Proceedings of the Nantucket Historical Association: Fifteenth Annual Meeting

PROCEEDINGS NANTUCKET

HISTORICAL

ASSOCIATION Fifteenth Annual Meeting JULY 21st, 1909

WALTHAM PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS WALTHAM, MASS. 1909

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

NANTUCKET HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION Fifteenth Annual Meeting JULY 21st, 1909

WALTHAM PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS WALTHAM, MASS. 1909

ERRATUM. In the Treasurer's report on on p; page 28 the total should be $1199.91, instead of $1191.91.

cANNUAL MEETING HE fifteenth Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Histori­ cal Association was held in the old "Meeting-House" on Wednesday morning, and was well attended. The meeting was called to order promptly by the President at ten o'clock and the regular routine of business was proceed­ ed with. The Secretary's record of the Annual Meeting of 1908 was read and accepted. The reports of the Curator, Secretary and Treasurer for the past year were read, and ordered incorporated in the Proceedings. They showed an excellent and gratifying condition of the Association's affairs in all directions, and a conservative generosity on the part of those having in charge the carrying on of its business, and were liberally applauded as the reading of each was concluded. The President's annual address fol­ lowed, and that also was ordered made a part of the Pro­ ceedings.

The report of the Nominating Committee being called for, the chairman of the Committee presented the follow­ ing list of nominees for the ensuing year:

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President, ALEXANDER STARBUCIC. Vice-Presidents, HENRY S. WYER, DR. BENJAMIN SHARP, MRS. SA­ RAH C. RAYMOND, MOSES JOY, MRS. JU­ DITH J. FISH, HENRY B. WORTH. Secretary, MRS. ELIZABETH C. BENNETT. Treasurer, HENRY S. WYER. Curator and Librarian, MISS SUSAN E. BROCK. Councillors for Four Years, MRS. ELEANOR W. MORGAN, JOHN B. FOLGER. Auditors, IRVING ELTING, MISS HARRIET A. ELKINS, EDWARD A. FAY. The report was accepted and it was voted to proceed to ballot. The President appointed Mr. Moses Joy and Mr. Arthur H. Gardner to distribute, receive and count ballots.

The tellers reported 71 ballots cast, all in favor of the nom­ inees reported by the Committee, and they were declared elected.

The choice of a Nominating Committee for the ensu­ ing year being next in order, the President called for nom­ inations, and the following named members were nominated and elected, the committee of 1908 positively declining a renomination: Miss Emily Weeks, Mr. Arthur H Gardner, Miss Mary E. Macy, Mrs. Madeleine (Fish) Severance and Mr. William F. Macy.

A very interesting letter written by Hezekiah Barnard, when he was serving as Representative and before he was chosen State Treasurer, to Grafton Gardner, was read by Miss Annie W. Bodfish. An equally interesting letter

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written by Capt. Seth Pinkham to the Hon. Barker Burnell just after the latter had been elected a member of Congress, and pointing out the importance of the whale fishery, was read by his great-grand-daughter, Miss Florence Bennett.

Henry B. Worth Esq. told the interesting story of a rare and valuable document which had accidentally come into his possession. It was a pew-book of the North Con­ gregational church for 1784 and was as quaint in its amateur workmanship as it was interesting in the nature of its con­ tents. It was put into the custody of the Association with the understanding that it was never to be taken from the rooms, but should at all proper times be accessible to offi­ cers and members of the North Congregational Society and similar particularly interested parties. The Association voted to accept the custody of the volume under those con­ ditions.

The President read an account of the beginnings of the first Normal School in the United States, which was opened in Lexington in 1839, the teacher being Rev. Cyrus Peirce, the first principal of the Nantucket High school.

Mr. Moses Joy made some interesting remarks con­ cerning a contract for building a vessel at Brant point, a copy of which he had, the remarks being called out by see­ ing an engraving on the wall of a picture recently painted

by Mr. James Walter Folger.

Mr. James Carey spoke of the pictures on the walls made by Mr. Folger and said they could remain there if the Association desired.

The meeting, which seemed to be of marked interest, adjourned at 11.45.

In the evening members and invited guests of the As­ sociation—about one hundred and sixty in number—as­ sembled at the Sea Cliff Inn to commemorate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the purchase of Nan-

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tucket island, and the occasion proved to be one of the most enjoyable social events in the Association's history.

Like most Nantucket gatherings, the affair was entirely in­ formal and for an hour or so before the banquet islanders and "off-islanders" chatted together in the spacious Sea Cliff parlors and started the ball rolling for the "real Nan­ tucket time" which the event proved to be, wdth plenty of cordiality and well-wishing, in which the Historical Asso­ ciation and its successful, active life of fifteen years was not forgotten.

At 8.45 o'clock the gathering was summoned to the dining hall, where Landlord Folger had arranged the tables in an attractive manner for the gustatory portion of the evening's festivities. President Starbuck called the com­ pany to order and requested the Rev. F. W. Manning to in­ voke the Divine blessing.

For over an hour the dinner was continued and when "coffee" announced that the bottom of the most excellent bill of fare had at last been reached, it was nearing 10 o'clock. President Starbuck, after drawing the members of the gathering as near to the head table as possible, that they might miss nothing connected with the post-prandial exercises, addressed them as follows: "Members of the Nantucket Historical Association and friends whom we hope to induce to become members: "The honor of calling you to order and welcoming you on this occasion really belongs to the two ladies of the 'Committee on Annual Meeting,' who have been obliged to assume the laboring oar in making all these arrangements, and to whom alone may fairly be attributed its delightful success. Even our good friend, Dr. Sharp, usually a help­ meet for all the fair sex, and one of the original promoters of this meeting, as well as a member of the committee, as the time approached to make effective the vote of the Coun-

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cil to observe in this way our 250th anniversary, incon­ tinently and continentally fled, even making a European tour an excuse for avoiding his duty here. And so, then, to those two ladies, Miss Bodfish and Mrs. Bennett, who have indeed been busy Bs, who have so well performed the work, and who have asked me to call you to order, should be awarded the honors. We are here at home again. In the words of Martha Gilbert Bianchi : "Back to the farm where the bob-white still is calling As in remembered dawnings when youth and I were boys, Driving the cattle where the meadow brook is brawling Her immemorial wandering fears and joys.

Home to the farm for the deep green calms of summer, Life of the open furrow, life of the waving grain— Leaving the painted world of masquerade and mummer Just for the sense of earth and ripening again.

Down in the hayfield where scythes glint through the clover; Lusty blood a-throbbing in the splendor of the noon— Lying 'mid the haycocks as castling clouds pass over, Hearing insect lovers a-piping out of tune."

Or as Longfellow writes of his beloved Portland, with a more distinctly Nantucket flavor:

'

"Often I think of the beautiful town That is seated by the sea; Often in thought go up and down The pleasant streets of that dear old town And my youth comes hack to me; And a verse of a Lapland song Is haunting my memory still; 'A boy's will is the wind's will, And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts!"

It is the true Anglo Saxon love of the old home, such as Sheridan Knowles puts into the mouth of William Tell, when he pictures him as exclaiming in the exuberance of his joy: "Ye crags and peaks, I'm with you once again!

I hold to you the hands you first beheld

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To show they still are free. Methinks I hear A spirit in your echoes answer me And hid your tenant welcome to his home Again."

And it finds a quieter but no less profound expression in Felicia Heman's "Hymn of the Vandois' : "For the strength of the hills we bless Thee Our God, our Father's God! Thou hast made Thy children mighty By the touch of the mountain sod."

And, finally, Montgomery most delightfully expresses this home sentiment in his charming poem: "There is a land of every land the pride, Beloved by Heaven o'er all the world beside, Where brighter suns dispense serener light, And milder moons imparadise the night— A land of beauty, virtue, valor, truth, Time-tutored age, and love-exalted youth.

The wandering mariner, whose eye explores The wealthiest isles, the most entrancing shores, Views not a realm so bountiful and fair, Nor breathes the spirit of a purer air, In every clime the magnet of his soul, Touched by remembrance, trembles to that pole.

For in this land of Heaven's peculiar grace The heritage of nature's noblest race.

There is a spot of earth supremely blest, A dearer, sweeter spot than all the rest."

This is the spot.

And so here we are at home again, and it is our wel­ come opportunity to congratulate each other, and my pleas­ ant duty on this occasion to welcome you ail. You remem­ ber that one of the legends of our island says that Edward Starbuck accompanied Thomas Macy on his first pilgrimage to this promised land, and if on this occasion a descendant of Edward Starbuck helps to pull an oar and trim the sails of this oratorical boat, I think you will agree with me that it is eminently fitting that a descendant of Thomas

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Macy should lead you on this post-prandial voyage of dis­ covery; and so the ladies, with that intuitive sense of the "eternal fitness of things" so peculiar to their sex, have se­ lected as the toastmaster of the evening, Mr. William F. Macy, of Medford and Nantucket, whom I now present to you."

