Historic Nantucket, October 1969, Vol. 17 No. 2

Historic Nantucket

Brant Point Lighthouse Guards Entrance to Nantucket Harbor

OCTOBER, 1969

Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

President, Edouard A. Stackpole.

Vice Presidents, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, W. Ripley Nelson, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, George W. Jones.

Honorary Vice President, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Treasurer, Roger J. Roche.

Secretary, Mrs. Austin Tyrer.

Councillors, Edouard A. Stackpole, Chairman; Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews, Richard F. Swain, terms expire 1970; Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., H. Errol Coffin, terms expire 1971; Albert G. Brock, John N. Welch, terms expire 1972; Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, David Worth, terms expire 1973.

Executive Committee, W. Ripley Nelson, Chairman; Alcon Chadwick, Henry B. Coleman, Albert F. Egan, Jr., George W. Jones, Edouard A. Stackpole,

ex officio.

Advertising and Publications, W. Ripley Nelson and H. Errol Coffin.

Honorary Curator, Mrs. William L. Mather.

Curator, Miss Dorothy Gardner.

Editor, "Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editors, Mrs. R. A. Orleans; Mrs. Margaret Fawcett Barnes.

Chairmen of Exhibits, Historical Museum, Mrs. Elizabeth Worth; Whaling Museum, W. Ripley Nelson; Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, Albert F. Egan, Jr.; Old Mill, Richard F. Swain; Old Jail, Albert G. Brock; 1800 House, Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick; Fire Hose Cart House, Irving T. Bartlett; Oldest House, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews; Franklin-Folger Seat and Memorial Boulder, Herbert I. Terry.

STAFF

Historical Museum and Friends Meeting House Chairman and Receptionist Librarian Assistant

Mrs. Elizabeth Worth Mrs. Clara Block Miss Florence Farrell

Oldest House Chairman Receptionist

Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Mrs. Lawrence F. Mooney

Hadwen House - Satler Memorial Chairman Chairman, Reception Committee

The 1800 House Chairman and Receptionist

Albert F. Egan, Jr. Mrs. Irving Soverino Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick

The Old Jail Albert G. Brock Joseph LaVoie

Chairman Receptionist

The Old Mil! Chairman Receptionist

Richard F. Swain Frank W. Ramsdell

The Whaling Museum Chairman Administrator Receptionist Receptionist, Craft Shops Relief Librarian Assistant Research

W. Ripley Nelson Waiter W. Lindquist Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist Bertram E. Morris Clarence H. Swift Charles A. West Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Mrs. Sterling B. Yerxa Miss Helen E. Winslow

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

VOLUME 17

October, 1969

No. 2

CONTENTS

Nantucket Historical Association Officers

2

Melville and Nantucket

5

The Prehistory of Nantucket

6

Annual Reports

13

The First Fifty Years of the Maria Mitchell Association

23

A Penguin from Antarctica

31

The Oldest House Becomes a National Historic Landmark

33

Recent Accessions

37

Legacies and Bequests

39

Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copies $.50 each.

Membership Dues are — Annual-Active $3.00 ; Sustaining $10.00 ; Life—one payment $50.00.

Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Copyright, 1969, Nantucket Historical Association.

Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Hstorical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts, 02554.

5

Melville and Nantucket During the first weekend in September the Melville Society held its annual conference on Nantucket, marking the 150th an­ niversary of-the author in whose honor the organization was orig­ inally formed. To meet in Nantucket was a natural step for this occasion, if for no other reason than in recognition of the influ­ ence of this Island's whaling tradition upon Melville in the writing of his great 19th century classic, Moby-Dick.

In paying homage to Melville the Society, therefore, was also honoring Nantucket. The program over the three days of the con­ ference was an excellent one, well attended and well prepared. The affair brought to mind another observance of the writer's birthday — that occurring in 1944, when ceremonies were conducted at the Whaling Museum here, honoring his 125th birthday, when Nan­ tucket was the only place in the nation with a formal celebration of this nature. It also recalled the centenary observance of the pub­ lishing of Moby-Dick in 1951, when exercises were held at the Unitarian Church here.

While it is true that Melville never visited Nantucket until after he had written his greatest book, his awareness of this Island's importance in the history of whaling is evident all through that famous story. "For I had made up my mind to sail in no other than a Nantucket craft," stated his narrator, Ishmael.

And the voyage of the Pequod brought immortality to both the author and the ship.

There was every reason behind Melville's numerous illu­ sions to Nantucket throughout the pages of Moby-Dick. His un­ derstanding of the role this Island had played in the wide range of whaling was also a part of his own whaling career, first on the Acushnet, and then on the Charles & Henry, the latter a Nantucket whaleship. In the margins of his copies of Owen Chase's "Narra­ tive," and Obed Macy's "History of Nantucket," there appear Mel­ ville's notations that provide keys to his thoughts on Nantucket and the basic facts of its impact on his writing.

6

The Prehistory of Nantucket

BY BERNARD H. STOCKLEY

Part Three Early Villagers About 5000 years ago, at just about the same time that Nantucket became an island, the third group of prehistoric people moved into the area. These people, known as the Late Archaic or more familiarly as the Stone Bowl Makers, were almost cer­ tainly the direct ancestors of the Indians who were here during the early part of the Colonial period.

In many ways their mode of living was similar to that of the Early Archaic people who preceded them, and yet instead of a semi-nomadic existence they seem to have lived in more or less permanent villages. At a quick glance there would seem to be no particular reason for this change from the ways of their prede­ cessors. They hunted, fished, gathered wild nuts, fruits, and ber­ ries and gathered wild grain and weed seeds which were ground into flour on stone querns or possibly pounded in wooden mortars.

But on closer examination, it appears that they brought with them one thing that their predecessors, the Early Archaic people, did not have — the bow and arrow. Now, for the first time freed of dependence on the spear alone as a hunting weapon, they were relieved as well of the necessity to follow migrating herds of large animals, and could "take up the slack" with small birds and animals which were available in the vicinity of the village site.

The evidence for the introduction of the bow and arrow is plenti­ ful at any site of the Late Archaic people in the abundance of small "projectile points," which could hardly have been of any use on a spear.

The spear, however, was not abandoned altogether. While their predecessors had used "atl-atl" weights on their spearthrowers, the Late Archaic weights were a different shape even though obviously intended for the same use.

One question which the archaeologist is always interested in is how cultural changes took place. And while several fancy terms have been developed for the sake of brevity, they simply are meant to show whether the older people had been forced out by the new, or mingled in with them so as to lose identity, or any one of a number of other possibilities. In the case of this par­ ticular culture change there is little doubt that the Early Archaic

THE PREHISTORY OF NANTUCKET

7 people left the area and were replaced by the Late Archaic people. Whenever a cultural group is absorbed into another, no matter how deeply it may seem to be submerged in the new way of life, something of it remains. But in this cultural change not one element seems to have been carried over.

Aside from the introduction of the bow and arrow and the occupation of settled villages, these people introduced some other new ideas into southern New England. They have been referred to as the Stone Bowl Makers as a result of one of the most im­ portant of these ideas. Wherever there were outcrops of certain types of soft stone, they were quarried and several types of cook­ ing and eating utensils were made. Steatite (or soapstone), ser­ pentine, and chlorite, were the most commonly used types of atone, although the author has found several fragments of bowls made of harder stones such as mica schist.

While the harder schist may have been found as boulders and shaped at the village site, many quarries of the softer stones have been found and excavated by archaeologists in southern New England and as far south as Pennsylvania. Wherever the quar­ ries have been found the people had established temporary camps to live in while working the stone, since it must have been a time-consuming task.

Once the vein of soft stone was uncovered, hard stone picks were used to outline the general shape of the utensil to be made, but the outline was somewhat "larger than life." The outline was gradually deepened until a gob of soft stone could finally be broken away from the bedrock, which was approximately the shape and somewhat larger than the finished utensil was to be.

Usually this would consist of a chunk that was roughly the shape of an egg slit lengthwise. Stone scrapers were then used to smooth the outside of the form and reduce the size enough so that a pair of handles or "lugs" could be left protruding from each end near the top.

Then the job of hollowing out the inside of the vessel began.

Smaller stone picks were used for this purpose, gradually and carefully working the stone walls thinner and thinner. The artisan obviously would want to make the vessel as light as possible (re­ member, he is the one that has to cart it home), but he also wants to keep it as durable as possible (he is also the one who has to come back and make another if it is broken). So somehow, with­ out any calipers that we know of except his sense of touch, he reached a compromise between weight and fragility. When the near-final compromise was achieved, he switched to hard-stone scrapers to smooth the inside (and sometimes the outside) of the vessel.

