Historic Nantucket
Copy by Dick Wi'.liams
Cliff Beach—Carriages at the Boat Landing, Nantucket, Mass.—1915
OCTOBER, 1960
SIXTY-SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING
Published Quarterly by
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
"They are never alone that a,re accompanied with noble thoughts."—Sidney
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, George W. Jones. Vice-Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Burnham N. Dell, Stokeley W. Morgan, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert Egan, Jr., Mrs. William Mather. Secretary-Treasurer, Miss Ethel Anderson. Auditor, Ormonde F. Ingall. Councillors, George W. Jones, Chairman; Richard J. Porter, Oswell J. Small, term expires 1961; Robert C. Caldwell, Alma P. Robbins, term expires 1962; Mrs. Joseph King, Mr. Herbert I. Terry, term expires 1963; Mrs. Francis W. Pease, Mr. H. Errol Coffin, term expires 1964. Publicity Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman. Honorary Curator, Mrs. Nancy S. Adams. Curator, Mrs. William Mather. Finance Committee, Stokley W. Morgan, Chairman. Editor, Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Robbins; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes, Mrs. R. A. Orleans, Assistant Editors. Exhibits' Publications Committee. Burnham N. Dell, Chairman; Mrs. John Bartlett, Miss Ruth Haviland Sutton. Chairmen of Exhibits, Fair Street Museum, Mrs. William Mather; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Oldest House, Mrs. Francis W. Pease; Old Mill, Robert Caldwell; Old Jail, Oswell Small; 1830 House, Mrs. Joseph King.
"There is no sculpturing like that of character."—H. W. Beecher
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 8
OCTOBER i960
No. 2
CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association Officers
114
Wharves and Harbor, 1916 (from an old snap shot) The Report of the President of the Nantucket Historical Association
116
The Report of the Annual Meeting- — 1960, by the Secretary, Miss Ethel Anderson Nantucket Surreys, by Margaret Fawcett Barnes —The Local History Awards Wrecks Around Nantucket, by David S. Ham The Jethro Coffin House, by Dina Hamilton Recent Events, Briefly Noted Admissions Report
117 124 127 134
139 140
Diary of William C. Folger, Edited by Nancy S. Adams 141 Books, Pamphlets, Papers, Pictures, Postal Cards, For Sale 145 Legacies and Bequests 147 The Historical Map of Nantucket, Surveyed and Drawn by The Rev. H. C. Ewer, DD.—1869
148
Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copeis $.50 each. Membership dues are — Annual-Active $£.00; Sustaining $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00. Entered as Second Class Matter, July, 1953, at the Post Office, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Copyright, 1960, Nantucket Historical Association. Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts.
117 "Peace rules the days, where reason rules the mind."—Collins
Presidents Report It is the usual custom throughout this country for the pres ident of an organization, be it commercial or otherwise, to make an annual report to the stockholders or members, as the case may be, showing what has been accomplished during the last twelve months, what may be anticipated for the months ahead and giving information on the general health of the organization that the members may be influenced to sign on for another twelve months cruise. Our Association follows this general pattern and I again make my bid for your continued interest in an organization that becomes of more value to the community as time advances. Unbelievable as it seems well over three years have passed since plans were laid for Nantucket's 300th Anniversary Cele bration and that celebration is now a bit of our history. It was a success and although so quietly accomplished that it was in no way opposed to the serene atmosphere considered part of Nantucket's way of life by our friends from the mainland, it had many desirable qualities which will have lasting effects over the years. Of particular interest to this organization were the six lec tures sponsored by us and much enjoyed by all who attended. Family reunions of the Coffins, Macys, Swains, Folgers, Bunkers, and Husseys brought many descendants of the original settlers, many of whom had not previously been on their native heath and a number who expressed their intention of returning in the future. All the memorabilia of the celebration which was presented to the Selectmen were by their considerate action relinquished to our Association for safe keeping and exhibit. All these pictures and written articles will furnish a permanent record of what took place and of those people who worked to make this celebra tion a success. I believe our organization has been strengthened and has acquired a number of new members as a result of these activities. All of our exhibits had a successful year with attendance figures great enough to please all who worked so hard to make their attractions of interest to the visitor.
118
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
FAIR STREET A new roof covering was installed on the main building at the Fair Street Museum and the illumination on part of the upstairs exhibits received much needed improvement with the installation of several new electric lights. Other minor improve ments have been made and under the care of the regular attend ants, Miss Alma Robbins and Miss Alice Crocker, and substitute attendant Miss Bertha Eckert, many visitors have been enabled to enjoy both the museum and the Meeting House. OLDEST HOUSE The Oldest House was of particular interest to many who came for the Coffin reunion and the published pictures showing the building as a backdrop for the Coffin clan found their way into magazines of wide circulation both in this country and abroad. Regular attendant Miss Ethel Clark, the relief attendant Mrs. Elmer Pease, and the chairman of this exhibit Mrs. William Perkins all did fine work in making the Coffins feel at home and to interest all who visited this venerable structure. OLD MILL The Old Mill had received a fresh coat of paint on the trim and was put into actual operation grinding corn under the guid ance of Mr. Franklin Lamb for the first time in a number of years. It still performs its function satisfactorily and corn meal was bagged and sold during the season. Mr. Robert Caldwell, chair man of this exhibit, obtained the proper type of "flint" corn for this operation after some searching on the mainland. Mr. John Greene, our regular attendant, was there to do his customarily good job of describing the operation and informing the visitor of this fine old mill. WHALING MUSEUM Due to the romantic attraction connected with the operation of the sailing ship and the whale chase and capture, interest in the subjects exhibited in the Whaling Museum continues to at tract large numbers of men, women and children. The completion of the trades exhibits in the basement fur nished a new insight into those affairs carried on in Nantucket to maintain the whale ships and support the industry both before and after the capture of the whale, and these new additions were enjoyed by many who might not otherwise have considered the logistics of the whaling industry. This spring much additional
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
119
work was done by conditioning the articles displayed there and marking them with proper nomenclature under the direction of W. Ripley Nelson, chairman of this exhibit. One of the ablest advisers in connection with this new ex panded program, Mr. William Tripp, was lost to us by death during the winter. We are most fortunate to have had his advice in this work and greatly feel his loss. His place on the Whaling Museum Committee has been filled by Mr. Charles Sayle who has been of much assistance from his knowledge of ships and sail. Attendants "Archie" Cartwright, Mrs. Herbert Foye, Ber tram Morris and Everett Chapel in cooperation with the librarian. Mrs. Ellen Chace, together with Mrs. Elmer Pease and Mrs. Regi nald Hussey, our relief personnel, have during the past year done much to make visits to this Museum a memorable occasion and one which makes Nantucket's past more realistic and understand able. 1800 HOUSE The 1800 House continues to attract many people who de sire to have some idea of what homes of the people, living on Nantucket during the period when whale oil and spermaceti can dles were the main business interests, looked like. Mrs. Susan Cowden, who has been in attendance a number of years, is usually able to answer their interested queries and sometimes puzzling questions. Mrs. William Mather, who was already chairman of the Fair Street Museum, graciously volunteered to assume the chair man's responsibilities when a vacancy occurred and has success fully carried out this extra work. We are indebted to those ladies who kindly act as costumed hostesses at this house on a volunteer basis. Mrs. George A. Clapp, Mrs. Grace Brownell, Mrs. Joshua B. Ashley, and Mrs. Charles Amey deserve our thanks for their fine wrork. OLD JAIL Our exhibit at the Old Jail never had a better attendant than Mr. Chester Faunce, Sr., who, besides doing a fine job of entertaining the visitors, has kept the grounds in neat and at tractive condition. During the necessary absence of Mr. Faunce for a few days the early part of the month we were fortunate in obtaining the services of Dr. Thomas P. Brennan who generously took over the work and kept it under way.
