in embryo. You will bear in mind, that when a whale is seen from ship board, the boats are lowered and chase is given. As one of the boats approaches the monster — who, perhaps, is lying asleep upon the surface of the water — two harpoons are thrown into him. Startled by the pain, he dives into the depths, while the line attached to the harpoon flies out with lightning speed, over the gunwale of the boat. When the whale arises again, he darts away, dragging the boat after him, until, finally, he is captured and killed. It seems that one of these precocious young whalemen, about five years old, was playing in the "sitting room" of his paternal mansion, where his mother was quietly knitting a huge yarn stocking, while a plump black cat was stretched out, lying asleep on the hearth-rug, before the blazing wood fire. Young Reuben had produced a fork, and while the good old matron was plying her stitches—her mind wandering far away — he quietly broke the yarn that passed from the ball in her lap to her knitting needles, and attached the fork to one of the ends. Then placing himself in the attitude of a harpooner-man. when all was quiet, he darted the fork with all his might. In it went, with a soft sound, directly through the plumpest part of the cat, which, giving one leap into the air, and an un earthly — a most uncatly yell, made a straight bolt for the win dow, and darted out through a pane of glass, carrying fork, yarn and all with her.

DID YOU KNOW?

The good dame started up at the cry, but young Reuben, true to his raising, only jumped, clapped his hands in all earnest ness, and shouted. "Pay out, mother; pay out! Give her the line! I've only got one iron into her!" The albove incident of Nantucket's whaling days was published in the March issue, 1854, of the Pioneer: or California Monthly Magazine, San Francisco, California. K. C. Ewer whose name will be quickly recognized by all Nantucketers, was the editor of the magazine at the time. The story was contributed to this magazine through the kindness of Mrs. Marriott King who is compiling bio graphical data regarding the Rev. F. C. Ewer.

Do You Know? BY NANCY S. ADAMS

Do you know that among the curiosities in the Fair Street Historical Museum there are items of interest that the casual visitor sometimes misses in his rambling through the building? We suggest that before you enter the museum you cast a weather eye on the stone in front of the entrance. This stone was Tashama's door-stone. Benjamin Tashama, in the histories of Nantucket, is frequently mentioned as the "last sachem" of Nantucket. He died in 1770. His granddaughter, Dorcas Honorable, was the last "full-blooded" Indian to live on Nantucket. Tashama's home was on the eastern boundary of Gibb's Pond and the stone was brought from his home, first to the Edward Joy Farm, and later was presented to the Historical Association to be placed in front of the Fair Street Museum. This stone, weighing 1,800 pounds, was placed in its present location in 1917. In the museum you will see the leaded glass window taken from the house built on Gull Island in 1739, by Thomas Gardner, grandson of John, the first Gardner. The legend tells that this house was first built with the north and south roofs of the same length and Thomas was censured by the Friends for adopting such a fashionable design, and departing from the old plan of a

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

long north roof. Legend also has it that the corner stone of the house ran so deep the bottom of it could never be reached! The house is said to have had three sets of windows and this leaded glass window which belongs to the Historical Association was from the first set of windows. It was given by Mrs. Eunice G. Riddell, who inherited it from Eliza Gardner, to Matthew Bar ney, who, in turn, presented it to the Association. Among the 60 manuscripts which Mrs. Eunice Barney Swain gave to the Association in 1916 is the original of a letter written by Mary Starbuck in 1714 to her granddaughter. The grand daughter, Mrs. Eliza Gorham, had suffered a loss by fire. Follow ing is the letter Mrs. Starbuck wrote: Nantucket 17th of 1st mo 1714 "Dear Child E. G. "These few lines may certify thee that thou art often in my remembrance, with thy dear husband and children, with breath ings to the Lord for you, that you may find rest in all your visi tation and trials; As also that there is a trunk filled with goods which is intended to be put on Eben Stewards vessel, in which are several small token from thy friends which thou may par ticularly see by the invoices here inclosed, and by some other marks that are upon the things. "Thy Aunt Dorcas in a new pair of osnaburg sheets, thy Aunt Dinah in a pair of blankets, Thy Grandfather intends to send thee a bbl. of mutton, but it is not all his own, for Cousin James Coffin sent hither 17 pieces. Cousin James said he intended to send thee two or three bushels of corn. "There is likewise sent from our women's meeting £7 which thy uncle Jethro said he would give an order for, for thee to take to Boston. "Sister James told me she intended to send thee two bushels of corn and some wool and likewise that Justine Worth said he would send thee some corn. "More meat and corn will be sent which will be in greater quantities, which thy Uncle Jethro Starbuck will give thee an acct. of or thy husband.