In the selection of Mr. Macy to preside as Toast-mast­ er of the evening, the ladies of the committee made no mis­ take, for when it comes to talking about Nantucket and Nantucketers, Mr. Macy is right in his element. His open­ ing remarks were well-fitting to the occasion, notwith­ standing the fact that he claimed to feel like the little girl sitting at the table on a well-worn copy of Webster's dic­ tionary, who said "she felt uncomfortable because she was resting upon something so very old and she herself was so awfully new." The history of Nantucket is truly some­ thing quite old, but as the Toast-master was able to look back eight generations and point with pride to his ancestor, Thomas Macy, as one of the original settlers, he proved himself not wholly "new" to the subject. In fact, there are few of us who have a better knowledge of the facts con­ nected with the history of Nantucket than William F. Macy.

The first speaker introduced by the Toast-master was Prof. E. C. Bolles of Tufts College, a man who claimed to know very little about Nantucket, having landed on the island for the first time but a few hours previous. This fact, however, did not debar him from addressing the as­ sembly on "The Early Settlers of New England, and his talk was decidedly interesting to all.

Prof. Bolles concluded his remarks with an eloquent peroration in which he urged the mother love as one of the noblest incentives to the pure and upright life. He was warmly applauded at the conclusion of his excellent ad­ dress.

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Mr. Macy presented as the second speaker Miss Flor­ ence M. Bennett who responded to the toast The Price paid for our Island.

Miss Bennett said in substance:— Perhaps, Mr. Toastmaster, that mystery of which you speak—why it was a surprisingly small sum which bought this island—is explained by one item in the amount paid by the nine purchasers to Thomas Mayhew. He received, some say a twentieth, some say a tenth, part of the island, some say a larger share, and, in addition, he received that well-known sum, which this Association's seal makes its de­ vice as you may see by your menu cards—thirty pounds and two beaver hats, "one for me (Thomas), and one for mv wife." That pretty beaver probably moved Mrs. Thom­ as to urge her husband to close his bargain there. That was Mayhew s price. And the Indians were not forgotten.

It is reassuring to learn that those sturdy ten white own­ ers, after their arrival, bought the land in parcels from the natives. They were nice natives. And our ancestors were very nice. If any learned historian present knows anything unpleasant about this transaction, I beseech him to keep his own counsel. Let us retain the opinion that there were fair dealings on both sides.

But I cannot believe that no further payment was asked for our island. I imagine that the toil and self-de­ nial of the early settlers paid part of the price. I believe that the industry and commercial enterprise of a later day paid a part. I believe that the whalemen on their long voyages paid some of the debt in aching longing to return and in anxiety for loved ones at home. Some of them were called to do more with the bitter coin of home-coming when the worst fears of their absence had been realized.

The women at home paid in tears and cares and fearful hopes. And still the price is being exacted. For Nantuck­ et is a choice possession. T ou know how constraining is

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the demand which the island makes on the love of each Nantucketer, whether he be island-born, whether he be an heir to his privileges, or whether he be an adopted son. So 1 give you:—The Island, which is priceless, and the Island­ er, who pays. And I propose as a proper sentiment for the Islander the familiar Latin words:—"Caelum, non animum, mutant, qui trans mare currunt"—Who cross the sea, those change their sky but not their heart.

The Toast-master, after a few more well-placed re­ marks, interspersed with a couple of anecdotes, alluded to the wonders of the wireless age in which we are now living, but dreaded to think of the disaster which would befall the Historical Association should it be obliged to exist without' the able services of its Wyer. Learning that the Treasurer was at times poetically inclined, Mr. Macy called upon him for something which would be of interest to the gathering. Mr. Wyer said he felt like Jonah, when ex­ pelled from the whale's mouth—the unexpected always happened—yet he did have with him a poem "written by some enemy" of his, which he would read for the benefit of those present. Mr. Wyer thereupon read the following, which he called "Obadiah—His Lay," receiving a warm expression of applause at the close.

Some folks is alrays cruisin' round In search of new surprise, An' some keeps busy plannin' out Fer mansions in the skies, But, bein's I'm just a common man, Says Obadiah Brown, Why, all I want's a roostin' place In old Nantucket town!

Some people has an appetite Fer city life an' wealth, An' some is alrays doctorin' An' chasin' after health, Till Boom! 'long comes a motor car An' flattens of 'em down;

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But there's a safer roostin' place In old Nantucket town.

Some folks go up to Boston Per Culture, Art—an' Beans, Come back an' talk philoserfy (An' Lord knows what it means!)

I never wade beyond my depth, For I don't want to drown, So just give me my roostin' place In old Nantucket town.

Some people's alrays whittlin' 'Bout other folkses sins, An' 'tis with these self-righteous ones That scandal oft begins; I calkerlate a hearty laugh Works better than a frown, An' makes a cheerful roostin' place In old Nantucket town.

If ever I be called aloft, An' grow some useful wings, I'll oft come back to take a look At old familiar things, Then you may twang your golden harp An' you may wear your crown, But let me keep my roostin' place In old Nantucket town.

Mrs. Eleanor Morgan was introduced by the Toastmaster to speak on "Ihe Women of Nantucket," an almost limitless subject, as he explained.

The Women of Nantucket.

Mr. Toastmaster: I cannot agree with you, that The Women of Nantucket cannot be adequately responded to by a woman. What loyal daughter of Nantucket could fail to respond with en­ thusiasm to such a sentiment? The Women of Nantucket —a shadowy procession, links us today with the Proprietoresses of 1659; Quaker and Puritan they pass us by—

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Daughter, Wife, Mother—a continuous sequence, a dream of fair Women, not however of the Tennysonian variety; they do not depend on startling incidents in their careers to keep themselves in remembrance. Here and there the searchlight touches one in a little higher relief. Our foremothers—Mr. Choate, our Minister to England, in re­ sponding to this toast once said, he had always felt great sympathy for what the foremothers had to bear, they had to bear the fear of the Indians, the privations of the wilder­ ness; above all they had to bear the Pilgrim Fathers, which he thought had required the most endurance of all. It is so very little we know of the ten proprietoresses. Who of us in poring over the family chart has not been piqued in­ to curious desire to know something more of their personal­ ity—Katherine Reynolds of Wales, wife of Edward Starbuck, Joanna Harvey of Plymouth, wife of Robert Barnard, Sarah Hopcot of Chilmark, wife of Thomas Macy. Was it loving devotion to her memory or pride in her quaint fam­ ily name that made successive generations of Macys name the oldest son Hopcot? Dionis Coffin stands out distinctive­ ly for was she not fined for overcharging for beer? True it was proved that the beer was better than common, but to charge a round price for extra quality certainly smacks of the summer of 1909. We hear it said sometimes, not of our own, but of other people's forefathers, and collateral male relations that "they were only fit to take in slack,' but we never hear it said of the mothers. Abiah Folger, mother of Benj. Franklin, who at eighteen married Josiah Franklin, he leaving there nine in his quiver, the youngest being seven months. She certainly found her work cut out for her. But I don't think she was one Mr. Choate had in mind. Benj.

Franklin says of his father that his voice was sonorous and agreeable and that it was most pleasant to hear him sing in the evening, after the day's work. Any man who could be moved to song after a day spent in the soap-boiling bus­ iness must have a very amiable nature. But after all the

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searchlight gives us variety. Miriam Coffin is interesting if reprehensible. Deborah Morris, who was given a barrel of flour if she would carry it home, and she did, rouses our wonder, perhaps incredulity, and we wish Love Swain had not let out the Lilly Pond. We have not raised as many suf­ fragettes as preachers and we hold the latter in esteem from Mary Starbuck called simply "the great woman" to Lucretia Mott and later, Miss Baker and Mrs. Hanaford. We make little pilgrimages to the Boston Public Library and the Hall of Fame in New York to read the name of one scientist, Maria Mitchell, and we all hold in loving remembrance that kindly gentlewoman so appositely called "The Madonna of the Books" who succeeded Miss Mitchell as librarian at the Atheneum. And the Nantucket Woman of Today, will he or she who is to respond to this toast fifty years hence at the three hundredth celebration, find that the searchlight has passed us by? No! But so well do I know the native island modesty that I know I should leave this part to my successor. Here's then to the Women of Nantucket yester­ day and today. Those of yesterday are shadows but shad­ ows clear cut to the eyes and hearts of their loyal descend­ ants. May they never grow less.

