Editorial - Vital Parts of the Continued Story

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Vital Parts of the Continued Story

DURING THE LAST HALF century there has been a gradual awakening among Nantucket residents that the key to the future of the Island is in the single word "preservation". The interruption in the regular course of events brought about by World War II was followed by the active business affairs which characterized the post-war period, and then, with the past three decades, the awareness that the old theme of "preservation" had once again become vitally important.

Now we face another fact: preservation involves the entire Island. In our own times, the onslaught of developments has drastically altered the old scene of the outlying lands. Urban sprawl has now become a part of the island and the environs of the town. What has become of the public awareness that these changes have destroyed the once rural scene?

Thirty years ago, the creation of the "Historic Districts Act" was a major step. But it was merely the beginning of the continued story that has been evolving since. Gradual encroachments of the district, designed by law as the "protected" area, show clearly how the "nibbling processes" have eaten into its environs. As was to be expected, this gradual evolution has made changes in the residential sections, with "commercial" now taking over many "residential" parts.

We have a town of history, and the preservation of this history is a vital part of the "continued story" of Nantucket. Certain clauses in the original "Historic Districts" act were placed in the legal documents as safeguards against attempts to circumscribe the legal aspects. Often the interpretation of the act may be placed in jeopardy by the capriciousness of some jurist. As a basic formula both tradition and history should serve as the guide lines for such interpretation.

We should not need to remind anyone in authority of the importance of Nantucket as a place of history. Both citizens and authorities have companion roles in the "continued story," and these roles loom larger as time goes on.

-Edouard A. Stackpole