120
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
HISTORIC NANTUCKET Our quarterly magazine, "Historic Nantucket," has become well known over a large part of the world. May I add that this is no hyperbole. It actually goes to almost every state in the conti nental United States and until very recently to the Hawaiian Is lands. Great Britain and Canada are also on the mailing list. Something over a thousand copies go out each quarter. The mechanics of shipping over a thousand copies four times a year is quite a task in itself and Miss Robbins has the aid of our hard-working Secretary and Treasurer Miss Ethel Ander son for this work. Typing this number of address tapes, sticking them on the envelope, putting magazines in the envelopes and mailing them is much more work than one, who hasn't watched it done, might imagine. Miss Anderson's work for the association includes many varied details and she deserves our hearty thanks for doing them well. PUBLICITY Good publicity is something needed by all organizations and Mr. W. Ripley Nelson who has this activity in charge makes sure we get it. Besides our regular paid advertisements and announce ments we do in the course of a year receive much news column space. Just as a sampling of what has appeared in the press dur ing the last twelve months I present the following examples: The story in the New Bedford Standard-Times relative to Nantucket's 300th celebration complete with pictures of the hand fire engine, the certificate of appointment of Stephen Hussey as collector of the port signed by President George Washington; the cooper shop exhibit at the Whaling Museum. A picture and story of the Whaling Museum appearing in the July 7, 1959 Boston Sunday Herald. Pieces having these headlines — Walter Folger's Historical Astronomical Clock once nearly lost to Posterity; Mill ready to grind corn for visitors; Whaling seminars planned for season; Edouard Stackpole Speaker at Whaling Seminar; Dr. Leonard Wood Labaree to speak on Franklin; Historical Ass'n gathers for 65th Annual Meeting; Island Folger-Franklin Memorial to be (picture of memorial) dedicated; Mr. Weaver speaks on Cordage at Whaling Seminar; Folger, Negotiator of Island Indian Treaties, receiving Recognition Finally; Visitors to Nantucket Historical Exhibits this season totals 33,500 to date (Sept. 18) ; Mementos of William Mitchell given to Historical Association (with photo
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
121
of presentation) ; History of Island Education begins in Historic Quarterly; Island Schools Theme of Perkins Article; Old Firehouse on Gardner St. given to Historical Association (with pic ture of bldg.) ; Historical Ass'n Exhibits at Houston Texas Mu seum, Gam to Feature Island Celebrities; Reports on Gam; Coatue and changing Contour Featured in Historic Nantucket. All these news stories and many more were published by local, New Bedford and Boston papers and some of them in more scattered communities throughout the country during the past year. All was good publicity for this Association and for the Is land to which we are much attached. I feel that we could scarcely have a better publicity director than Mr. Nelson. PUBLICATIONS Publications of books and pamphlets printed and distributed by us is under the direction of a committee of which Mr. Burnham Dell is chairman. It is quite a problem to keep sufficient supply of these materials in hand and not over extend our inventories. Additions and deletions must be made before reprinting to care for changes constantly taking place and with much of it reworded to increase its attractive presentation. Mr. Dell and his commit tee are doing a fine job along these lines and his assistance here is of value to the whole Association. GAM The Gam held February at the Maria Mitchell Library un der the direction of our long-time friend and former officer, Dr. "Will" Gardner, probably the best known and most popular mem ber of the Association, was entitled, "Nantucket Celebrities," was a success from start to finish and holds the honors for number of persons attending. FOLGER-FRANKLIN MEMORIAL The field stone and bronze plaque erected to the memory of Peter Folger near his homestead on Madaket Road was success fully dedicated under the guiding hand of Mr. Franklin Folger Webster, chairman of the Folger reunion of last summer and Dr. Gardner and Mr. Thomas Hallowell who made the memorial a reality should feel repaid for their efforts from the interest which has been evidenced by the visitors to the site ever since. Since our last annual meeting we have acquired by gift from Miss Edith Bartlett the old fire engine house and the land upon which it sits at the corner of Gardner and Howard Streets.
