The Old 'Sconset Pump in 1882

26

ONE OF NANTUCKET'S notable citizens of a past generation was Miss Annie Alden Folger, a great-grand-daughter of the Island genius, Walter Folger, Jr., and the long term member of the Nantucket Historical Association who presented the famous Folger Clock to the Nantucket Historical Association. Among Miss Folger's collection of family treasures was a well preserved photograph which showed a group around the old 'Sconset Pump in July, 1882, a staged view posed for the notable photographer Henry S. Wyer.

Some years ago, at the request of a neighbor, Miss Folger identified those in the group. She described the arrangement of the several people in the scene as being carefully positioned by Mr. Wyer, who selected a clear morning for the occasion. Miss Folger identified the individuals as follows:

"The man seated in the dray was Henry R. Tucker, of Boston, a summer resident who contributed to and led the drive to restore the old pump a few months before. The horse and box wagon belonged to George C. Gardner, and the man in the wagon may be Avery Gardner. At the back of the pump is Joe Norcross, brother of Bert Norcross and Becky Norcross. I am the girl standing proudly at the pump handle. I have forgotten the name of the boy in front, but I think he was a boarder at Oliver Folger's house, close by. In the middle background was the house on Broadway where Mrs. Mitchell lived with her sons Henry Mitchell and Joseph Clapp. Whenever I see this photograph I think of that favorite line: 'Backward, turn backward, O time in your flight; make me a child again just for tonight'."

Any photograph taken 95 years ago is of historic interest, especially one of the venerable 'Sconset Pump. The event concerning Henry R. Tucker, to which Miss Folger referred, took place on July 18, 1882, and was a well attended ceremony celebrated by villagers and summer residents. General Henry A. Barnum made some interesting comments in his opening remarks, and introduced Henry R. Tucker as the man whose benevolence, while "not ranking with the great endowments which have immortalized the names of Harvard, an Astor, or a Peabody, largely partook of a better quality of the human heart that moved those men to generous deeds."

He introduced Mr. Tucker, who spoke briefly and modestly; followed by the Rev. Phebe Ann Hanaford, who read an original poem

written especially for the occasion. The inimitable Edward F. Underhill, the unofficial "mayor" of 'Sconset, delivered a humorous address, for which he became noted; Dr. Arthur E. Jenks read an ode composed for the event; The Hon. S. M. Cutcheon, of Detroit, entertained with more humorous remarks, at the conclusion of which verses written to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, written by H. G. Brooks and made available to the gathering. The ceremonies came to a close with a rousing three cheers for Mrs. P. M. Almy, who served as chairman of the committee which arranged for the occasion.

During the next two decades a fence and a drinking fountain for horses became an added feature of the Pump. A photograph taken in 1902 shows these additions, also the street lamp (kerosene) erected close at hand. During last year's Bicentennial Year, the 'Sconseters conducted an "open house" day, which was remarkable for the interest it engendered, and the venerable Pump, which actually began its existence in 1776 through a public subscription, was an important part of the village affair.