The question naturally arises as to why these people went to all this trouble to make pots and other utensils out of stone.

HISTORIC NANTUCKET 8 The answer is simple. The art of making clay pottery had not yet infiltrated into this area. Clay pottery, as elementary as it may seem to us, was not to be introduced to New England for many hundreds of years. In the meantime, stone pottery with all its disadvantages was a great improvement over bark, skin and wooden vessels. Most stone pots which are found in Late Archaic village sites are still heavily smudged with soot from being used directly over the fire. This of course was impossible with the earl­ ier types of vessels.

Cooking over the fire had the advantage of making possible the cooking of soups and stews, the rapid and unattended heating of water, boiling out the nutritious marrow-fat of bones, to name only a few.

These stone pots were such highly prized possessions that they were often interred in the graves of the owner, sometimes after being ceremoniously "killed," but more of that when we get to the unusual burial practices of the Late Archaic people.

Late in the "Stone Bowl" period the quarries yielded yet another product of primitive manufacture in soft stone — the smoking pipe. Not the long, fancy "Calumet" of the Plains Indians of historic times, but a short, stubby, functional pipe.

The earliest may have been a straight hollow tube (the evidence is not clear whether it is earliest or not) ; but at any rate both the straight tube and specimens with the bowl offset from the stem are found. As time went on the bowl was set at a higher and higher angle to the stem until eventually some were made at right angles to the stem in the style of modern briar pipes.

The stems were invariably short and probably used with a hollow reed for a mouthpiece. Something would have to have been used as such, for the heat holding properties of soapstone and the other soft stone are such than any attempt to use them without a mouthpiece would certainly have made the early cancer can­ didate the "hot-lips" of his village.

There is no evidence as yet that tobacco was grown in this area during the Late Archaic period and no evidence that it was not. But it seems more likely that it was not, since there is no evidence of any agriculture at this time. More likely either some wild plant was smoked in it, or tobacco was obtained from tribes further to the south. It has been postulated that the idea of stone pottery traveled from southern New England down to Pennsylvania. It may be that the Pennsylvanians were the first to use stone for pipes and the idea as well as a trade in tobacco devel­ oped with the north. We'll probably know more about this when all the facts are in.

Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Maurice Robbins and the mem­ bers of the Cohannet Chapter of the Massachusetts Archaeolog­ ical Society, we have firm knowledge of the type of housing used

Abram Quart/ Last Nantucket man with Indian blood who died in 1854 From painting in the Atheneum

10

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

by the Late Archaic people. By the most meticulous methods of excavations this group found in Middleboro, Mass., on the shore of Lake Assawompsett, the remains of the posts that had sup­ ported the roofs of several dwellings and a large ceremonial or community building. Each structure was round, but the wall did not make a complete circle. Instead of meeting to form a circle, the wall overlapped at one side leaving a corridor by which to enter. All of the entrances faced the same direction, strangely enough the northwest.

The posts supporting the lower walls were tilted slightly outward, giving good structural rigidity, and the conical roof was attached to that and presumably covered with bark or with woven rush mats.

Considering that these people seem to have used just about everything else that was available to them in the way of food (the presence of stone pots even might make wild roots and cer­ tain green shoots usable as they were to their descendants), it seems peculiar that the Late Archaic people spurned the use of shellfish as food. Shellfish were certainly available to them. The same Middleboro site yielded a pair of clam shells which were used as a container for red pigment. And a series of net sinkers (used for holding down the bottom edge of a seine) were found at the same site, indicating the use of fish.

Furthermore, many sites have been found on Cape Cod and on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, where both the Late Archaies and the later Indians lived at the same place. But there is never more than an occasional scrap of shell in the Late Archaic horizon. The only logical answer to this seeming enigma is that they had a "dietary taboo" against the use of shellfish. Just as Americans in general shudder at the thought of octopus, and Moslems at pork, the Late Archaics apparently didn't eat shellfish simply because "it wasn't done."

Ceremonialism is something that we must assume existed in all people. The temptation in writing this is to say "in all prim­ itive people"; but ceremonialism exists in all societies, perhaps the more so in the more modern cultures. But concrete evidence of ceremonialism is something that the archaeologist is seldom privileged to find. In this the fortunate discoverer of a Late Archaic burial site can really rejoice. For of all things in any culture, the burial ceremonies are usually the most elaborate, and the Late Archaics left much concrete evidence to be uncov­ ered.

Several of these burial sites have been found in New England and Long Island, and at first it was not recognized that the familiar arrowpoints of the Late Archaics and the burials were related. For this reason the burials were attributed in Maine to the "Maine Cemetery Complex," and in Long Island to the "Point Orient Complex"; but eventually it became clear that all

THE PREHISTORY OF NANTUCKET

11

the variations in burial practices were attributable to the Late Archaic people. Although there are several variations on the basic theme, I shall describe the one found most commonly in eastern Massachusetts.

The burial ceremonies center on a large central fire pit, visually on the order of 8 by 12 feet, which may or may not be paved with small stones on the bottom. The overall depth is about 2 to 4 feet. If paved with stone there is usually a layer of finr white sand over the stones. Over this is a layer of charcoal from a few inches to a foot or more deep. Intermingled with the charcoal is the remains of broken and whole arrow and spear points, axes, adzes, and gouges. All of these stone implements are burned and fire-cracked. Many excavators of these hearths report that the arrow and spear points are so badly burned that they have "turned to clay" and have to be allowed to become thor­ oughly dry before being lifted out of the ground, otherwise they crumble to dust. Also found in the great hearth are the remains of stone pots, some of which have been ceremonially "killed" by knocking a hole through the bottom. And some of the stone tools may have been broken beforehand, too; since matching parts are frequently found in widely separated places in the hearth. Also mixed in with the charcoal are occasional small fragments of burned human bone.

A short distance from the great hearth, usually arranged in a semicircle about it are the "secondary burials." These are small pits containing some of the ashes and charcoal from the main pit, more tools and utensils in unburned but sometimes broken condi­ tion, and copious quantities of red ochre (red oxide of iron). This latter practice also earned the Late Archaics the name of '"Red Paint People."

Exactly what ceremonies were associated with the cremation and subsequent burial of the ashes, along with burned and un­ burned tools, can only be guessed at. But obviously it was accom­ panied by much ritualism.

As to the Late Archaic people of Nantucket, it is only to be wished that we had as much solid evidence to go on as has the nearby mainland. There is no doubt that they were here. A small portion of a Late Archaic village was found at the Ram Pasture site underlying a later occupation by Algonquin Indians. And artifacts which can certainly be attributed to them have been found all over the island. But as yet much too little scientific ex­ cavation has been done to get more than an inkling of how they may have adapted their mode of living to Island life.

For instance, we had at Ram Pasture an interesting, tanta­ lizing, complete lack of so much as a single fragment of a stone pot. Such fragments have been found on other sites in Nan-

12

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

tucket with the Indian artifacts, presumably "heirloom" bowlsthat were used until they finally were broken. And parts of several vessels were turned up by a bulldozer from what must have been a ceremonial burial. But not a single fragment in the ex­ cavated portion of a village site.

And the arrowpoints also showed an interesting phenomenon.

Although the Late Archaic type shaped like a triangle (Small Triangular) was found in relative profusion, the "Small Stemmed" type, which is found with it in about equal propor­ tions on mainland sites, was totally missing at Ram Pasture.

But, as yet, this only provides food for thought. If other sites can be found and scientifically excavated before the "progress" of bulldozers or the depredations of relic hunters destroy them, perhaps much more can be known in the future.

(To Be Continued)

13

Annual Reports The annual reports which follow complete the listing of such reports for the past year.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT We are privileged in this year — 1969 — to observe the 75th anniversary of the founding of our Association. Of the original group of organizers none remain to personally recount for us that initial meeting. However, it was your President's good for­ tune to have known two of that first "circle" as well as daughters and sons of several others therein, so that their recollections have been passed along as a living record of that memorable occasion when our Association was "launched."

At this time, it may be proper to point out that even before that 1894 year of beginning the idea of forming such a society had been considered at some length. As a matter of record, it was exactly a century ago, August, 1869, that a public meeting was held in the west room of the Nantucket Atheneum which resulted in the drawing up of ten articles as the constitution for the Nan­ tucket Historical Society. A slate of officers was elected as fol­ lows: President — Joseph S. Barney; Vice-Presidents — Charles H. Starbuck, George B. Upton, George H. Folger, Alexander Starbuck, William H. Macy, George H. Cary, Alfred Bunker; Secretary — Arthur E. Jenks.

