Historic Nantucket
The Friends Meeting House on Fair Street JULY 1973
ANNUAL MEETING ISSUE 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, Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Mrs. William L. Mather Secretary, Albert G. Brock Treasurer, John N. Welch Councillors, Henry B. Coleman, Chairman. Henry Mitchell Havemeyer, David Worth, terms expire 1973; Mr.s Richard Swain, Bernard Grossman, terms expire 1974; Robert Metiers, George A. Snell, terms expire 1975; Mrs. H. Crowe11 Freeman, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin, terms expire 1976. 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, Mrs. J. Clinton Andrews Receptionists, Mrs. Charles Barr, Miss Adeline Cravott Hadwen House-Satler Memorial: Chairman, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin Receptionists: Mrsi. Irving T. Soverino: Miss Rosamond Duffy, Miss Marjorie Burgess, Miss Maud Jackson, Miss Helen Hull. 1800 House: Chairman, Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Receptionist: Mrs. John Kittila, Sr. Old Gaol: Chairman, Albert G. Brock; Receptionist, Laurence Ayers. Whaling Museum: Chairman, Hugh R. Chace, Manager, David Allan, Re ceptionists, Clarence H. Swift, Mrs. Reginald Hussey, Mrs. Harold Killen, Jesse Dunham, Mrs. Herbert Sandsbury, Abram Niles, Dorothy Hiller, Mary Lathrop, Peter Foulger Museum: Chairman and Director, Edouard A. Stackpole Receptionists: Mrs. Elizabeth B. Worth, Mrs. Clara Block, Mrs. Bal four Yerxa. Christian House: Chairman, Mrs. John A. Baldwin Receptionists: Mrs. Noreen Shea, Mrs, Sarah Morris, Mrs. Joan Gallagher. Archaeology Dept.: Chairman, Paul C. Morris, Jr. Old Town Office: Chairman, Hugh R. Chace Old Mill: Chairman, Riohard F. Swain Receptionist: Hugh MacVicar. Folger-Franklin Seat & Memorial Boulder: Chairman, Francis Sylvia Friends Meeting House-Fair Street Museum: Chairman, Mrs. Harding U. Greene
HISTORIC NANTUCKET Published quarterly and devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage and its illustrious past as a whaling port. VOLUME 21
No. 1
CONTENTS Nantucket Historical Association Officers and Staff Editorial .. — A Nantucketer's Influence on the Navy in the War of 1812 by Richard C. Maloney A Whaling Master's Adventuresome Life Annual Meeting, 1972 Reports Administrator Financial Whaling Museum Hadwen House-Satler Memorial Curator Christian House Old Mill Oldest House Peter Foulger Museum "Whales and Destiny" The Nantucket Bank Robbery Legacies and Bequests
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2 5 6 11 18 — 20 22 24 27 28 28 30 30 31 34 35 36
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 1973, Nantucket Historical Association. Communications pertaining to the Publication should be addressed to the Editor, Historic Nantucket, Nantucket Hstorical Association, Nantucket, Massachusetts 02554.
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HOWARD 9f OAVIS tOSTON
NANTUCKET
SCHOQ
The Old High School Clock With the construction of the high school on Academy Hill, in 1856, this old clock was installed in the main room, and marked the passing hours each day until the building was razed in 1929, when it was presented to the Nantucket His torical Association. It now hangs in the Research Room at the Peter Foulger Museum.
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Editorial WITH THIS ISSUE Historic Nantucket marks its twentieth anniversary. It was in July, 1953, that the quarterly published by the Nantucket Historical Association made its first appear ance, with W. Ripley Nelson as its editor, and its avowed purpose clearly stated: "Devoted to the preservation of Nantucket's antiquity, its famed heritage, and its illustrious past as a whaling port." In his lead editorial for the launching issue, Editor Nelson wrote: "Our Nantucket Historical Association is the organ ization devoted and pledged for more than fifty years to the preservation of the island's famed heritage and illus trious past as a whaling port. Through these pages it will strive to keep alive the 'urge' in residents and visitors to preserve Nantucket town, its buildings, its streets and lanes, its customs and its spirit, so that gen erations to come will enjoy them and understand the great part Nantucket has played in the founding of our nation and our freedom." That first issue was the largest ever printed, containing articles, annual reports, and other features, so that it numbered 110 pages. Subsequent issues have averaged 32 pages. The list of articles over the span of two decades has included aspects of Nantucket life involving its economic, social and religious his tory, so that the publications of this quarterly have now become a part of the association's contributions to the preservation of Nantucket's story. Editor Nelson, upon completion of his tenure in this office, continued as chairman of the Finance Committee, a post for which he was admirably fitted; as well as serving as chairman of the Whaling Museum, during which he supervised the repairs to that historic structure as well as installation of the craft shops in the basement. With the passage of twenty years of service in these ca pacities Mr. Nelson has decided to retire from these duties. Justas Historic Nantucket continues its functions as originally es tablished, "Rip" Nelson may be assured that his long years as an important member of the Nantucket Historical Association will serve as an example of leadership and devotion to the tasks at hand — for which the gratitude of its members is herewith extended. This year also marks the twentieth consecutive year in which Mr. Nelson has served as a vice president of the association, in which capacity it is to be hoped he will continue to serve.
