Historic Nantucket
Captain Joseph Winslow at the Surfside Life Saving Station. The first of such government stations on Nan tucket was opened in 1874. Captain Winslow, a veteran whale master, was the first keeper. He is shown garbed in a newly-designed life-saving suit made of gutta percha, which was not popular in the service. ANNUAL REPORTS NUMBER JULY, 1972
Published Quarterly by NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS
NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS President, Henry B. Coleman Vice-Presidents, W. Ripley Nelson, George W. Jones, Alcon Chadwick, Albert F. Egan, Jr., Mrs. Edith C. Andrews, Walter Beinecke, Jr. Honorary Vice Presidents, Mis9 Grace Brown Gardner, Mrs. William L. Mather Secretary, Albert G. Brock Treasurer, John N. Welch Councillors, Henry B. Coleman, Chairman; Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin, terms expire 1972; Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, David Worth, terms expire 1973; Mrs. Richard Siwain, Bernard Grossman, terms expire 1974; Robert Matters, George A. Snell, terms expire 1975. Administrator, Leroy H. True Curator, Miss Dorothy Gardner Historian, Edouard A. Stackpole Honorary Curator, Mrs. William L- Mather Editor, "Historic Nantucket", Edouard A. Stackpole; Assistant Editor, Mrs. Merle Turner Orleans.
STAFF
Oldest House Chairman Receptionist
Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Mrs. Lawrence F. Mooney Hadwen House - Satler Memorial A;con Chadwick Chairman Chairman, Reception Committee Mrs. Irving Soverino Receptionists Miss Rosamond Duffy Mrs. Ethel L. Small Miss Maud Jackson Miss Marjorie Burgess The 1800 House Mrs. Roy H. Gilpatrick Chairman Mrs. John Kittila Receptionist The Old Jail Albert G. Brock Chairman The Old Mill Richard F. Swain Chairman The Whaling Museum W. Ripley Nelson Chairman Walter W. Lindquist Manager Mrs. Elizabeth Lindquist Receptionists Clarence H. Swift Mrs. Elizabeth Yerxa Jesse Dunham Robert Metters Librarian Mrs. Reginald F. Hussey Research Miss Helen E. Wlnslow The Peter Foulger Museum Chairman and Director Edouard A. Stackpole Receptionist and Librarian Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth Receptionist Mrs. Clara Block Assistant Everett Finlay The Hose Cart House Chairman Irving T. Bartlett Christian House Chairman Mrs. lohn A. Baldwin Archeology Department Chairman Paul C. Morris, Jr.
HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious vast as a whaling port. No. 1
VOLUME 20
CONTENTS
Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff Editorial . . Administrator's Report Irving T. Bartlett Annual Reports "Nantucket Historical Association" from Bay State Historical League Bulletin The Association's Newest Exhibit — the Christian House .... The "Hussey Chair" Nantucket Institute Courses Nantucket Life Saving Museum "A Bit of June," by Georgine Flagg Judkins Recent Events Letters of de Crevecoeur Book Reviews Legacies and Bequests
2 5 6 9 10 18 19 21 22 23 25 27 32 33 35
Historic Nantucket is published quarterly at Nantucket, Massachusetts, by the Nantucket Historical Association. It is sent to Association Members. Extra copies S.50 each. Membership dues are — Annual-Active $5.00; Sustaining $25.00 ; Life — one payment $100.00. Second-class postage paid at Nantucket, Massachusetts. Copyright 1972, Nantucket Historical Association Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Hstorical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554.
5
Editorial With the sudden appearance of the "Islands Trust Bill," so-called, and the resulting storm of opinions pro and con, many people to whom the future of Nantucket has been a worrisome concern began to assess those factors which would bring about a fair adjustment of the situation. While the preservation of the natural features of this Island has become a leading factor there is something equally important at stake. This is the economic future of Nantucket. Most people agree that something must be done to protect outlying lands — that the dangers of housing developments, eco logical breakdowns and spoliation of shore and beach have be come all too obvious, and that delay will be fatal. How to preserve is the key to solving the problems, and the Kennedy Bill pro vided definite answers. But there is another vital factor, insofar as Nantucket is concerned. Nowhere in this nation is there a similar opportunity to keep intact a segment of history as that offered by this Island. The old town, with its Historic Districts Bill serving as a pro tective device, is known as the least-touched example of how one type of New England community was created — a seaport town. As a part of this historic presentation the outlying lands are an important adjunct. The first settlers sought the Island as a place for carrying on a way of life, with the rolling terrain suitable for flocks of sheep, for cattle and horses, for farming. With the development of whaling this early phase of Island life gave way to a combination of voyages into "ye deep," supported by a closely knit complex of shoreside industries, and the refining and marketing the oil in both America and Europe. Always in the background of mercantile success was the beginnings of the Quaker-dominated society which created in Nantucket a veritable kingdom in the sea. In settling the differences that divide people concerning the bill, and setting up a workable bill, the main fact must be the paramount one — that Nantucket, as an historic community, belongs to the future as well as the present; that its preservation is a matter of national, not merely local, concern. The importance of this Island becomes a matter of protecting a heritage repre sented by the Island as a whole and not simply as a composite of parts. Thus, with Nantucket in crisis, let us hope that the true perspective of the picture come into focus, and that the sacrifices which must be made take on real meaning. The economic future of this Island is inexorably tied to its preservation as a living example of an historic maritime community — a vitally impor tant part of our American heritage.