Before introducing the next speaker Mr. Macy ex­ plained why there were so many more Coffins than Macys.

Tristram Coffin, he said, had several male children and they in turn each had several male descendants, while Thomas Macy had but one son and the male descendants of the early days were few. He traced his ancestry back, Wil­ liam Frank, William Hussey, George, Barnabas, Jonathan, John, John, Thomas.

The fact that to the Rev. John Snyder fell the duty of making the closing address was agreeable to all, for this talented clergyman is always entertaining in a gathering of this kind with his wealth of ready wit and good humor, and even the late hour when some addresses on like occa-

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sions become tiresome and "dry," did not dull the palm of his entertainment. He was asked to speak to the toast, "An Off-islander," and although he wandered from his sub­ ject at times, no one seemed to care a bit, for he kept the assembly merry with laughter from the moment he arose to speak until he sat down. A better selection would have been difficult to choose for the closing toast of the evening, and when the assembly broke up at 11.45 o'clock every face beamed with smiles and good-nature.

A meeting of the Council was held in the Friends' Meeting-FIouse on Friday evening at 8 o'clock and the fol­ lowing committees chosen: Finance: Alfred E. Smith, Miss Susan E. Brock, Lauriston Bunker.

Publication: Miss S. E. Brock, Dr. Benjamin Sharp, Mrs. Eleanor W. Morgan.

Building: Brock.

M. F. Freeborn, Flenry S. Wyer, Miss S. E.

Annual Meeting: Miss Annie W. Bodfish, John B. Folger, Dr. Benj. Sharp, A. B. Lamberton, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Bennett.

New Work: J. B. Folger, Miss M. E. Starbuck, Mrs. Eleanor W. Morgan, Dr. Benj. Sharp, Miss Emily Weeks, A. Starbuck, Dr. Anne M. G. Blosson. This committee was authorized to add to its members if deemed advisable.

CURATOR'S REPORT Mr. President and Friends : In glancing over the record of the past year in prepara­ tion for the annual report required at this meeting, there seemed to be no very interesting story to tell. The year has been quiet, unbroken by stirring events, unmarked by great gifts or intense effort of any kind. The work has gone on, smoothly and steadily, and if the result shows no startling gain, it at least gives evidence of no loss of inter­ est or weakening of endeavor.

We have received a goodly number of donations, as usual, but our greatest accessions this year have been by purchase. We have possibly been a little extravagant, but when valuable and interesting articles are offered, we must improve our opportunity or perhaps lose what can never be again obtained.

This has been the case with some rare and beautiful china this year. At our last annual meeting we had with us a generous soul who saw in our collection several pieces of a set of china made in Canton for one of our Nantucket captains, and finding the remainder of the set for sale in town, most kindly purchased and presented it to us. This was the beginning of the large amount of fine ware added to our collection during the last year. It is a little peculiar that the most of these additions have been in the form of pitchers, and we now have a great variety of these useful domestic articles, ranging all the way from the large, heavy earthernware ones decorated with queer wavy lines and pat­ terns, the different dark blue flower and landscape designs, those with ships, National emblems and monograms, and the Canton china with Lowestoft decoration, to the dainty little lustre ones that are almost too delicate to handle.

And there is one which cannot be called exactly beautiful,

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but is so curious that it deserves mention. It is of the brownish white ware so much made about a century ago, and is adorned on one side with a drawing of two smiling faces and a verse describing the happiness of "Courtship."

This is the picture when the pitcher stands in its usual posi­ tion, but upon being reversed, the same drawing shows two angry, unhappy faces with a verse headed "Matrimony";—the inference is obvious, but the whole design seems quaint and unique.

We have also bought some fine old glassware and sev­ en pieces of a set of pink lustre china which is the most beautiful of any ever belonging to a Nantucket family, as far as we know, and which we consider the gem of our collec­ tion.

The case devoted to china became quite inadequate to properly display our new possessions, so we decided to have a new one built for this purpose. It is all glass ex­ cept a light wooden framework, and has heavy plate glass shelves now filled with the finest china that we own and many beautiful loans beside, and we take great pride in this improvement in our exhibit.

The large painting of the five mills of Nantucket, which was on exhibition here at our last annual meeting, we pur­ chased at that time, and since have had an opportunity to buy two paintings of the interior of the old mill as it looked when in active operation. Ihese show the upper and lower floors respectively and are believed to give a most faithful representation of the ancient process of grind­ ing corn.

We have spent considerable time and thought upon the arrangement of our portraits, hanging many of them up­ on the railing of the second floor, thereby gaining a more at­ tractive effect in the general arrangement of the room and securing space upon the walls for future donations.

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CURATOR'S REPORT

We have received some valuable additions to our genea­ logical books, notably one presented by the compiler, Miss Mary Elizabeth Sinnott of Philadelphia, containing much of interest about the Coffins and allied families. This book was published for private circulation only, and is most beautifully gotten up in every way.

We have been working at spare times during the past winter on the books of genealogical data contributed last year. Many of these were not indexed and therefore of lit­ tle practical use. We have succeeded in making an alpha­ betical index of six volumes and expect to finish this work during the present year.

Our Scrap Book grows very slowly,—only two addi­ tions this year, but both of exceptional interest and both from the pens of octogenarians. One an account of a Boys' club established here rather more than seventy years ago, written by the last surviving member, Mr. Elisha P. Cole­ man of Cambridge, Mass., and containing many well-known names in its membership list. The other, a very interesting account of the life of Commander John B. Bernadou, by Major Edward W. Coffin of Ashland, N. J. Comdr. Ber­ nadou was a descendant of Stephen, Tristram Coffin's young­ est son. He was a most distinguished officer and won high honors during the Spanish war, was considered the father of smokeless powder in the American navy and it was said of him that he was one of the most modest and unobtrusive and one of the bravest men in the service. That this high praise was merited is proved by the story of his life, which is simply but impressively told by his great-uncle, Major Coffin. He was an interested member of our Coffin School Association, and we most deeply regret his untimely death.

Several large packages of old manuscripts have come to us lately, containing many letters of interest and old bills without number but all of value as historical assets.

I am pleased to be able to report with some certainty,

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that the sixth part of Nantucket Land and Land Owners byMr. Henry B. Worth, is likely to be ready for the press during the coming year, thus completing Vol. 2 of our pub­ lications. The contents of this new bulletin will be, the In­ dian Names of Nantucket and their meanings, Abstracts of Early Wills, and an Index of all the bulletins of this vol­ ume, with a view of placing later bulletins on the same subjects in another volume. We are to be congratulated on the fact that Mr. Worth in his busy life, finds the time and strength necessary to complete these historical researches for us to publish. The value of them is becoming more widely recognized every year, and the first edition is being rapidly exhausted by demands for them from Historical So­ cieties all over the country.

For the first ten years of our existence as a Llistorical Society, it was necessary for the Curator, in outlining future work, often to plead for financial help. For the last four years, we have deemed our income sufficient for all con­ tingencies, but now the opportunity presents itself once more for some one sufficiently interested to give us as­ sistance. We often hear that one supply makes another demand and that is how it seems to be with us. Our beau­ tiful new china case creates a desire for other collections to be as well exhibited, particularly that of the ivory articles carved at sea by our industrious whalemen. The little flat show-case which holds these is badly crowded and does not display them to advantage, and we should like, this coming year, to build another case with plate glass shelves. These are expensive luxuries, and if we do this again, our fund for purchasing must be much curtailed, unless we have some aid. We have never asked this in vain, and feel sure a lit­ tle hint to our good friends, will be sufficient now, as here­ tofore.

Our Society is, as its name implies, the custodian and conservator of the history of Nantucket, and we hope that

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its utility will be more appreciated from year to year, and long after its projectors and present patrons have passed from the stage of action, we believe its work will abide among the most cherished possessions of the Nantucketers that are to be.

Respectfully submitted, SUSAN E. BROCK.

SECRETARY'S REPORT Mr. President, Members of the Nantucket Historical As­ sociation :— On July 22d of last year at the meeting of the Council to organize, our honored President, Mr. Starbuck, suggest­ ed that this year 1909 be especially commemorated by this Association, as the 250th Anniversary of the purchase of the Island. That is history. The method of the celebra­ tion shall be duly recorded after this evening's dinner, and unless solemn faces appear at that festive board, you shall hear the record duly read next year.

Two hundred and fifty years ago we became a British Island. Last winter, you may be pleased to learn, your Sec­ retary was called upon, in the name of the Nantucket His­ torical Association, to furnish to the Encyclopaedia Britannica a dry and sober account of what the Island is, its length, breadth, population, industries, and so on. This is only one of the ways in which we have been historians.