122
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
As far as we know this is the last of the small building's built and used to house the hand fire pumps, of which there were many during the 1800's. It has been used first for housing the hand-pumper "Cata ract" which we now own and later the two hose carts #7 and #10. Plans are now formulating to recondition this structure and preserve it as a link to the history of the fire fighting equipment of an earlier day. This work will be far from inexpensive and we trust that many of our friends and members will assist the fund which has been started for this work and which now has grown to $2060.00. COUNCIL As is customary and required by the by-laws of this Associa tion we will lose two important members of our Council whose terms have expired and who according to these by-laws cannot succeed themselves. One of these, Mrs. William Mather, has been chairman of the Fair Street Museum, Curator, and this year volunteered to take over the chairmanship of the 1800 House until after this annual meeting. She has been a most interested and energetic worker and we regret this temporary loss. I say temporary be cause I believe it is both her desire and that of the Council that she continue with us in one capacity or another and I am sure she will be of value in whatever position she may fill. The other member whose term expires is Mrs. William Per kins, chairman of the Oldest House and one who has looked after that exhibit conscientiously for some years. Unfortunately, Mrs. Perkins plans to leave the Island within a short time and we will not be able to profit by her help in the future. I say a hearty "Well Done" to both of these retiring Council members. In addition to those whose terms expire we have accepted with regret, through no desire on our part or on theirs, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the resignation of two other Council members, Mrs. Franklin Bartlett and Mr. Robert Deeley. We trust and believe they will continue to be interested and active in Association endeavors. It is with the deepest feeling of regret that I announce the loss by death of a most loyal and helpful Vice-President, Mr. Ev-
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
123
erett U. Crosby, long a valuable worker for the Association, a member for over 30 years, a council member and vice-president, and one who gave much toward its advancement, died on June 4th of this year. He will long be remembered with affection by the many who worked with him and we should and do feel grateful in having had his help and active interest. r,, I express here my appreciation to all those who have given of their energy and thoughtfulness in making the Association a successful community activity during this last year. These are many and include our hard-working secretary-treasurer Miss Ethel Anderson, the editor of Historic Nantucket, Miss Alma Robbins, Curator Mrs. William Mather, finance officer Mr. Stokeley Morgan, W. Ripley Nelson, who has done so much as chair man of Whaling Museum to enlarge and improve that exhibit, to Mr. Oswell Small and Mr. Robert Caldwell, chairmen of the Old Jail and Old Mill respectively, Mr. Grenville Curtis for his expert attention to our Old Clock, to all my fellow officers and council members for their support and, lastly but not least, to the many friends and members who have contributed in many ways toward the welfare of this organization. I look forward to a successful year ahead and although the steamboat strike has caused us considerable financial loss we ex pect the Association will still be healthy and able to carry on for another year without too serious curtailments. George W. Jones, President
124
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "How the world ivags."—Shakespeare
Annual Meeting The sixty-sixth Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association was held July 19, 1960 at 3 p.m. in the Unitarian Church. President Mr. George Jones greeted the members and friends who numbered over one hundred in attendance. In his report he described the success of the 300th Anniversary of the first white settlers to the Island, held last year, 1959, and in which the Association had a part, and stated that all memorabilia of the celebration had been turned over by the Selectmen, to the Associ ation for safe keeping and exhibit. He reported the progress of the Association and praised the hostesses and attendants of the various museums for their devo tion to the work of the Association. A gift of the old fire hose house on the corner of Gardner and Howard Streets by Miss Edith Bartlett was announced. Mr. Jones hopes to obtain funds from donors to restore this to its original appearance, and to preserve it for posterity. Mr. Jones expressed appreciation for the help and advice given by the late William E. Tripp in the collection and identifi cation of articles given for the new exhibits in the Whale Craft Shops at the Whaling Museum. He also expressed regret of the loss of Mr. Everett U. Crosby, a member of the Council, who had been a member of the Association for 30 years prior to his death. The annual report of the Secretary was read and accepted. The report of the Nominating Committee, Mr. Burnham Dell, chairman, was read as follows: President, Mr. George W. Jones. Vice Presidents — Miss Grace Brown Gardner Mr. Burnham N. Dell Mr. Stokeley W. Morgan Mr. W. Ripley Nelson Mr. Albert E. Egan Mrs. William Mather Secretary and Treasurer — Miss Ethel Anderson Editor Historic Nantucket — Miss Alma Robbins
ANNUAL MEETING
125
Council Members — 1961 — Mr. Richard J. Porter Mr. Oswell J. Small 1962 — Mr. Robert E. Caldwell Miss Alma Robbins 1963 — Mr. Herbert Terry Mrs. Joseph King 1964 — Mr. H. Errol Coffin Mrs. Francis Pease Mr. Dell then took the chair and the election for the office of President was voted by the members of the Association. Mr. George W. Jones was unanimously elected President. Mr. Jones then resumed the chair and proceeded with the nominations from the floor, and election of officers. All were unanimously elected as designated above. The reports of various committees as they appear in the July issue of Historic Nantucket were accepted. Mr. Jones then introduced Mr. Henry Coffin Carlisle as speaker for the meeting. Mr. Carlisle gave a short talk explaining his hobby of tape recordings and stated the number of hours he had spent in re cording voices and sounds well known to Nantucketers. These he had recorded and re-recorded to make a shorter reel of two and a half minutes for each interview. This had taken a great deal of editing. The sounds of the town clock, sea gulls, steam boat whistle, horses' hoofs on the cobblestones as well as voices of many including Marcus Ramsdell, Tuckernuck; Jay Gibbs, Bell of the Old South Church; Agnes Everett, Old Sconset; Ar thur McCleave, Lobsters; Chester Pease and Pat Robinson, Old Nantucket; William Tripp, Whaling Gam; Will Gardner, Brick Houses; Mr. Ramsdell, Opening Court at Nantucket; Mrs. Mar garet Fawcett Barnes, Actor's Colony; Archibald Cartwright, Talk at Whaling Museum; William Tripp, Sinking of the Lightship in 1934; George Mackay, and three fishermen, Haulover; Joseph King, Clam Bed off Jetties, 1913; Arthur McCleave, Dory Fish ing; Walter Barrett, Scallop Gam; Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Scrap Books; Mrs. Georgie Walling, Old North Wharf. This being a rare collection of recordings it will no doubt be referred to many times in years ahead. The meeting adjourned at 5 p.m. Ethel Anderson, Secretary
The Nantucket Historical Association's Surrey on Main Street during the 300th Anniversary Celebration — 1959
127 "Hitch your wagon to a star."—Emerson
Nantucket Surreys BY MARGARET FAWCETT BARNES
Surreys, with or without fringe, and with or without tops, were in use on this Island as long ago as the seventies and eighties, and continued to be the chief mode of pleasurable transportation until the twenties, when the motor car began to take over. Nantucket ladies went shopping in a" horse-drawn surrey, they paid calls in them, and families went on picnics and were met at the boat by them. To drive from Siasconset or Madaket, or any of the outlying districts, to Town in a surrey, over rutted roads, winding across the low moorland, at an ambling gait, was an adventure to a youngster, and a restful, enjoyable experience if you were older. And if you were lucky enough to induce Jimmie Coffin, in 'Sconset, to take you on an afternoon jaunt in his surrey, over secluded roads, where he knew the name and variety of every wildflower it was a treat, not ever forgotten. Sometimes the road could be washed out and the surrey would veer and haul like a schooner under sail in a high wind, but invariably the careful maneuvering of the horse and carriage by the driver would bring you on an even keel, with no wheels or shafts broken. These surreys, though light in weight, were expertly built by the best carriage makers, who made them especially sturdy and easy to handle. They used carefully selected wood, black or sour gum for the hubs of the wheels, oak or ash for the spokes, and beech or fresh ash for axles. Also their design fitted admirably into the life of the past era. Ladies in long ruffled skirts found it not too difficult to climb in and out of the comfortably upholstered seats, and there was room to raise a parasol on a sunny day when slanting rays might otherwise have tanned a perfect pink and white complexion. And for rainy days, leather flaps unrolled from the top, snapping in place, to keep rain from sides and back. Sometimes even the front seat had a covering, which encased the occupants completely, with only an opening for the reins and an isinglass window; especially appreciated on a rainy night when the boat was late and the long, hour and a quarter drive to 'Scon set could be a wet one.