6
Administrator's Annual Report July 1, 1972 Great strides have been made during the past year in our endeavor to fulfill our mission to the people of Nantucket. I'll briefly describe some for the record although many were reported in progress last year and most of the others have been well publicized in the newspaper. Edouard A. Stackpole, a Past President, noted writer, and historian, was appointed last year full-time Historian, and Di rector of the Peter Foulger Museum as well as continuing to be the Editor of Historic Nantucket. He has organized the library at the Peter Foulger Museum for Nantucket and Maritime His tory, answered a sizable number of inquiries from all over the world about whaling and Nantucket history, lectured to a num ber of schools and adult groups; one group tour with 37 people from far away Waco, Texas. Arrangements have been made for him to teach a class in the Nantucket Institute and to speak to civic organizations here and off-island. Of great importance have been his lectures to local and visiting school classes of which there have been a number. We are very proud of the work he is doing and believe it a most important function of the Association. The Peter Foulger Museum was opened to the public last August and has been favorably received by all from the casual visitor to the expert. I think you will be pleased with Mr. Stackpole's report on its first 10 months in operation. A new Archaeology Department has been organized. The program is still in the planning stage but has a great potential. Not only do we plan to learn more about Indians and perhaps earlier people, but hopefully, we will discover valuable informa tion about colonial life on the Island. This summer, for the first time, we have had a full-time grounds keeper and handy man. I think you will agree that John Danzer, the young college man doing the work, has made great improvements in the appearance of our properties. We placed a marker in Siasconset designating the location of the first wireless station. Plans were made to do this at other historic locations but we have been dragging our feet. I hope some people will volunteer to do the necessary research to move on with this program. We renewed contact with the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, His torical Society and cooperated with them in their efforts to restore one of the houses built by Nantucket whalemen at the time that a group of our people migrated there. You have seen in this week's paper a picture of the beautiful crewel spread, backdrop, and valance given by Mrs. Richard F. Swain in memory of her mother. It is the handwork of many Nantucket women. Mrs. Swain gave a party at the Hadwen HouseSatler Memorial for those who worked on it. This was a big
ADMINSTRATOR'S REPORT
7
success and gave impetus to the idea that similar affairs should be held from time to time to help bring the house alive as it no doubt was in the Hadwen era. The Christian House, bequeathed to us in the will of Mrs. Ruth L. Christian with a maintenance fund of $50,000, was opened to the public on June 10. So far, not many have visited it but this will change because it is a magnificent exhibit just filled with memorabilia and charm not surpassed by anything in other fa mous historic towns. The small office at the southeast corner of the Old Town Building has been set up by Mr. and Mrs. Hugh R. Chace to resemble a town office of 1850. We have been pleased with com ments from visitors from other historical societies who have seen this exhibit. Some concrete changes have been made in our record keep ing and I feel certain reports from now on will be more meaning ful to the Council and to any member who cares to compare and analyze them. Book and pamphlet sales, especially at the Whaling Museum, have continually increased. This not only benefits our income but distributes Nantucket history to an ever-increasing number of people. The "Coffin Saga," one of our most popular books, is out of print but we have a good supply of the "Coffin Family, ' "Three Bricks and Three Brothers," "Triumphant Captain John," and "History of Nantucket Island, A Bibliography of Source Material," as well as the booklet "American Whaling in the Chathams Grounds." Three things which have "bugged" us for several years have been cleaned up. The old flat bed press, the last in the country to be operated, has been moved to the basement of the Fair Street Museum and will be set in operation at some future date. The Old Town Clock has been moved from the Unitarian Steeple and set up in the Peter Foulger Museum, mostly through the work of Mr. Reginald Reed. The spar for the Old Mill was obtained by Mr. Albert F. Egan, Jr., and carted to the Mill by the Nantucket Gas and Electric Company; quite a feat because it is 65 feet long and from 15 to 22 inches in diameter. This must be put in place and other major repairs made before the Mill can be op erated but it will be done. The idea of having a full size replica of a Nantucket whaleship is still being considered and I have talked with the people who operate ships on exhibit at Mystic, San Diego, and San Francisco. Two questions need to be answered before we proceed. Will we be satisfied with a replica in this Town and Association where everything else is original? Can we raise sufficient monej to build and endow it? I think the answer to both is "yes" but feel real enthusiasm for this must come from the members before anything can be done by the Council. Besides the Christian property we have benefitted by be quests from Helen B. Reynolds, Ives Hendrick, Clara Baker,
8
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Laura K. G. Hecker. Such gifts are of great importance and deeply appreciated. The income on these funds helps so much to carry on the work these people supported during their lifetime and will do much to assure its continuation. We combined our flier describing the museums and the pam phlet suggesting a walking tour through the center of the town to make an Historic Tour Guide and our buildings are designated by number. This, with the $3.00 tour ticket, is proving most popular and is getting more people into the exhibits, especially those away from the center of the town. We plan to have the Fair Street Museum and Friends Meet ing House open again soon from 2 to 5 p.m. Most of the valuable historic items were moved to the Peter Foulger Museum but what is left is of sufficient interest to justify this as a place to browse and the Friends Meeting House is of great importance in that it is one of the few left in the country and is tied in with so much of Nantucket's past. Major and expensive repair jobs are always facing us which is understandable with old buildings. Sills, boarding and shingles had to be renewed on the back of the 1800 House, a new roof at the Old Mill, more fence and some roof work at the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial, a corner post, boarding, and a paint job at the Christian House, to name a few. Fortunately, many people have been most generous in adding a donation to their dues which has gone a long way towards meeting these extra expenses. In closing, I want to express my thanks for the opportunity to work under the able leadership of President Henry B. Cole man and members of the Council. Their mature judgment has helped me avoid many mistakes and cool my impatience. To the devoted and hard working chairmen, hostesses, and workers in the several museums we all extend our greatest thanks and appreciation for the excellent job they are doing. They are the ones who make the exhibits and keep our heritage alive to the thousands of visitors who come to our buildings each year. Leroy H. True
9
Irving T. Bartlett With the passing of Irving T. Bartlett, on Monday, June 12, 1972, the Association has lost a loyal member and Councillor. A native of Nantucket, graduate of the Nantucket High School and Wentworth Institute, and a veteran of World War II, Mr. Bartlett was appointed Chief of the Nantucket Fire Department in 1954, holding that important post until his death. His work with the department made him an outstanding Fire Chief in not only Nantucket but throughout New England. Active in Boy Scout work, a Trustee and member of the North Congregational Church, he also was a valued member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Lodges, and Rotary Club. He was highly respected throughout the community. Always interested in the Historical Association, he accepted an appointment as a Council member in 1971, but had previously assumed the chairmanship of the Committee on the Gardner FireHose-Cart House in 1967, and supervised its maintenance from that time. A regular attendant at all Council meetings, he was always willing to share his knowledge in the programs for pro tection of the various exhibit structures. On that memorable night when the Old Mill and Old Jail were set afire by persons as yet unknown, it was Chief Bartlett who quickly dispatched firemen and apparatus to the unprotected Oldest House, and stood guard personally there and in other places throughout the hours of darkness. His devotion to the welfare of the community will continue to be a tribute to his memory.