An important duty of your Secretary, who is not only a recorder, is that of correspondence. The many interest­ ing letters relating to the work of Societies similar to our own, in various parts of the country, the queries about Nan­ tucket history, the expressions of cordial good-will toward our activities, the reminiscences of the happy past which our town enjoyed; all such letters assure us that we are not selfdeceived in firmly believing that we are living and growing. Not less gratifying are those little missives from the Treasurer, which tell that one more has made the neces­ sary deposit, and has enrolled himself a member. A letter which a few days ago brought us greetings at this Anniver­ sary you will all be glad to hear.

"My Dear Mrs. Bennett: "I feel like doing more than just to fill the blank on this card.

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"I feel so much interested in everything concerning my native Island, that I dislike to let your Anniversary pass without helping and enjoying the meeting and the friendly chat of the dinner.

"Historically I feel a part of the meeting-house; my first real school-days were spent there with Hepsibeth C. Hussey in the second story and John Boadle in the school-room below. There should be many similar alumni of those excellent schools, and I hope some will be present who can testify to the interests which cluster about the old walls. As a meeting-house it is very modern to me, as in my school-days we met for meeting in the large square building to the south of the present 'meeting-house.' May the day be full of interest in every way. I regret I cannot be present.

"Sincerely yours, "Lydia S. Hinchman." .1 his letter of Mrs. Hinchman's is one of many which have brought us greetings at this Anniversary.

You would wonder at a Secretary's report which did not gi\ e you statistics of membership. The books at pres­ ent stand thus at the close of the fiscal year, June 15, 1909: Life Councillors 3 Life Members 63 Annual Members 254 Total

320

We have lost by death the past year Mr. Benjamin Al­ len Barney, Mrs. Emily Shaw Forman, Miss Mary Abby Swain, Mrs. Mary Ewer Denham, Mr. Edward A. Swain, Mrs. Delia Upham Chapman, Mrs. Sidney Chase, Mrs. Thaddeus C. Defriez, Mr. Sylvester Swain. It has been sad to record these names on this list, and it is sad to read them.

Four Council meetings have been held through the

SECRETARY'S REPORT

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year. Another fiscal year has closed, a prosperous and en­ couraging one, making us thankful in the remembrance of those thirty pounds and two beaver hats.

Respectfully Submitted, ELIZABETH C. BENNETT, Secretary.

TREASURER'S REPORT CREDITS

Balance on hand June 15th, 1908 Membership dues for 1909 Membership dues for 1910 Membership dues previous to 1909 Membership dues paid in advance Life Membership fee Admission Fees Hist. Rooms Admission Fees Old Mill Rent of Lot Cash donated Interest drawn from 5 Banks Sale of Books &c.

$21.80 122.00 122.00 11.00 1.00 15.00 329.20 50.77 15.00 25.00 459.84 27.30 $1199.91

DEBITS

Bay State League dues Cartage Water bill Old China purchased Subscrn. Inqr. & Mirror Printing & Advertising Printing & Advertising Printing & Advertising Advertising Old Whaling List Pitcher Gas bill Expenses of Reception Typewriting Report Pitcher Glass Vase

$2.00 1.00 8.00 7.50 2.00 12.00 12.50 2.50 10.00 3.50 25.00 n Qo 40.14 .50 25.00 5 00

TREASURER'S REPORT

27

Painting. J. W. F. 125.00 Carved Tusk & Pitcher 18.00 Setting Tablet 1.25 Picture Frames 7.00 Portrait & Frame 5.00 Post Cards 4.00 Removing Tree 3.00 Painting, freight &c. M. F. F. 12.93 Insurance on Hist, (frame) Bldg.

12.75 Insurance on Mill 11.80 Postage (Secretary) 10.00 Envelopes 4.00 Scrimshon Piece 5-00 Book (Shipping List) 6.00 Sailmaker's Kit 4.00 Labor. Woodard 2.00 Coal 6.25 Carpenter's Bill for repairs Mill Fence &c.

47.69 Plumbing .

2.2a Annual Reports Waltham Pub. Co. 77.55 China 30.00 Pitchers 6.50 Freight 2 Paintings. W. M. 50.00 Pittsburg Plate Glass Co. Glass shelves & sides 22.88 Hardware. Brown & Co. 2.80 3-°0 N. E. Hist. Gen. Society Sundries Stamps Salaries of Attendants 180.00 Salary of Curator 100.00 Salary of Secretary Salary of Treasurer

50-00

7c>.00

Salary of Janitor

60.00

28

TREASURER'S REPORT

Extra Services Janitor Balance to New Account

46.70 33.73 $1191.91

SUMMARY. ASSETS

Fireproof Building Meeting-house Old Mill Collection (Insurance) Susan W. Folger Fund: Middleboro Savings Bank Bristol Co. Savings Bank People's Savings Bank, Worcester Nant. Inst, for Savings New Bedford Inst, for Savings Total

Liabilities—None.

8500.00 1500.00 1000.00 1000.00 $1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 $17,000.00

HENRY S. WYER. Treasurer.

Approved above report of Treasurer for year ending June 15, 1909.

Irving Elting, E. A. Fay, H. A. Elkins, Auditing Committee.

MEMBERSHIP. Life Councillors 3 Life Members 53 Annual Members 2S4 Lost by death—Annual Members 8 Withdrawn—Annual Members 2 Dropped for non-payment of dues (3 years) 7 New Members (Annual) 19 New Life do.

1

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS Fellow Members of the Nantucket Historical Association: We are assembled at this, the Fifteenth Annual meet­ ing of our Association, once more to compare the record of the past with the hopes for the future, for that mutual help­ fulness which is the natural result of frequent and regular consultation and comparison of ideas, and to plan for that continued labor in our chosen field which has made our so­ ciety a success because of its pleasure and a pleasure be­ cause of its success.

Since our Annual meeting of 1908 the Bay State His­ torical League, to which I was appointed your delegate, has held two meetings. On Saturday afternoon, December 5th of last year the Fall meeting of the League was held in the rooms of the Lynn Historical Society. At that meeting the topic for discussion was "What can be done to broaden the Interest in the Work of the Local Historical Society?"

There were present delegates from 14 societies—-Arlington, Brookline, Danvers, Haverhill, Littleton, Lowell, Lynn, Medford, Natick, Nantucket, Old South, Peabody, Somerville and Swampscott. President Eddy referred somewhat at length to the Massachusetts Historical Pageant planned by the Twentieth Century Club for July 4th 1909, and sug­ gested that the League appoint delegates to form, with oth­ ers, an Executive Committee of historical and patriotic soci­ eties, as desired by the Club, to assist in carrying out the plan. The suggestion was referred to the Executive Com­ mittee with full powers to appoint such delegates if it seemed advisable.

On the topic of the day it was expected that Rev. E. C. Bolles, Professor of History in Tufts College, and Mr. Hen­ ry C. Scott, Instructor in History in the Medford High School, would lead in the discussion. For some reason,

30

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

not explained at the time, Prof. Bolles was not present. Mr. Scott said, in substance: The ordinary boy cares but little for his great-grand­ father, or the old meeting-house of his birthplace—most boys, most adults, have other interests centering their at­ tention in the present and the future. Yet, while living in the present and looking toward the future, they fail to rec­ ognize the importance of the past.

The schools are accomplishing much to bestir the pu­ pils toward an appreciation of history. Striking changes are found in a comparison of the historical studies of yes­ terday and today. It used to be that history meant the mere reading of Smith's Smaller Plistory of Greece and of Rome.

Today, there are but few of our public or private schools that cling wholly to the text-book, most schools having pro­ vided arrangements for considerable library work—the method being topical, the teachers announcing the topics, and the pupils looking through many books, finding out whatever they can relating to those topics. The pupils are being encouraged to bring into school reports of their own on special subjects. One teacher has organized a debating society, the pupils receiving the subject from the chair and discussing its merits.

Today something beside the mere study of text books is required, for despite many devices of written work, in­ formal lectures, etc., most High School pupils pay little at­ tention to historical subjects after leaving school. Interest then drops off. But here is where the historical society may step in and be of use in making the facts of history vital ones for every boy and girl. One way in which this may be done is to have the local society offer first and second prizes for historical essays by the pupils in schools of recognized standing, which would also help out the historical work of the schools to a considerable extent.

Children can easily be enlisted in forwarding the work

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

31

of anniversary observances, in marking historical sites, and in various ways assisting in the recognition of the birthdays of famous people. The pageantry idea would likewise leave its lasting impression upon both young and old. A boy will grow up to be a better man if he is encouraged to make a study of the ancestors and to venerate the customs of the past.