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A Nantucketer's Influence on the Navy in the War of 1812 BY RICHARD C. MALONEY
IN AN AGE when specifications and negotiations for defense equipment are enormously complicated and there is intense rivalry among contractors — and indeed, among various sections of the country — for the awarding of aircraft and shipbuilding con tracts, it is interesting to read and analyze a letter written in 1813 by Nantucketer Jacob Barker, now in the collection of Nan tucket's Peter Foulger Museum. The letter indicates, among other pertinent points, that though specifications for building a war ship were relatively simple and could be described comprehen sibly in a personal letter in 1813, the rivalries among shipbuilders and between sectional interests were perhaps as vigorous a hundred-and-sixty years ago as they are today. Jacob Barker was one of the several versatile, talented men who derived from Nantucket in the 18th and early 19th centuries. His life story is worthy of a complete biography; but to put it briefly here, he was descended from the same ancestral stock as Benjamin Franklin,' and numerous references have been made to the close resemblence between portraits of the two men.2 Though he was born at Kennebec, Maine, on December 17, 1779, during during his parents' "temporary" visit to that area, he "returned" to Nantucket with his widowed mother and others of the family when he was six years old and spent his boyhood years on the island. Accordingly, he considered himself to be a Nantucketer.3 In manhood, Jacob Barker became the second largest ship builder of the nation; 4 he was, for a time, the most successful financier of his day; 5 and to a great extent he personally financed the cost of the War of 1812.6 He conducted his extensive business operations at various times in New York, Philadelphia, and New Orleans — and he suffered his share of financial difficulties. How ever, in 1813, his base was in New York, and it was from that city that he wrote, on May 17, a letter to the Hon. William Long, Secretary of the Navy, urging that contracts to build a sloop of war and a frigate be awarded to the shipbuilder brothers, Adam and Noah Brown, of New York. The Brown brothers, with Henry Eckford, were the most efficient shipbuilders of that period.7 They had performed an extraordinary feat in building ships on the Great Lakes which enabled the American navy to control the lakes and prevent the British from invading the North and Northwest. So it was, in January 1813, with the British fleet blockading most of the American Atlantic ports, that the Congress author ized the building of three 44-gun frigates and six 18-gun sloops of war,8 and Jacob Barker sought to persuade the Department
NANTUCKETER'S INFLUENCE ON THE NAVY
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of the Navy to commission Adam and Noah Brown to build a portion of that fleet. Hence, his letter to the Honorable William Long, Secretary of the Navy: New York 5 M° 17th 1813 Esteemed friend I did not reach home until the 15th, when I had a full conversation with Adam & Noah Brown, who are willing to build a Sloop of war of the best white oak, locust & cedar of the description set forth in the con tract of which thee furnished me a copy, in the same length of time or shorter if wished for, than that allowed for building the one at Baltimore; but they require five dollars pR ton more than was allowed for building that one, in other words they will build one in their building yard at fifty five dollars pR ton; or they will build her in their yard at something less. It is true they derive an advantage by building under cover, but not equal to the interest on the cost of their buildings and building lots; labourers will not work in stormy weather cheaper than in dry weather; it enables the contractor to despatch work quicker than when done in open air; and the work done under cover is much more durable; therefore the parties for whom the work is done, derive nearly the whole benefit of building under cover, which enables the builder to get jobs that he could not otherwise get; therefore when his house is occupied (and it will not contain more than one large vessel) he is deprived of that preference; so that there is a manifest reason why a builder should have a higher price for building a vessel under cover than for building her in open air. Browns think the price is too low, particularly when the tonnage is ascertained by the PhilA measurement, and the timber required is so much larger than is common for a vessel of similar description and it also being required to double bolt the floor timbers. But they are so desirous to build a vessel for gov1", that it may be known with what des patch & ability they can fulfill a contract as before stated; and they will give in a live oak transom; and if thee will give the necessary instruction to Doctor Bullers, they will execute the necessary papers & furnish satisfactory security. Thy answer by return of mail is requested, as the building house will not be occupied until I receive thy answer. Browns are also very anxious to build a frigate, which they can put afloat by new year, if they commence immediately; they have a complete Keel on hand; they have also 4000 feet Live Oak, an abundance of cedar & Locus (sic) & can obtain any quantity of Jersey Oak; & they can obtain 500 tons Carolina Yellow Pine, that
Jacob Barker
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quantity being here for sale on board a Ship; therefore I think the very best materials may be had without the least delay for building a first rate frigate, which Browns will build at the price pR at Baltimore, say sixty three dollars pR ton, with an allowance for the value of such timber as may be ordered in lieu of Oak timber. It is understood that they furnish a Bowsprit but no masts or Spars in the contract; this price they also consider too low & I have had much difficulty in getting them to agree to it. The advantages to be anticipated from mak ing a contract with Browns is so manifest that it is not necessary for me to call thy attention to them, such as expedition, good materials, faithful workmen; and when the frigate is completed, she is in a place from which she can be sent to sea; and I very much doubt if one can be got to sea from Baltimore or PhilA during the war; when at Baltimore I understood the Keels of those to be built were not laid and that they could not be commenced until the British left the mouth of the Patapsco to enable the parties to get the timber round from a distant place, so that I apprehend thee will be disappointed at that place. With esteem I am Thy R- f(Sig.) Jacob Barker Hon: William Jones SecY of the Navy Washington City Within a month after Jacob Barker's letter to the Secretary of the Navy, contracts were let for some of the vessels that had been authorized by the Congress. The Brown brothers were engaged to build one sloop of war, the Peacock. Five other sloops were to be built at Washington, Baltimore, Boston, and Newburyport, while the building of three frigates was assigned to Wash ington, Baltimore, and Philadelphia.9 As Jacob Barker had predicted, none of the sloops or frigates built in the southern ports was able to evade the British block ade of the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and get to sea during the war. Sloop Peacock, built in New York by Adam and Noah Brown, proved to be the most successful of the three ships that did see active service. She was "a fast ship in heavy weather and was considered an ideal sloop of war." 10 On April 27, 1814, under the command of Lewis Warrington, she captured the Brit ish brig Epervier (18 guns) off Florida. The prize carried a cargo of £25,000 in gold bullion, which was shipped successfully through the blockade into Savannah. Later Peacock staged a daring raid into the Bay of Biscay.11 So it was that Jacob Barker, son of a prominent Nantucket
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
Quaker though he was, played his important part in getting to sea one of the most successful of United States Navy ships in the War of 1812. FOOTNOTES '• The Penn Monthly, Dec. 1972: "Jacob Barker and Benjamin Franklin were descended from the same ancestral stock; Jacob being third cousin in the paternal, and fourth cousin in in the maternal, line, to Benjamin Franklin." 2 Ltr. from Abraham Barker to Wm. F. Barnard, Pres. Nant. Hist. Assoc., Sept. 4, 1900; p. 2. "The resemblance between the portrait of Dr. Franklin and that of Jacob Barker is very great." 3 Ibid, p. 2: "Jacob's father . . . moved with his family from Nantucket at the commencement of the revolution in 1772, to Swan Island, Kennebec. . . . Jacob was born there on the 17th. December, 1779 (the hard winter), where his father died on the 26th of April, 1780. . . . (His mother) returned with her family to her native island in April 1785." 4 Ibid., p. 3: "Next to William Gray of Salem my father Jacob Barker was the largest shipowner in the United States. . . . In the appointment of commanders for his vessels he usually selected those from Nantucket." 5 Description of Sarah Folger Barker (Jacob Barker's mother) "Written at Cotuit. Dec. 25th. 1853. By Phebe Fish." — "(Jacob) has been called the greatest 'Financier in America'." Document in the Peter Foulger Museum collection. 6 The Penn Monthly, Dec. 1872, p. 645: "No man of that day (1814) worked so hard to preserve the credit and honor of the country. Had the promised conditions of the loan — (Barker had offered to provide $5 million of the Treasury's proposed $10 million loan) — been fulfilled, Jacob Barker would have been able to furnish the means for the entire conduct of the war (of 1812)." 7 Chapelle, Howard I., "The History of the American Sailing Navy," p. 307: "From a naval shipbuilding point of view, the outstanding men of the War of 1812 were Eckford and Browns, Adam and Noah." 8 Ibid. p. 256. 8 Ibid. ,0 - Ibid. p. 260. iS-
Roscoe & Freeman, "Picture History of the U. S. Navy": 111. No. 374, PEACOCK TAKES EPERYIER; Artist Thos. Birch; courtesy N. Y. Historical Society, and text.