10
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Secretary's Report We have introduced a new seasonal membership which gives each one admission to all the exhibits for the current season only and may be obtained at any of the exhibits. Regular member ship is open to anyone and also entitles them to admission to any exhibits whenever they are opened throughout the year, as well as copies of Historic Nantucket which is published quarterly. Whenever you are thinking membership, think Life membership — it would make a nice gift for someone. New membership for the current year is 385 which gives us a total of 2082 members. We were saddened by the loss by death of the following members: Alfred M. P. Amey Jane Egan Joseph Amrein J. P. Elkinton Joshua Baker, Jr. Maria Glembotzky Jennie Barnitz Aletha Macy Irving Bartlett Mrs. Hans E. Moller Helen Brown Mrs. J. Frank Morrissey Mrs. George Christian Beulah A. Ricketts Mrs. Elliott F. Coffin Mrs. Rudolph Stanley-Brown Jerome K. Coffin Arthur Vincent Mrs. Philip G. Connell Mrs. Georgie L. Walling Ralph R. Coffin Charles A. West Byron Dunham We strongly stress that we be notified of a change of address as unclaimed and returned mail only means more work. ADMISSIONS TO MUSEUMS 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 Fair St. 2,432 2,068 2,019 2,415 Oldest House 13,028 12,950 8,072 8,011 7,242 1800 House 2,241 1,445 1,175 1,208 1,304 4,801 3,527 3,924 4,410 4,313 Old Mill Old Jail 4,591 3,128 3,066 3,229 2,957 6,179 4,629 3,847 3,958 3,250 Hadwen House 36,809 33,036 29,145 31,197 35,957 Whaling Museum 3,763 .... Peter Foulger 71,592 61,147 51,297 54,032 5^438 Totals Albert G. Brock
ANNUAL REPORTS
11
Curator's Report For 1971 - 1972 This year has been a busy one in checking out articles from the Fair Street Museum to the Peter Foulger Museum and ar ranging the file for the latter one, besides the regular routine of cataloguing new acquisitions. The gifts we have received are much appreciated and the interest of so many in the Nantucket Historical Association is most gratifying. The master file is up to date and is in the Peter Foulger Museum. Our new exhibit, the Christian House, has been cata logued and was opened in June. The Christian House is an excel lent example of the Early American Period. All this has involved many hours and could not have been done without help. Mrs. Worth has been invaluable in locating items from the Fair Street Museum whose numbers disappeared through the years. She, also, has helped in typing the cards. Since our accessions have been reported in Historic Nan tucket and The Inquirer and Mirror they are not included in this report. The old Town Clock has not been able to be set up because of the illness of Mr. Reed, but we hope to have it done in the near future. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chace have set up a room in the Old Town Building, which was the Tax Collector's Office, as an office in the period of 1850. This room is open to the public. I am deeply indebted to all those who have helped this year and I thank them for their assistance. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy Gardner, Curator
Report of Old Gaol The Old Gaol opened the 1971 season under the care of Mr. Charles A. West. The building is in good condition with a few repairs needed. The attendance totaled nearly 5000 for the summer with many youth groups included. Mr. West took care of cutting the grass and had great pride in keeping it neat. We were saddened by the death of Mr. West in December. He had planned to be "jailer" again in 1972. Albert G. Brock, Chairman
12
HISTORIC ISANTUCKET
Foulger Museum Within four months after the several contractors had com pleted their work on the new Peter Foulger Museum, and the twenty-four individual groupings of exhibits had been placed in their respective locations, the building was opened to the public. The date was July 21, 1971. From this mid-July day to October 12 a total of 2,331 adults and 238 children were registered as paid admissions, and the newest of the Association's museum struc tures had been successfully launched. Mrs. Elizabeth Worth continues at the reception desk in the foyer, and Mrs. Clara Block is at her post on the second floor, both valued for their experience over the years at the old Fair Street Rooms. Serving as the Director of the Museum and' His torian for the Association, Edouard A. Stackpole is in his office close by the entrance. Completing his first year as an Assistant Custodian, Everett Finlay, a native Islander recently returned from a number of years of work in Providence, has become a dependable helper. The Museum was dedicated on September 21, 1971, with 200 members and friends in attendance at ceremonies on the second floor. A report of the event has already appeared in this quarterly. During this first year close observation has been kept on what exhibits appear to most interest our visitors, as well as spe cific areas of general appeal. In the presentation of Nantucket's history it has become important to bring to the visitor an over-all picture, knowing that those with particular interests will learn more of the details through inquiry. While the early history of the Island has its part in the displays the emphasis has been to suggest how much of a contribution this Island, over the cen turies, has made to the nation and even to the world. Besides the regular attendance a number of group visitations have been recorded. For instance, on September 12 two classes from the Nantucket High School were given guided tours; on September 27 some 2,8 students from the Mary C. Wheeler School of Providence visited, and on October 5, 30 more from the same school were escorted through the exhibits; on October 10 there were 40 Girl Scout visitors from off-Island troops; and on October 11, a special tour and lecture featured a visit by 34 members of the middle classes of the Moses Brown School of Providence. These schools had come to the Island to spend the week studying the ecology and history of the Island, with two Nantucketers — Miss Eileen McGrath and Renny A. Stackpole, who are teaching at the Wheeler School and Moses Brown, respectively, as their leaders. During the period from October 12, 1971, to May 20, 1972, there were 368 adult and 6 children paid admissions, as the Museum was kept open on weekends through this time. Sale of books and periodicals over the period since the Museum first opened have totalled $210.38.
ANNUAL REPORTS
13
The first in a series of winter lectures to be held at the Peter Foulger was presented on February 17 by your Historian, the subject being: "Melville's Moby-Dick and Nantucket." It was well attended. A special display of Melville's books, and some of the volumes he used for his research, was arranged, also, includ ing first editions of Moby-Dick, presented by Austin Kelley III, and White Jacket, a gift of Charles P. Kimball, and Omoo, on loan for the occasion. Early in April of this year the old Town Clock, which has been in the South Tower of the Unitarian Church since 1881, was dismantled by its last caretaker, Reginald Reed, and brought to the Museum by Myles Reis and his men. It was reassembled by Mr. Reed, aided by Harry Gordon, and is now on display in the north room on the first floor. From the time it was first in stalled in the Tower, the gift of William Hadwen Starbuck, until the installation of the present electrically-operated mechanism, this Howard Clock faithfully performed, recording the hours on the clock faces and striking the old Portuguese bell. It now becomes a fine exhibit, worthy of preservation. During the winter months a number of students have worked in our Library on subjects ranging from whaling to sheep shear ing. The value of our research room as a private working space, as well as the excellent facilities of the Library itself, demon strate how important these are as assets. Family genealogy in quiries are numerous, as are visitors tracing their family trees, and our records continually prove invaluable. The fact that they are now being microfilmed will be welcomed by all our members as well as those interested in the protection of these documents. On June 14, 1972, the presentation by the Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter, D. A. R., of a bronze plaque commorating the men of Nantucket participating in the Revolutionary War, and particularly the action of Lieut. Alexander B. Pinkham, who restored the birthplace of John Paul Jones in Scotland, was an occasion enjoyed by a group of some sixty people. President Henry B. Coleman accepted the plaque on behalf of the Association, which was presented by Mrs. Alfred Hall, Chairman of the Chap ter's Committee. Mrs. Albert Pitkin, D. A. R. Regent, presided, and a short address on the Nantucket men in the Revolution, and an account of Lieut. Pinkham's trip to Scotland, was given by Historian Stackpole. The ceremonies were held on the second floor, with a 13-star flag dating back to 1809, serving as a fitting back-drop. This old flag was recently given us by Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hardenbrook, and was made by Eliza Mitchell, whose name was embroidered on the edge of the banner. A number of books presented by friends have added much to our Library's collections. From I. Austin Kelley, III, came the first edition of Moby-Dick, already mentioned. A former Chairman of the Whaling' Museum, Charles P. Kimball, donated first edi tions of Melville's White Jacket and Omoo, as well as a number
14
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
of other valuable volumes, including an 11-volume set of the Colonial History of New York, containing much information on Nantucket's early history; Kerguelen's Voyages in the North Seas, (first French edition) ; a 1598 rarity by De Bry, relating to African exploration, and Americus Vespuccius by Henry Harrisse, and two anthologies of sea stories. Through the interest of H. H. Kynett we have received a copy of Flayderman's Scrimshaiv and Scrimshanders, and other members have given refer ence books. Lectures by your Museum Director on various aspects of Nantucket history have been presented before the Rotary and Lion's Cluba, the Sons and Daughters of Nantucket (at Cam bridge and New York), and at the Nantucket High School. One of the most interesting projects has been the Association with the Educational Development Center, of Cambridge, which organization has launched a program closely allied with Nan tucket's history. As a part of a nation-wide program, "Man and His World," geared for Junior High Schools, the Center is pre paring a text book on Whaling in the Early 19th Century, in which Nantucket will be the center-piece. Research members of the E. D. C. have been assisted by the Historian, and, also by the Maria Mitchell Association's Library, and Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, as the Mitchell Family is to be featured, as well. Certain additional exhibit material has been added to the display at the Museum. Framed paintings of the Charles W. Morgan and three of the set of famous whaling prints have been placed in the rear room to augment a display of material relating to this industry. This is not intended to be a duplication of what is so naturally displayed at the Whaling Museum but, rather, as a completion of the exhibits at the Foulger Museum having to do with Nantucket industries. A hose cart from 'Sconset has been placed in the rear room, close by the Cataract fire engine. A framed advertisement of a circus visiting Nantucket; the large map of the State of Massa chusetts, with the inset of Nantucket Town, issued in 1853; four ship's quarterboards from the Florence Taylor Collection; and a display of Indian Ocean and East India material have also in creased the potential attractions in this room. The four show cases which had become dangerously weak in the molding frames have been repaired and strengthened by workmen from the Dyna-Graphics Company, the original con structors of these cases, During the past few months a number of inquiries on sub jects concerning Nantucket history have been answered, as well as communications relating to research on maritime history. Among the latter was a request for a capsule history of ship's binnacles used in 1889, which came from an encyclopedia editor. Miss Gardner, our curator, and Mrs. Worth, our Recep tionist, have made a card listing of all the exhibit material which is displayed on the two floors of the Museum.