THE DUCK FACTORY

"I should have been glad if he had come over with Steward, but I hope we shall see him this summer, if not both of you. So with my kind love to thee and thy husband, children, and to all our frdis. committing you to the protection of the Almighty who is the wise disposer of all things and remain thy affectionate Grandmother. "Mary Starbuck "Thy Grandfather's love to all and Uncle Barnabas's, Su sanna is well and her love to you also."

The Duck Factory From Reminiscinces of GEORGE F. WORTH, written approximately in 1880 Edited by A. P. ROBBINS

"A duck factory was established by Joseph Chase and James Barker and others in 1792 or 1793 carried on six or seven years in a two-story building which stood on the site where the mansion house of the late Zenas Coffin now stands. "The flax was spun by females on the second floor and woven by males on the first floor." This comment regarding a duck factory taken from the reminiscences of George F. Worth is repeated in nearly every his tory of Nantucket but with very little additional information. Several reports mention "duck into sails" and speak of the factory starting about 1792 or 1793 and continuing for six or seven years. Some of the reports have this added statement, "The fabric produced was not of a desirable quality; it was of dark color, and easily took mildew." In 1792 Nantucket's settled area was still called Sherburne. There were, by many reports, five hundred or more houses, and four windmills. During the next four or five years the name of their town was changed to Nantucket. However, the town did not take on any of the appearance of present day Nantucket until some fifty years later when the cobblestones for Main Street were brought from the continent, and the elms were planted by Charles and Henry Coffin, to give the shade and shadow that we now know so well.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

When the duck factory was established the one street or thoroughfare, was the street we know as West Chester, and at that time it was a two-wheeled cart track, two ruts, winding carelessly between sand dunes, around the ponds, over the moors from the "inner" harbor to the settled area, Sherburne. From the histories we know that Main Street, too, was a narrow rutted way leading from the wharfs out toward Madaket to the then flourishing farms in an aimless sort of way, over the sandy knolls, bordered by scrub oaks and bushes all the way. These years of the duck factory were among the best years Nantucket has known. The deprivations, the plundering, and losses of the Revolution had ceased, and the whaling adventures had become inordinately successful. The three wharfs which had been built in the "inner" harbor, similar to the harbor as we know it, were crowded with business. The whaling fleet had become one hundred or more ships (the reports vary), and some days many whaling vessels had completed storing their supplies for the long and arduous voyage to distant and unknown waters, and sailed from the harbor, leaving their women and children on the Is land to wait, not in worried idleness, but in firm, energetic, com petent carrying on of the daily living chores and coping with many vicissitudes which were their lot. Not only were the whaling fleets coming and going in in creasing number during this period of the duck factory, but the almost numberless boats of varying size which fetched and car ried every sort of necessity from the continent plied in and out of the harbor in a steady stream. It is easy to forget that almost all of the necessaries of life; lumber for houses, much of which came from the wooded country along the Kennebec River (which some proprietors owned), the flour, sugar, molasses, salt, and most of the flax which was used in the duck factory were brought from the mainland. De Crevecoeur wrote of this period when he visited the Island, "The streets are not paved but this is attended with little inconvenience, as it is never crowded with country carriages; and those they have in the town are seldom made use of but in the time of the coming in and before sailing of their fleets. At first landing I was much surprised at the disagreeable smell which struck me in many parts of the town; it is caused by the whale

