Editorial - Nantucket's' 'Sheep Storms''

Nantucket's "Sheep Storms"

AMONG THE OLD features which characterized Island life a century and a half ago was that period in late June and early July when a heavy fog hung like a damp curtain over the landscape. Sometimes they would continue for two or three successive days and were known as "sheep storms," a name which arose from the fact that the Islanders always waited for these particular periods before they held the annual sheep shearing festival. Coming at a time when summer was officially welcomed, the fog soaked the thick wool of the sheep thoroughly, and when the strong sunlighted days followed the time to shear was at hand.

With the passage of time and the coming of a new century the old name has been forgotten. Now the summer season begins with a far different routine. The carpenter, painter, mason, plumber and gardener has rushed his work forward; the shopkeeper has felt the urgency to prepare for the busy weeks ahead. Now, with the advent of July, there is a brief lull—and the start of the usual summer activity.

Regretfully, we no longer have the shearing festival, with its gaity as well as its activity. The sheep no longer play a major role in the economy of Island life. But there is another part to this particular period that could be revived—that time for reflection and contemplation which always accompanied the post-active scene. We could well follow the ancient practice of considering the near future and the potential for preservation or for deterioration.

Many things have changed the Island's appearance since the end of World War II. Our outlying lands show only too well the evidences of these changes. The geographical isolation which once protected us no longer serves. The dangers of urban sprawl; the threat of developers; the cheapening features that have engulfed Cape Cod towns—all are in the offing.

Perhaps we should recognize the natural values of the "sheep storms" once again. On the brink of summer there should be a time to pause and reflect. Certainly, the lowering fog served a definite purpose in

those far-away days, and an advantage was taken of this usual feature in our weather pattern. The philosophy of the ancients created a practical use for what might be considered in other places a handicap. And after the festival, and the brief period of pleasure, and hectic activity in shearing, there was a time for contemplation and thankfulness for life in an Island world. Today, we could well consider emulating the old custom, with its full measure of spiritual rewards that helps to balance the burdens of progress.

Edouard A. Stackpole.