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A Whaling Master's Adventuresome Life The Autobiography of Captain Alexander Macy
THE MASTER MARINERS of Nantucket, for the most part, left very little in written accounts of their lives, and this has always been a matter of considerable regret. Among those who were persuaded to record something of their experiences was Captain Alexander Macy, and his brief biography contains merely the summary of a life which could have become a book. Born on Nantucket August 11, 1792, he was the son of Job and Anna Way Macy. His maternal grandfather, Captain Seth Way, was lost at sea with his only son, Seth, Jr. When he was only 8 years old, Alexander Macy received instructions in farming from his grand father, Richard Macy, lessons to serve him in good stead in later years. In his own words, copied down by his daughter, Captain Macy described his seafaring life as follows: "In this period on Nantucket (1800) and many years after wards, there were no public schools, and what schools there were kept were taught by women and invalid men. Following my first introduction to farming, I was only able to attend school about four months. At the age of 10, I was sick for a long time and it terminated in a fever sore and at different times there were extracted from it the sore pieces of rib-bone. This confined one to the house for a long time and I was unable to labor. "When about 14 years old, I made an attempt to learn a boat builder's trade, but soon found work too hard for me, as my side now was weak. At 15, I was employed in coasting to New York. I was now getting quite strong and thought of going to sea, and after much entreaty, my parents consented. "I then shipped to the Ship Chili, bound on a whaling voyage to the Pacific Ocean, with James Bunker, master. We sailed on December, 1809, made our voyage in 23 months, arriving home in November 1811. I was offered the berth of boat-steerer in the same ship, but as she was to sail immediately, I declined and stopped at home through the winter and went to school. "In the Spring of 1812, I shipped boat-steerer to the ship Thomas bound to the Pacific Ocean on a whaling voyage. When ready for sea, in June 1812, war was declared between the United States and England, and our voyage was abandoned. We then took the ship to Providence and hauled her into the mud for safe keeping. I returned home and helped my father in farming. "The next year, in June 1813, I shipped mate of a small vessel belonging to Boston, took in our cargo at Hyannis, bound to Charleston, S. Carolina and sailed July 3d. She was taken a few days out by an English frigate, our cargo taken out and our vessel destroyed. The Captain, George Chadwick, and myself were soon after discharged and I soon arrived home, being fortunate to be
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put aboard a vessel bound to Nantucket which had been taken by the same frigate, the Armada, and liberated. "In March, 1814, I went to New York and joined the Letter of Marque, Sparta, trading to Savannah. The vessel was well armed and sailed very fast, but our captain chose rather to run than fight. The latter part of 1814, New York was threatened with invasion by a British fleet and was closely blockaded. It was not thought safe to try to get to sea and we took the Sparta up the river and laid her up at Poughkeepsie. "I was then employed in coasting up the river with Captain Gardner who commanded the Sparta. "About this time I made a visit to Nantucket, but soon re turned, hoping they would send the Sparta to sea, as I had the promise of being first officer; but New York was so closely block aded that the Captain did not like to make the attempt. Having no business, I concluded to make a land trip and went up to Hudson to visit relatives I had never seen. "They were Quakers, very much opposed to war, and they easily persuaded me to stop there, not approving of my going to sea in an armed vessel, as at that time it was my only chance for business. I found employment in Hudson and stopped there till the end of 1814. In February, 1815, peace took place between the United States and Great Britain and I was again let loose; went to New York and shipped 2d officer of the Ship Martha, bound to New Orleans. Before sailing, I got a letter from home with a very pressing request to come home and go on a whaling voyage with my former Captain. "And now, as I had but little experience in that business. I had only performed one voyage, and that when I was quite young, I thought best to go home and employ myself in the whaling business until I was qualified to command. I then could go again into the Merchant Service, if that was best. I returned home and shipped boat-steerer to the Tarquin. The ship Tarquin was bought in Boston, brought to Nantucket and fitted for a whaling voyage. "In July, 1815, she sailed for the coast of Brazil with James Bunker as Captain; Barzilla Luce, 1st mate; Frederick Swain 2d mate; Alexander Macy, James Swain and William Hussey, boat-steerers. Six days out, we took a large sperm whale, and in cutting it, the ship sprung a leak and it became necessary to return for repairs. After beating thirty days against adverse winds, anchored back of the bar, off Nantucket. The ship was lightened, taken over the bar and into the wharf. "After undergoing thorough repairs, we sailed again in August of the same year and arrived on Brazil Banks in Sep tember. Having obtained about 800 barrels of oil, found that the ship's rudder-post was so badly sprung that we were obliged to leave for the nearest port, which was Saint Catharine Island. When once more ready for sea, the season had expired on the Banks and we cleared, April 1816, for the west coast of Africa.
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
"Soon after leaving Saint Catharine's, we fell in with a Por tuguese Man-of-War in distress. We offered to take the crew from her but they declined and obliged us to keep company with them and assist them into the nearest port, which was Santos. They had on board General Selvaro with his staff and recruits for the army stationed at Saint Catharine's, bound to Montevideo which was then at war with Brazil. "After considerable difficulty in towing, the ship came to anchor off Santos. While approaching Santos, the General called on Capt. Bunker to see if he would send a boat with crew into Santos for a pilot for each ship. Capt. Bunker told him that was something he could not do, but if one of his officers would vol unteer, he would make no objection. They sent for me to come on board the frigate and I had an interview with the General; I told him I would undertake to do what he desired if I could find a crew of our own men who would be willing to accompany me. He accepted my proposal and promised to reward me hand somely, which, by the way, was never done. "At four in the afternoon we left the ship with a lieutenant from the frigate on board; but the wind being light we did not reach land till daylight the next morning, though we had made all possible speed with sails and oars. Next day had a pilot aboard of each ship. Before we could get the ship into port, had a very heavy gale and the Tarquin parted her cables. Our pilot saved our ship by running her into a river. The frigate was driven to sea again and fell in with a Portuguese Man-of-War, that car ried her into Rio Janeiro. "General Selvaro was taken out without landing and the frigate that took him on board carried him to Saint Catharine's Island to join his forces. At the time of assisting the frigate (I have lost her name) there was an agreement between the General and Capt. Bunker, that the Portuguese government should fill our ship with oil, as our voyage for whaling had been abandoned. We received orders from the government to proceed to Rio Janeiro and made our demands according to agreement with the General. But the Portuguese Government at that time was very corrupt. King John had been driven from Portugal and at that time held his Court at Rio Janeiro. After contending with them for six months, we found that our documents had never reached the King. No doubt the General was honorable in his intentions to do us justice, but not being in the city, we had no friend at court, for the officers of the ship were probably unwilling to acknowledge that they had received aid from a whaler. "Major Cottrell, an Irishman, had been detached from the frigate and left at Rio Janeiro to recruit, and was quartered on a ninety-gun ship lying in the harbor. Major C. had married a Portuguese lady, and she, while on board the ship with her hus band, overheard a conversation between the officers, wherein she