THE DUCK FACTORY

oil and is unavoidable; the neatness peculiar to these people can neither remove nor prevent it. There are near the wharfs a great number of storehouses where their staple commodity is deposited ... as well as the innumerable materials which are always wanted to repair and fit out so many whalemen. They have three docks. .. ." Just up the rutted path from the wharfs far enough to allow free passage and easy transportation to and from the ware houses, on a sandy knoll, was a large barn-like structure. On a solid foundation, and rising up two floors, was the duck factory. We know there were two floors because the "flax was spun by females on the second floor . . ." The building was on the corner of what is now Pine and Summer Streets, and where the mansion built by Zenas Coffin, now stands. There is every indication that he removed the duck factory soon after it ceased to be a factory, to place his home on this desirable site. If the factory was as large on its foundation as Zenas Coffin's mansion, it was a fair sized factory, for this house is of a size to accommodate the family of six children with ease and comforts. Joseph Chase and James Barker who founded the duck fac tory, with others, were surely enterprising and industrious men as their names are connected with many of Nantucket's businesses of that time. Born in the middle seventeen hundreds they were well established successful citizens, may even have grown some of the flax used in the duck factory on their own farms. James Barker operated a store and both men had interests in the whale oil business. They were probably two of the twenty or more citi zens who thought of operating a monopoly of the whale oil business. This never did materialize but the duck factory became a fact. The men who wove the flax on the first floor of the factory may have been strangers, off-islanders, for during this period there was an influx of workmen and families from various parts of the continent. The population had increased to more than five thousand persons. There were flocks of sheep numbering in all as many as six thousand, there were herds of cattle stated in some reports to be five to seven hundred head, and the many farmers had horses to pull their "calash" (two-wheeled cart) and farm implements. With all this activity, (there were several other fac tories beside the duck factory), life throbbed and beat about

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the harbor, the three large docks, the many warehouses, and the ever-coming and going vessels with their loaded hulls. Of the females who spun on the second floor of the factory we have little knowledge but we can know that they hurried along the narrow, sandy cart tracks, their long skirts modestly covering their ankles, and their snug bonnets tied tightly beneath their chins. Some, perhaps many of them, were women whose husbands, fathers, brothers had been lost to the sea, and they must suppoit their households, for not all could reap the success which the whaling gave to many. So with their bonnets tied against the wind, their skirts catching on the bushes along the paths, the strong odor of whale oil processing permeating each breath, they hurried to the second floor of the factory to spin. There must have been heat provided if only an open fire and large chimney. One young woman of the period wrote plaintively: "Too cold for spinning today!" During the process of changing the flax into sails there must have been need for fresh water so that the men on the first floor of the factory had to carry water from one of the many wells in the neighborhood. The pumps stood up high along the public paths and most were used freely by people living near-by. There was a pump on what is now the corner of Pine Street and Darling, and there were several on what is now Fair Street; there was doubt less a pump where cold, fresh water could be drawn close by the factory. Whatever their process may have been it would seem that their bleaching methods were never satisfactorily perfected for the fabric continued to be "of dark color." Why their sails "easily took mildew" can quickly be imagined if they depended upon Nantucket's bright and sunny days for their drying for doubtless in 1792 there were low hanging clouds heavy with mois ture, the fog, and the rolling mist to compete with even as there is today. But here was no lagging of the spirit. The duck factory continused to process flax into sails for several years. And by that time there may have been a lag in the market for sails as shipping was more and more disturbed by the dissensions which brought about the War of 1812. Pirating and privateering became com mon practice on the seas and many Nantucket ships were lost. Or perhaps Joseph Chase and James Barker became too engrossed

THE DUCK FACTORY

in more profitable enterprises to properly supervise the duck factory, or their silent partners may have withdrawn support. At least the factory fell into disuse and was soon after torn down to make way for the new streets, the changing neighborhood, and in its place rose the splendid home of one of Nantucket's most respected citizens, Zenas Coffin. This home still stands in its fine simplicity, marking the site of one of Nantucket's flourishing manufactories, the duck factory.