The Rev. Ferdinand C. Ewer, also a strong supporter of the movement, assisted Mr. Jenks in preparing the constitution's articles. Alexander Starbuck, then residing in Waltham, was the prime mover in the formation of the Society, and, as we know, later was to be equally devoted to our own Association which came along 25 years later.

For one reason or another, this initial attempt to create an historical organization in Nantucket did not survive beyond a decade. Among the reasons for its fading out of the picture was that many of its active officers lived off-Island and their busy lives precluded their close attention to those duties necessary to keep the organization functioning properly. Another important factor which had a bearing was the age of those selected for the Execu­ tive Committee members — such distinguished Islanders as Alfred Macy, Frederick C. Sanford, Andrew Whitney, Henry D. Robin­ son, Edward R. Folger, Mrs. Susan Channing, Rev. Phebe Ann Hanaford, Miss Rebecca Watson, Mrs. George Wright. Once lost, these were never replaced.

14

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

But the action of this group was to serve as a precedent, and the spark ignited, like a dormant bit of fire, was to rekindle the idea. This occasion came in May, 1894, but this time it was an off-Islander who literally blew life into the neglected coal — the Reverend Myron S. Dudley.

Twenty-five years ago, upon the occasion of the 50th anni­ versary of our Association's founding, your President had the honor to be in the chair and reported his interview with Miss Mary E. Starbuck, first Recording Secretary, who gave a num­ ber of interesting facts concerning the inception of the Associa­ tion. Similarly Miss Anna Gardner Fish, whose mother was a founder, corroborated Miss Starbuck's statements. Both brought up the important works of Mrs. Maria L. Owen and the Rever­ end Myron S. Dudley, and the results of their pioneering efforts.

These are worth recalling.

Rev. Myron S. Dudley had come to Nantucket in 1889 as Pastor of the North Congregational Church and soon identified himself with community affairs. His first activities were in the refurbishing of the church which he accomplished satisfactorily.

He then turned his attention to the establishment of a public park and sea-side area. He soon found a local apathy which stirred him deeply and he organized the Nantucket Improvement Society, becoming its first president. One of his first concerns was the preservation of Nantucket's historic relics, and he found some willing supporters.

In the year 1.893, Mrs. Maria L. Owen, while visiting an historical exhibit in Boston, saw some old wallpaper which was causing much comment. She immediately remembered some old wallpaper in the home of her late father, William Coffin, on the corner of Union and Coffin Streets, in Nantucket, and promptly concluded that this was far more interesting than the Boston exhibit.

Mrs. Owen returned with an idea. There were so many un­ usual things in Nantucket — articles that should be preserved — why not establish an exhibit? With the help of Miss Gertrude King, she secured photos of the wallpaper and presented them at the annual meeting of the Proprietors of the Nantucket Atheneum, using them as an opening argument for the creation of a Nantucket exhibit. The idea of a larger and more comprehensive one did not meet with the approval of that meeting.

Miss Starbuck smiled as she recounted the incident. "The presiding officer always sat under a bust of Socrates in that meet­ ing room," she remarked. "But there was a bust of Franklin there also, and I would like to think he surveyed with disinterested urbanity the group of persons assembled, chiefly composed of his own relatives."

ANNUAL REPORTS

15 But Mrs. Owen was not discouraged. She had enlisted the aid of Rev. Myron S. Dudley, and, although a "stranger," Mr. Dudley supplied the spark which led to an informal meeting at the home of Mrs. Elizabeth Starbuck, in the west parlor of the westernmost of the Starbuck brick mansions on Main Street.

The date was May 9, 1894. Before the afternoon's meeting was concluded the Nantucket Historical Association had been launched. A week later, May 16, the same group assembled in the same home, and an executive board selected.

Mrs. Elizabeth Starbuck refused the presidency in favor of Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell, stating a man should preside at meetings so that "he could wear a white waistcoat."

The Rev. Dudley and Henry S. Wyer were elected Vice-Presi­ dents. The roll call at this meeting was an interesting composite of Island descendants, as were the other officers elected: Cor­ responding Secretary, Miss Susan A. Starbuck; Recording Secre­ tary, Miss Mary E. Starbuck; Treasurer, Alexander H. Seaverns; Councillors: Mrs. Maria T. Swain, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Bennett, Mrs. Judith J. Fish, Miss Susan E. Brock, Rev. Edward C. Gard­ ner, Wendell Macy, Arthur H. Gardner.

On May 21st, at the Atheneum, the group met to discuss the acquisition of a proper repository to store historical materials.

Rev. Myron S. Dudley presided at this meeting. Miss Mary E. Starbuck — the "Molly" Starbuck of My House and I — recalled this as a thoroughly delightful meeting, during which the Rev. Dudley inspired all with his enthusiasm. The group agreed that a place to store historical materials was needed.

The repository decided upon was the Reuben Joy House, cor­ ner of Main and Gardner Streets, in Monument Square and a room there was rented.

At a meeting held in the Friends Meeting House on Fair Street, where we are gathered today, Dr. J. Sidney Mitchell was elected the first President of this Association. The date was June 25, 1894. Dr. Mitchell recommended the purchase of the historic structure as the headquarters of the Association and this was promptly voted to be done.

On July 9, our Association was incorporated, and July 13, the charter was received.

The first annual meeting convened at this building on June 17, 1895. It was at this meeting that it was suggested the Council be formed with eight members — two to be elected for one year; two for two years; two for 3 years, and two for four years — no councillor to succeed himself after serving a four-year term.

16

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

It was at this meeting that the Reverend Myron S. Dudley suggested the marking of historic spots, and particularly the per­ manent preservation of the Benjamin Franklin spring by a gran­ ite curb. He also brought out the fact that he had negotiated for the gift of the Timothy White Papers, which soon after became the second of the Association's first publications. In 1895, Mr. Dudley's pamphlet Historic Sites made its appearance — the first in the series of Association publications. The work of this public-spirited man was both an example and inspirational force and his part in the creation of our Association should never be forgotten.

Miss Susan E. Brock, who was the Curator for thirty-four years, reported in 1895 that one of the first important acquisitions was the collection of historical notes and manuscripts compiled

by George Howland Folger. During the next year Henry Barnard Worth presented his valuable "Quakerism on Nantucket Since 1800," and the long list of historical writings for the Association was launched.

The annual meeting of 1896 was held on July 23, with the Reverend Myron S. Dudley presiding as Dr. Mitchell, the Presi­ dent, was unavoidably detained by his duties in Chicago. Three new Vice-Presidents were elected who were to become outstanding figures in the history of our Association — Alexander Starbuck, Dr. Benjamin Sharp and Henry S. Wyer — each to leave an in­ delible mark on the record of accomplishments.

Membership in those first two crucial years increased from 161 annual members to 262, and from 18 Life Members to 27. The Centennial Celebration in 1895 had been an effective event to stimulate interest in the "Historical."

At the 1896 meeting Henry Barnard Worth presented the first of his invaluable papers on Nantucket history — "The Quakers Since 1800"— which became the next publication. It is unquestioned that the contributions of this thorough researcher constitute a fundamental study in Nantucket's history, and are the most valuable of the Association's early publications.

The old fire pumper Cataract No. 6, was purchased this year, and the two meridian stones (originally set up by William Mitch­ ell) were scraped and cleaned. *

*

*

*

The little Quaker Meeting House headquarters were first opened to the public on July 1, 1895, with an exhibit of some 400 items on display. The public attendance during the first season totaled 1,079, which gave the Association net receipts of $180.

In 1896, the exhibit had increased to 800 articles — of which 180 were loans — with two cases being added for display.

ANNUAL REPORTS

17

At the annual meeting of July 27, 1897, the position of curator was created with a salary of $25 per year, and that of the record­ ing secretary also was voted to be carried at the same yearly sti­ pend.

Upon the removal of the Rev. Myron S. Dudley from the Island in 189,8, a deserved tribute was paid by Miss Brock, the curator: "We feel that his place can scarcely be filled by the united efforts of all of us, but as Dr. Holmes once humorously expressed it in a similar case, if we cannot fill his place 'we'll try to rattle round in it a little.' We shall always consider him one of us, wherever he may be. His example should inspire us to do our best, and we hope and intend to work so hard that he may in the future be proud to think of the Association which owes its very existence to his zeal and perseverance."

