Administrator's Report

0

Admissions to our exhibitions this season have been exceptionally good. The exact figures have not been tabulated as yet fcr comparison but I am sure they will exceed last year by a sizable number and the sale of Nantucket books and handmade candles has drastically increased especially at the Whaling Museum.

The Christian House has been well received both by professionals and interested visitors. All praise it highly as one of the best exhibits of the period in existence. In spite of this, the number of visitors has been disappointing and it needs more publicity. 1 urge all members to mention it to friends and acquaintances.

"The Half Share Man," by Clarence King, was published by the Nantucket Historical Trust and given to us. It is obtainable at any of our museums or by mail from this office. This is a delightful story of Benjamin Franklin's grandfather, and grandmother, from early youth through the struggles as early settlers on Nantucket. The Kennedy Bill is noncontroversial when compared to the problems here which Peter Folger was involved in. Every member must read this fascinating story.

During the quarter we have had some very valuable gifts. An exceptional collection of whaling and marine books from Mr. and Mrs. J. Seward Johnson. A darting gun harpoon from William C. Riker, and a number of small but much appreciated gifts from others. Also the payment of several previously mentioned bequests.

Mr. Edouard A. Stackpole, the Association's Historian, has conducted a course in history for the Nantucket Institute this summer and lectured to a number of visiting groups. No record has been kept of the number of inquiries we have received pertaining to Nantucket history and genealogy but he has answered all of these. We received no income from these services, but they are part of the educational program the association is developing.

Mr. Charles Pearl has informed us that he will teach Nantucket history in the High School this year. We cannot claim direct credit for this but it is something the association has been urging for years.

We have had the Friends Meeting House and Fair Street Museum open afternoons for the past month. Admissions have not been great, but the interest justifies the effort.

AD KINISTRATOR'S REPORT 7

Do we have your winter address? We pay out a sizable sum for return postage on Historic Nantucket which could be avoided if people who change their addresses would only let us know.

We think we have located a source for corn and have ordered enough to try it at the mill this fall. We expect some additional repairs will be indicated when we start to grind, but Chairman Swain hopes to have everything ready for next year.

Repairs to the 1800 House had to be stopped for the summer but will be continued soon. The amount of money we have for this will not complete the needed work but will take care of the most pressing needs and put the house in sound condition.

The heather planted by the Garden Club' at the Oldest House looked beautiful all summer. The drive in front, however, presents a problem in that cars driving and parking on the grass have worn it down. Probably we should widen the cobble drive, but this will be quite expensive.

Nantucket books which can be purchased at the museums or by mail from this office are as follows:

The Half Share Man — King $ 4.95

The Coffin Family — Coffin 10.00

Three Bricks and Three Brothers — Gardner (paper) 3.50

Triumphant Captain John — Gardner 3.00

History of Nantucket Island — Coffin 10.00

A Bibliography of Source Material American Whaling in the Chatham Grounds — Richards 1.00

Hand dipped Spermaceti Candles per box of 2 candles with legend 1.50

A 3% tax should be added and if the order is to be mailed, please add enough postage. Any of these would make a good Christmas present as would a life membership to the Association for some family member.

Beroy H. True, Administrator