Island Descendant Writes of Visit

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Island Descendant Writes of Visit to the "Old Home"

EARLA IN AUGUST, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Worron, and Mr. Worron's sister, Mrs. Helen (Worron) Achberger, all of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, came to Nantucket to visit. Mr. Worron and Mrs. Achberger are the grandchildren of Harriett Turner Worron, and were anxious to learn as much as possible about their ancestral home — especially because of their understandably great interest in the book Trustum and His Grandchildren, a Nantucket classic written by Harriet Worron, who was born in the Oldest House on Sunset Hill.

Upon her return to Ohio Mrs. Achberger wrote' a letter which so well conveyed her thoughts and reflections of her visit that she was asked permission to share it with the members of our Association. To this request she graciously consented, and her letter is as follows:

Dear Historian:

After our very recent Nantucket trip, I now can realize that our two days on the Island gave not near enough time to do the things I really wished to do. I am sorry that my time in talking with you was so necessarily limited by our departure time, but I am sure you could appreciate the fact that this visit was the greatest emotional experience of my life-time.

While coming into the harbor I felt a cross section of gladness and sadness, with all the Nantucket stories I had grown up with rushing at me full force. I could almost see my dear father running along the beach as a boy, while all the rest of my ancestors increasing this feeling of actual belonging. My desire at this time was just to be alone and undisturbed with my thoughts. As I had never been to the island before I am more than ever convinced that this feeling of belonging is in-horn.

Heading up through the streets of the town my observations left me temporarily dismayed at the contrast of what had been described and what I saw — the modern scene with so much that is in contrast to the real Nantucket. Our second day was far better as we had the opportunity to walk through the streets of the old town, and explore the out-of-town roads and landscape, and my initial disappointment was replaced by a great satisfaction. I was once more seeking my roots.

We did as much as we could in that short time, but I realize we had only scratched the surface. On our third morning we had to hurry so in getting ready for departure, so that our stop at the Peter Foulger Museum was all too short. Your identification and direction to Grandmother Worron's home brought a fitting climax to this first visit back to where it all began.

Upon returning home, I re-read "Trustum" with greatly increased interest, and I am now embarked on research in order that my own children and grandchildren may know from what of the island stock they descend. They are a proud lot these Nantucketers — and I want my children to feel this pride.

Again, my thanks for your time and information. I think you understand how deeply I feel about my ancestral home. I came away a richer person having found where my roots all began.