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The Role of Tradition An Editorial
THIS IS A difficult time for tradition, when the celebration of the nation's successful Revolution has brought to light many aspects of that crucial period that involve reflection and re-examination. But one factor emerges. The Nantucketers of 1776 established a tradition of loyalty to their Island home that sustained them and preserved the old home port. Theirs was a combination of pride and determination — their fathers had established the foremost whaling port in Colonial America and they were bound by tradition to maintain it. Other traditions developed, notably the ascendancy of the Quakers, the establishment of educational institutions, the leadership of women in the life of the town, the architectural features, the volunteer life saving crews, the whaling eras, the war years. These were but a few of the doctrines, the practices and customs which continue to influence us in our daily lives. But tradition as such is not functional until it is made to become a part of the present as well as the past. We may respect it and even revere it but we must utilize it as a force today as it was originally an important part of community life. There are those who feel that modern times are too complex; that we could not function along traditional lines. However, the Islanders of 1776 carried on the affairs of the Town without attempting to emulate the practices of 1676 in managing their municipal government. But they did follow tradition — they did utilize the accepted practices of democratic action with a strong adherence to what had been learned from the ex perience of their fathers. Today, our economic life is solidly involved with that factor which we may call the "Nantucket Appeal." We attract visitors now more and more because, as a community, we are different from other parts of New England. That atmosphere of the past is the chief attraction that brings visitors in January as well as in July, and tradition is an integral part. Restoration of the old streets and dwellings goes hand-in-hand with the preservation of the ancient commons and opening of our beaches. It must be recognized that the maintenance of traditional values is the very life blood of the Nantucket of the future and that the preservation of these offers the best guaranty of our continuing appeal. —Edouard A. Stackpole