Following practically along Instructor Scott's lines, Prof. J. C. S. Andrews, of Lynn, also made special reference to pageants, and gave a glowing description of these as set forth by Lewis S. Parks, who had the management of sev­ eral pageants in England, terming them "lofty and signifi­ cant panoramas of town histories, an act of local patriot­ ism." Co-operation is desired, he said, of all sections of the State for the proposed pageant in Boston, thus giving the local historical societies a chance to broaden their value and interest. Pageantry seeks to arouse the spirit of the preser­ vation of the past, to make the great characters of an earlier day realities to the pupil. Thus, also,give the immigrants' sons a new opportunity to learn our traditions, and so devel­ op Americanism.

After England had become thoroughly interested in his­ torical pageants the idea spread to America, and they ap­ peared in Quebec, Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Hartford and Rutland (Massachusetts). As incentives to interest in local history he suggested these points—Have books handy; cor­ relate local and general history and national events; take into account local conditions; develop Americanism, and give the children a hobby.

Mrs. Elizabeth Osborn, of the Peabody Historical So­ ciety, made reference to the assistance meted to immigrant children, as well as to native born Americans, through the works of the society.

Howard Mudge Newhall, Secretary of the Lynn soci-

32

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

ety, spoke of the steady growth of the interest in the local correspondence with King's Lynn, Eng. A. Dudley Johnson, of Lynn, remarked the interest that is being taken by boys in the discovery, in local es­ tates, of Indian relics, and Judge Harmon, of the Arlington Society, described an historical procession witnessed by him in Paris during the past season.

P. Hildreth Parker, of Lowell, featured his specialty of preserving epitaphs in ancient cemeteries in his locality, and of keeping the younger element busy in copying inscrip­ tions, preparing epitaphs and preserving old landmarks.

Hon. E. G. Frothingham, of the Haverhill Society, told how many of the old homes and inns of that city, dating back 200 years and more, have been guarded and preserved by the society. Other speakers were Charles F. Read, Sec­ retary of the Bostonian Society; John F. Ayer, of the Somerville Society (who was affiliated with John Brown in Kansas in 1854), and Benjamin N. Johnson, President of the Lynn society.

At the close of the meeting lady members of the Lynn society served refreshments.

The Annual Meeting of the League was held at the rooms of President Eddy's home society in Medford June 12, 1909. Illness in my family prevented my attendance and as I expected up to within a few hours of the time of the meeting to be present I was unable to procure a substitute.

The Society's home was the birthplace of Lydia Maria Child, so well-known as a writer and an ardent abolitionist.

The several reports of the officers were read. President Eddy declining a re-election Mr. Charles F. Read of the Brookline Historical Society was chosen in his stead. The suggestion was made that each society connected with the League furnish the Secretary a yearly report of its work as well as a copy of any publication issued by it during the year.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

33

This was an open meeting and about 70 representatives of various historical associations were present. Delegates were there from Arlington, Brookline, Hyde Park, Littleton, Lynn, Maiden, Medford, Peabody, Somerville, Swampscott and Wakefield. After the meeting various points of local interest were visited.

On Wednesday afternoon December 9, 1908, I attended the observance of the tercentenary of the birth of John Mil­ ton held in the auditorium of the First Church in Boston under the auspices of the Massachusetts Historical Society.

I attribute my invitation to be present on that occasion to my official relations to the Nantucket Association. There was an exceedingly interesting musical and literary pro­ gram, the former being under the direction of the eminent composer, Arthur Foote, and consisting largely of the sing­ ing of Milton's paraphrases of the Psalms and of music con­ temporaneous to his time, and the latter of an introductory address by Charles Francis Adams Esq., President of the Massachusetts Society; and the address in chief by the Hon. William Everett. Dr. Everett's address was a vigorous and able upholding of the work and character of the Puri­ tan, in marked and refreshing contrast to the latter-day sneering and denunciation of the men who founded a new nation, and whose imprint is today manifest everywhere in America where love of God and respect for law and order prevail.

During the past year we have again been called upon to part from several of our members. Once more our Coun­ cil has been stricken, and we no longer shall have the as­ sistance and advice of Sylvester Swain in our deliberations.

One of our most earnest and active workers calls at­ tention to the desirability of urging upon our more elderly people the advantage of intrusting to our care their inval­ uable family portraits. Naturally during the life-time of the owners they would be loath to part with them, but they

34

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS

could bequeath them to our Association. The member, who is a lady, says "Some of them would probably go to the Coffin School—-the likenesses of teachers, trustees and others associated with that institution in any way—S. H. Jenks and Win. R. Easton, for example. Some whose rela­ tives have served on the School Committee of the Town might prefer to have their portraits on the walls of the High School, and other pictures might find their proper place in the Athenaeum. All should be kept for future gen­ erations, and we should do our part toward their preserva­ tion from the garret where so many treasures of that kind have come to an end." To my mind, however, the most po­ tent argument we can use is the absolute security our rooms offer against the destruction of such priceless relics by fire.

It may be a source of gratification to our members to learn that at the recent session of the General Court meas­ ures were taken to prevent permanent changes of names of streets or ways. Chapter 134 of the Acts of 1909 provides that when a name has been changed or altered that has been in use for 25 years or more there shall be a right of ap­ peal from any such alteration or change to the Massachu­ setts Highway Commission, and the Act specifies when and how such an appeal shall be made. Nevertheless it still seems desirable that this Association should see to it that the Town adopts a By-Law forbidding even a temporary change without a public hearing.

We regret that we have not more active workers, es­ pecially among the men. The harvest is yet surprisingly abundant but the laborers continue to be astonishingly few. The problem is before us of how to remedy this con­ dition.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM HEZEKIAH BARNARD, ESQ., TO GRAFTON GARDNER Boston, 1 mo. 24th, 1827.

My Old Friend, Grafton Gardner: We have been here near three weeks. I cannot say that we have made much progress in things of importance— Some calculate we shall have a long session—I hope not however—There are some subjects I think we shall have much debate upon—such as the improvement of the Con­ necticut river & petitions from Amherst & Williams col­ leges for money—these with the question of a new bridge over Charles river will I think occupy a great deal of time— I have no thought that they will obtain any money for the colleges at present—Burnell & myself went up evening be­ fore last & see the Governor & his Lady, spent an hour very pleasantly with them—he remembers his Nantucket visit with emotions of pleasure— How is uncle Robert—you must not let him get hip'd, you must give him a plenty of good eel chowder & nour­ ish him up & don't let him stay at home too much it is best for him to be joging— I went down the other day to see a ship of Boston's taken up on the marine railway—everything aloft. Up she come in handsome style—the process is very slow it takes about three hours to perform the opperation—they are ta­ ken onto a cradle at high water & placed in a proper posi­ tion & secured on each side by chocks of four feet deep perhaps hauled under. They then put too the horses—four horses held this one up & the task did not seem se\ ere at all.

There was a new Brig the other day loaded & went to sea a few leagues—it was found that she leaked too muc

2,6

COPY OF A LETTER FROM HEZEKIAH BARNARD, ESQ.

they returned & hauld on to the railway, every thing in & every thing aloft, on examination they found some spike holes open, where the bilgeway cleets were spiked on— they stoped them & she has gone to sea.

The expense is less than to heave keel out in common cases & when a vessell like the one I have been speaking of is loaded, the expense is greatly lessend by not having to take out the cargo—I wish thou could see the process, I think it would be pleasing— My respects to thy counterpart & to Ann &c &c. and believe me thy assured friend HEZ'H BARNARD. Grafton Gardner Esq. Nantucket.

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. SETH PINKHAM TO HON. BARKER BURNELL Ship Henry Astor (at Sea) June '41.

Lat 16d S. Long. 82d W.

To Hon. Barker Burnell, M. C., Washington, D. C. My dear Sir:

From a perusal of the last American newspapers which have fallen into my hands, I find that the political tables have turned in your favor; and you have been elected a member of the National Legislature to represent district No. 11. It has become your duty, especially and officially to look after the whaling interest in Congress, and on this important Subject, and as a practical man I beg leave to say a single word. Nearly all the maritime interest of our dis­ trict is now absorbed in the prosecution of the whale-fish­ ery. This fact is not generally known; indeed it is painful to reflect, that we have at this moment, equipped and manned four or five hundred sail of the finest ships that swim the ocean; whose canvas whitens every sea, and whose extent of cruising ground is unlimited, and yet our identity is not better known, our bare existence is hardly understood.

There is no branch of commerce so little protected by our government vessels, and yet no branch needs more pro­ tection than these ships which are for so great a length of time beyond the pale of the civil authority.