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learned that our documents had never reached the King. She informed her husband, and he, being a friend of Capt. Bunker, got him to make out new papers and said he would see that they were acknowledged. "After being made out, I started with a boat's crew, Major Cottrell, and Capt. Bunker up the bay to King John's palace, where he was in the habit of spending the night with his family. The gates were closed when we arrived and we were obliged to wait a long time. "By and by, a cloud of dust announced their approach, the gates were thrown open and the king's coach drawn by four mules, and all his retinue, passed in. They stopped just within the gates but in full sight of us who stood outside. Those only who had business with the king were allowed to enter. These formed a semicircle around the royal carriage. The king now descended and announced that he was ready to give them audience. The one who stood nearest to him knelt on the ground, kissed his hand and gave him his papers. These were handed to an official who placed them in the carriage. He stepped aside and the second went through the same ceremony. "I stood silently viewing the scene and thought, 'Capt. James Bunker will never kiss the King of Portugal's hand.' However, he complied with the required forms and put his docu ments into the king's hands. We then returned to our boat and the ship. Two days afterwards received a visit from two of the king's officers, who came to ascertain what quantity of oil would fill the ship. They made their report to the king and he sent a written order to Capt. Bunker that his ship should be filled. "At that time the Portuguese government had no oil stored at Rio Janeiro, so they sent a vessel to Saint Catharine's Island where they had a whale fishery, which soon returned and reported that they were ready to fill our ship with oil. We went to the vessel and took out 900 barrels of whale oil; but we now found that they had made miscalculations and we lacked 400 barrels to fill the ship. "We made another demand but received no reply. At last, wearied with contending with the government, Capt. Bunker had an interview with General Sumpter, U. S. Minister to Brazil, who told him he had had trouble enough, to clear the ship and head for home, and he would attend to the business. He made a formal protest which was sent to Washington and filed; our owners also sending another after the arrival of the ship on the last of June, 1817. No notice was taken of either till 35 years afterwards. , _ , "Our government then called on the Brazilian government which had assumed all former debts, to settle all accounts with our government. Commissioners were sent out to Rio Janeiro and our claims were acknowledged among others. They agreed to settle all claims that our citizens had against them by their
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paying to our government the sum of 800,000 millres. Our gov ernment acknowledged the payment and a commissioner was appointed to see what distribution should be made of the money, and after some time we were awarded the sum of $68,000. After all expenses were paid this was reduced to $52,000. It was de cided by the commissioner that the sum awarded to us would be divided amongst officers and crew according to lays on shipping paper. I was boat steerer and received a 48th lay. At the end of ,35 years, the only survivors of our ship's company were Frederick Swain, 2d mate, Charles Barnard, a boy, and myself. ^
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"The 3d of July, 1.817, a memorable day, I was married to Maria Pinkham. Soon after we were married, I shipped as 1st officer to the General Lincoln, Capt. Shubael Chase, master. We sailed in September, 1817 for the Brazil Banks on a whaling voyage and returned in August, 1818. The business being dull at that time, I could not get charge of a ship and concluded to go again as 1st officer with Capt. Chase in the General Lincoln. "The ship General Lincoln of Nantucket sailed from Edgartown the 22nd of September, 1818, on a whaling voyage to the Brazil Banks, Shubael Chase, master, Alexander Macy, first of ficer, William Hussey, 2d mate. In a few days nothing hap pened and we made good progress on our voyage. At that time, the wind shifted to the southeast and blew a very heavy gale. The ship behaved well under storm sails, and we had full con fidence in our ship as she had made one voyage previous to the Banks with the same captain and officers. The gale continued for twelve hours, then died away almost instantly and became a perfect calm, but at the same time there was a rough sea. After being calm for about fifteen minutes the wind struck us in a Iremendous hurricane from the northwest. The ship was thrown on her beam ends and in a very short time we lost all three masts. The ship was then a mere wreck with only one whole spar and that was the bowsprit. "The hurricane lasted about six hours. In the mean time the ship righted some and the pumps were manned. Four of the men with myself commenced clearing the wreck, the 2d mate being employed keeping the pumps going and attending to other duties. While engaged in clearing the wreck a tremendous sea broke over the forward part of the ship and washed overboard the four men on duty with me, and myself. After great exertion I, with one of the men, reached the ship's side. "Those on board were so paralyzed with fear and fatigue that they did not see me and my shouts could not be heard above the roar of the storm. The ropes had all been cut in clearing away the wreck and I tried one after another, only to pull it into the sea. At last one held, caught in the rigging, and to this I clung for life. At length when I had been in the water more than half
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an hour, they discovered my situation and threw me a rope that I could fasten myself to and be drawn on board. "When I reached the deck I was quite helpless from fatigue, but by the aid of the captain and steward was taken below and soon revived. Then I knew that my presence on deck was needed for the pumps had stopped. I went on deck, rallied the men and got them to the pumps, working myself, they losing all presence of mind and not realizing their situation. I now told the captain it was necessary to examine the ship forward to see what damage had been done. "I made a rope fast around my body, which the captain held while standing in the cabin gangway. I went forward and found the forecastle gangway washed away and the water rushing down with every sea. I made my way aft and procured some sail canvas, a hammer and scupper nails, with which I battened down the holes in the deck. "After blowing with great fury for about six hours, it com menced moderating (the hurricane had commenced about ten in the morning) and the ship lay quite comfortable through the night, and by the help of both pumps were able to keep her clear. In the morning discovered that the remains of the wreck were endangering the ship by the sea washing them against her side. I told the captain I would go forward and with a whale-spade endeavor to cut the lee-lanyards. In this way I succeeded in clearbig the wrecked spars from the weather side, a difficult undertak ing, as I was many times under water. "The storm having abated we commenced to rig a jury-mast, a long and tedious job, accomplished at last so as to set a few small sails, and began working the ship back, hoping to get her into port. Having fine weather, succeeded in about thirty days in getting her to about 150 miles east of Cape Hatteras. "While working westward we were spoken by the ship Albion, of New York, which offered assistance, but we declined, hoping' to get her into port. A heavy gale had now commecned from the north, the ship was laboring very hard and leaking badly and the captain thought it best to put her before the wind, hoping to make better weather. It was contrary to my advice, but accord ing to his instructions we got the ship before the wind and she ran comfortably for about twelve hours. "Near sunset we sighted a vessel to the windward, set colors in distress and she came down to us. It proved to be the bi ig Telegraph, from Savannah for New York. The captain of the brig agreed to lie by us through the night. (Continued in the next issue)
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Annual Meeting, 1972 THE 78th ANNUAL MEETING of the Nantucket Historical Association held at the Friends Meeting House, Fair Street, on Tuesday, July 18, 1972, was called to order at 2:30 p.m. by the President, Henry B. Coleman, with approximately 53 persons in attendance. Inasmuch as all committee reports are printed in the July issue of Historic Nantucket the President waived reading them and there were no questions concerning the reports. The report of the 1971 meeting was presented by Executive Secretary Elizabeth Tyrer which was accepted. In his opening remarks Mr. Coleman stated that there are strong cooperative efforts made among similar organizations as ours; commenting on the new department of Archaeology under the chairmanship of Paul C. Morris, Jr., to research and pry into the lives of the Nantucket Indians. Mr. Coleman mentioned the newest exhibit added to the Association's list, that of the Christian House, corner of Liberty Street and Walnut Lane. This is furnished with interesting and personal effects of the owner, Ruth Christian, and under the chairmanship of a close personal friend of Mrs. Christian, Mrs. Laura Baldwin. He spoke briefly of the beautiful new crewel bedspread made by Nantucket women under the direction of Mrs. Richard Swain who presented it to the Hadwen House-Satler Memorial in mem ory of her mother. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Chace have set up and opened an old-time office in the room formerly occupied by the Tax Collector in the Old Town Building, southeast corner. Mr. Coleman also spoke of the loss of Irving T. Bartlett as a valued member of the Association. In his closing remarks, Mr. Coleman spoke of the Associa tion's Administrator, Mr. Leroy H. True, calling him "the back bone of the Association." Report of the nominating committee was read by Mrs. Tyrei and Past-President Jones assumed the chair for the election oi officers. The Nominating Committee hereby submit nominations for officers to serve until the annual meeting in July, 1973; 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: Miss Grace Brown Gardner, Mrs. William Mather. Secretary; Albert G. Brock, Treasurer; John N. Welch. Coun cillors: Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Mrs. Charles Clark Coffin, terms to expire in 1976.