228
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
At times, as many as sixteen surreys or more would be waiting to meet the boat on Steamboat Wharf; as pictured below. Once your favorite driver was found, you and your lu^a^ were lifted into the "two-seater" (as they were sometimes ca e ) and you would be drawn through the quiet streets to the accom paniment of the klomp-klop of the horse's hooves. Even the wellremembered smell of a surrey, particularly on a damp day when the felt upholstery and the leather fittings produced a pungent odor, brings back a nostalgia for those genial times. And there is an anecdote about Captain Baxter, noted for his salty humour, who carried the mail to Siasconset in a surrey. He would also take passengers along, and was prone to spot a bridal couple and inveigle them into his carriage, pretending all during the drive he was very deaf, then, when they finally reached their distant des tination revealed that he hadn't been so deaf after all, which sometimes left the bride blushing.
i dS k • Copy by Dick Williams
Waiting for the Boat to dock — 1916
Although surreys were "two-seaters" mostly, holding four people, three passengers and a driver, there were also some known as "three-seaters," imposing in length, drawn by two horses and carrying nine people. These were used for gala occasions, like clam-bakes, or trips between Nantucket and 'Sconset for special events, such as golf or tennis tournaments or public entertainments.
NANTUCKET SURREYS
129
Of the several livery stables in Nantucket Town, one of the best known was "J. H. Wood and Son," owned by the same family who run a Taxi Service today, and which by now is one of the oldest continuous businesses of the Town. They had as many as twenty horses at one time, with two barns, one back of the pres ent Monument Store and another on the Cliff, at the site of the present garage. Other well-known livery stables were "Covill and Pease" and "John Ayers." Later there was "Pease and Ayers," who before they went out of business used part of the building now known as The Straight Wharf Theatre, as one of their car riage houses. The "W. H. H. Smith's Livery Stable" was located at head of Steamboat Wharf, at the present location of the Rail way Express Office. There was also Clinton Folger and others on the Island, who would have a surrey and horse for hire. One of these was Tom Hoy, who in the early nineteen hundreds could be found every morning at nine-thirty in front of the William Barnes home on Orange Street, waiting to take the family or their friends on morning errands. Bringing surreys up-to-date, two of those remaining on the Island were used most effectively in the Main Street Fete last summer. One has been bought by the Historical Association, to be treasured for future generations. The other is owned by Fran cis Holdgate and was driven for hire about the Town this summer by his daughter, Suzie. Presumably the derivation of the word "surrey," used for the name of a carriage, came from the name of the county in England. However, it has been mainly used, as such, in the United States, and the vehicle was popularized almost exclusively in this country.
130
HISTORIC NANTUCKET "Life has quicksands — life has snares."—Longfellow
The Telegraph to the Rescue BY ROBERT PARSONS
In the autumn of 1851 the brig "Corinth," Thomas A. Smith, master, sailed from Cadiz in Spain with a cargo of 256 casks of salt for Bev erly, Massachusetts. The "Co rinth," 299 tons had been built at Newbury in 1834 for the Cushings of Newburyport and had made many voyages across the Atlantic. On this This painting- of the ship "Telegraph" trip she carried the master, by James Walter Polger may be seen two mates, a cook, a steward, in the Fair Street Museum. and ten seamen. At 6:00 a.m. on the morning of October thirteenth, while off Nantucket in heavy fog she struck on the south shoals, lost her rudder which was unshipped, and the greater part of her shoe which was found to be gone on overhauling. She lay at anchor the whole of this day in thick and foggy weather with heavy seas in the vicinity of breakers, but one pump kept her free. On the afternoon of the fourteenth, the weather having cleared, the fishing smack "William A. Wilbur," Ezra Daboll, master, came alongside and agreed to remain in company. It is at this point that controversy develops. In the libel for salvage brought against the owners of the "Corinth" in the next session of the Admiralty court at Boston, Capt. Daboll described the situation thus: "the wind blowing hard and the sea making high, the brig in distress in a very dangerous situation and in great danger of being lost, leaking, and her crew threatening to leave the vessel." Rufus Choate, distinguished Massachusetts attorney, who defended the Cushings in the salvage libel, minimized the pre carious position of the "Corinth," and sugg-ested that October weather off Nantucket offers some of the finest sailing of the year. The "Corinth," however, had troubles ahead.
132
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
As soon as the weather had cleared Captain Smith despatched his second mate with four men in the jolly boat to Nantucket to obtain assistance. To him the brig appeared to be in no great danger, she was "more than ordinarily well found with anchors and cables, having two bower anchors, an extra heavy sheet anchor, and two heavy kedges, with three chains and two hemp cables, and in all other respects sound, stanch, and well provided." "Her cargo of such a kind as to greatly facilitate lightening, if occasion should require, and was in all respects in a condition to enable her to encounter successfully and to weather through any of the extra hazards arising from the loss of her rudder." It was admitted that she leaked "but only in the wales and in the seams above the copper, and not to any considerable degree, fotr one pump kept her free, and the nature of her cargo was peculiarly adapted to betray the occurrence of any large amount of leakage, and the amount indicated by the pumps the two days after the brig struck was no greater than occurs frequently for the most of whole of a passage." It is apparent that Capt. Smith and Capt. Daboll differed materially in their estimates of the peril to the vessel! At 8:00 a.m. on the fifteenth the steamer "Telegraph" came out and made fast to the brig for the purpose of towing her to Edgartown, but after some time suspended the attempt and re turned to Nantucket to obtain a temporary rudder. The steamer brought off with her six men to assist, three of whom remained on boaid until the Corinth ' arrived in port. At the same time that the "Telegraph" arrived another fishing smack, the "John M. Niles, came up and agreed to lie by to render any assistance needed, and later brought off the jolly boat and crew. On the afternoon of the fifteenth, after the steamer left, the captain of the brig decided to avail himself of the favorable weather, and, intending to make sail in the view of making port engaged the masters of the two smacks to remain in company and to pilot him over the shoals. The next morning the brig hove up anchor and proceeded to make sail and worked in with the tide for some distance and then came to anchor; this was repeated on the afternoon tide, and also on the next morning, the two smacks sailing ahead to reconnoitre, their Masters being on the brig as pilots. Captain Daboll claimed that the master of the "Corinth" had signed an agreement at this time which promised one thousand Sf™es »nd that °f ^s crew, but the agreement ro!iTu t h could not be produced during the court action.