Many factors have contributed to the continued prosperity of the Association. Among these was the legacy from the Susan Wilson Folger estate which made possible the erection of the fire-proof museum building in 1904; the financial sponsorship in the purchase and restoration of the Oldest House, which was the contribution of the late Winthrop Coffin; the gift from Miss Car­ oline French, which enabled the young Association to acquire the Old Mill; and the generosity of Edward F. Sanderson in mak­ ing possible the acquisition of the old candle house for our splen­ did Whaling Museum.

Down through the years, one by one these founders drifted into the eternal sleep. But the inspiration and accomplishments they bequeathed are as enduring as the life itself. Men and women like Alexander Starbuck, Henry B. Worth, Miss Susan E. Brock, Mrs. Elizabeth' Crosby Bennett, Miss Mary E. Starbuck, William F. Barnard, Arthur H. Gardner, William F. Macy, Rev. Myron S. Dudley, Joseph Sidney Mitchell, Henry S. Wyer, J. E. C. Farnham, Miss Annie B. Folger, Stanley E. Johnson, Miss Annie W. Bodfish, Miss Helen B. W. Worth, Dr. Benjamin Sharp, to name some of the pioneers. Each represents certain contributions to the creation of this Association as it is today.

We can do nothing greater than to emulate them in this work. *

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*

In 1900 the new president was William F. Barnard, who was the superintendent of the Five Points of Industry in New York.

Added to the list of vice presidents were Mrs. Sarah C. Raymond, Sidney Chase, Moses Joy, and Wilson Macy. The Treasurer was Charles C. Crosby, and secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Bennett. Dr. Benjamin Sharp was the officiating officer at the annual meeting which was held at the Old North Vestry on July 24, 1901.

18

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Alexander Starbuck began his many years of service to the Association in 1903 — the year both the Rev. Myron S. Dudley and Treasurer Charles C. Crosby died.

The Association held an especial celebration in 1909, meet­ ing at the Sea Cliff Inn on the evening of July 21, to observe the 250th anniversary of the purchase of Nantucket. Miss Florence Bennett Anderson, William F. Macy, Henry S. Wyer and Mrs. Eleanor Morgan were the speakers of the evening.

It was at this time that a living link between the past and present wrote to the secretary: "Historically I feel a part of the meeting-house; my first real school-days were spent there with Hepsibeth C. Hussey in the second story and John Boadle in the school-room below. There should be many similar almuni of those excellent schools, and I hope some will be present who can testify to the interests which cluster about the old walls. As a meeting-house it is very modern to me, as in my school-days we met for meeting in the large square building to the south of the present 'meeting-house.' May the day be full of interest in every way. I regret I cannot be present.

"Sincerely yours, "Lydia S. Hinchman." * * * * And now we come to the present.

The reports of the Executive Committee to the Council have shown how the operation of the Association's affairs have contin­ ued in the capable hands of Chairman W. Ripley Nelson and his colleagues. Together with the routine matters involved in the yearly works, this committee has had added responsibilities this year with the setting up of the Admiral Folger Fund, and ar­ ranging for the erection of the "Foulger Memorial," as we'll as the launching of the campaign for funds which is marking our 75th anniversary year.

In the report of the secretary, Mrs. Tyrer, it will be noted that our membership now totals 1,270, of whom 185 have "signed on" the past year.

Attendance at the exhibit buildings has been most satisfying, with the Whaling Museum as usual providing the income so necessary for the support of the programs and operational staffs in the other structures. The reports of the several chairmen show how well they have carried out their respective tasks during the year. To the custodians of our valued buildings we owe ap­ preciation for the care with which they have devoted themselves to their work in the exhibits.

It is with regret that we report a serious theft from the collections at our Fair Street Museum. During the night of

ANNUAL REPORTS

19 April 12, 1969, some person or persons pried open a window along the south wall of the main building, entered and stole a valuable coin collection, several gold and silver watches of historic sig­ nificance, and two old pistols. The loss of these articles is keenly felt as their true value is in their association with their original Nantucket owners, while their monetary value is comparatively less.

Our annual "Gam" was held this year on March 21, with the Maria Mitchell Library serving as our meeting place. Your presi­ dent, with the ready assistance of Vice President George Jones, presided and welcomed the large number of members and friends who enjoy these yearly get-togethers, when reminiscence and recollection bring out many interesting and amusing facts from the past.

The theme of this year's "Gam" was All Around the Town, which permitted a wide range of subjects to be introduced. From remembrances of that unique place called the "Bon Ton Fish Market," on Easy Street at North Wharf, to the old South School, Tunning's on Coatue, the "Tavern on the Moors," and the old ice plants on the wharves, the topics followed swiftly one upon the other. After two hours, the meeting disbanded, resolved to be on hand on the next annual affair. *

*

*

*

This is an eventful year in the history of our Association.

Not only does it mark the 75th anniversary of its organization, but it records a three-quarter century of achievement for itself and for the community. It is a time for reflection and revaluation.

What has been accomplished by this society is in a large sense a tribute to the foresight and planning of the founders. What has been the continued success of the groups coming after is a record of devotion to first principles. Our task is as plain as Quaker fact — we must maintain the record established; we must see to it that there is no deviation in the course set for us on a chart which those early navigators so wisely determined.

With the honor which has been bestowed on our Oldest House today, through its designation as a National Historic Landmark, our Association may feel well rewarded for the years of care and preservation devoted to this ancient dwelling. The men and women who have made its existence possible, and the memory of those who were its occupants during its years of families, share in the award.

The Association is also indebted to the Nantucket Garden Club for its valuable help in clearing the grounds of the Oldest House, installing a new fence, and a pathway to the entrance door, and arranging for a flower border. It is in order that a motion be offered in which the thanks of this Association be ten-

20

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

dered the Garden Club for this thoughtful program of enhancing the landscape of this landmark.

The sentiments of Henry S. Wyer, in his poem Obadiah, His Lay, delivered at the annual meeting 60 years ago — 1909 — are the closest to my heart today: "If ever I be called aloft, An' grow some useful wings, I'll oft come back to take a look At old familiar things, Then you may twang your golden harp An' you may wear your crown, But let me keep my roostin' place In old Nantucket town."

OLDEST HOUSE — ANNUAL REPORT Nineteen hundred sixty-eight was a year of activity and change for the Oldest House. The most radical step was the introduction of electricity for the purpose of supplying heat and light.

During the winter, hand-loomed material was donated by William C. Euler of the Nantucket Looms and made into curtains

by Mrs. Elizabeth MacDonald and Miss Dorothy Gardner. Also four ladder-back chairs were given new rush-bottom seats.

The Oldest House has been honored by being chosen as a National Monument to be dedicated in the summer of 1969.

The Nantucket Garden Club is making final plans in regard to the beautification of the grounds.

Paid admissions for the 1968 season totaled 8011 and visitors from 22 foreign countries and all of the 50 states except North Dakota. The House was kept open later into September this year and was opened for the October 12th weekend, much to the pleas­ ure of the many visitors at that time.

Mrs. Ethel Mooney served as receptionist with Mrs. Gilpatrick as her assistant.

Respectfully submitted Edith Andrews, Chairman

ANNUAL REPORTS

21

HISTORICAL MUSEUM and FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE On June 9, 1969 the Historical Museum building was opened for its sixty-fourth year of the showing of our exhibits.

This year Mrs. Clara Block is with us again as Librarian and the Chairman of this exhibit will be at the receptionist's desk.

We welcome Miss Florence Farrell as substitute for "days off."

We are sorry to report that Miss Alice Crocker who has done our genealogical work, has found it necessary, for reasons of health, to resign. We wish to thank her for many years of faith­ ful and cheerful service.

Respectfully submitted Elizabeth B. Worth, Chairman

REAPPOINTMENTS Upon recommendation of the Executive-Finance Committee, the Council of the Nantucket Historical Association has made the following reappointments for the fiscal year 1969-1970: Curator — Miss Dorothy Gardner.

Editor — "Historic Nantucket," Edouard A. Stackpole.

Asst. Editor — "Historic Nantucket," Mrs. R. A. Orleans.

Executive-Finance Committee — Alcon Chadwick, Albert F. Egan, Jr., W. Ripley Nelson, Henry B. Coleman, George W. Jones, Edouard A. Stackpole, ex-officio.

Advertising and publications — H. Errol Coffin, W. Ripley Nelson.

Honorary Curator — Mrs. William L. Mather.