1972 ANNUAL MEETING
19
The secretary cast one ballot for the election of the officers. President Coleman then called upon Administrator Leroy H True to speak about the Capital Funds Campaign, a report of which will be in the next issue of Historic Nantucket. The meeting then adjourned at 2:30 and guest speaker His torian Edouard A. Stackpole was then introduced, calling his talk about "Nantucket Glimpses." He spoke about the real background of Nantucket the Macys and settlers, the Quakers, who built and lived in the old town and the whalers who carried Nantucket and her men to many ports in the world. Mr. Stackpole quoted from the writings of many famous Nantucket people, among them Peter Foulger, William Rotch, Benjamin Franklin, Herman Mel ville's description of Nantucket in Moby Dick, of Moses Joy, the founder of the Nantucket water system and of Billy Clark, the Town Crier in 1870. All of his stories about these people in Nan tucket's past carried the tradition of many successes and failures of her people. Respectfully submitted. Elizabeth Tyrer Executive Secretary
20
Administrator's Annual Report My quarterly reports in Historic Nantucket have covered most activities of the association and chairman reports will again mention these in greater detail so I will be brief. I urge interested members to ask for more information whenever desired. Two generous gifts, one from the McFeely-Rogers Founda tion, and the other from Dr. Selina Johnson, and the cooperation of Mr. Arthur Dean and the Conservation Foundation, have made it possible to launch our archaeology program. Mr. Daniel G. Crozier will explain more about this at the annual meeting. We also are greatly indebted to Mr. Beinecke for space to set up the lab which will be a necessary part of the operation. Our financial situation has remained good thanks to many contributions, a large membership, income from the recently established Capital Fund, and admissions to our museums. Be cause of this we have been able to make major repairs on several buildings. Only those of you who own old houses can imagine how great the cost is for what often seems a simple repair job, and what seems simple at the start becomes major before completion. Some things like the work at the mill, shingling at the 1800 House, painting at the Christian House, etc., can be seen and the cost appraised but putty and paint on the several hundred win dows we have, or the upkeep of an acre, more or less, of floors can go unnoticed by the average person. We also have expensed out the estimated cost of three major jobs, painting the east side of the Hadwen House, restoring a sizable number of our portraits, and a new roof at Fair Street. For the first time, all of our buildings will be open seven days a week. Revenue does not justify this but we know many visitors have been disappointed at not being able to get into some of the buildings on Sundays. We have had a number of changes in our personnel, already reported, so I will only comment by saying that although we are extremely pleased with the work of the replacements we miss and feel the loss of the several devoted people who, over the years, have given so much of their time and talent. The number of volunteers now working for us has increased and is greatly appreciated. We have a job for anyone willing to help. Whatever your interest or ability, we need you; addressing envelopes, counting booklets, doing a painstaking repair job, either carpentering or painting, relieving hostesses at noon, lettering display signs, and many others. Mr. Stackpole, our historian, presented four well-patron ized programs for members during the winter and has lectured to a large number of adult and school groups at the Peter Foulger Museum. He is constantly called upon for help by the ever-increas ing number of people doing research, or writing in from all
ADMINISTRATOR'S ANNUAL REPORT
21
over the world. Having him as a full-time historian has been our most forward step in recent years. Our invested funds are now in the hands of the Pacific National Bank and their consultants, Standish, Ayer, and Wood. All transactions are subject to final approval of our ExecutiveFinance Committee. A professional opinion on the condition of our portraits, pictures, and etchings has been received and unfortunately, al though not a surprise, it is not good. We have already expensed a sizable sum to remedy this and will need more, but the money must be found before the damage increases. The property "Greater Light," left us in the will of Miss Hanna Monaghan is still in litigation but we expect this to be straightened out soon. The amount of unpaid pledges to the Capital Fund Drive is sizable and of considerable concern but we are still hopeful that most of these will eventually be paid. We have not abandoned the desire for a full size replica of a whaleship. A group in Boston are having one built of the Beaver, one of our ships in the Boston Tea Party, and we thought this might eventually be moored in Nantucket but investigation indicates that it would not be suitable for exhibit here. We also have been unsuccessful in securing a sponsor to have the large Macy house flag restored. For years this has hung in the center of Sanderson Hall and was a great attraction but its deplorable condition makes it mandatory to have it re paired, at a sizable cost, or removed from exhibition. We must soon start planning the Bicentennial Celebration if Nantucket is to have one of significance, and we should. Volun teers would be appreciated at this time, and ideas on what to do would be welcomed. Mr. Chace has started a program of improving the identifi cation of various artifacts in the Whaling Museum by more attractive, more easily read and more effective descriptive cards. This needs to be done in most of our other museums also but we are talking of hundreds of cards at a prohibitive cost. People with talent and imagination or even patience and a desire to help could make a great contribution to this effort. I think you will agree that the grounds around many of our ouildings have been greatly improved. The heather and lilac bushes planted at the Oldest House by the Nantucket Garden Club are doing well and Mrs. Satler's garden is beautiful. I wish more people would observe these and that we could get some color around the other buildings. Please encourage your friends to visit the museums. Leroy H. True
22
The Financial Report June 1, 1973 (All figures subject to final adjustment by auditors Rodrigues, Guckin, and Tobojka, now in process.) Assets Cash — checking $ 6,408.10 Investment and Savings Accounts 331,467.18 Foulger Fund Investments 275,573.31 Pledges receivable 98,226.07 Fixed Assets 1,107,869.53 Other Assets 2,733.02 Liabilities Accounts Payable Reserves Unrestricted & General Funds Restricted Funds — Principal Restricted Funds — Principal & Interest Plant Fund Foulger Fund income, Year Ending May 31, 1973 Membership & Season Tickets Dividends & Interest — General Foulger Donations Sales Admissions Expenses, Year Ending May 31, 1973 Wages Utilities Supplies and Maintenance Major Building Repairs Taxes Advertising and Printing Purchased for Resale Insurance Professional Fees Miscellaneous Historic Nantucket
1,822,277.21 408.98 12 022.15 364M69.46 32,373.46 10,454.29 1,127,335.04 275,213.83 1,822,277.21 14,110.00 15,303.00 14,941.00 8,495.00 22,192.00 49,312.00 124,353.00 46,492.00 7,323.00 13,05,8.00 29,554.00 1,348.00 2,284.00 13,141.00 5,464.00 1,445.00 1,058.00 2,987.00 124,154.00
TREASURER'S REPORT
23
Special Funds, 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 Clara Baker Laura K. G. Hecker
$ 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 2,500.00 1,000.00
Principal Restricted as Noted by Donor Life Membership Emma F. Hayward William Swift Jos. Mitchell & Elizabeth B. Mitchell Mary Chase Miliken
15,852.00 2,000.00 5,000.00 20,100.00 5,274.00
Principal and Interest Restricted as Noted M/M Richard Swain (Satler Memorial) Old Mill Preservation W. E. Gardner (rebinding) Jethro Coffin House (restoration) Susan E. Brock (Friends Meeting) Henry Carlisle (Whaling Museum) M/M Richard Swain (Old Mill) M/M Richard Swain (Paintings) Mrs. Winthrop Coffin (Oldest House) James Reid Parker (grounds at Oldest House)
1,000.00 1,164.62 766.59 799.06 1,000.00 2,000.00 500.00 1,968.95 10,000.00 1,000.00
24
Whaling Museum Report When I took over from Ripley. Nelson as chairman last Octo ber I broke out in a cold sweat, induced, I am sure, by an almost total ignorance of both whaling and museums. I am still perspir ing freely, but at much closer to normal body temperature now that I realize what should have been obvious from the start: the great reservoir of experience, talent, and good old-fashioned elbow grease that were at my disposal merely for the asking. First and foremost, "Rip" has responded with unfailing generosity to all requests for information and guidance drawn from his 20 years of dedicated and highly productive leadership. He couldn't have made me feel more comfortable about -calling on him. Charlie Sayle, "Bud" Egan and Marriott King, all long-time members of the Advisory Committee of the museum, each went over plans with me on the ground and gave me their encourage ment and helpful suggestions. If I were a more sensitive man I would be downright embarrassed about the heavy demands I made on Charlie's time. He spent many hours working with me at the museum and also gave me some much needed basic educa tion in Nantucket whaling lore. At least a little of what he told me did sink in, if I do say so myself. I now know the difference between a whaleship and a whaleboat! As new members of the Advisory Committee, Paul Madden and Barbara Johnson are bringing us a high degree of compe tence and personal interest and they have already made valuable contributions to our planning and its implementation. Paul is not not only a knowledgeable antiquarian but he will roll up his sleeves and hang a picture correctly without the use of a slide rule or strong language. Barbara has been a collector of all things whaling for many years and is in great demand as a lecturer on the subject. I am sure that the museum will benefit a great deal from their active participation. Finally, Ed Stackpole, George Jones and Roy True have all done their best to keep me out of serious trouble. I have made it a point to touch base with one or more of them before making any decision I felt to be important but, in retrospect, not even I myself like everything I have done and it stands to reason that, even if they haven't said so, none of them does either. All of which sounds as though I had turned the museum upside down and had to be physically restrained from tearing it apart. To this I plead "not guilty." I have an ex-banker's respect for a healthy income account and an instinctive reluctance to fool around too much with a winning combination. Besides,.