THE TELEGRAPH TO THE RESCUE
133
On the evening of the sixteenth the "Telegraph" returned with a rudder, "and the same having been hung, made fast and towed the brig to Edgartown." At 10:00 a.m. the next day the brig arrived off Edgartown in tow of the steamer, and grounded on the bar. Subsequently, on the afternoon of the same day, with the aid of sundry persons, including the crews of the two smacks, the brig was warped in to Edgartown. Agreement was then made for the steamer "Massachusetts" to tow the brig to Beverly. The brig was insured for ten thousand dollars, but the owners claimed that if disposed of at a forced sale at that time would bring no more than seven thousand. The case was settled out of court. The record does not state what settlement was made. It is interesting to speculate on how much was paid to those who helped bring the brig into port. The "Corinth" had sent her second mate for help; the two masters of the fishing smacks had acted as pilots and their crews had "reconnoitered"; the steamer "Telegraph" had brought off six men and a new rudder, had towed and had grounded the brig on the bar; sundry persons had as sisted at that point. In addition to the fourteen on the brig, the two masters of the fishing boats and their crews of four or five each had aided in the salvage operation; the crew of the steamer; and the others who helped at various times. Could it have been a profitable voyage ? The cargo of salt sold for $3,752! Editor s note The new steamer Telegraph, Capt. Barker, arrived here from New York on Thursday last. She is a beautiful boat and has excellent accommodation. * * * Being intended to ply between this port and New Bedford she has been constructed expressly with that (the King Philip) design. The trial made of her is highly satisfactory, proving that in speed and management, as well as comfort, * * * she is not surpassed by any boat of her size."—From "The Story of the Island Steamers," by Harry B. Turner. The Telegraph was 171 tons, deck length 120 ft., beam 19 ft. six inches, depth of hold 7-^ ft., paddle wheels 17 ft., in diameter. She was referred to as "one of the finest steamers in existance." Her first trip to Nantucket was made October 4, 1832, and she was still doing service in the '50's. Mr. Parsons, author of this article, is not a Nantucketer; in searching records for family history of a Captain who had been Master on the Cor inth, he ran on this story in the Admiralty Court records and found it so interesting sent it along to us.
134
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
"You can not dream yourself a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one."—Froude
The Local History Awards The Nantucket Historical Association, from the date of its organization in 1894, has made a real and substantial effort to interest the "younger generation" of Nantucket in the rare and unique accomplishments, and in the fine art of good living which the early settlers of the Island developed. As has been stated many times by officers of Historical Or ganizations, "Our hope lies in our children"! The children of today, the citizens of tomorrow, need, per haps more than in any other period of history, an awareness of past achievements to acquire a dauntless spirit in anticipation of the future. It is with the knowledge that Nantucket's past offers much to this present generation in faith and courage that the officers and Council of the Nantucket Historical Association have given these Local History Awards. Let us look back at a sampling of essay topics which have been submitted for these awards in previous years. In 1938 David Wood wrote about "Nantucket's Architectural Heritage"; in 1923 Alcon Chadwick wrote on the topic, "Remin iscences of Old Podpis", and his paper had such fine local color and facts we repeated it in 1958 by request. In 1955 William Hoadley chose the topic, "Nantucket Newspapers", and in 1956 Gerald Eldridge submitted a paper with the title, "Nantucket Lighthouses" which received the award. These few titles we have mentioned indicate the variety of subjects studied and the original development of the themes. We could have cited many others which won awards. As has been quoted many times: "To interest children is to interest the parents, to interest the parents is to interest and sup port the teacher. Who shall say that with such cooperation we will not be able to keep the Island always a lovelier and more distinctive place to live?" But beyond that we could add — Keep the Island a place where distinctive citizens live! This year five compositions were submitted by each, the Nantucket High School, and the Vocational School. All of these themes were nicely written and show evidence that the student had read at least one book regarding Nantucket's earlier days. Teacher cooperation has been enthusiastic and we are most grate ful for their untiring interest.
THE LOCAL HISTORY AWARDS
135
It was with some difficulty that the judges were able to determine which compositions should receive awards. Finally, the deciding factor was the degree of originality with which the source material had been used. "Wrecks Around Nantucket", by David Ham, and "The Jethro Coffin House", by Dina Hamilton were unanimously chosen for their individualization of the material. "The Coffin School", by Ira Wasierski, "Whaling Off Nantucket", by Melvin Cham bers, "Nantucket's Oldest House", by David James Watts, were all of much interest to the judges and should have honorable mention. We are grateful to all students who participated in this pro gram, submitting papers for consideration, and we wish to thank Mrs. Walker, Principal of the High School, and the several teach ers who assisted in carrying this project to a successful con clusion. 0 Wrecks Around Nantucket BY DAVID S. HAM
Nantucket Vocational School The little island of Nantucket is thirty miles from the main land. The island is fifteen miles long and five miles wide, with a coast line of some seventy-five miles. The hazards for ships in the vicinity of the island are not rocks or other obstacles, but the vast number of shoals. On nearly all these shoals at least one or more ships have been lost. The ship wrecks around this island are perhaps one of the saddest, as well as being one of the most interesting, in the history of the island. Many ships have left their home ports never to be heard from again but have probably gone aground in and around Nantucket. The only way to tell about some ships that have sunk is by pieces or parts of the boats or ships that have floated ashore. The islanders have always risked their lives for shipwrecked mariners. They have shown great deeds of bravery and heroism above and beyond the call of duty. They, as well as the community, should be very proud of these deeds. There have been many ship wrecks, and I will now tell you about some of these wrecks. On December 6, 1771, the English sloop "Paoli", Captain Delap, of and for Halifax, N.S., from Philadelphia, was cast ashore on Great Point during a violent gale and snow storm. All on board managed to get ashore, but Captain Delap and the mate Mr. Otis, both natives of Barnstable, perished on the point. Two of the
136
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
sailors tried to walk to town and perished on Coatue Point. Two others and a boy named Weiderhold succeeded in reaching a barn at Squam, and placing the boy between them, covered themselves with hay and kept from freezing. The vessel was discovered up on the beach, high and dry. Had all remained on board they would have been saved. Weiderhold made Nantucket his home and his descendants are still living here. In the old Gardner burying ground may be seen, side by side, two carved tombstones, erected to the captain and the mate. On January 4, 1813, a vessel broken in two came ashore at Nobadeer. She proved to be the English ship "Queen," a prize to the American privateer "General Armstrong," and her cargo of assorted merchandise was scattered along the shore from Siasconset to Miacomet Pond. The shore was immediately lined with hundreds of people, who would day and night work to secure the property, but with no regard for order, each one helping himself to whatever he could lay hold of. The goods consisted of hogsheads of bottled port, sauer kraut, cheese, hams, a large number of bales, trunks, and boxes of costly goods. The value of the goods was estimated from $10,000 to $40,000. At the time of her capture, the "Queen" was bound from England to Demarara with a cargo valued at 100,000 pounds. She was taken by the privateer, which took about $60,000 worth of watches and jewelry. Had John Bar nard, master of the privateer, succeeded in getting the "Queen" into New York, it would have yielded him an independent fortune. On June 4, 1910, a disabled motor boat, with a young man named Peter Larson was dashed ashore on the north side of Coatue. He was sighted, after his propeller broke, by Asa W. Small, who assisted him. Larson was completely exhausted, hav ing been buffeted by the waves without any rest or food for forty hours. On February 1, 1918, the Cross Rip Lightship was torn from her mooring m Nantucket Sound by the heavy ice-fields and was earned helpless out to sea when the field started moving eastward It was last seen from Great Point on the morning of the fifth: wlthout Power or sail, was helpless, beyond the reac of the tugs and cutters, and she disappeared with her crew ol eight men. In 1932, an empty coal barge with three men on her came ashore at Dionis. The crew came ashore in a dory The barge was abandoned then someone set her afire. Part of the hull and iron trappings are still out there.