Chairmen of exhibits: Historical Museum & Friends Meet­ ing House — Mrs. Elizabeth Worth; Hadwen House, Satler Me­ morial — Albert F. Egan, Jr.; Old Mill — Richard F. Swain; Old Jail — Albert G. Brock; 1800 House — Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick; Fire Hose Cart House — Irving T. Bartlett; Oldest House Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews; Franklin-Folger Seat and Memorial Boulder — Herbert I. Terry; Whaling Museum — W. Ripley Nelson.

22

23

The First Decades of The Maria Mitchell Association

BY MISS MARY E. RANKE

Winner of First Prize, Nantucket High School Essay Contest INTRODUCTION The Mitchell family is a lineal descendant of several of the very first settlers to inhabit Nantucket. William Mitchell, father of Maria and son of Peleg Mitchell, Sr., and Lydia Cartwright; was an amateur astronomer born on Nantucket in 1791.

Mr. Mitchell had several telescopes and made many observa­ tions of star positions. A scientific atmosphere grew up around his home and neighborhood, one that had never existed on Nan­ tucket before. He worked as a cashier at the Pacific Bank and also taught school. Because of his kind and sympathetic character interwoven with his love for peace, he won the affection of his pupils quite easily. While teaching, he became the president of the Nantucket Atheneum. Later in his life he was elected Mas­ sachusetts State Senator.

About four years before William's death, Maria started her career as an astronomer, by becoming head of the astronomical department of Vassar College. It was here Maria decided that an observatory would be nice for the benefit of Nantucketers.

She was the first woman to be appointed Professor of astron­ omy in the United States. To honor this famous Nantucket scien­ tist, in 1902 a group of women of Nantucket and Vassar pur­ chased the old house on Vestal Street in which Maria was born, in order to establish a memorial to Nantucket's most distinguished daughter. Thus, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association got its first start.

FIRST HALF CENTURY OF THE NANTUCKET MARIA MITCHELL ASSOCIATION In 1902, when the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association was formed, not many students received the advantage of study­ ing any science, as it was not a major subject in the schools. The Observatory opened the pathway for Nantucketers to learn about science, specifically astronomy.

24

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Maria's three Nantucket-born cousins; Mary, Eliza, and Lydia Mitchell, plus several women from Vassar College, were th^> first to promote the idea of the Association. Lydia, with the help of the college women, organized the project. Eliza served as one of the first treasurers for the group. Mary became the first Curator of the "Memorial House" and directed its program for the first decade every summer. They were the first people ever to open a scientific center on Nantucket.

When the association was first founded no telescopes were available, but by the spring of 1903, Clifford Mitchell donated the "Little Dolland." It is 2% inches and can be seen at the Maria Mitchell House. Also, by 1907, Dr. William Rollins, a Boston physician, donated a 5-inch equatorial telescope.

In 1905 "Moon Evenings" originated. Many people expressed a desire to know the constellations and to learn something about astronomy. Now was their chance! Miss Annie Cannon, of the Harvard College Observatory, spent two weeks during each of the summers of 1906 and 1907 on Nantucket. This is when Mrs. Hinchman (Lydia) and Eliza Mitchell realized that someone trained in astronomy should be engaged to live on the Island year round to instruct individuals, hold classes, and conduct "open nights." Miss Cannon finally agreed to work for the Asso­ ciation only during the summer. Although it was always Mrs. Hinchman's desire to have classes conducted on a yearly basis for the benefit of the Nantucketers, her wish never had a chance to become real.

During Miss Cannon's first year as the chairman (190,8) the Maria Mitchell Association built a small red brick observatory on Vestal Street. It was an expenditure of $4,200, but the Nan­ tucketers needed some place to study. Also round this time Mrs. Albertson (Mary) assisted with the care of the telescopes and Maria Mitchell's home.

By 1909, Miss Harpham, an astronomical assistant, with Miss Cannon, had trained two Nantucket women to use the tele­ scopes and make observations of variable stars. They held "open nights" at least once a month during the winter. One February in 1910, when the temperature was zero degrees Fahrenheit, twenty-six persons appeared at the "open night"! In addition to this a "Research Fellowship" was organized, guaranteeing one thousand dollars yearly, allowing a permanent fund of twentyfive thousand dollars. It would be required to meet the expenses of the worker in charge, which at this time was Miss Cannon.

Circulars were sent out to all the observatories in the United States in 1911. Women from California, the middle West, the South, and New England, applied for a position at the Nantucket

THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS OF M. M. A.

25

Observatory (mid-June to mid-December). Margaret Harwood was appointed Fellow in 1912, beginning her forty-five years of work for the Maria Mitchell Association.

In the contract, it stated that she could be "occupied in ob­ servation, research, or study and in lectures or instruction to classes or individuals." Later, after Miss Harwood was selected, she said, "I had grown up in a small town and had taught children from five to fifteen years of age their first general science. This made the two 'august boards' willing to gamble on me." She felt that this was the main reason for being elected.

Miss Harwood did a great deal for the Association. She observed variable stars, studied binary stars, did research on pul­ sating variable stars, and discovered that Eros was the closest asteroid to orbit around the earth.

Also, Miss Harwood was the first to start preparatory classes of astronomy for senior high school students. Some of her first pupils were Lydia Freeborn, Clara Allen, Josephine Congdon, and Horace Marks. Mrs. Eugene Morris and Mrs. Edward Norcross were the first to listen to her lectures at the Memorial House's "Kitchen" and became ardent observers of variable stars. To­ gether Mrs. Morris and Miss Harwood made observations of the zodiacal light; a study which was considered unimportant then, but now has taken its rightful place among objects to be investi­ gated.

After working through the summer and part of the winter holding "Open Nights," lecturing, and studying photographic plates, Miss Harwood would leave every December when it became too cold to use the unheated Nantucket Observatory. She would go to the Harvard Observatory where opportunities for astronomi­ cal work by women were unequalled.

Harvard took a great interest in the Maria Mitchell Observa­ tory. An astronomer from Harvard, Professor Pickering, laid down a foundation for a practical program of research on Nan­ tucket. He made certain that it would coincide with the work going on at Harvard. He also established the "Edward C. Picker­ ing Astronomical Fellowship for Women at Harvard, receiving the idea from the Association.

In the November of 1913, a dream was made possible. The Directors of the Association finally saved enough money to install a 7.5 inch photographic telescope. With this telescope and the "Little Dolland" the Maria Mitchell Observatory has accom­ plished many special observations in the fields of asteroids and variable stars.

During this year Margaret Harwood had her first vacation!

She visited with Mrs. Hinchman in Philadelphia, to become ac-

26

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

quainted with the past history of the association. She received ideas and plans from this meeting for the future. Always the remainder of every vacation, Miss Harwood wrote an annual report which are now kept at the Maria Mitchell Library.

Mrs. Albertson was also very active with the Association, even though she did not work directly with the Observatory.

From the time the Memorial started, she had been very busy organizing Maria's scientific research papers, books, and pam­ phlets. She also put on display at Mrs. Hinchman's home near the Observatory, Maria's specimens in conchology, mineralogy, botany and other sciences. This led to the Maria Mitchell Library, which we have today for information on the natural sciences.

At the Memorial House, Mrs. Albertson formed what she called a "living herbarium" in the museum room (first floor bedroom). She gathered summer wild flowers from the moors and swamps, making very beautiful floral arrangements. She gave many interesting lectures and convinced Alvin E. Paddock, a Nantucket craftsman and teacher at the Coffin School, to help maintain the astronomical equipment in good condition.

In 1914, Mrs. Albertson died, marking the end of the first decade for the Association. Her daughter, during the second decade, took her place carrying on her work as Curator and Li­ brarian. By now the Association was being fully recognized.

Money, time, and attention was directed towards the Astronom­ ical Department, rather than the Natural Science section; for Margaret Harwood had boosted the morale of every person in the Association.

Miss Harwood, in 1915, received her "quadrennial leave of absence." She returned after declining a teaching offer at Wellesley and became the permanent Director of the Observatory at a starting salary of $1,200 a year. As Director, she continued along the line of astronomical research which she had done before.

This entailed asteroids, including the variable Eros. Periodically she released her results to the Harvard Observatory publication.

"Popular Astronomy," a very common magazine, also published these results. She proved to be a first-class celestial photographer, and gradually accumulated an extremely valuable set of Nan­ tucket photographic plates of variable stars.