ANNUAL REPORTS
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The quarterly issues of Historic Nantucket have appeared on schedule, and have contained a number of articles important in maritime and literary history as well as to Nantucket lore. Among these are "Live Oak Whaleships," by Mrs. John Little, and "Miriam Coffin As Precursor of Moby-Dick," by A. Stuart Pitt, both of which have attracted much interest. Over the year a number of valued additions have been made to our collections at Peter Foulger. Mr. Kelly has made a gift of the Eastman Johnson painting "Embers"; we have acquired a portrait of Andrew Brooks, a Nantucket whaleman, ancestor of the present Chadwick family on the Island; an excellent photo graphic reproduction of the Eastman Johnson classic painting "Nantucket Cranberry Harvest"; an old pine chest belonging to Phebe Folger, and genealogical material. Because the Peter Foulger Museum is now open on a year'round basis its Library in particular has become of vital im portance. Plans for the continuance of its service and collections are one of the goals, both for the benefit of the Association as well as the Museum. Edouard A. Stackpole, Director
ANNUAL REPORTS
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Financial Report N/ 4TUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Balance Sheet Expenses: Year epding May 31, 1972 General Wages — Ljxes Utilities aintenance Repairs & Purchased f< resale Office Suppl1 s, tel. tk postage Insurance Prof, fees Historic Nantucket Advertising Misc. Whaling Museun| Oldest House Hadwen-Satler Old Gaol Old Mil! 1800 House Hose Cart Hous> Peter Foulger Fair Street Christian House Archaeology Debt.
6,335.58 855.65 7,350.92 17,878.32 1,720.36 6,795.00 2,260.00 1,853.50 71.00 84.00
45,204.33 22,735.10 2,644.65 7,117.80 1,111.83 1,301.73 1,896.76 109.70 13,409.76 250.60 265.90 62.00 $ 96,110.30
*A Unrestricted Sidney I Mitchell Ella Stirbuck Ruth H. Sutton Elizabuth Blackburn Maria [Mitchell Starbuck MacKay Rev. William E. Gardner Mary E. Walker Mary Eliza Macy Edna KVh it token Mary p. Gouin Coffin Genealogy Elizabeth Coffin Fitzgerald B Principal Restricted as noted by Donor Life Membership Emm:| F. Haywood William Swift Jos. Mitchell and Elizabeth B. Mitchell Mary [Chase Miliken
3,000.00 3,000.00 6,461.00 5,000.00 3,000.00
1,000.00 500.00 500.00
1,000.00 7,500.00 5,885.16 2,590.20
39,436.81
14,002.00
2,000.00
5,000.00 20,100.00 5,274.00
46,376.00
ANNUAL REPORTS
17
Financial Report NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Balance Sheet Expenses: Year ending May 31, 1972 General Wages — taxes Utilities Repairs & Maintenance Purchased for resale Office Supplies, tel. ot postage Insurance Prof, fees Historic Nantucket Advertising Misc. Whaling Museum Oldest House Hadwen-Satler Old Gaol Old Mil! 1800 House Hose Cart House Peter Foulger Fair Street Christian House Archaeology Dept. <:A
Unrestricted Sidney Mitchell Ella Starbuck Ruth H. Sutton Elizabeth Blackburn Maria Mitchell Starbuck MacKay Rev. William E. Gardner Mary E. Walker Mary Eliza Macy Edna Whitteken Mary E. Gouin Coffin Genealogy Elizabeth Coffin Fitzgerald
6,335.58 855.65 7,350.92 17,878.32 1,720.36 6,795.00
2,260.00
1,853.50 71.00 84.00
45,204.33 22.735.10 2,644.65 7,117.80 1,111.83 1,301.73 1,896.76 109.70 13,409.76 250.60 265.90 62.00 $ 96,110.30
3,000.00 3,000.00 6,461.00 5,000.00 3,000.00
1,000.00 500.00 500.00
1,000.00 7,500.00 5,885.16 2,590.20
39,436.81
B Principal Restricted as noted by Donor Life Membership 14,002.00 Emma F. Haywood 2,000.00 William Swift 5,000.00 Jos. Mitchell and Elizabeth B. Mitchell 20,100.00 Mary Chase Miliken 5,274.00
46,376.00
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Financial Report NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Balance Sheet C Principal and interest Restricted as noted M / M Richard Swain (Satler Memorial) 1,000.00 Old Mill Preservation 1,164.62 W. E. Gardner (rebinding) 766.59 Jethro Coffin House (restoration) 799.06 Susan E. Brock (Friends Meeting) 1,000.00 Henry Carlisle (Whaling Museum) 2,000.00 M / M Richard Swain (Old Mill) 500.00 M / M Richard Swain (Paintings) 1,968.95 Mrs. Winthrop Coffin (Oldest House) 10,000.00 Jas. Reid Parker (grounds O. House) 1,000.00
20,229.22
Total $106,042.03 * The amounts shown in the following funds are those as of the original (Jate of donation.
< /
•
Nantucket Historical Association From Bay State Historical League Bulletin
The Association, during 1971, acquired two new additions to its museum exhibits. The Peter Foulger Museum, a fine new brick, two story museum next to the Whaling Museum on Broad Street, was opened to the public. Of Greek type architecture, this building was the culmination of hopes and plans which had been entertained since 1928. A trust fund, set up by Admiral William Mayhew Folger, terminated and the proceeds were made available by his will to the Association for the construction of this building. Much of the material from the Fair Street Museum was moved into the new structure. The second addition was a new wing on the Whaling Mu seum built and presented to the Association by the Nantucket Historical Trust for the purpose of displaying a whale skeleton which had been salvaged from a whale that had come ashore on Nantucket in 1967. This interesting exhibit is one of very few complete skeletons which are available for the public's observation.