THE LOCAL HISTORY AWARDS
137
In 1934, on May 15, the South Shoal Lightship No. 117 was struck and sunk by the White Star liner "Olympic," about eleven a.m. Seven of her crew of eleven drowned when the ship sank. The Olympic, bound in from Europe, lowered her boats after striking No. 117 and picked up seven men, three of them dying after the rescue. On November 26, 1938, Clarence Bunting left the harbor in his twenty-two foot scallop boat bound for Madaket. He never got to Madaket and was thought to have grounded on a shoal. During the evening it breezed up; his boat was believed to have filled and gone out through Smith's Point rip. He was never heard fiom again. I have filled you in on some of the wrecks around the island, but there were hundreds more. The fishing steamer "Petrel" took part in many rescues and salvage jobs around the island. She was built in Boston in 18951896 foi Nantucket service and was used for many years in the trap fishing and mackerel industry. The steamer was built for lough usage and was a most able craft. She was twenty-two tons and 49i/2 feet long. Some time after 1918, a bulkhead was built and fill was pumped in over her. Another small steamer that was taking part in salvage jobs around the island was the "Waquoit." Formerly a pleasure boat she was built at Boston in 1887. Fiftytwo-feet long, she was also used for fishing and owned by many people. The Coast Guard plus the Islanders and these two ships did an excellent job and should be very proud of their work. In conclusion, I will say that there are many wrecks around Nantucket that have never been located, but most of the wrecks that were here, the people on board have been saved, and the wrecks broken up within a few weeks. This subject was very in teresting to me, and I think if anyone enjoys reading about the history of our little island, they should read about the wrecks. 0 The Jethro Coffin House
BY DINA HAMILTON Nantucket High School
The Jethro Coffin House, the Horseshoe House or the Oldest House as it is commonly called, is situated on Sunset Hill. It is the oldest remaining structure on Nantucket Island. It was built in 1686. The building faces the south and because of this it is warmed by the sun. The low sloping roof in the rear of the building keeps out cold northerly winds. The superstitious nature of the early
138
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
settlers was probably an extraordinary reason for the ornament on the chimney which resembles an inverted horseshoe. For in those days it was believed that witches would not bother with building's protected in this way. There is no foundation wall or cellar in the house. It rests flush with the ground. It is quite evi dent that the house was not built to create any great architectural achievement. It is plain and simple and is designed to serve the owner's slightest need. The diamond leaded casement windows suggest a hold over from English houses built during that period. Warmth for the building was provided by fireplaces. There is a fireplace in the kitchen, one in the sitting room, and one in the living room, and one on the second story. In 1928 the house was restored completely by Mr. Sumner Appleton and Mr. Alfred Shurrocks. The house boasts no elaborate decorations and sug gests extreme simplicity. In the early part of the nineteenth cen tury the corner posts had rotted and they were replaced by ship's knees which show the influence of shipbuilding on the Island at that date. As you enter the house from the south and turn to your left you will find yourself in the sitting room which boasts among necessary articles of the day, a spinning wheel. Walking toward the rear of the house you enter the borning room. Turning to your right you enter the kitchen which I consider the most charm ing room in the house in its entirety with its huge inviting fire place. The cupboard boasts antique utensils supposedly used by the Coffin family. Facing the front of the house you enter the family living room which contains a few sparse furnishings, maps, and pictures. Ascending to the second story you observe three bedrooms. Two were used for children and the other was the master bedroom. It contains the same furniture used by the Coffin family. The Oldest House is now a well-known tourist attraction and is under the direction of the Nantucket Historical Association.
139 "Our deeds still travel with us from afar, And what we have been makes us what we are." —George Eliot
Recent Events Weatherwise Nantucket's summer was nearly perfect. Only the first two weeks of August disappointed many visitors with mist and fog, but even this was good weather for the Nantucket Historical Association, for then, not only the truly interested came but the casual, take-a-quick-glance people came too. Many came to look up their family lines and found such a fund of perti nent facts and interesting history they stayed on to read and copy for days, becoming enthusiastic members of the Association. As usual, the students were both vacationing and preparing for the fast approaching college year. One was doing his thesis on the subject of "Temperance" and another had chosen the "War of 1812". The material for them both was plentiful and valuable. * * * * W ithin the past few months several unique and interesting gifts have been received. Outstanding among these is one which each of us would like to own! A book, this gift is, and the quota tions which you see at the top of several pages have been taken from this volume entitled, "Fragments of Thought from Great Authors." "Truth Tersely Told" is the subtitle, and it is "A Book Which Hath Been Culled from the Flowers of All Books", col lected and compiled by Mary Coffin Skiff. This book has been published by Mrs. Blanche Skiff Ross in memory of her mother, Mary Frances Coffin Skiff. The introduc tory statement of appreciation is by Mrs. Ross' sister, Stella Skiff Jannotta, and there are charming pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Skiff copied from prints of the Civil War period. The book is nicely in dexed in such a way one may easily settle a question as to whether a quotation is from Shakespeare, Tennyson, or the Bible; whether from Keats, Goethe, or Byron. How many hours of searching such a book saves, and how many debates may be quickly settled! * # * * From Dr. Stanislaw Bernatt, Jelenia Gora, ul. Podgorze, Poland, came a small print of a painting by the famous Swiss artist Matthaus Merian, 1593-1650, with excerpts in German from the chronicle of Joh. Lud. Gottfrid, second edition, 1710. This print is from the private collection of Dr. Bernatt and he sends it to add to our collection of whaling prints.