WHALING MUSEUM REPORT
25
the unpretentious, ante-bellum simplicity of the museum is a rare quality these days and I certainly intend to keep it that way. However, the Advisory Committee did seem to be in general agreement with my feeling that space limitations coupled with the many additions made to our collection over the years had caused overcrowding in some areas. This made it difficult to dis play some of our material to best advantage, or so it seemed to me, and I have tried to do something about this. The new Peter Foulger Museum has provided a perfect setting for quite a few items unrelated to whaling. We have also thinned out and consolidated certain exhibits and relocated others when this seemed desirable for a better overall effect. It should be feasible to rotate exhibits from time to time so that nothing worthwhile is left to gather dust in the archives. No doubt mistakes have been made but none of them is irreversible and the new arrangements will be re-examined after we have had a chance to live with them over the next few months. So drop in, look the place over carefully and then let us have your views. During the past year there were several changes in staff at the museum; Walter and Elizabeth Lindquist both retired at the close of the regular season last October, and David Allan re placed Walter as manager in December. Before retiring to the island, David had been both a teacher and an administrator in public and private educational institutions. Elizabeth Yerxa has transferred to the Peter Foulger Museum and Joan Gallagher to the Ruth Christian House; Hazel Sandsbury and Abram Niles are new permanent members of the staff which has been further strengthened for the summer season by the addition of Dorothy Hiller and Mary Lathrop. Clarence Swift, Louise Hussey, and Bea Killen continue with us from past years in their usual key positions where they have given invaluable training to the newer hands. Jesse Dunham provides essential relief during lunch hours and Elizabeth Baird has been a faithful volunteer every Monday morning in the scrim shaw room. Since Mr. Nelson's report last October the Whaling and Marine Manuscripts Archives, Inc., has donated to our museum an authentic Eskimo kayak, which is a most interesting ^^d unique companion piece to the narwhal skull exhibit in the whale room. The craft was built by a famous hunter of Scoresby Sounu, East Greenland, who used it personally in taking seals and nar whals. These kayaks are fast disappearing from Arctic waters and we were fortunate to obtain this specimen as a permanent addition to our exhibits. Other recent accessions include two important pieces of scrimshaw given by Fred P. Loomis of La Jolla, California.
26
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
This year, for the first time, the Council decided to open the museum every Saturday from 2-5 p.m. during the midwinter months. It was recognized that attendance would not be large during this period. However, there are an increasing number of visitors to the island throughout the year and it was felt that this additional service to the public would be appreciated. This proved to be the case. From January 13 through March 17 we had 180 visitors and we believe that the number will grow as our new policy becomes more generally known. We continue to accommodate an increasing number of special groups from the mainland and, of course, the usual visits from our local school and scout organizations. It is our traditional policy to admit such groups without charge when they make,, the necessary prior arrangements through the office of the association. For the past fiscal year ended May 26, 1973, free admissions totalled 5211 compared with 4329 in the preceding period. Both figures include all children under 5 years of age, all members, and the multiple visits of those holding season tickets, as well as the special groups mentioned above. Paid admissions of 34,413 for the year ended May 26 in cluded 28,850 adults and 5,563 children from 5 to 12 years of age compared with 30,026 and 6,081 respectively in the preceding year. The decline is partly accounted for, at least, by the larger number of season tickets sold by the central office and other ex hibits of the association which are not recorded as paid admissions by the Whaling Museum. Our sales of books, candles, post cards and whaling novelties amounted to $17,226, an increase of $3,528 for the year. During the current year we plan to give special attention to the conservation of some of our paintings, prints and docu ments, and a fund has been provided by the Council to pay for this essential activity. Hugh R. Chace, Chairman
Hadwen House-Satler Memorial Report MRS. C. CLARK COFFIN, CHAIRMAN
HADWEN HOUSE-SATLER MEMORIAL which was given to the Nantucket Historical Association in 1964 by Mrs. Jean Satler Knopf in memory of her mother, Mrs. Charles E. Satler, contin ues to be one of the most popular of the association's exhibits with a very good record of admissions for the season of 1972. It would be difficult to find a more devoted and enthusiastic group of hostesses, consisting of Mrs. Irving Soverino, Chairman, Miss Marjorie A. Burgess, Miss Rosamond Duffy, Miss Maude Jackson and Mrs. Oswell J. Small. They not only point out beau tiful and interesting furnishings in the house but include com ments on its history and that of the first owner, William Hadwen and Eunice his wife, whose portraits are valued exhibits in the dining room and middle parlor. Opening for the weekends at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Memorial Day proved to be well worthwhile and special openings were made for various groups, particularly of young people visit ing the island when the exhibit was not officially open. Gratefully received and placed on a wall in the upper front hall is the gift of an exceptionally beautiful panel embroidered by the late Miss Evelyn Huyser, a member of the Nantucket Needlewomen, and given in her memory by her mother. This ecclesiastical work is an interesting addition to the crewel bed spread and hangings in the adjoining bedroom and the lovely bell pull in the southwest bedroom. We were fortunate to have Mr. Alcon Chadwick take charge of the care of the grounds and gardens which enhance the charm of this lovely mansion and in the late spring the results were breathtaking. Many other friends at various times have used their particular skills in making repairs and improvements, and appreciation is also due for the continued help and advice of the same House Committee which was responsible for the setting-up of Hadwen House in 1964 — Mrs. Robert D. Congdon, Mrs. Albert F. Egan, Jr., and Mrs. Phoebe Swain. Upkeep of property of this type and size requires constant and costly repairs which this year have included rehanging all of the heavy portraits, mirrors and pictures, replastering and paint ing where necessary, upholstering and refurbishing. A new rug is badly needed for the breakfast room and it is hoped that we may be able to acquire one before too long a time.
