The Annual Meeting and Other Summer Events

T h e A n n u a l M ee tin g a n d O t h e r S u m me r E v e n ts

THE EIGHTY-THIRD annual meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association was held on Thursday afternoon, July 27, at the Peter Foulger Museum. With the historic Walter Folger Clock striking 4:00 o'clock the meeting was opened by President Leroy H. True, with some seventy-five members and friends on hand.

As the first order of business Mrs. Elizabeth Tyrer read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which was approved as read. President True then called for the report of the Nominating Committee, composed of Benjamin Richmond, Chairman, Mrs. R. A. Orleans, and Francis Pease. After the reading of this report it was voted that the Secretary cast one ballot for the election of the officers, as follows: President — Leroy H. True; Vice Presidents — Albert G. Brock, George W. Jones, Alcon Chadwick, Albert Egan, Jr., Walter Beinecke, Jr.; Honorary Vice President — Henry B. Coleman; Secretary — Richard C. Austin; Treasurer — John N. Welch and Councillors — Mrs. H. Crowell Freeman, Donald Terry — 4 year terms.

President True made a brief report of the activities of the Association during the past year, expressing his appreciation of the work accomplished by the several curators in their respective exhibit structures, and had praise for those employees who have been with the organization for a number of years. He also mentioned the work at the "1800 House" which Mrs. Claire MacGregor, the Curator, has accomplished in her renovation of this interesting exhibit; and the aquariums established in the Nantucket Lightship through the co-operation of the Maria Mitchell Association. Of special interest was the work being done at the Old Mill where John Gilbert and his men have been replacing the huge drive shaft, found necessary by the evidence of rot in the old shaft. Plans for the continuation of educational activities, especially the introduction of a course in Nantucket History in the local schools, were mentioned, and the two publications sponsored by the Association — "Nantucket In The Revolution," by Edouard A. Stackpole, and "Whales," by Adam W. Craig — were described. Plans for two special exhibitions on Scrimshaw and Needlework are in the works for the coming year.

The newly revised By-Laws were discussed, ana tne changes brought out. The meeting voted to approve these changes by unanimous agreement.

THE ANNUAL MEETING

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George W. Jones, former President of the Association, then introduced the speaker for the afternoon — James C. Massey, a VicePresident of the National Trust For Historic Preservation. Mr. Massey then spoke informally and well on the activities of the National Trust, with a description of their new headquarters in Washington, D.C. He mentioned the annual meeting of the Trust, to be held this year in Mobile, Alabama. The speaker stressed the importance of preserving old structures — our architectural heritage — and praised the efforts of the Nantucket Historical Association over the years.

The Fair Street Building has been the scene of two excellent exhibitions during the months of July and August, arranged by Albert Egan, Jr., one of the Vice Presidents of the Nantucket Historical Association. The first was an exhibit of Marine Art, featuring some of the outstanding artists in this field. The Coe Kerr Gallery, of New York City, brought the paintings to the Island and hung them in a most attractive manner. Among the great painters represented were Winslow Homer, James Buttersworth, Andrew Wyeth and Frederick Remington. On July 23 a special opening was held for members and friends of the Association, and the exhibit remained open from July 24 through July 28.

The second exhibit took place from August 28 through the 31st. Works of major American marine artists from the collection of the Marine Arts Gallery in Salem, Massachusetts, were on display, comprising some forty oil paintings and several watercolors. Such distinguished artists as Montague Dawson, Robert Salmon, Roy Cross, John Stobart and Richard Hasenfus were represented by a dazzling display of their canvases. The show was hung by Donald V. Kiernan, the proprietor of the Marine Arts Gallery, and his brother, Russel. Mr. Kiernan stated this was the largest number of paintings he has ever taken outside his Gallery for a show.

Both exhibits yielded excellent results, and the Association was the recipient of contributions totalling some $2,000.

A very interesting evening for members and friends took place at the Peter Foulger Museum on August 24, when Captain Harry Allendorfer, recently appointed to head the newest branch of the National Trust - the

Marine Division - spoke on the potential of this department. Captain Allendorfer, who played a prominent role in the great event of the Bicentennial year - the coming of the "Tall Ships" - also showed a sound film in color which gave highlights of this extraordinary event.

The difficult task of replacing the main drive shaft at the Old Mill was accomplished by John Gilbert, an Island contractor, and his assistants. The big timber selected was placed in position for the various cuts and mortises on April 28, and during the next three months the slow process of shaping the wood made an interesting display in the area west of the Mill. Considerable difficulty was experienced as the oaken piece was well seasoned and hard, and on occasion even the motorized drills broke down, but Mr. Gilbert kept steadily at it and on July 31 it was ready for installation.

From August 1st through the 4th the scene at the Mill attracted many interested people, including Joseph Senecal, who had been the last carpenter to fashion a new drive shaft some thirty years ago, and Richard Swain, the Custodian of the Mill, who worked with Mr. Gilbert, and some of the engineering fraternity. During this time preparations were completed for installation. Howard Jelleme, another Island contractor, became a key figure as with his truck and sturdy crane, he lifted the big shaft (weighing well over a ton) slowly into position. With great carefulness the inner end of the shaft was positioned to slide through the opening at the top of the Mill, while a counter-balance placed on the other end-, kept the timber at the proper angle.

It was on August 4th, the birthday of the Miller, John Stackpole, that the installation was completed. After getting the shaft into position it was necessary to anchor it securely, affix the huge wooden wheel to it, and line up the teeth of the wheel with the spindle atop the grinding shaft. On the 5th of August the vanes were again turning and the Old Mill was grinding corn once more — the first since last summer.

Altogether it was a most satisfying experience, demonstrating that a local group could accomplish a demanding piece of work. Most important, it has revitalized one of the Nantucket Historical Association's most important and dramatic exhibits, and brings new life to an outstanding part of our Island's history.