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
140
Mrs. G. Lister Carlisle has presented to the Association, in memory of her husband, a beautiful wooden plaque with eight whales, all different species, carved by Miss Aletha Macy, one of Nantucket's outstanding artists. This has been added to the Whal ing Museum collection and is a beautiful, outstanding gift. It will attract many visitors. *
*
*
*
The Friends Historical Association Bulletin, Volume 49, No. 1, Spring Number—1960 has an article by Elizabeth H. Emerson, Elon College, North Carolina, entitled "Barnabas C. Hobbs, Mid western Quaker Minister and Educator." Barnabas Hobbs was the son of William and Priscilla Coffin Hobbs. Priscilla was the daughter of William Coffin who moved from Nantucket to Guilford, North Carolina before 1781. William and Priscilla Hobbs moved from North Carolina to Indiana in 1812. *
*
*
*
Admissions Report
Historical Museum Fair Street Oldest House 1800 House Old Jail Old Mill Whaling Museum
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
2,288 4,167 1,123 2,233 3,168 14,086
3,642 5,133 1,123 1,968 3,128 19,244
3,928 4,154 1,221 2,029 2,815 17,742
3,203 4,871 1,265 1,865 2,825 20,11.8
3,193 4,383 921 3,355 2,832 18,308
*27,065
34,238
31,889
34,147
32,992
*—This total, as of Sept. 1, 1960, will increase since the museums are open in September.
141 " 'Tis but by parts we follow good or ill."—Pope
Diary of W illiam C. Folger EDITED BY NANCY S. ADAMS
William C. Folger was a direct descendant from Peter the 1st. He was born in Nantucket June 8, 1806. After gaining his educa tion, he taught school here and later, on the Cape and in Ohio. He was also a land surveyor for 50 years. He commenced the work of Genealogical research about 1842 and pursued it until his death in November 10, 1891. He gathered his material first from his relative Benjamin Franklin Folger and from the public records, from family history and old family bibles, and by correspondents everywhere. He was quite an aid to Mr. Savage in compiling his Genealogical Dic tionary. It was entirely a labor of love and he left a worthy monument which has been carefully preserved. His diary starts in the year 1835. May 1835 Sat. 8—I received to-day by Ansel Snow a letter from father, also the "Sidney Monitor," a paper published in 1832 at Sidney in New South Wales, New Holland. Sun. 9—I bought half dozen posts at 12'/2c—75c of Gorham Maey & Son. Gorham paid me 25c for an old iron pot he had sold for me. Tues. 12—Paid Walter Folger, Jr., 3.75 being all I owed him for fixing my watch. Wed. 20—Turned out my horse near Long Pond to feed on beach grass. I bought 4c worth of brimstone of F. G. Bunker. Thurs. 21—I got George Clasby to fit some kegs for me to put soap in and he charged me 80c (I paid him the 30th). Turned the horse out near Eel Point as he returned this morning. I paid Capt. James H. Barnard $10.12y% being for 131,4 bushels of corn got 20th of February last & took a receipt. Fri. 22—I worked two hours in garden for Asa G. Bunker, planting peas. Sat. 23—I went to A. G. Bunker's lot & planted squash seeds and cabbage seeds it took about 114 hours. Worked most of forenoon at my lot at Washman's Island.
142
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Sun. 24—Turned my horsie out again, as he returned this morning. Tues. 26—I bought this evening at auction of J. A. Nobles, an optic glass and 25 views of cities in Europe for 5 dollars. Also History of United States, 90c. I sold my turkeys to Lot Palmer, 2 hens at 1 dollar apiece and the cock at 1.25—3.25; he is to pay me in cash at 1.50 & 1.75 in milk. Wed. 27—I dug part of my garden in Ash Lane & planted beans & melons. Thurs. 28—Steamboat came bringing news of the passage of the Indemnity Bill in the chamber of deputies in France. She came with flags flying and firing guns and during the afternoon guns were fired out of the town and in the evening the Town Hall & the Insurance offices were illuminated. Fri. 29—I began to dig the garden at Lily Street house. I bought of J. A. Noble 4 English views & exchanged my french view of St. Paul's Church for view of the Cathedral of Milan—I paid him 1.75. Sat. 30—I finished digging garden at Lily Street house in fore noon. I attended the examination of the South Grammar School part of the afternoon. June—1835 Mon. 2—I paid David Thain a check on Manufacturers & Mechan ics bank of 13.25 to balance a/c with him & took receipt, we are square. Planted some at Lily St. garden. I got of J. & F. Lawrence & Co. a pair of calf skin shoes at 1.75. Tues. 3—I sold Hussey & Folger, candle manufacturing etc. 1% lbs. rivets at 25c per lb. and an oil tryer or proof glass for 10c. I owed him 50c bal. for the 2i/2-gals. of oil B. R. Ellis got of them on my account & 90c—2.25 my flags & iron hoops amounted to 1.75. They now gave me a candle to balance, we are square. Thurs. 5—I got Charles Worth to assist me in filling kegs with oil soap at W. Folger's store & weighing them. Fri. 6—1 let John Curtis have 10 or more lbs. of oil soap, I had sold to him tother day. Mon. 15—I paid Ansel L. Snow 67c for tapping my best boots. Tues. 16—1 sold George F. Worth 13 eggs for 18 cents & he paid me 17c that he owed for a dozen got some time ago.
