Steamboat Wharf — July, 1886

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S t e a m b o a t W h a r f - J u l y , 1 8 8 6

When two competing steamship companies operating vessels to the two islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard consolidated in 1886 they had the new steamboat Nantucket built. In July of that year the steamboat made her maiden trip to Nantucket, and although the photographer, Henry S. Wyer, may have captured the event that picture has not yet been uncovered. However, one of Mr. Wyer's photographs does show the Nantucket leaving Steamboat Wharf during that summer.

It is an interesting and valuable view, showing the station of the Nantucket Railroad in the foreground, the roof of the Adams Boathouse overlooking the boat basin, the freight house in the center end of the wharf, and the little restaurant at the left. The carriages heading back up the wharf, and the boardwalk with its strollers add a lively touch to the scene. A glimpse of the new Nantucket Hotel on Brant Point may be obtained at the extreme left.

The Nantucket is flying the national colors on her stern flag pole, while at the bow her large "excursion flag" may be seen. Also, her ornate paddle boxes are in evidence, as well as her walking beam just aft the tall smokestack. This sidewheel steamboat was 190 feet long, with a beam of 33 feet, and was sheathed in copper. Another feature was her comparatively shallow draft of Wi feet as compared with the six feet of the other island steamers.

This leisurely wharf scene of ninety years ago reminds us of the days when the hurry and bustle of life today was in direct contrast. Nantucket was, at this time, 1886, emerging as an attractive summer resort, and the success of the next decade was a steady indication of the growth of the "summer business."

Steamboat Wharf has had many changes since this old view revealed this interesting waterfront scene. Fortunately, there are in existence a number of excellent photographs which show graphically these changes, each reflecting not only the successive developments at the wharf itself but the various alterations in this section of Nantucket's waterfront as well.