Historic Nantucket, January 1978, Vol. 25 No. 3

A Night in the Ice Fields on Board Steamer Nantucket IN THE PRESENT era of marine transportation whenever a "freezeup" has prevented the motor vessels leaving or entering the harbor there is the excellent alternative of travel by airplane. But, early in this century such was not the case — the steamboat was the only link with the mainland when heavy ice prevented the use of other craft.

Many unusual happenings occurred during the winter months of embargo by ice fields, and one of these took place in February, 1905, when passengers hoping to leave the island had an unique experience.

The last days of January were cold and breezy, and the ice had formed to a thickness keeping the boat in port. Monday, Jan. 31 brought some hope of a break-out as a snow-storm in the early morning was succeeded by rain and a southeasterly wind, and the ice fields outside the jetties moved out into the Sound. But a change developed during the afternoon and evening, with the wind backing into the northwest and the temperature dropping rapidly. Feb. 1 found the ice embargo again in place, and the next day was a duplicate weather-wise.

Thursday, Feb. 3, came in with a mild trend, with the wind again settling in the southeast and some snow and rain falling. Seams appearing in the ice between Brant Point and the jetties promised further hope, and Captain Furber decided to attempt to break out of theTiarbor on the following morning, Feb. 4, and shortly after daybreak the sidewheel steamer Nantucket got under way from the wharf.

At this time there were only five passengers who had to decided to brave the trip—Cromwell G. Macy, of New York, James Phillips of Providence, a Mr. Brush, of Boston, and two young men whose names have not been ascertained. Captain Furber knew that on the other side of the Sound there were Nantucketers anxious to get home and a week's collection of mail, newspapers, and provisions—ready to be loaded.

The troubles began for the steamer as she approached Brant Point.

After two hours of bucking the heavy ice the Nantucket managed to round the Point but then began to encounter even thicker ice, piled up by the tides. The hours passed, with only a few feet of progress. Between 3 o'clock that afternoon, and 5 o'clock the steamer managed to reach the passage between the two jetties, where she at last reached an impassable stretch and was held fast.