(5,<
19
The Association's Newest Exhibit On the corner of Liberty Street and Walnut Lane stands one of the most interesting older houses in the town. Through the will of the late Mrs. George P. Christian this dwelling has been presented to the Nantucket Historical Association, and be comes the newest of the exhibit structures maintained by the Association. It was opened for the first time on June 10 of this year, with Mrs. John Baldwin as its Chairman, assisted by Miss Phinney and Mrs. Noreen Shea. The age of the house has not been determined by historians, but the late Henry Barnard Worth, a diligent and conservative researcher, found that the dwelling was definitely on this site in 1745. The land upon which it stands was set off to Thomas Macy by the proprietors in 1723, and Macy conveyed the house lot to his son Nathaniel Macy in his will in 1745. From the design of the house it is believed it was first erected in the older section of Sherborn and then moved to Liberty Street between 1723 and 1745. Following Nathaniel Macy's ownership it passed into the possession of the Barnard family, and in 1862 it was purchased by John Winn from Mary Barnard. In 1903 it was owned by John Winn's daughter, Mrs. Harriet Butler, and the estate sold it in 1925 to the Monnohanit Club, which organ ization transferred it to St. Paul's Church in 1929. The Hospital Thrift Shop was opened here in 1932. The late George P. Christian bought the house in 1934 and immediately began to restore it. For modern living, an addition to the rear and two dormers on the long rear roof were added. In the work of restoration, Thomas Giffin was the carpenter and Arthur Williams and Fletcher Ross the masons. These contractors and their helpers worked closely under the direction of Mr Christian and the result was a carefully accomplished restoration. Of the early style of Nantucket architecture, the Christian House brings to the visitor some of the atmosphere of that period in Island history when sturdily built dwellings were characteristic of the economic development of the Town. The old framing and the front door were found stowed in the attic and returned to their original locations. The wide floor boards, heavy corner posts, girts and summer beams all attest to the durable construc tion, and the huge fireplaces bring the period of its building into a dramatic perspective. The masons found the original fireplace in the keeping room behind two smaller fireplaces. It measures eight feet across and 24 inches in depth. A similar original fireplace was likewise discovered in the old kitchen. The "herringbone" design of the bricks of the hearth adds to the authenticity of these restored fireplaces. On the beam over the front of the kitchen fireplace was found written in chalk: "lathed Jan. 9, 1853." This was a date when the Barnards still owned the house.
THE ASSOCIATION'S NEWEST EXHIBIT
21
Liberty Street was first laid out in 1678, and the Wesco Lots were being established at this time. Walnut Lane is said to have derived its name from a walnut bush once growing here. Both sides of the lane were laid out by the Proprietors to Thomas Macy in 1723, and Thomas (grandson of the first Thomas Macy) deeded the house lots to his sons Francis, Robert and Nathaniel, with the latter acquiring the site of the Christian House in 1745. It is believed that the house was moved here earlier, probably when Nathaniel married, and that the property became his in his father's will. With the Christian House added to the Association's exhibit structures another type of Nantucket architectural design may be shown to the public. Upon visiting the Oldest House (1686) the visitor may wish to see the Christian House (1725), the Mill Street House (1800 House), and the Hadwen-Satler House, which is a classic example of the Greek Revival (1840) period.
The "Hussey Chair" The enlargement of an old photograph occupies a prominent position at the Peter Foulger Museum, being part of the exhibit devoted to the Quakers of Nantucket. Taken in the mid-1880's by Henry S. Wyer, the picture is of an elderly Quaker seated in a chair, and wearing a frock coat and high beaver hat. All the dignity of the Nantucket friends is reflected by the view as, with cane held tightly in one hand, the subject looks serenely away from his vantage point of old age. The man in this unusual photograph was David G. Hussey. Among those visiting the Museum last summer was Don Day Swain, of Westborough, Mass., who is a direct descendant of the old gentleman through his maternal line. Mr. Swain married Miss Louise Thomas of Nantucket, and over the years has spent vacations on the Island. During his first visit to the Museum Mr. Swain revealed the fact that the chair in which David G. Hussey sat, when this pho tograph was taken, was still in existence, being in his home in Westborough. He generously offered to bring it to the Island when he came down early in 1972. Over the weekend of June 17-18 Mr. Swain brought the chair in his car and has loaned it to the Association for display. It is now exhibited within an arm's length of the photograph, and has already attracted con siderable attention. This incident demonstrates the close links which Nantucket has with its past. Perhaps there is no other place in the nation where family ties are more a part of the visual scene. To have the "Hussey Chair" as a part of the Museum's exhibits is another indication of this element in Island connective links. In itself the chair is an excellent example of the durable craftsmanship of the builder, but most important, of course, is the association with the future of the old gentleman who personifies the quality of the Island Friends.
Nantucket Institute Offers Courses Nantucket, with its rich architectural and historical re sources, now provides a laboratory for preservation studies through an educational agency recently established as the Nan tucket Institute. The first major program has been initiated in the summer of 1972 when the Nantucket Institute and the University of Florida join in sponsoring a course in historic preservation, conducted on the Island by Prof. F. Blair Reeves, Department of Architecture, University of Florida. This is the first in a series of summer programs to be offered in preservation, conservation, the creative arts and physical and social sciences. Each will be designed to fully exploit Nantucket's resources, using courses regularly available at the University of Florida but applicable to special studies on the Island. Paralleling this pre-professional program is a'workshop, scheduled for July 17-28, for ten participants recruited from the professional staffs of federal, state, and local agencies respon sible for nominations to the National Register and for developing statewide plans and inventories. Other special purpose work shops for professional participants will be offered to parallel the summer academic pre-professional programs of future years. Now being considered are courses in preservation planning and conservation in 1973, preservation technology and crafts in 1974, and history and preservation in 1975. The Nantucket Institute will also coordinate programs of general education in history, fine arts, and craftsmanship that do not involve academic credit. These will be available to the summer visitor and the island resident and allow the participants to share some of the activities of the pre-professional and pro fessional programs. The University of Massachusetts will give a six-weeks' course in Drama, to be conducted by Prof. Louis Roberts at the Coffin School. Also, to be held at the School, will be a series of lectures on Nantucket History, to include the early settlement, Quaker ism, Whaling, Notable Leaders, the Great Depression, and the Coming of "Summer Business." These are sponsored by the Nantucket Historical Association, and will be presented by Edcuard A. Stackpole, Historian of the Association. In cooperation with the Institute's program at the Coffin School, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell's Astronomical and Natural Science Departments will hold a series of evening lectures on Monday and Friday evenings. Thus through the cooperative ef forts of the Coffin School, Nantucket Historical Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Nantucket Historical Trust, the programs will embrace a wide range of activities. In the spring, fall and winter seasons, Nantucket Institute will offer special purpose educational programs for various local school groups. The facilities of the Institute will also be avail able to appropriate professional associations, corporations, and other institutions for special workshops and meetings. All ac tivities of the newly established Institute will emphasize the full utilization of the Nantucket community.