28
Curator's Report AS EVERY HOMEOWNER knows there comes a time when the attic has to be cleaned and this year was the time for reorganiza tion of the archives in the Whaling Museum. Mrs. Boynton and Mrs. Amey have been busy all winter sorting out the pictures and cataloging the photographs in both the archives and the Peter Foulger Museum. Mr. Stackpole has found papers and records which have been removed to the vault in the Peter Foulger Museum. The logs and account books have also been transferred to the vault for better protection along with many rare books. The association has received gifts during the year which are greatly appreciated. One of the lovely ones was a tea set and cake plates of pink luster. Miss Grace Brown Gardner has donated her scrapbooks which are filed in the Peter Foulger Library and many Nantucket books besides several other items. The list is too long to enumerate all our new accessions, but I would suggest you visit the various exhibits and see them. The continued interest of people as shown by their contribu tions, gifts and comments is of great value and the Nantucket Historical Association thanks them all. It has been a busy year and I am greatly indebted to the chairmen of the exhibits and many others who have helped to make the year run so smoothly. Dorothy Gardner, Curator
Christian House Report The Christian House was opened on June 9 with Mrs. Shea and Mrs. Morris as hostesses. Mrs. Gallagher joined as hostess later, due to being in the hospital. Everything has gone very well. As of June 29 there have been 394 visitors. Receipts have been $16,8.30. Sales of post cards $33.85. Laura Baldwin, Chairman
30
Old Mill Report The Old Mill survived the winter with few "scratches," and the ancient structure is in good condition. It was found neces sary to reline the lower brake band, and this was accomplished with the able assistance of Mr. Isaac Harter and Mr. Carl An derson. The hub of the wheel at the end of the turning staff was found to have several splits, due to the checking at the hub rim. The big wheel was removed to the Marine Lumber Com pany's Mill Shop, where Mr. Yates and Mr. Norcross repaired it, and it is now back in position. For the convenience of the custodian, a lavatory was installed under the stairs on the first floor of the mill. This season the Old Mill is under the guidance of Mr. Hugh MacVicar. He will be operating the mill when the wind is in the right direction. By activating the mechanism and grinding corn, we feel that the mill will prove to be one of the most fascinating exhibits which the Association owns. Richard Swain, Chairman
Oldest House Report The Oldest House enjoyed a very good season in 1972 with a total of 12,182 visitors from all 50 states and 24 foreign coun tries. The house opened officially on June 10, closed October 9, thereby extending the season by a few weeks. Several organized groups such as Girl Scouts and the first grade of the Nantucket schools visited this exhibit. Of special interest was the column in The Inquirer and Mirror which noted that 50 years ago, in 1922, Winthrop Coffin, owner of the Oldest House at that time, had come to the island and was arranging for numerous repairs to be made. It was shortly after this (1923) that Mr. Coffin sold the house and land to the Nantucket Historical Association. The Nantucket Garden Club continues to take an interest in the heather which they planted along the east and west sides of the house by replanting where needed. Hostesses were Mrs. Kitty Barr, Miss Adeline Cravott and Mrs. John Kittila. Respectfully submitted, Edith Andrews, Chairman
31
Peter Foulger Museum Report THE QUESTION has often been asked in the field of museums and historical societies: "What constitutes the value of a mu seum?" There have been many answers, but one basic factor is contained in all — interpretation. As regards the Peter Foulger Museum, we may say that its value is chiefly in how well it interprets the history of Nantucket to the visitor. Upon entering the museum the visitor is never required to fill out a form and answer certain questions as to his or her knowledge of Nantucket history. Such a procedure would be distasteful and ridiculous. It is rather the task of the museum to answer such questions — to see that its exhibits interpret to the visitor some of the features of our island's history so that a better understanding of the unique story of Nantucket may re sult from the visit. While the display sections remain basically the same there are individual changes in the exhibits so that some of our storage material may be shown from time to time. Two new display cases have recently been built so that a better variety may be displayed. Through the acquisition of mannequins, gifts of the Metropolitan Museum, attractive dresses of the older day may be displayed and one — the wedding gown of Miss Sanford — is already on exhibit in the second floor north room. The second full season for the Peter Foulger Museum, cov ering the period from May 27, 1972, through May 19, 1973, has revealed that a total attendance of 7,441 has been recorded. Of this total, 3,980 were adults, paid admissions, and 3,175 were members, season ticket holders, or students in groups, and 304 children under the age for rated admission charge. Paid admis sions totalled $4,132. Added receipts were $1,345.82 in sales of books, pamphlets, post cards, etc.; $806 in season ticket sales; $250 from annual membershipsa $100 life member; and a contribution of $75 from a visiting group. This brings the grand total to $6,708.82. The museum is open during June, July, August and Sep tember. During the winter months the director is in attendance every day, and several visiting groups, as well as individuals, visit the building. A series of winter lectures was conducted this year, with your historian presenting talks, illustrated with coloi slides. In January over one hundred members and friends enjoyed a talk'on "Rambling Through the Streets and Lanes of Nantucket." In March, a talk on "Whaling and Nantucket" brought out an attendance of 139, and in April, a presentation of "In Old Nan tucket" featuring the old stereoptican lantern slides, attracted over 150 members and guests. Other lectures are planned for the coming winter. . . The successful operation of the museum is m large measure dependent on the work of the receptionists. We are fortunate in
32
HISTORIC NANTUCKET
having the services of Mrs. Elizabeth Worth and Mrs. Clara Block. At the entrance desk, Mrs. Worth was again on duty, with Mrs. Block the custodian of the second floor. Mrs. Worth's record of service includes her terms as treasurer of the Association, her years as receptionist at the Fair Street Rooms. It is understand able that, with the advent of the 1973 season, she has decided to cut down on the number of days "on" at the museum. Mrs. Block also served at Fair Street for a long period, and continues to preside over the second floor at the Foulger. The knowledge which these two ladies possess regarding the exhibits and material is consistently valuable and is important to the functioning of the museum. We are well aware of their contributions and trust they will continue to be available for years to come. We have regrettably lost the services of Mr. Everett Finlay, who has accepted an appointment to a year-round job. During his year with the museum he became a most helpful assistant and we wish him success in his new work. Fortunately, we have secured the services of Mrs. Balfour Yerxa as our receptionist. For several years she was a member of the staff of the Whaling Museum, and her experience will stand us in good stead as she assumes her new duties at the Peter Foulger Museum. During the year a number of important developments have added to the continuing growth of this museum. The original log books of Nantucket whaleships — some 272 in number — have been transferred from the library of the Whaling Museum to the vault at the Peter Foulger. Also, the collection of account books and ledgers, both from the Whaling Museum library and from the archives in the building, have been brought over for placement in the vault. A collection of rare books from the Whaling Museum and Fair Street are also stored in the shelves of the Peter Foulger Museum's commodious vault. As an added protection for the material in the vault, as well as providing a more convenient accessibility for scholars and stu dents, a number of microfilm copies have been made of our manu script collections by the Genealogical Society of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons. These microfilm reels include our genealogical records, diaries, census reports, journals and reminiscences in manuscript form. During the clearing of the archives in the attic of the Whaling Museum an exciting discovery was made. In an old trunk under the eaves was found a collection of papers from the well known Nantucket whaling firm of Charles and Henry Coffin, which included complete accounts of the outfitting of such famous whaleships as the Zenas Coffin, Edward Cary, Omega and Charles & Henry. Several documents of historic significance have been located in this large and important collection.