The principal aim of the Managers after World War I was to find a permanent place to keep the Association's scientific library, since it had outgrown its old quarters. Mrs. Hinchman finally bought the land opposite the Observatory on Vestal Street, where William Mitchell first had his school. The Managers reno­ vated the building, and dedicated it on July 15, 1920. Eugene S. Morris of Nantucket became the first librarian.

THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS OF M. M. A.

27

Meanwhile, Miss Harwood's "plate collection" had grown until she required a heated building to protect them. Recognizing this need, the Hinchman family donated five thousand dollars to build a new brick, heated addition onto the old Observatory.

In 1922, this building was completed.

Also, in 1922 which ended the second decade for the Asso­ ciation, a bronze bust of Maria Mitchell was sent to the Hall of Fame in New York to replace the earlier one. The President of Vassar gave the dedication speech.

During the third decade, the Association continued to grow and expand. It had an enlarged membership of six hundred, fortyone people.

The Observatory on January 24, 1925, was able to see a total eclipse of the sun that was centered over Nantucket. Because of this, the Association became one of the four Harvard eclipse sta­ tions. The eclipse took place on a clear, frosty morning, with the temperature ranging from five to ten degrees (above zero). The groups, consisting mainly of Nantucketers, took up their sta­ tions, which were located at the Observatory; in the tower of the Unitarian Church, and other high spots on the Island. They re­ corded and photographed the passing of the great shadow over the sun's face.

During the 1920's Miss Harwood brought a great deal of recognition to the Association by her astronomical works. In fact, in 1926 the American Astronomical Society held their annual meeting on Nantucket. The Association started to publish cir­ culars of Miss Harwood's work to different college and univer­ sity observatories. Because of the valuableness of her work, she was voted a member of the "International Astronomical Union."

The Managers were overwhelmed by Miss Harwood's reputation of fame; especially since she became famous among astronomers in the United States and Europe; and Nantucket having an active part in it.

As the fourth decade advanced the Library outgrew its first building, therefore the Managers began to raise funds for a new addition (1932). By 1933, after an expenditure of eleven thousand dollars, a lovely, fireproof wing was added with a huge basement beneath it.

This decade was one of extreme financial matters. The Managers' prime concern was to find a new treasurer, one that would know how to raise and spend money wisely. C. Russell Hinchman was finally elected. Also during this time Charles P. Kimball of Rochester, New York, and Nantucket, became the first man elected to the Board of Managers. This was the first time the Managers had relaxed on the Vassar by-laws which they normally followed very precisely.

28

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

At the climax of this ten years' period, everything was under control and the turmoil of the past was ended. Even if it was the time of depression, Miss Harwood continued her astronomical work, gathering material for her study of the variable stars in the Scutum Cloud, which is part of the Milky Way. Occasionally she would have a Nantucket youth, who showed particular inter­ est, assist her. She always gave the Observatory a warm atmos­ phere for those visiting on "open nights" or came to listen to her lectures. With this, Margaret Harwood showed a great deal of imagination towards the young people of Nantucket.

Furthermore the Director of the Natural Science Department, Miss Grace Wyatt, was very ambitious and energetic. She showed her friendliness in the excellent way she handled the summer program. To people of all ages she was able to transmit her un­ bound knowledge of the flowers, birds, shells, mosses, ferns, and butterflies.

Perhaps it could be said that Mrs. Albertson set the pro­ gram of the Maria Mitchell Association for the first decade, and Miss Harwood's work in astronomy dominated its development during the second and third decades, then it would probably be right to credit Miss Wyatt with responsibility for the principal expansion of the Association in the fourth and fifth decades of the Association's first half century.

During the years 1933 to 1950, Miss Wyatt encouraged many other scholars to study and publish Nantucket material. For ex­ ample: S. N. F. Sanford, Curator of Invertebrates of the Boston Society of Natural History, helped her plan a detailed scientific program in which other scientists were involved. Emil F. Guba and Edgar V. Seeler studied types of fungi on Nantucket; Charles P. Kimball collected various samples of Nantucket moths, and Mabel Rice (Assistant Director in 1939) studied mosses, lichens, and other Island plants. Later she published a booklet on this titled "Trees and Shrubs of Nantucket." Other material discov­ ered by the men was publicized in Scientific journals.

Also, Miss Wyatt collected specimens of flowers and grasses grown on Nantucket. One summer she averaged seventy-five different types of flowers and grasses on display daily. Because of this her small room soon became too small and the Managers realized she needed a spacious museum of Natural Science. Thus, in 1938, when Lydia Hinchman died in her 93rd year, she donated her huge home on the corner of Milk and Vestal Streets for the Museum. Finally Miss Wyatt could fulfill here her greatest hopes; with such a beautiful place.

During World War II, the astronomical department suffered a series of disruptions, as Miss Harwood devoted much of her time teaching navigation to the young Coast Guardsmen stationed

THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS OF M. M. A.

29

on Nantucket. However, for three years (1944-1946) she went to Cambridge to work at the Radiation Laboratory of the Massa­ chusetts Institute of Technology. Even though she was gone for a few years, the Observatory stayed open to the public with the help of Helen Wright, who, at that time, was doing research on Nantucket for her biography of Maria Mitchell, "Sweeper In The sky."

After the war, each division of the Association continued to enlarge. Mrs. Allen E. Norcross of Nantucket became the Librar­ ian, and under her friendly, but competent direction, the Library has grown in usefulness each year. With special funds she built up the children's book section and even during the winter months, an increasing number of students come to the Library to receive information for reports. Attendance and circulation, both sum­ mer and winter is still increasing.

After the war, Miss Harwood returned to the Observatory, and resumed her work by starting to clean the telescopes and photographic plates from accumulated corrosion. She cor­ responded with many astronomers from England and with their help she was able to publish her variable star data. By 1957 she retired after being the Director of the Observatory for forty-five years. Because of all her great achievements, her alma mater, Radcliffe College, presented her with a Graduate Chapter Medal at the 50th reunion of her class. Also, in 1961 the American As­ tronomical Society awarded her the Annie J. Cannon Medal (founded in 1933 to honor Miss Cannon). This change in directors marked the end of a full half-century at the Observatory. She still comes to Nantucket during the summer to do astronomical work.

There was also a change in directorship in the Natural Sci­ ence Department. Miss Wyatt, because of health reasons, had to retire. However, Dr. Edwin Betts of the Biology Department of the University of Virginia assumed the position. He has done an excellent job in expanding the lecturing program by having something scheduled every Friday evening at the Library. He also has advanced summer classes for the children.

The Maria Mitchell Association has brought a great deal of fame to this quaint, historical Island, and most likely will continue to offer further scientific data.

The Island of Nantucket offers the opportunity to study not only the achievements of one of the greatest astronomers, namely Maria Mitchell, but also natural sciences as well.

SUMMARY I feel in order to complete my report, a few personal facts on Maria Mitchell and Miss Harwood should be mentioned.

30

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

Maria Mitchell, born on August 1, 1818, attended her father's school on Vestal and Howard Streets respectively. At the age of sixteen, she attended the Cyrus Peirce School for two years; the first year as pupil, the second as an assistant!

From their apartment above the Pacific National Bank, she and her father built a small Observatory, using the "Little Dolland" as their telescopes. They observed occultations (the moon's coming between an observer and a star or planet) and moon culminations (the position of a celestial body when it is on the meridian for latitude and transits over prime verticals for longi­ tude. Maria discovered many things; one being a comet which was later seen in Rome, England, and Hamburg, Germany at timeintervals. In this way she planned the comet's orbit (parabolic).

During her life Maria made numerous achievements. She was the only woman ever elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She received the Bronze Medal of Merit by the Republic of San Marino, became a Professor of Astronomy at Vassar College and was elected to become a member of the American Philosophical Society. Among all these achievements she received degrees from Rutger's Female College, Vassar, and Hamburg, Germany, at time-intervals. Because of these accomplishments, the Maria Mitchell Association formed.

This past summer, I had the extreme pleasure to interview Miss Harwood, who surely is well beyond her sixties in years, but not in vigor. Spending just a few hours with her, I realized how vibrant, energetic, and dynamic a person she is. This en­ thusiasm of hers has been transmitted to us all, as Director for forty-five years of the Maria Mitchell Association.

Even today, although she is retired, she is presently doing research winters at Harvard, and summers at Nantucket!

The Maria Mitchell Association has proven itself to be inval­ uable to the Island of Nantucket; its future is definitely guaran­ teed.

BIBLIOGRAPHY Babitt, Mary King: "Maria Mitchell As Her Students Knew Her," Poughkeepsie, New York, Underhill, Inc., 1912.