9 PINE STREET, NANTUCKET

This house at the corner of Pine and Summer Street was built early in the 20th century and has much the same appearance now as when built by Zenas Coffin for his family whicih included three girls and three boys. It is now occupied only during the summer months by Mrs. Christine Zaremba. The woodlbine which covers much of the exterior of the building marks the gray shingles with a bright and glowing red when the summer has passed.

Keziah Coffin Fanning's Diary BY NANCY S. ADAMS

1810

Received letter from son Thomas dated at Revel, up the Baltic, March 4 saying sailed from Cronstandt Nov. 3 with fair wind. On the 10th at 3 a.m. run on a reef called the anchor ground, 9 miles from Dayo. blowing a gale, vessel under double reefed topsails. Cleared deck & and hove over part of cargo, hoping to get off, but in vain. Took to boats and at 4 p.m. reached Island of Dayo (Dago?) William Allen (D. Allen's son) 1st. Mate had been sick and had a relapse, no doctor on the Island, a fever set in and he died 7 days after landing was interred on the 20th in a Church Yard 7 miles from where he died. On Jan. 9th. Capt. Seth Swain who commanded the ship (Jason) & Thomas left Dayo and arrived at Revel (Gulf of Findland).

July 31

Aug. 11—Dinah Pompey (Cuff that was) found dead in bed. Verdict natural death. Sept. 30—Parnel Swain & James Ross (black) received into full communion, Ross and his wife baptised. Mr. Widerhold & C. Black withdrew from Society. Oct. 3—Elizabeth Swain (widow of Uriah) child died and buried to-day. Also Levi Starbuck's child & John Alley's child. Caleb Bunker's widow died yesterday & Micajah Swain's wife this morn. Oct. 7—Uriah Swain's widow died this A.M. 1811

Jan 26—Charles Davis and Phebe Bunker (Owens Wife) re ceived into Society. Feb. 2.—George Russells cooper shop took fire at noon. Totally burned. Feb. 23—Vessel off S.W. people gone up to her. March 10—Thomas Meader & Debby Burnell married eve by Mr. Rexford. July 13—Mr. Stephens (new Methodist minister) wife & 4 chil dren came, formerly of Lynn.

KEZIAH COFFIN FANNING'S DIARY

July 14—David Wood bound home from No. Carolina with load of provisions. Vessel sprung a leak and was abandoned at sea. July 24—Samule Gelston has just got in from Havanna. Saw Christopher Folger there, his ship was cast away soon after leav ing Jamaica for London (John was his mate) all hands left on a maroon Key, he came away in a small boat that was saved, fell in with a vessel bound for Havanna & was looking for a vessel to go and take the crew off the Key. July 28—Went to Boston, landed at India Wharf; returned to Nantucket Oct. 3rd. July 30—Edward Barnard merchant of Boston and Caroline Fanning published, after acquaintance of 3 weeks. (Married Aug. 8th by Rev. Mr. Easton.) Edward Fanning (progenitor of the American Fannings) came to Stonington in Oliver Cromwell's time with wife and several children.