It is true we have had, from the U. S., men of war in the Pacific Ocean for a great number of years, but it is well known that they have for the more part of the time, taken their stations in the ports of Chili and Peru. We now ask them to go farther; The members of Congress and the Secretary of the Navy must see the necessity of this meas-

38

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. SETH PINKHAM

ure. They must be aware that the Marquesas, and Society islands have become a constant resort for American whale­ men; from 15 to 20 sail are seen at anchor in the beautiful harbor of Otaheite at one time. Some of these ships touch here for repairs, but most of them for refreshments. The fishing ground for the spermaceti whale has now become so extensive that the islands lying in the middle of the broad Pacific are handy stopping places—Indeed, to trace a whale­ man's track upon the chart is, in a word, to circumnavigate the globe. Go where you will upon the bosom of the mighty waters that fill up old Neptune's great pail and there you'll see, proudly waving from the mizzen peak of an American whaleship the Star Spangled banner, breathing new life into the hearts of the wild savages of foreign climes. But to the subject. A single glance at the statistical tables of the whale-fishing will convince any member of Congress that the business is now of sufficient magnitude to require the aid and protection of government. Two or even more of our naval ships should be constantly cruising about these islands. The most efficient vessels for this station would be sloops of war with able commanders. Three ships of this class would find constant employment between here, the Ladrones, Sandwich islands and North-west coast of America. A vast amount of good may yet be done for one of these vessels to make a circuit of the Islands, and espe­ cially the Societies with a view to ascertain their correct situation and the position of the numerous coral roofs which are continually making their appearance above the level of the sea, for strange as it may appear we are not yet fur­ nished with any thing like a correct chart of this group.

Lieut. Wilkes with his well earned fame and undoubted ability will do much for the benefit of navigation, but it is impossible for one ship or one squadron to ferret out all the dangers that lurk in the way. Up to the present time the whalers have done more for the benefit of the mariner, in the new discoveries which they have made in this ocean,

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. SETH PINKHAM

than all the rest of the ships put together, and yet there are many islands and reefs erroneously laid down upon the la­ test editions of the charts. Many are put down that do not exist, and the correct situation of others is not known with any degree of certainty. But a few weeks since Capt. For­ rest of the U. S. sloop of war St. Louis declared to me that in coming south from Nooaheva to Otaheite he passed di­ rectly over the middle of Dean's Island (as laid down).

This island is long and low, extending East and West 80 or 90 miles surrounded by a dangerous coral reef, and can be seen but a short distance. A subject of such vital impor­ tance ought to be pressed home upon the attention of Con­ gress and upon the Secretary of the Navy. We are too apt in this, as well as other things to learn our lessons from dearly bought experience. The stable door is locked after the ship has been stranded and the shores of the new dis­ covery are whitened by the bones of the shipwrecked sailor; a survey is then ordered. How many valuable lives have been lost at our own doors, by an erroneous opinion enter­ tained by all in regard to the correct Latitude and Longi­ tude of the south shoal of Nantucket! With the exception of Captain Cook and a few others who first led the way, it is not too much for us to assert that in circumnavigating the vast Pacific the whalemen have acted as pioneers.

Capt. Cook, who was a veteran in his profession in taking the lead is. deserving of all praise,—indeed it was impossible for him to have done more within the compass of his in­ structions, but it must be clear to all who follow him that his course was like that of the wild savage or the first set­ tlers of a new country who mark the trees as they pene­ trate the untrodden forest. And, so far, the whalemen have been obliged to plod their way with scarce a turn­ pike road to cheer them on; therefore to render the naviga­ tion of the broad Pacific safe and complete turn-pikes are to be made, canals are to be dug and rail-roads are to be built. If the government of the United States will do this

40

COPY OF A LETTER FROM CAPT. SETH PINKHAM

by pointing out the dangers which lie in our path, they may then rest their labors, for depend upon it the enterpris­ ing citizens of New Bedford and Nantucket will put the steam cars upon the track, and keep them flying in all di­ rections. If you find that a petition is necessary from our district to aid you, one can be obtained with ease.

I am with much respect, &c., SETH PINKHAM.

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA I presume you are familiar with Edgar A. Poe's Tales.

I have for a long time held the opinion that they formed to a very considerable extent the inspiration for the earlier stories by Jules Verne and of the Sherlock Holmes detective stories as well as others of a similar character. You recall perhaps the interesting part of the story of "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" where it tells of Dupin and the imper­ sonal "I" walking together along the streets of Paris, and, each wrapped up in his own thoughts, for a period of fifteeen minutes neither had spoken to the other. All at once Du­ pin broke out with an exclamation that fitted in precisely with the other's condition of thought. The remark led up to an explanation of how Dupin had evolved a consecutiveness of suggestion that gave him so seemingly astonish­ ing an insight into the thoughts of the other. Dupin had fol­ lowed along the various acts and incidents in the journey of the other as he passed along, one event suggesting the clue to another until the point was reached that called out his remark.

I have often been interested in tracing back some thought of my own to its apparent origin, and have been amused at the course that the various suggestions have ta­ ken in their evolution; and yet, having the key, the ex­ planation was simple although sometimes the end was total­ ly different from the beginning. You may recall the man whose name was Towle who claimed to be a direct descend­ ant of King Pepin of France. Somebody asked him how he traced his descent and he said the name at first was Pepin; in time it became corrupted to Napkin; then the transformation to Towel and Towle was easy.

I have a somewhat analagous case. A very much es­ teemed lady friend, a long-time resident of Nantucket, one who visits the dear old island as often as she can and who

42

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

is thoroughly in love with it, recently gave me two very interesting and, to me, exceedingly valuable relics of our old home. One of them is a charming chromo-lithograph of the harbor and town taken from somewhere near the "bug"-light near the place where the 'Sconset and Polpis roads branch off. The original is a painting by Wendall Macy and was made in the '80's. The picture is framed and is some 32 in. by 12 in. and I prize it very much. I do not recall ever having seen one like it and yet, being a chromo-lithograph, there undoubtedly were many of them originally. The other article is a pretty, little silk apron, woven with a border and made in the silk factory that once, nearly 70 years ago, flourished in Nantucket. You know the factory building still exists at the corner of Gay and Westminster streets and the former street perpetuates in its title the name of the Superintendent of this one time Nan­ tucket industry. To me these mementoes are invaluable.

Another interest attaches to the apron, inasmuch as it was given to the lady who gave it to me by one, who, in the days when I was a pupil in the West Grammar Schoolhouse was one of my teachers—Miss Lucy Starbuck, the compiler of the little book of poems "Seaweeds from the Shores of Nantucket."

Now for the train of thought that these mementoes sug­ gested. The donor was a niece of Father Cyrus Peirce who many years ago taught school in Nantucket, and was the first teacher of the High School. And this suggested to me the thought that Father Peirce was the first instruc­ tor of the first Normal School in the United States. Mrs. Stone (the lady who gave me the picture and the apron) has in her possession the first record book used by Mr, Peirce in his work of establishing the school and she kindly allowed me to make extracts from it. The diary portion covers a period of nearly two years, but the membership list covers the entire time in which Mr. Peirce was con-

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

43

nected with the school. It seemed to me as though a brief account of the first year would be of interest to many of the older Nantucketers. In a measure Waltham also is in­ terested in the story for Mr. Peirce was born there August 15, 1790. He was the youngest of 12 children. His early schooling was also in Waltham. He next attended an Academy at Framingham, and this was supplemented by a course of instruction under Rev. Dr. Stearns of Lincoln.

In 1806 he entered Harvard College and speedily established a reputation as a pure and upright young man and a faith­ ful student.

In the winter of 1807-8 he began his labors as a teach­ er of youth at West Newton. He graduated from Harvard in the class of 1810, and immediately was engaged by an as­ sociation of Nantucket men to teach a private school on the island. He taught in Nantucket with marked success two years, and then although urged to remain, returned to Cambridge to complete his study for the Christian ministry.