Drake, Thomas E.: "The First Half Century of The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association," Nantucket, Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association, 1968 Kendall, Phebe Mitchell: "Maria Mitchell — Life, Letters, and Journals," Boston, Lee and Shepard Publishers, 1896.

Wright, Helen: "Sweeper In The Sky," New York, The Macmillan Company, 1950.

31

A Penguin From Antarctica

BY W. RIPLEY NELSON, CHAIRMAN OF THE WHALING MUSEUM

The Whaling Museum of the Nantucket Historical Associa­ tion has just received a most unusual and welcome exhibit donated by Dr. and Mrs. Walter Willard Boyd of Bethesda, Mary­ land, and Nantucket. The exhibit is a beautifully stuffed and realistically mounted "Adelie Penguin." This gift was made by Dr. and Mrs. Boyd in honor of their two sons, Walter Willard Boyd, Jr., and John Covert Boyd III for their scientific research work in the Antarctic during the period of 1958-1967.

The Penguin, the Museum's sole exhibit of its kind from the Antarctic region, now appropriately occupies a corner of the South Seas Room. This life-like specimen stands erect presenting an excellent showing of the bird's distinctive plumage and its proud and cocky look. Its life-like appearance is enhanced by what appears to be frozen snow on which the bird stands.

Mr. John Covert Boyd III, collected this specimen February 8th, 1967 at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, (77 degrees 26 minutes south by 169 degrees 18 minutes east) in connection with his studies of heat balance in penguins, using biotelemetry to monitor the abdominal cavity temperature of free-living birds. These studies were supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation to Dr. William Sladen of the Johns Hopkins Univer­ sity.

Public appreciation and interest are enhanced by Mr. Boyd's comments about the penguin family, especially the Adelie Pen­ guin, which are quoted in full in the following paragraphs: "The best known member of the Penguin family (Spheniscidae) of 17 species, the Adelie is the 'little man in evening dress.'

It takes its name from Terre Adelie, the sector of East Antarc­ tica discovered in 1840 by the French explorer, Dumont d'Urville, and named in honor of his wife. About 2feet tall and weighing an average of 10 pounds, this species shares with the much larger Emperor Penguin the icy shores of the southernmost continent during the austral summer.

"The male Adelie arrives, from its floating winter home of the pack-ice, during the austral spring, in October, and establishes a nesting territory at one of the species' rookeries, at snow-free areas around the'Antarctic coastline. One or two eggs are laid in November by the later-arriving female, and during the rest of the nesting season both members of the pair will ardently defend the site against all comers. The pair share incubation and chick raising duties until the chicks leave the rookery in the first half of February. The adults remain out of water during a two-week molt during February and then leave the coastal rookery to spend

32

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

the winter on the northern edges of the pack-ice, sometimes hundreds of miles from the Antarctic coast, but rarely passing north of latitude 60 south. The nesting grounds extend north into South Orkney and South Sandwich Islands (favorable because they are commonly icebound) but are not found on other lowAntarctic islands.

"The Adelie was probably the dominant of several penguin species encountered by the 'Yankee Sealers' when they first cruised along the Antarctic Peninsula in 1821, led by Nathaniel Palmer in the sloop Hero out of Stonington, Connecticut. Members of a whaling expedition set foot upon the continent of Antarctica on January 24, 1895. They came ashore, from the Norwegian whaler Antarctic, at Cape Adars, northern Victoria Land, site of the largest Adelie penguin rookery presently known. The species has remained the favorite of succeeding expeditions, both scientific and whaling, and now will become a highlight of Antarctica's forthcoming tourist expeditions."

Upon the completion of a remarkably well done job by the taxidermist, Dr. and Mrs. Boyd fearfully faced the problem of providing safe transportation for the penguin from Washington, D. C., to Nantucket. A heavy wooden box was made and the penguin was firmly anchored therein. A brass handle screwed to the top of the tall box made carrying it by hand possible and insured against the box being handled upside down.

Still fearful of what might happen during the long journey, if handled as freight or luggage, Dr. and Mrs. Boyd decided to personally carry the boxed penguin, thus keeping it in their pos­ session and under their surveillance at all times during their trip, which included travelling by air from Washington to Nantucket.

To make the trip by the regular air service necessitated the boxed penguin being treated as a paid passenger, which from Washington to Boston was arranged at the rate for a minor i.e. one-half the full passenger rate. Reaching Boston, however, the penguin had apparently grown up for from Boston to Nantucket by air, Dr. Boyd had to pay a full fare. Great was the joy and relief, however, when the penguin arrived safe and sound at Nantucket.

Painted in large red letters on the box top was a warning which announced — "Penguin of Cape Crozier, Antarctica — may bite! if harrassed." This warning, together with "fragile" and "this end up" marked in big black letters on four sides and top, no doubt, added appreciably to careful handling en route and the penguin's safe arrival.

Today the penguin stands erect in a specially constructed glass case proudly and defiantly gazing at all visitors. They, in turn, are showing unusual interest in the Antarctic visitor and Mr. Boyd's comments about the penguin family, especially the "little man in evening dress", which are displayed in printed form under glass in a frame attached to the side of the penguin case.

33

The "Oldest House" Becomes A National Historic Landmark

BY EDOUARD A. STACKPOLE

At the annual meeting of the Historical Association on July 22, Murray H. Nelligan, Asst. Director of the Northeast Region, National Parks Service, presented a certificate and a bronze plaque which officially designates Nantucket's "Oldest House" as a National Historic Landmark. In making the presentation.

Mr. Nelligan complimented the Association for its role in contin­ uing to preserve and maintain all of the several old and histor­ ically important structures which it opens each year for the benefit of the public.

In receiving this recognition, the "Oldest House," which is also known as the Jethro Coffin House and the "Horseshoe House," has been accorded a well deserved honor. The importance of the ancient structure, built in 1686, is in what it so dramatically represents — the courage of those first settlers who chose the isolated Island as their home. The best of our Island traditions is epitomized in the rugged simplicity and staunchness of the house.

In its solid simplicity of line it conveys the character of those children of the pioneers who, in adopting whaling as an industry, created a new American era in maritime history.

But it is not well known enough that this historic dwelling narrowly escaped destruction on two widely-separated occasions.

The first of these took place in 1881; the second in 1923. To appre­ ciate the situation in each instance a resume of the history of the house is in order.

Like most of the early colonial houses in New England the Horseshoe House faces due south, its longer lines running east and west by compass. The back or north roof runs down to within about six feet of the ground, forming the "lean-to," as it is called.

In shape it is a perfect rectangle, with no break in the walls, and the outside dimensions are 39 by 30 feet. Much of the original framing was of oak, though the summer beams are of pine 10 by 10 inches. The girts are 11 by 11 and the oak lintels forming the arch above the fireplaces are 14 by 14 inches.

The chimney is, of course, one of the interesting features of the house, located in the center of the east and west line, and measuring about 8 by 14 feet at the base, covering over one hun­ dred square feet. It is built of brick laid up to the line of the

34

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

roof in clay, presumably from a nearby clay-bank. Above the roof a shell-mortar was used.

There are fireplaces in each of the two south rooms, one in the kitchen at the back, which had been largely bricked up and was uncovered during the restoration, and one in the west bed­ room on the second floor. The largest of the fireplaces, that in the east room, is seven feet wide, five feet high, and three feet deep.

While it is generally known as the homestead of the newlyweds. Jethro and Mary (Gardner) Coffin, actually the structure was more properly the Paddack House. In 1708, barely two dec­ ades after its building, Nathaniel Paddack purchased the place, and his family occupied it during the next century and a quarter.

In 1840, George Turner bought it, and this family lived there until Ihe post-Civil War period.

In the 1870's it appeared that the old dwelling was nearing its end. The roof was open, floors sagging, windows broken, and shingles torn away from its walls, revealing the siding. And then, in 1881, Tristram Coffin, of Poughkeepsie, New York, who was attending the Coffin Reunion of that year, visited the ruin. Noting the still solid sideposts and girts, he resolved to save it. After repairs were completed, Mr. Coffin felt the ancient dwelling should be open to visitors to Nantucket during the summer months, and he engaged the services of Miss Ellen Bartlett as custodian.

Fortunately, at this time, the restoration attracted the atten­ tion of one who knew it better than any other Nantucketer — Mrs. Harriet Turner Worron — who became its chronicler. One of the finest results of this association was the book "Trustum and His Grandchildren," which Mrs. Worron wrote for the most part about the house.