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The Nantucket Life Saving Museum Newest of Nantucket's museums is the Nantucket Life Sav ing Museum situated some two and a half miles out-of-town on the road to Polpis and the east end. Built as a replica of the first Life Saving Station on the Island — that of Surfside — the building sits in an attractive spot just off the main road, with its wide doors facing the salt marsh and Fulling Mill Creek, with the harbor in view. Its lookout cupola distinguishes the structure, and an authentic drill pole (moved from Madaket Station) be comes a natural part of the scene. In the large central room of the Museum building two re stored lifeboats serve as centerpieces. One of these, displayed on a boat cart, is a veteran from the Massachusetts Bay area, while the other is a :Race Point boat, named for that locality on Cape Cod. A capstan from the old Madaket Boat-House is close by, as is one of the beach key posts from Great Point, as well as other station gear. Displayed around the walls are some twenty-four quarterboards — nameboards — from vessels wrecked on or around our Island shores. Included in this collection are those of the Alice M. Lawrence the huge 6-master lost on Tuckernuck Shoal; the Warren Sawyer, wrecked at Surfside nearly one hundred years ago; the Papa Laigi C. lost off Nobadeer on a voyage from Italy to Boston; the George B. Ferguson & coal schooner; the Shanunga, a bark, and many others whose intriguing history is a part of Nantucket's story. The four stations which once occupied vantage points along the Island's shores are all represented. There are photographs, relics and memorabilia from Surfside, Coskata, Muskeget and Madaket Life Saving Stations — all of which became Coast Guard Stations in 1915. Wall cases display a wide variety of service relics. There are pieces of equipment, clothing and uni form insignia. The Lighthouse and Lightship exhibits bring out various features of these services, which also played important roles in life-saving. One exhibit deals with the Revenue Cutter service — the forerunner of the U. S. Coast Guard. This display is centered about one of Nantucket's outstanding seafarers — Captain Joseph W. Congdon. A veteran of the Civil War, Captain Congdon later entered "the Revenue Cutter Service and among his commands were the Colfax, Seminole and Salmon P. Chase, the latter being the first training ship for the present Coast Guard Academy, but then sailing out of New Bedford. A fully equipped Beach Cart, with Breeches Buoy and gear, faking boxes, beach flares, Lyle Gun with projectiles, and related material. One of the few surviving metal Life Cars is also on display, showing the original design of Joseph Francis, the in ventor.
THE NANTUCKET LIFE SAVING MUSEUM
As an adjunct to the Museum there is a handsome Library wing, available to students and researchers who are working in this maritime field. Here are also displayed two paintings of the wreck of the bark W. F. Marshall on the South Shore, together with the quarterboard from this big bark; and an original draw ing of one of the last of the Island's Humane Houses, a gift of the artist, Miss Elizabeth Saltonstall. The Nantucket Life Saving Museum is open every day except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is a private organiza tion, with membership privileges, and includes both summer residents and islanders on its roster of members.
" A Bit of June " Soft, cool cloud-shadows gently lie Along the moorland hills and hollows. And circling low — now far, now nigh — Dipping and darting, fly the swallows. The wholesome moors spread far and wide — The fragrant moors, where hides the heather. Along the rutty road we ride Rejoicing in the glorious weather. Through the salt air, the kindly sun From out the tiny pines is bringing Their treasured perfumes, one by one, And on the summer breeze is flinging Odors of wild rose and of vine, The wild grape vine, in marshes hiding; And in this thankful heart of mine God's gift of peace is now abiding. The peace of God, the perfect rest To still the tired soul's demanding, Lives in Nantucket's gracious breast: That peace "which passeth understanding." Georgine Flagg Judkins The Hillside, Nantucket
Recent Events On April 15, George W. Jones and Edouard A. Stackpole, both past Presidents of the Association, attended the meeting of the Bay State League in New Bedford as delegates from Nan tucket. A program on "New Bedford's History and Architecture" was presented at the Seamen's Bethel, across from the Whaling Museum on Johnny Cake Hill, with Richard C. Kugler, Director of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society; Peter Grinnell, of the Waterfront Historic Area League; and George C. Perkins, of the New Bedford Historical Commission, as the speakers. Following a luncheon at the Wamsutta Club, an afternoon program was held in the old Friends Meeting House on Spring Street, fea turing a talk on "Privacy in Colonial New England," by Dr. David H. Flaherty, of Harvard University. The two Nantucket delegates went to New Bedford in the morning by a circuitous route involving airplane and bus, but returned home in the late c fternoon by a more direct route — the steamer from Woods Hole. Among recent accessions is a 13-star flag made by Eliza Russell, a fine old Island quilt made by Caroline Swain, and a small leather-covered chest made by Edward P. Coffin — all gifts of Mrs. Donald Hardenbrook, of New Dollar Lane. From the estate of the late Florence Bennett Anderson, of Walla Walla, Washington and Nantucket, have come two vol umes: "Writings In Prose," by Florence Bennett Anderson, and "A Sheaf of Asphodels," by the same Nantucket-born author. A remarkable photographic reproduction of Eastman John son's famous painting The Cranberry Harvest has been pre sented by Mr. and Mrs. Norman Beach, of India Street. The photograph was made by the Eastman Kodak Company of Roch ester New York. The original canvas was painted on Nantucket in 1880, and recently sold for a reputed $350,000, being purchased by an art gallery in San Diego, California. Eastman Johnson resided on Nantucket for a decade in the 1870-1882 period, and a number of his most outstanding genre paintings were done at his studio on the Cliff. Miss Esther Gibbs, whose gift of a collection of French china was noted in our January issue, has presented a pewter plate bearing the initials "E. G.," which came from London; a whale oil lamp with a water-heating unit on top; an old high comb, a sampler, and a number of ambrotypes. From Mrs. Byron Dunham and Lawrence Dunham have come some old clothing once belonging to the Piatt Family oi Nantucket, together with diaries and some photographs and glas^ negatives from Henry Piatt, some old dolls and a basket said to have been made by Abram Quary, the last man with Nantuckec Indian blood, who died in 1854. The articles came from the
28
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Piatt House on the corner of Orange and Silver Streets, now owned by Mrs. Dunham. An early 19th century atlas, the Bible once belonging to Captain Paul West, of Liberty Street, a melodeon (made by N. E. Smith, of New London, Conn.), once in the old Springfield House, Nantucket, and a double-loaf bread pan, have been given by Mrs. Mary Lamens and Mrs. Louise Lamens Nelson, of Lib erty Street. The new book on Scrimskaiv and Scrimshanders, by E. Nor man Flayderman, has been presented to the Peter Foulger Li brary by H. H. Kynett, of 118 Main Street. "A Chart of the Marine Mammals of the New England Coast," by John Quinn and Susan Doucette, has been presented to the Peter Foulger Museum by Peter Closson, of Sandwich, the publisher. The faithful old Town Clock, which was presented to the Town in 1881 by William Hadwen Starbuck, and which had been housed in the tower of the Unitarian Church for ninety years, was finally removed in April and brought to the Peter Foulger Museum by Myles Reis and his helpers. The clock was dis mantled by Reginald Reed, the last caretaker for the mechanism employed by the Town. There was a delay of several weeks in putting it together again, due to Mr. Reed's illness, but this task has now been completed insofar as the main works are concerned. Mr. Reed was assisted in this last phase by Harry Gordon (whose work in transferring the Sankaty Lighthouse lens from the tower to the Whaling Museum will be recalled), and by Messrs. Allen and Stafford of Myles Reis' crew. The first exhibit office in the Old Town Building is that recently opened in the former Tax Collector's quarters at the southeast side of the structure. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chace ar ranged the display which features one of the old stand-up desks, with ledgers and writing equipment of the period of 1850. Mrs. Chace designed one of the canvas carpets used in the mid-nine teenth century, and painted it after the style of its day. An old stove was donated by Thomas Hallowell, and Paul Madden made available some shutters. The office is a most attractive re-creation of the type which occupied this building for over a century. A huge spar arrived on June 21 for the Old Mill. Obtained through the Marine Lumber Company, it is 65 feet long, with a girth of 25 inches the butt tapering to 14 inches on the top. It will be used to replace the present spar at the Mill, and will accomplish the original purpose of such a piece — to turn the top of the Mill so that the vanes face the prevailing wind, pre-