PETER FOULGER MUSEUM REPORT
33
In the forefront of future planning is the start which has been made in the task of properly indexing our manuscript col lections. Engaged to launch this important project are Miss Eleanor Phinney, a professional librarian, and Mr. Richard Maloney, familiar with this type of work, has been assisting This is a long-range program but it includes the classification as well as indexing of these priceless manuscripts, which are the very heart of our historical possessions, and deserves our sup port. Our administrator, Mr. True, was able to obtain a small grant from the State with which to launch the work. We are hoping for other financial sources for help in continuing this project. A number of valuable acquisitions have been added to the museum's collections during the year. Miss Grace Brown Gardner, with her usual thoughtfulness, has made it possible for the asso ciation to obtain the portrait of her grandfather, Captain William B. Gardner, master of whaling and merchant vessels; the James Walter Folger painting of Captain Owen Spooner; the Chinese lacquered sewing box and spool holder owned by her grand mother, Mrs. Charlotte Coffin Gardner, who accompanied Captain Gardner on his voyages; several chairs of antique value; a collec tion of 156 books, including a number of volumes about Nantucket history, and some genealogical material, not the least of which is a partial diary kept by her father, Arthur Gardner, editor, author and historian, and town official. During the year a handsome refectory table was added to our Research Room, the gift of the late Miss Jane Egan, made in memory of Miss Ethel Anderson, who served as our treasurer for a number of years. Recently, six comfortable, round-back chairs were presented by Albert Egan, Jr., one of our vice presi dents, for use with this handsome table. A most unusual gift was made by the Whaling and Marine Manuscript Society in the sword and scabbard presented to Major Moses J. Barnard, a Nantucket man, at a ceremony at the Nantucket Atheneum on October 18, 1848. Charles Bunker made the presentation and his speech at the time was included with the gift, together with a two-volume biography of General Winfield Scott. Major Barnard was cited by General Scott for his bravery during the attack and capture of the fortress of Chapultepec in the War with Mexico. It was Major Barnard who led the final attack and who placed the U. S. flag on the parapet of the fort. Through the thoughtfulness of Henry Lee Willett we have received an unusual watercolor, The Fleet Ready for Sea, by the Nantucket artist George Marshall, painted in 1855. It comes to us from the estate of the late Muriel Crosby Willett. Gifts of a collection of photographs of Nantucket personal ities and groups have come from that excellent photographer and
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HISTORIC NANTUCKET
resident Louis Davidson. Several of these are being- framed for permanent display at the museum. Kenneth Eldredge of 'Sconset has donated a soapstone mold for bluefish drails, together with one of the drails used on the shores of the island over the years when this type of fishing from the beach was popular. Two excellent paintings by Julian Yates — The Village Blacksmith and The Auction have been received as gifts from George Vigouroux, Jr. These were painted during 1951 and are welcome additions. The first named is of Aquila Cormie, the last Nantucket blacksmith, in his shop on Straight Wharf. Among activities of your historian the past year has been the answering of many letters with inquiries concerning Nan tucket; talks at the high school; an illustrated lecture on "Nan tucket Homes and Their Stories," presented at the National Sea Shore Auditorium on Cape Cod; and an article in the Cage Cod Compass on "Nantucket's Night of Horror — The Great Fire of 1846." It is a pleasure to acknowledge with gratitude the support of President Coleman and the Council in our endeavors, and an especial "thank you" to Leroy H. True, our administrator, for his encouragement and consistent help in the operation of the Peter Foulger Museum. Edouard A. Stackpole, Director
"Whales and Destiny" The "Down East Enterprise" of Camden, Maine, in its June issue had the following comment concerning the recently pub lished book written by the Association's historian: Whales & Destiny: Rivalry Between America, France, and Britain For Control of the Southern Whale Fishery, 1785-1825, by Edouard A. Stackpole, director of the Peter Foulger Museum of Nantucket and former curator at Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, A neglected chapter in international maritime history is explored by a distinguished Nantucket historian. It was from Nantucket Island that Quaker whalemen set forth in pursuit of the great sperm whale in southern oceans and began what has been called the first Age of Oil" of the Industrial Revolution. (University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst, Mass.; 427 pp., illustrated; $15 )
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The Nantucket Bank Robbery DR. EMIL F. GUBA. of Nantucket and Waltham, Mass., who has written a number of articles on Nantucket history, and is the author of Nantucket Odyssey, has recently completed a book on an incident in the island's 18th century history which he has titled "The Great Nantucket Robbery Conspiracy." Based on his careful research of the available accounts and court records of this incident, Dr. Guba presents a full description of this event in 1795 which had a pronounced effect on the life of this island. With the advent of the second decade in the life of the new nation — the United States — the author brings out the rise of political factions in this Quaker town, and traces the division of the Federalists, who controlled the public offices, and the Demo cratic-Republican policies, with whom the conservative Quakers were aligned. Dr. Guba states that it was the political differences that had much to do with the accusations against prominent citi zens after the discovery of the bank robbery. He writes: The actual criminals were apprehended but never brought to trial. Instead, the postmaster, probate judge, clerk of the lower court, a prominent merchant, and a courageous, over-zealous off-islander became the targets of the prosecution. Astrology, dreams and physiognomy contributed to the evidence. Strumpets and other per sons of morose character served ... as witnesses. Dr. Guba described the incidents of the arrests, the courts of inquiry, Supreme Judicial Court trials, slander suits, plaintiffs and defendents, and other features of the trials. He calls it all: "The saddest period in the long history of Nantucket." He cites his sources and draws upon the court records liberally. The result is a 175-page book, with illustrations, and the last of the 19 chapters deals with what the author terms the "Solemn After math" of the period when the robbery inflamed the inhabitants. Two decades after the crime, a pamphlet was issued by William Coffin, one of the citizens of the town accused of con spiring to rob the bank, and in it the evidence of the real robbers — professional thieves — was presented. This pamphlet, printed in 1816, is now one of the rare items relating to Nan tucket of that time and is titled simply: "Narrative of the Robbery of the Nantucket Bank," and Albert Gardner, another of the prominent men accused, joined with Coffin as the publisher. Dr. Guba's book is a valuable contribution to the story of Nantucket in the time when the bank robbery matters permeated the affairs of the town. Much of the final chapters in the epilogue, however, might have been deleted as it serves to diminish the effec tiveness of the story of the actual robbery The book is privately printed by Mr. Guba and is on sale at book stores and museums, or may be obtained from the author.
Legacies and Bequests Membership in our Association proves that you are interested in its prog-ram 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 °f 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.