During the quarter-century between 1899 and 1923, the "Oldest House" had as its custodian Mrs. Anna Starbuck Jenks, one of Nantucket's most talented women, who gave to the place a remarkable record of devotion. In 1923, Mr. Coffin, realizing his age precluded carrying on the responsibility of stewardship, offered it to the Nantucket Historical Association. Despite its meagre treasury, the Association voted to purchase, and in 1924 the transfer of ownership was accomplished.

But, again, the need of a major rehabilitation was obvious, and there were no funds available for this work. Once more, a Coffin descendant living on the mainland came to the rescue, Winthrop Coffin, of Boston, who generously agreed to underwrite the large costs involved. Mr. Coffin stipulated that the work must be done under the direction of William Sumner Appleton, the well known authority on New England's ancient dwellings. This was agreed upon, and Alfred Shurrocks, resident architect, was en­ gaged. The contractors who accomplished the exacting work of

35

The Oldest House The Garden Club workers contributed much to the clearing of the landscape

36

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

reconstruction were two local men, Archibald Cartwright, car­ penter, and Arthur Williams, mason.

In 1929, the "Oldest House" was re-dedicated, with appropri­ ate remarks by the Association's President, the late William F. Macy. Once again the landmark had been rescued from an inglor­ ious end.

To preserve this, and other Island landmarks, is one of the purposes for which the Nantucket Historical Association was formed and continues to function. There is a considerable amount of repair necessary in the structure itself, and this must not be permitted to be postponed.

However, the "Oldest House" is only one of the nine buildings maintained by the Association — all of which demand constant upkeep. Besides the maintenance problems, there is the need for a more closely supervised program for all these structures, which means engaging the services of people trained in the field.

Thus, it is quite plain that the current campaign for Capital Funds is not only vital to the Association but to Nantucket as well.

Perhaps the most important assets of our Island are those which symbolized the historic background of our unique community, and those preserved by the Association are among the most sig­ nificant of them all.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP. MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Act of October 23, 1962; section 4369, title 39, United States Code) DATE OF FILING: October 10. 1969. TITLE OF PUBLICATION: HISTORIC NANTUCKET. FRE­ QUENCY OF ISSUE: Quarterly. LOCATION OF KNOWN OFFICE OF PUBLICA­ TION : Nantucket Historical Association. Fair Street, Nantucket, County of Nantucket.

Massachusetts 02554. LOCATION OF THE HEADQUARTERS OR GENERAL BUSI­ NESS OFFICES OF THE PUBLISHERS: Fair Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF PUBLISHER. EDITOR AND MANAGING EDITOR: PUBLISHER : Nantucket Historical Association, Fair Street, Nantucket, Massachusetts.

EDITOR: Edouard A. Stackpole, 84 Main Street, Nantucket. Massachusetts. MANAG­ ING EDITOR: None. OWNER: Nantucket Historical Association, Fair Street. Nan­ tucket, Massachusetts. OFFICERS: President, Edouard A. Stackpole, Nantucket, Massa­ chusetts; Vice-Presidents: Miss Grace Brown Gardner. W. Ripley Nelson. Albert F. Egan, Jr., Alcon Chad wick, Henry B. Coleman, George W. Jones, all of said Nantucket, Massachusetts. TREASURER: Roger J. Roche, SECRETARY: Mrs. Austin Tyrer both of said Nantucket, Massachusetts. KNOWN BONDHOLDERS, MORTAGEES. AND OTHER SECURITY HOLDERS, OWNING OR HOLDING 1 PERCENT OR MORE OF TOTAL AMOUNT OF BONDS. MORTGAGES OR OTHER SECURITIES: None (Non-Profit Corporation). FOR COMPLETION BY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AUTHORIZED TO MAIL AT SPECIAL RATES (Section 132.122. Postal Manual i: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Federal income tax purposes have not changed during the preceding 12 months. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete, (signed! Edouard A. Stackpole, Editor.

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Recent Accessions During the past few months a number of interesting and valuable gifts of historic importance have been presented to the Association. Among these is a portrait of Miss Molly E. Starbuck, first Recording Secretary of our Association, and the author of that unique Nantucket book "My House and I." The portrait was in Miss Starbuck's home at 18 Pleasant Street, and was pre­ sented by Lila Wilson in memory of her mother Mrs. Elizabeth S. Lachman.

An unusual accession which came to our Fair Street Museum in an unusual way was a wall tapestry, still brilliant in color despite its more than a century in age. On Thursday, September 11, 1969, a tall gentleman disembarked from a plane at the Nan­ tucket Airport after a trip across the country from his home in Oakland, California. The man was George N. Cash, and he was bringing with him an old tapestry which had been originally cre­ ated in Nantucket. This unusual piece was completed by the grandmother of Mr. Cash, when she was residing in the family home which is still standing on Orange Street.

On the day following his arrival here, Mr. Cash brought the tapestry to the Fair Street rooms where he presented it to the Nantucket Historical Association. He told of his father's recollec­ tion of the family heirloom, as well as other details of its history.

"My grandfather, Captain George H. Cash, was a Nan­ tucket whaleman who made voyages from New Bedford as master of the ships Addison and Herald," he said. "During his long ab­ sences from home my Grandmother Cash was busy with her sew­ ing and other household duties, as were other whalers wives, and she decided to embroider this tapestry. She concluded to follow a design as it appeared on a small Sunday School card, some 2 by 3 inches in size, and after several years it was completed on March 10, 1.862. The finished tapestry measures 4 feet, 6 inches in width and 5 feet 8 inches in length.

"After hanging in the Orange Street house for nearly twenty vears, the tapestry was presented to my father, George A. Cash, and his wife, Ida B. (Walters) Cash on the occasion of their wed­ ding — June 30, 1880. The marriage took place in California, where my father, who had 'gone out west,' made his home in a town known as Washington Corners, now the Irvington District of Fremont. There he had met my mother and they soon after married.

38

HISTORIC NANTUCKET

"The tapestry hung in their home and in mine during the past nearly ninety years. At one period, however, it was stored in a bank vault and wrapped in tobacco leaves to protect it from moths.

At the death of my parents it came to my sister, Mrs. Fannie B. Cramer, and then to me, and I have had it hanging on the wall of my living room in Oakland. Now, I am happy to bring it back to Nantucket, where it was first conceived and completed by Grand­ mother Cash."

From Mrs. Carter Nevius, daughter of the late Mrs. Chambliss, come two old photographs, one of William Hadwen and the other of his wife, Eunice Starbuck Hadwen, both being in their original frames. These, of course, make natural additions to our Hadwen House.

Mrs. Blanche Ellinger has presented two original documents closely identified with Nantucket history, which come in memory of her husband, the late Edgar Ellinger, Sr., of Polpis and New York. The first is a bill of exchange drawn by William Rotch in 1771 on Buxton & Enderby, his British business associates in London, for the use of his brother, Joseph Rotch, Jr., and countersigned by the latter. The second is a deed to land at Polpis in which George Rule conveyed 20 acres of land to Edward Ray, and is dated July 5, 1857.

Both documents are framed and in excellent condition. In ac­ cepting the gifts a spokesman for the Association expressed the appreciation of that organization to Mrs. Ellinger for her thoughtfulness.

Among the most rare of relics are two sections of pump logs which have come from Mrs. Frank E. Lewis's home on Liberty Street. Once an important Island industry, the fashioning of pump logs has become a vanished craft, and the presence of these sections are important to our exhibits of past trades.

A collection of coopers' tools has also been presented, coming from Brockton, Mass., as a gift of Elmer H. Simmons, Sr., of Brockton, Mass., who is a brother of Lester Simmons of Nan­ tucket. Such material is becoming more scarce with each passing year, and these are appreciated. The collection will be placed in the Whaling Museum.

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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 development of our country. You can perpetuate that interest by giving to the Association a legacy under your will, which will help to insure the Association's carrying on. Counsel advises that legacies to the Nantucket Historical Association are allowable deductions under the Federal Estate Tax iaw.

Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as directed br the donor. A sample form may read as follows: "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Nantucket Historical Association, a corporation duly or­ ganized under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and located in the Town of Nantucket, in said Commonwealth, the sum of Dollars."

Legacies may be made also in real estate, bonds, stocks, books, paint­ ings, or any objects having historical value, in which event a brief descrip­ tion of the same should be inserted instead of a sum of money.

Please send all communications to the Secretary, Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554. Office, Fair Street Museum.

The Sturdy Steamer Nobskci Brings Many Summer Vacationists to Nantucket