The next three years were passed in the study of theology, and then, under the pressure of much urging he returned to Nantucket. His second engagement in Nantucket lasted three years. During the second year of this period, in April 1816, he was married to Harriet, daughter of William Coffin, and a sister of Mrs. Samuel H. Jenks. He had boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Coffin while engaged as a teach­ er, and Harriet was one of his brightest and, clearly, one of his most attractive pupils. In 1818 he again left Nantucket and in 1819 Avas ordained to the ministry and settled over a church in North Reading, in this State. There he contin­ ued eight years in faithful, conscientious AA'ork, at the close of which, deciding that "school-keeping" was to him a more congenial profession, he resigned. He was again urged to remoA'e to Nantucket, but concluded to join efforts with a relative and establish a school in North Andover. The next four years were passed there, but the two had so radi-

44

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

cal differences regarding the work that the experiment was finally abandoned. Again came the Macedonian cry from Nantucket "Come over and help us", and in 1831 he came to the Island for the third time. In January 1832 he was elected one of the Counsellors of the Nantucket Philosophi­ cal Institute, and in the Inquirer of April 28, 1832, appears his announcement that for the future his High School will be held in the lower room of his house at the north end of the block on Orange street. During his sojourn in Nan­ tucket he was the leading spirit in the movement to grade the public schools of the town, establishing the regular suc­ cession of Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High that some of us still remember. He became the first Principal of the Nantucket High School and undoubtedly laid the foundation for that fame which for nearly half a century attached to the public schools of the Island.

After serving two years as Principal he was called to the head of the first Normal school ever established in the United States and assumed his duties in the historic town of Lexington July 3, 1839. The School owed its establish­ ment largely to the public spirit and liberality of Hon. Ed­ mund Dwight.

And now we are led up to the story of the opening year of the School. Plis journal tells of its ups and downs, its hopes and its discouragements, as well as his own doubts at times wheie the experiment might end. The opening entry in the journal says: "Lexington, July 3, 1839. This Day the Normal School, the First in the Country, com­ menced. Three Pupils, Misses Hawkins, Smith & Damon were examined by the Board of Visitors, viz. Messrs.

Sparks, Rantoul & Putnam & admitted." These were Sa­ rah Hawkins, of Charlestown, Maria L. Smith, of Lincoln, and Hannah M. Damon of West Cambridge—now Arling­ ton. Under date of July 8, he says: "School opened this day with 3 pupils, Hawkins, Smith & Stowe, one added dur-

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

45

ing the day. Exercises—Conversation, Grammar & Arith­ metic. Three of the scholars promise well." "July 9.

1 his (day) Misses Stodder & Damon came into school as pupils." "10 This Day Mary Swift of Nantucket joined the School—making 7 scholars in all. Our Exercises thus far have been chiefly in Grammar, Reading, Geography and Arithmetic. Some of the Pupils not yet provided with Books. Exercises chiefly of Conversation and Interroga­ tions."

The school-room of those days is thus described by Miss Swift, afterwards Mrs. Mary Swift Lamson, who has passed over the dark river since I began on this story: "A table, some chairs, a blackboard, a sofa, a terrestrial globe were the furnishings of the room set apart for the use of the seven girls and their teacher, Rev. Cyrus Peirce, of Nan­ tucket."

The entry for July 15 says "2d Week. This day held a session in the upper room. Hitherto the Sessions have been in the Sitting room—School visited by Mr. Sparks."

July 22d he says: "Our Order of Exercises has been de­ cided upon for the School Room and some Rules for the regulation of the House. The Studies for this week and time indefinite, are to be The common branches, Algebra, Nat. Philosophy, Physiology, Mental Philosophy, Book Keeping, Moral Philosophy & Geometry."

August 5 he writes: "Apparatus and principal part of Library rec'd and set up. Order of Exercises and System of Rules for House and School adopted. School growing more orderly and sytematized. Prospect seems more en­ couraging than at first."

On July 29 the school was visited by Mr. Rantoul, one of the Directors, and by Mr. Woodbury, and on August 2 Prof. S. H. Newman visited it. These visits seem to be sat­ isfactory to the visitors and encouraging to the principal.

46

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

Discipline had not yet reached the point that seemed to be desirable to Mr. Peirce, for on August 2 he writes some Regulations not yet receiving proper attention and respect.

"This point must be attended to." A day or two after he says—"Spent morning in a kind of moral and religious lec­ ture to the Pupils in connection with the Reading of the Scriptures. The subject of the Remarks was Herod's Oath & Treatment of John the Baptist—The Nature of Promis­ es and the influence of early parental Education. The Scholars seemed attentive & the Lecture, I think, was use­ ful."

August 9 he wrote—"Set up the Clock in the Room.

Had a visit from Mr. Wood former teacher of the Coffin School, Nantucket."

August 12 matters seemed a little depressing again.

He wrote—"Several absent on account of rain; sorry to see. It augurs ill. It is a poor compliment to their interest and zeal in the business for which they came hither. Judg­ ing from this example we may expect to have much absence from bad weather. But I shall take occasion to remark upon it," which he did the following day.

August 16 a new mode of recitation was begun consist­ ing of written abstracts of lessons. In the morning he had Miss Swift assist him in hearing the lessons. Concerning these innovations he says in a somewhat Delphian way "Both experiments quite as satisfactory as I expected."

The early work of the school necessarily was largely experimental. There were no precedents on which to base a more certainly successful scheme. On August 19 Mr. Peirce says concerning his plan of having written abstracts in certain branches of instruction, that while in detail its results were various, on the whole it was favorable.

During the week of August 23 he writes that the school was visited by Miss Stodder of Boston, and Miss Starbuck

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47

and Mrs. Swain of Nantucket. August 27 he writes "I think will need nearly all of the first year to fit themselves thoroughly to teach in the Primary and Grammar Schools. Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Arithmetic, Geog­ raphy all need attention. Tomorrow and next day I shall hold no session purposing in company with some of my scholars to attend Commencement at Cambridge." Sep­ tember 5 he gave a short familiar lecture instead of the re­ citation, concerning which the journal says—"I think it may be advantageous to a School for Teachers to recite to their classes rather than classes to their Teachers. If it has no other effect, it diversifies the modes of operation."

About this time, too, he is having the chambers of the school house and the school rooms better prepared for ven­ tilation, showing that he considered a sound body quite as essential to the educative influence as an active brain.

September 9 he shows that he still feels quite a lack of encouraging results. There are now 12 scholars, and he writes "They seem industrious & interested, and nearly every one of them of fair capacity. But many of them are yet backward, and I apprehend it will require more than one year's Instruction to qualify them to teach. They want language—they want the power of generalization, and of communication.

But I think in all things they are gaining ground, and I feel encouraged. Misses Smith, Stodder, Damon, Haskell, Stow & Swift give quite as much promise at present as any of them.'

September 11 Principal Peirce began a course of "Ex­ perimental Lectures. Explained the Barometer and Ther­ mometer—also the suction and forcing pumps—experi­ mented with each—experiment in Refraction, all success­ ful This day commenced a new Exercise, styled Conver­ sational Exercise. Each scholar relates a story, anecdote or fact in her own language. It was quite a hopeful be­ ginning " On the following day Horace Mann visited the

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school and expressed "much gratification in visit, the state of prospects of the school, and we all felt benefitted and cheered by his presence. This Visit will make quite an Epoch in our history."

September 21 he writes "There is great deficiency in Reading and Spelling." "I mentioned to them it is in con­ templation soon to get up a model school. This will be composed of children of the village and town from the age of 6 to 10 to be taught by the best scholars of the Normal School under the supervision of the principal—I hope to have it in operation in 2 or three weeks."

During the next two weeks the school was visited by Dr. S. G. Howe of the Institution for the Blind, the Chair­ man of the Board of Education, the Governor and Mr. Dwight, and Mr. Peirce expressed himself as feeling encour­ aged at the end of the first quarter. There was a consider­ able addition to the number of pupils with a prospect of yet more. The plans for the "model school" were worked out and on October 21 one was collected and practically organ­ ized with 21 boys and 12 girls. They do not seem to have been an encouraging lot for Mr. Peirce says of them they "seem to have no habits of application or order." The ground they have covered "is not covered thoroughly." The Normal scholars visited the school daily and assisted in guiding it.

October 24 he records "It has been a laborious but not a very satisfactory day. Have tried some of the Normal scholars in the work of teaching. They show their inex­ perience." The number of pupils at this date was 19. On the 26th he says the Model school is much care but a valu­ able acquisition. On November 2 he writes that the par­ ents of the Model school begin to show an interest in it, order is being obtained and better habits. On the 9th of November he records that they had a discussion on the question "Should the Educator offer premiums and appeal

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

49

to the principle of Emulation in carrying forward his work?" The discussion, he reports, was satisfactory and he adds there was "a great majority in the negative." Of par­ ticular interest to Nantucketers is the fact that Miss Swift was ill at this time and his expressed desire for speedy re­ covery that she may "resume her station in the Model School as superintendent subordinate."

A little later he writes "I hope to find a happy medium for my own talking to pupils," and November 19, mindful of the physical as well as the mental side of school work he writes "I took occasion to speak to the school on the sub­ ject of regular, systematic, vigorous Exercise."