RECENT EVENTS
29
paratory to attaching the vane-sails and thus turning the grind stones so that the grain may be ground. Paul Morris and John Gilbert, members of the Committee on archaeology, appointed by the Council, have made a sorting and listing of one of the collections of Nantucket Indian artifacts now at the Peter Foulger Museum. By decision of the Council it has been decided to open the Fair "Street Rooms and the Friends Meeting House again this year. Mrs. Albert Brock has agreed to serve as Chairman. There has been considerable interest on the part of the public to visit these structures. Built in 1838, the Meeting House is the only surviving structure of its kind on the Island. The Fair Street rooms still has a considerable amount of material for exhibition purposes. A series of 16 lectures on Nantucket History will be pre sented by Edouard A. Stackpole, the Association's Historian, at the Coffin School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, July 6 through August 29, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. The lectures will cover 1he period of early settlement, the Proprietors, Society of Friends, war crises, depressions, migrations, and development as a sum mer resort. At the June meeting of the Council of the Association, Ad ministrator Leroy True called attention to the beautiful crewel spread, a gift of Mrs. Phebe Swain, in memory of her mother, and the workmanship of many skilled Nantucket women, which is now on display at the Hadwen-Satler House. He also expressed appreciation to Mrs. Swain for the social which she tendered the ladies who had worked on the spread, which was held at the Hadwen-Satler House. During a period of several weeks this spring, two young students completed a most interesting task for the benefit of the Association. John Swain, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Swain, of Polpis, and his associate, Thomas Martin, made copies on slides of some 1750 glass photographic plates from the Associa tion's collections. By arrangement with their school instructor the project became a part of their special assignment, and they worked steadily at it until completed. The slides were then pre sented to the Association, and are now at the Peter Foulger Museum. It is . with gratitude that the fine work of the young men is hereby acknowledged.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
On June 14, "Flag Day," a bronze plaque honoring the Nan" ucket men who served in various ways during the Revolutionary War, and in commemoration of the act by Lieut. Alexander Pinkham, of Nantucket, in restoring the birthplace of John Paul Jones, was presented by the Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, to the Nantucket Histor ical Association at the Peter Foulger Museum. The event was held on the second floor of the Museum, with 63 persons present, including members of the D. A. R., members of the Association, and a group from the Nantucket Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution. Mrs. Albert J. Pitkin, Regent of the Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter, opened the ceremonies with a welcome to all. She then introduced the Rev. James 0. Edds, of the Congregational Church, who gave the invocation. Leroy H. True, Administrator for the Historical Association, then led the Pledge of Allegiance in which all joined. The bronze plaque was then presented by Mrs. Alfred A. Hall, past Regent of the Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter, who was a leading figure in arranging for the plaque and its presentation. In her remarks, Mrs. Hall mentioned that Benjamin Franklin, that invaluable asset to the creation of the new United States, was the son of a Nantucketer. She stated that the stalwart faith of the men and women of the Revolution was a quality that must endure for the sake of the future, and that the patriotism of the founder of our nation merited emulation. On behalf of the D. A. R. she then removed the 50-star flag, revealing the plaque, and placed it in the hands of the Association. Accepting for the Asso ciation was its President, Henry B. Coleman. Noting that the words of commemoration on the plaque included that of Lieut. Pinkham, Mr. Coleman stated he was doubly proud to accept the gift, both as a representative of the Nantucket Historical Association and as a collateral kinsman of Lieut. Pinkham. The wording on the plaque reads as follows: To The Memorv of The NANTUCKET MEN who served in The Revolutionary War also Lt. Alexander B. Pinkham, U. S. N. who, in patriotic remembrance, restored the birthplace of John Paul Jones in Arbigland, Scotland, in 1831 This tabled erected by Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter N. S. D. A. R.
RECENT EVENTS
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The Historian of the Association, Edouard A. Stackpole, then gave a short address on the role played by the Nantucketers during the Revolution. He spoke of the Island's precarious posi tion with the most powerful naval force in the world, the Royal Navy, blockading the shores of New England, and the whaling fleet decimated by Continental capture as well. The idea of Revo lution was first brought about by a desire of Americans to pro tect their rights as Englishmen; the surge for independence which created a new nation came later, he stated. The names of some of the unsung Nantucket participants in the War were given, such as Captain Alexander Coffin, Capt. Tristram Barnard, Benjamin Bunker, and Aaron Snow, as well as a list of those from this Island who died aboard the infamous prison ships at New York and Halifax. A brief account of the life of Lieut. Alexander B. Pinkham was then given. Born in Nantucket in 1792, the son of Captain Andrew and Deborah (Bunker) Pinkham, he was taken to Ohio with the family when Captain Pinkham decided to remove from the Island at the outbreak of the War of 1812. At that time Pinkham was a veteran of two voyages whaling, and at the age of 20 joined the U. S. Navy on Lake Erie, under Commodore Oliver H. Perry. He rose rapidly through the ranks, and was a lieutenant at age 25. It was in 1831, while on a walking tour through the British Isles, that he visited the widow of Robert Burns in Dumfries, Scotland, and later sought out the birthplace of John Paul Jones, the "Father of the U. S. Navy." Upon finding the cottage birthplace in ruins, Pinkham of fered to pay for its restoration with his last sovereigns. The owner of the land was impressed, and following the restoration approved the plan to make the cottage available to the widow of some unfortunate fisherman. Today, a bronze plaque is fixed to one outer wall of the cottage, placed there by the U. S. Navy, honoring Lieut, Pinkham for his role in the restoration. Several years after his return to his naval duties, Lieut. Pinkham was presented an ivory medalion of Jones, which had been painted by a French Countess who had known Jones in France. This medalion was the gift to Pinkham by Miss Jeanette Taylor, the niece of Jones, and it reposes with other relics of John Paul Jones at the Museum of the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Following the ceremonies at the Peter Foulger the party enjoyed a luncheon at the Eben Allen Room of the Jared Coffin House, sponsored by the Abiah Folger Franklin Chapter.