Aug. 8—Went up to Beacon Hill & to the poor house. Aug. 15—Went to female asylum, 40 female orphan children there, founded 11 years ago—at beginning sermon preached by Rev. Mr. Hillman and a collection made of $500, great many fe male subscribers at $300 per year and many donations from $50 to $500 been given. Sometime ago several gentlemen subscribed $9000 to be paid when the association should build or purchase a house for $1200. Incorporated 1803. Two teachers, one has $200 per year the other $50 (?). Children received at 3 years. Kept till 11, taught sewing, reading, knitting, etc. At 11 places are found for them and they are bound till 18 and under direction of Asylum authorities during apprenticeship so far as care for their good treatment is concerned. Children having no father, and mother unable to support them are considered orphans. Sept. 14—went to ride. Stopped at Eunice Coffin's; her daughter is to be married tomorrow. Dec. 4—Caroline had a son born last night. Dec. 5—Went down to New North Wharf p.m. large concourse of people. Mr. Stephens baptised by immersion, Moses Ellis, Fred erick Worth, Elisha Green, Arnold James, & Nancy Jenkins.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Dec. 8—14 persons taken into Society—James Arnold & wife, Eben Dunham, Matthew Nailord (an Englishman that keeps school here), Sally West, Prisa. Morris, Mary Skinner, Hepsa. Coffin, Elizabeth Gardner, Nancy Innis, Deborah Gerald, Polly Dunham. Dec. 13—Hezekiah Bunker, son of Matthew, sick with fever, burst a blood vessel and died in a few minutes, last night. Dec. 24— Silas Jones died to-day, very bad storm, wined N.E. said to be hardest wind for 50 years. 1812

March 3—Hitty had a daughter last night. May 7—Polly Swain, Sam Swain's wife, died very suddenly to-day in child bed, lives five miles out of town & died before the doctor could get there, left 4 sons & 8 daughters.— Gardner (Elizabeth's son) died at Havanna, news to-day. Anna Joy and William Wyer were buried today. May 11—Gone to Boston, Describes Old Gov. escorted to Old South by Cadets. New Gov. escorted to State House by Huzzars, etc. June 6—Uncle William Starbuck died Wednesday. June 24—News of war with England. June 28—Ten families went away today with Capt. Robinson, bound to Amboy, then to Philadelphia and on to Ohio. Mr. King wife & child, Charles Rand and Wife, Richard Folger and family, David Folger & family, Silvanus Folger & family, John Starbuck & family, Mrs. Bunker & her granddaughter moved to Wareham. June 29—Sorrow and distress are on the minds of the people in consequence of War. Many families have hurried off & left their habitations. Aug. 8—Letter to-day saying Caroline Barnard (Fanning) had a fine son Aug. 3rd. Obadiah Wood & family moved to-day for Kennebunk. Nov. 6—Account of the Mars getting into Norfolk — L. (Z) Wood is Mate. (To be continued)

Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its program for the preservation of Nantucket's famed heritage and its illustrious past, which so profoundly affected the develop ment of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by naming the Association to receive a legacy or bequest under your will which will help to insure the Association carrying on in the future. Counsel advises that legacies or bequests to the Nan tucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax law. Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as di rected by the donor. A sample form of bequest may read as follows: FORM OF BEQUEST "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly in corporated by the Commonwealth of Massachu setts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of dollars." Bequests may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paintings, or any objects having historical value in which event a brief description of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money. If you have friends, relatives, or acquaintances interested in receiving a copy of Historic Nantucket we will mail one to them upon receipt of fifty cents. Please send all communications to Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. 0. Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Office, Fair Street Museum.

"The Whale That Loved A Sailor-O" Oh a little whale lived in the great big sea And her eyes were blue as a whale's can be. Oh-h-h the whale that loved a sailor-o! And never had any sad hours before She saw a sailorman on the shore . . . But the sailorman sat there not alone. The maid by his side thought him all her own. Oh-h-h the whale that loved a sailor-o! And the man loved the maiden more and more, And the whale she watched, and she signed, and she swore: "By Sparm! So that's what a sailor's for!" Oh-h-h the whale that loved a sailor-o! The above verse is from a song sung by Walter Starfouck, a Nantucket whaleman on the ship "Charles," as related in the story "Thread of Scarlet," by Ben Ames Williams, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, Mass., 1939.

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS 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 expires 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 Mather. Finance Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman. Editor, Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Robbins Publicity Committee, Stokeley W. Morgan, chairman, Richard J. Porter. Exhibit's Publications Committee, Burnham N. Dell, chairman, Mrs. John Bartlett, Mrs. William Perkins, Miss Ruth Haviland Sutton. Chairman 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. Nancy S. Adams.