DIARY OF WILLIAM C. FOLGER
143
Thurs 18—Sold Zenas Coleman about 16 gals of taut press oil for a riding saddle & a leather twig. I paid Frederick F. Swain my Town & County taxes for 1835 which was 2.60 deducting 10@, the discount of 4% makes 2.50 which I paid him. I got a light colored fur hat of John Whittemore at 5 dollars & gave him an order on J. & F. Lawrence & Go's, store for that amount. Peter Macy agreed to give me 10 gals of Summer Sperm oil for 14 gals, of taut oil. Walter Folger paid me 16c for 4 lbs of oil soap he sold for me. Fri. 19—I worked for Asa G. Bunker at lot all day, hoeing peas & squashes etc. Sat. 20—I went to Eel Point & Smith Point to look for my horse but did not find him. Sun. 21—I went out this morning & found my horse & took him home. J. G. Coleman put on his forward shoes just before night. Mon. 22—Went to the shear pen with A. G. B.'s children. Tues. 23—Went to shear pen to-day with uncle Barney & then took a short ride. Wed. 24—I bought of J. & F. Lawrence & Co. 3 ',4 yds of green broadcloth at 5 dollars, also % yd of black silk velvet at 4 dollars. Also a vest pattern and trimmings for the whole of suit. Engaged Cromwell Barnard, Jr., to cut out my coat, pantaloons, and vest & jacket. Sold the opera glass I bought at auction & twenty views to John Cust'is. Put my horse in Alexander Swain's barn at his request. Thurs. 25—Mary B. Bunker debtor to one dollar paid towards washing. Elisha Starbuck paid me one dollar that he owed me for the turkey. We are square. Contracted with Zenas Coleman for him to make me a bridle & martingale for 4 gals of taut press oil. Sun. 28—I let J. Delano have my optic glass and some books & prints to take to the Charitable Association's fair to exhibit & sell if they have a chance, (returned since) July 1835 Sat. 3—I took to Zenas Coleman 4 gals of T.P. Oil to pay for bridle & martingale. Went to the Charitable Association's fair at the Lodge in afternoon, paid admittance 121/oc, ice-cream & lemonade 12j^c, cake 6)4c. I took to David Joy's candle house 3 half bbls. containing in all 36 gals, of taut press oil for 55c a gal.
144
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Tues. 7—1 gathered yesterday a basket of green currants at Lily St. garden for pies. Capt. James H. Barnard sold my 65 lbs of oil soap in Baltimore for 5c per lb. He charged 25c for freight & com mission & paid me 3 dollars, we are square. Wed. 8—Francis G. Bunker paid me 50c to finish copying the census for 1830. I had given him a windlass & iron pins etc. for truck, to copy the census which I had copied as far as C & he has gone into W's. Fri. 10—I paid Hepzibah Ray 3 dollars for making my coat. Took home the hay I cut yesterday. I paid Isaiah Folger 8.75c to balance his account against me & took receipt, we are square. Wed. 14—I found my horse was dead this morning, I had put him into the barn last evening and he got cast to a disadvantage in the pen, he had appeared as well yesterday as for some time. I took off his shoes & let Franklin Macy have him to take to his farm. Sat. 25—Gathered more currants & let Asa have 2 qts. to pay for the razor i got from him and besides which he sold 4 qts, this with the 7 qts of the other parcel makes 70@ that he has not paid me for. (Later paid) I sold my opera glass & 25 views to Francis G. Bunker for 9 gals of oil. I had 2i/2 gals & 3% gals and 1 gal— 7^/2 gals at 80 cts. 85.80 for which I am to give him an order for a hat at 5 dollars and pay him 80c. Sun. 26—A little rain last night. I cocked up my hay in the lot, I should have taken it home yesterday if I could have got a horse & cart. I attended a lecture at the Atheneum hall before the Young Men's Total Abstinance Society delivered by Benjamin H. West, also heard a letter read by one of the Society from Dr." Webb describing a wonderful case of reform from intemperance & vice. (To Be Continued.)
145 "Our best thoughts come from others."—Emerson
Books, Pamphlets, Papers, Pictures, Postal Cards — For Sale The Nantucket Historical Association publishes not only the quarterly, Historic Nantucket, which goes to all members of the Association, and may be purchased for fifty cents, (each issue), but has for sale many other articles which we have listed below. Some of our readers may not be aware that books, pamphlets, pictures and postal cards may be purchased at the Museum, Fair Street, at the Whaling Museum, and some of these publications may be purchased at the Oldest House, The 1800 House, The Old Jail or the Old Mill, and each purchase benefits the Association. (If ordered by mail please include the postage.) BOOKS The Clock That Talks $2.75 The Coffin Saga, (Paper back) 2.50 Three Bricks and Three Brothers 3.00 The Triumphant Captain John 3.00 These four books are all by Dr. Will Gardner, and pic ture Nantucket's history at its best. Each copy sold at Historical Museum, Fair Street, has been autographed by the author. Timothy White Papers—1725-1755, introduction by Myron S. Dudley, published 1898, (paper back) 1.00 Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, by Henry Barnard Worth (paper back) Set of 7—$3.50 each .50 Abraham Quary, a Sketch contained in The Aboriginal Port folio, by J. 0. Lewis, 1835-36, (a paper back reprint) 2.00 Wrecks Around Nantucket by Arthur H. Gardner, Harry B. Turner and Charles F. Sayle (paper back) 2.50 PAMPHLETS Churches and Pastors of Nantucket, Mass, 1659-1902 By the Rev. Myron S. Dudley Elihu Coleman, Quaker, Antislavery Pioneer of Nantucket By Thomas E. Drake Doubling Cape Horn, by Susan E. Brock
.50 .50 1.00
146
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Nantucket Indian Artifacts, by Albert F. and Alice Albertson Shurrocks -50 Nantucket Whaling Museum, by W. Ripley Nelson
.50
Nantucket Scrimshaw, The Folk Art of the American Whale men, by Helen L. Winslow .50 The Old Gaol, by Edouard A. Stackpole
.35
Horseshoe House, by William F. Macy
.50
Proceedings of the Nantucket Historical Association (1894-1952; a few years are no longer available)
.50
Benny Cleveland's Job, by Joseph A. Campbell (verse)
.25
Billy Bowen, by H. S. Wyer, a Souvenir of 'Sconset (verse)
.25
My Nantucket Out At Sea, by Fred Winslow Rust (verses)
.25
The Relic Auction, by Henry S. Wyer (verse)
.25
Souvenir Guides— Historical Museum 1800 House Old Windmill Oldest House
each .10
PAPERS Coffin Coat of Arms, (single sheet, large) and Commis sion each 1.00 Constitution of the Astor Mining Company (single sheet)
.10
PICTURES Lucretia Mott Whale Prints (in color) Camels The Old Mill Map—House-Lot Section, Sherburne, Nantucket Island 16651680
The Old North Vestry
POSTAL CARDS Folger Franklin Fountain (black and white) Whaling Museum (color) Whaling Museum (black and white) Oldest House (black and white) Marker on Home Site of Tristram Coffin
10 10 10 50 .10 10
.05
05 2 for 05 05
05
147 "Heaven never helps the man who will not act."—Sophocles
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. Please send all communications to Miss Ethel Anderson, Secretary, P. 0. Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts. Office, Fair Street Museum.