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Letters of de Crevecoeur A rare first edition of a book describing Nantucket in 1772 has been acquired by the Association through purchase from a well-known dealer in such Americana. Published in 1782, "Letters From An American Farmer" was written by a Frenchman, signing himself as J. Hector St. John, "a Farmer in Pennsylvania," and printed in London by Thomas Davies in Russell Street, Covent Garden, and Lockyer Davis in Holburn. Of the twelve letters which comprise that many chapters in the book, five are descriptive essays on Nantucket, and there are two maps, one of Nantucket and the other of Martha's Vineyard, which although crude, nonetheless have a value of contemporary design. His literary skill serving as a catalyst, the writer has given word pictures of the Island which have long been recog nized as extraordinary, and they provide fascinating glimpses into one of the most important periods of Nantucket's history. The author of this unusual volume was a native of France named J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, born near Caen in 1735. At the age of 16 he was sent from a Jesuit College to England to complete his education. Of an adventurous nature, he sailed to Canada in 1757 to join the French army under Montcalm. After the British victory at Quebec, de Crevecoeur came to the Pennsyl vania country, then became a naturalized citizen of New York Province, buying a farm in Ulster County. He married a Miss Tiffet of Yonkers and lived on his farm with his growing family, and it is believed that he gathered much of his material for his forthcoming book at this time. His visit to Nantucket probably was in 1772 on board one of the sloops from the Hudson bringing supplies to this Island. He travelled to many of the Colonies, and may have visited the West Indies. He took his manuscript to England in 1779, but the Revo lutionary War delayed its publication. He visited his native France, but upon returning to his farm in New York was shocked to find his wife had died and his children in care of strangers. However, through the influence of General George Washington, he had received an appointment as French Consul in New York City, and he gathered his children and went to that city to make his new home. His book had a decided influence in bringing French immigration to America. Returning to France in 1790, he died there in 1813. Following the publication of his "Letters From An American Farmer" in 1782, another printing appeared in London the next year. However, in 1782 an edition was published in Dublin. The French edition of the "Letters" is in two volumes and appeared in 1787. It was not until 1793 that the firm of Mathew Cary in Philadelphia printed an American edition. With the acquisition of this first London edition, the Nantucket Historical Associa tion has both London printings and two copies of the American. These volumes are now on display at the Peter Foulger Museum, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Book Reviews The Architecture of Historic Nantucket, by Clay Lancaster, McGraw-Hill Co., New York, $17.95. In his introduction to this exhaustive, fully documented book the author has culled all available sources in his compilation, and the result is a book struc tured like an old Island dwelling — basement, corner posts, side girts, center chimney and roof-line. In his foreword, James Massey, Director of the Department of Historic Properties for the National Historic Trust, states: "Nantucket Island is rich in history and tradition, and these qualities add dimension to the architecture. . . . Hopefully this work will help to further public awareness of the unique treasure that is Nantucket, and protect this extraordinary place for future generations of Americans." Mr. Lancaster's carefully prepared study is in three parts. In the first he summarizes the history and then dwells on the development of the architectural styles. In part two, he presents the streets of the town, with notes on individual houses. This shows the great detail of the author's examinations and record ings. Part three includes appendices in which the dwellings are classified according to styles and periods, and a bibliography of books and articles on Nantucket architecture is given, as well as a listing of collections of old photographs, with a glossary of architectural terms added. The illustrations are a remarkable assortmenf of old and new photographs, with the reproductions of the old glass nega tives from the Nantucket Historical Association's collection serv ing as the most important. The value of the book is never more evident than in Mr. Lancaster's careful listing of combinations of house and picture. In the opinion of the book's author the Oldest House (Jethro Coffin House) originally had two front dormers on a roof more steeply pitched than the existing one. There are no Nantucket records which can substantiate this. But the late William Sum ner Appleton's belief is the basis for the theory, and Mr. Lan caster makes a strong case of it, citing the drawings by Alfred Shurrocks, the architect. This is a book which will be welcomed by not only those who enjoy Nantucket but those who are interested in America's archi tectural treasures. It constitutes an important contribution to the history of this Island Town and will become a valuable addi tion to that select store of literary material dealing with its unique heritage. On this special shelf it occupies a unique place of its own. Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders: Whales and Whalemen, by E. Norman Flayderman, is the title of a large, excellently printed book, edited by R. L. Wilson and published by N. Flayderman & Co., of New Milford, Connecticut. It is the best illustrated book on the subject, as yet to make an appearance, with examples from outstanding collections at Nantucket, New Bedford, Salem,
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Sharon and Princeton having been selected for photographs. Thus, the variety of material represents pieces from the Whaling Mu seum, Nantucket; New Bedford Whaling Museum; the Barbara Johnson Whaling Museum, Princeton; Peabody Museum, Salem; Marine Historical Association, Mystic; Mariners Museum, New port News; American Museum of Natural History, New York; Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii; Yale University, and other institutions. The result is a wide-ranging dredging of material. The book sells for $19.95. The effort to include in its pages such extensive material gives the book the value of a catalogue but somewhat weakens it as regards the more concise application of its theme — scrim shaw as an art form indigenous to the American whalemen. There is excellent coverage of items from collections, and volum inous quotations from various sources and authorities, all of which is noted in the reference notes in the appendix. The deriva tion of the word "scrimshaw" is examined, and it is stated, as the author'^ definition of this obscure word: "Scrimshaw is the art of carving or otherwise fashioning useful or decorative articles as practiced pri marily by whalemen, sailors, or others associated with nautical pursuits. The basic materials of the artifacts are from the whale. Other materials may be taken from various forms of sea life, shells, or diverse materials gathered in areas visited by ships, as well as woods, metals, etc., normally carried or used aboard ships. . . ." The amazing variety of scrimshaw material, and the diverse subjects etched or incised or carved in sperm whale teeth, bone and baleen, make this book an important contribution toward the over-all study, as the photographic reproductions are excel lently accomplished. Crimping or jagging wheels, work boxes, swifts, dressing table chests, canes, inlay boxes, clothes pins, fids, rolling pins, and many other pieces are shown in profusion. A commentary on whaling over the years serves as a narra tive for the continuity of the book's coverage. Various whaling authorities are liberally quoted, and excerpts from logbooks and journals, as well as writings on whaling, fit well into the chapters. Decorative scrimshaw, sewing accessories and toys are included in the study. This book is a definite contribution to this phase of whaling history.
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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 develop ment 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 Law. Legacies will be used for general or specific purposes as directed by 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, 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 the Secretary, Box 1016, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554. Office, Union Street.
A summer day at the 'Sconset Pump — 1892