The entries of November 21 and 22 show a somewhat judicial and to some degree a facetious phase of Mr. Peirce's character. Complaint had been made by the steward, who, apparently took it as a personal afront for others to be en­ joying themselves, that the girls made too much noise, es­ pecially by dancing. Answering this complaint he met a committee of conference from the young women, and, after hearing their side of the affair, laid down this broad rule: "Whatever would be proper for you to do in a well regu­ lated Family that you may do in this Establishment, and in any Boarding House; unless there is some especial rule from rightful authority against it.

He adds that he also wrote to the steward on the subject and that the steward was disturbed and threatened to leave, whereupon Mr. Peirce says he reminded him of some of his deficiencies for instance "He should know that the Dining room and Keep­ ing room should be supplied with a good fire, and his Table should be furnished with GOOD Bread.

On the 23d of November he learned that one pupil is "under a matrimonial engagement," and concerning this circumstance he severely records "The (School) will not suffer a great loss." Two days later, having in the mean­ time felt called upon to administer a gentle reproof because

50

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of some thoughtless act, he records that he sometimes feels 'almost disheartened." He says the "young ladies are un­ duly sensitive ; someone always feels hit."

November 26 Susan E. Burdick, of Nantucket, entered the school. On December 6 he states that the Model School is now mainly under the care of Miss Swift as Superinten­ dent. February 8 he records that the school was visited by Dr. Swift.

On February 14th he writes "The ordinary Routine of Exercises. Several Figures explained in Nat. Philosophy for the morning lesson. The scholars went to the Black board and explained as though they were teaching a class of young pupils. S. E. Burdick explained the air-pump." Of this work he says the scholars did quite well but their style lacks familiarity. It is too much as though they were reciting rather than explaining to pupils. Dr. Swift visited the school in the afternoon and made some remarks at the close of the session on the importance of physical exercise.

February 15 he records this experience: "Yesterday at the close of the Reading lesson, being called upon by one of the young ladies to define "superstition" or "supertition," I gave views somewhat at length on Apparitions, Ghosts and remarkable appearances, and the state of the departed.

The design of the remarks was to allay fears and correct errors on these points. I hope such was their effect. I feel it my duty to speak when I can throw light on any subject consistently with the great principles of my connexion with their Instruction. I wish much to steer clear of all sectarian and party views, ways and measures, but on great principles to speak freely."

Two days after this, or on February 17, he writes "Sel­ dom have I closed a day with less satisfaction." His source of dissatisfaction was the poor lessons recited on that day.

February 20th he says "Geography poor," "Geometry

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51

ditto.

I think it would do no great honor to an ordinary District school to exhibit such performances as we had this afternoon in the 2d Class in Geography." The moral influence of theatres and balls came up in the afternoon in connection with the reading lesson. There seemed to be a general agreement with the selection read that the influence of these amusements is bad. A few days later he records that it has been his aim to train his pupils to do as they would think their pupils should do.

March 3d he says "For one thing this day is remark­ able. It is the first time that the Teacher has had the unhappiness to receive a short, abrupt answer from any of the Pupils of the Normal school or to witness any unhandsome manifestation from them." The demonstration which so disturbed him he further says "seems unprovoked."

March 19 he records as quite an epoch in the school history for on that day the school was visited by seven gen­ tlemen, among them were Mr. Crowell, editor of the Watch­ man ; Mr. Coleman, a teacher at Andover; and Mr. Barnard of Hartford, Secretary of the Board of Commissioners for Common Schools of Connecticut. There had been a strong effort made in the Legislature to abolish the Board of Edu­ cation and close the Normal School, and he records in the journal of that same day that in the evening he heard of the favorable result of the discussion of this movement.

The closing days of the opening year did not seem to bring to Father Peirce much encouragement. Indeed his entire journal indicates him to be a man of so extreme con­ scientiousness that it took but little seeming adversity eith­ er in language or appearance to discourage him. On April 3d he writes "The prospect looks dark and discouraging. I cannot think of remaining connected with the School much longer without the prospect of an increase of scholars.

The best, he says, are about to graduate and there are no applications.

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The term ended April 14 and the closing exercises seem to have been fairly successful. There were present from 20 to 25 besides the pupils.

May 1 his record says the new term opened more auspi­ ciously, six pupils had graduated, but eight new ones had been admitted. May 10th he records among his visitors Nathaniel Barney and wife and son and M. G. Swain, of Nantucket. June 22d he says "The class of scholars are generally very backward."

The following week (June 29) he writes that Miss Burdick is assistant to Miss Almira L. Locke in the Model School.

July 3d entry is "It is just one year today since the Normal commenced with three pupils. We now have 29.

The increase has been very slow, I hope the progress has been certain. But I am suffering grievous disappointment, and I fear the school will suffer in the not very successful experiments which two Normalites are making in school keeping in this village."

July 31 he writes "Very unwell and have much reason to fear that I have not manifested the proper temper under my trials. A teacher teaches as much by his manner of do­ ing and speaking as in any way."

And so the journal continues to reflect the various moods inspired in him by seeming successes or failures as they develop day by day. The last entry is under date of March 12, 1841 and is this—"Not a pleasant day—lessons not good generally and not perfect attention to order. Two young ladies who have never manifested much attention to the order of the room or deep interest in the studies have had to withdraw from the institution." His loving and faithful wife and helpmeet says of those days: "Looking over the Records of the School for September, 1840, I find such entries as the following—"The community do seem to

THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA

53

say that they do-not want Normal Schools, and they will not patronize them. Well, then, the Lord send them some­ thing better which they do need." And again, "The clouds still hang about the horizon of Normality. A part only of the old scholars have returned; and but one new one added!

This is dismal and discouraging enough. The community are not interested in Normal Schools, and I doubt whether they will be. I have exhorted and proclaimed and prayed and labored; what more can I do? I am still as one beating the air, significant of that anxious period." "Few," con­ tinues Mrs. Peirce, "have any idea of the struggles of that year, of the anxieties, the dark days of all interested in their continuance."* The members of this first class were: Hannah M. Da­ mon of West Cambridge (now Arlington), Sarah Hawkins of Charlestown, Maria L. Smith and Amanda M. Parks of Lincoln, Louisa Rolph of Newton, Lydia A. Stow of Dedham, Mary H. Stodder of Boston, Mary Swift and Susan E. Burdick of Nantucket, Almira L. Locke of Epsom, N. IT, Margaret O'Connor and Adeline M. Ireson of Cambridge, Mary R. Haskell of Ashby, Sarah E. Locke and Mary A. E. Davis of Lexington, Sarah E. Sparrell of Medford, Eliza R. and Rebecca M. Pennell of Wrentham, Louisa E. Har­ ris and Sarah W. Wyman of Roxbury, Susanna C. Wood­ man and Lydia H. Drew of Boston, Eliza A. and Hannah P. Rogers of Billerica and Abby M. Kimball of Dracut.

One of the class, Lydia H. (Drew) Morton, in the little volume giving the post-graduation records of this First Class Association thus describes the members as they were seated in the school: "First came the elastic form and mer­ ry face of Mary Stodder, and beside her the no less merry face of Mary Swift, the Quakeress; then the poetical Han#

sh_ 0 with the right to do so.

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nah Damon, who will ever be associated in our mind with "Lady of the Lake" and "Intrigue," which last allusion she will comprehend more readily than the most of you. Next, the kind-hearted and friendly Lydia Stow; the lovely face of her who has "gone to the spirit land and the amiable Maria Smith—we, as a class, shall not soon forget her hos­ pitality. The mathematical Sarah Locke, the flashing eye of the brilliant Susan Burdick, the indefatigable Almira Locke, who would surmount all obstacles. The delicate form and quiet features of little Susan Woodman; the in­ genuous countenance of our friend, Sarah Wyman, and the mirth loving Louise Harris, who never let slip an opportun­ ity to provoke a smile in study hours. The warm-hearted Hannah Rogers, and her cousin, the sincere friend, Eliza Rogers, whom we only know to respect and love. The af­ fectionate smiles of Rebecca Pennell and her sister, the pet­ ted Eliza. The spritely Addie Ireson, who was always at hand to do one a kindness, and the obliging Abbie Kimball, and the gentle-hearted Sarah Sparrell, the sympathetic friend, and the loved and lost Margaret O'Connor. Then, behind the door, sat Lydia H. Drew, whose advanced years probably gave her some claim to your notice."

The school continued in Lexington until about 1844 and it was then transferred to West Newton, where it was lo­ cated until the year 1853 when it was again removed, this time to South Framingham where it still remains.

The somewhat cosmopolitan character of the school shows itself in the residences of its pupils as recorded by Mr. Peirce during the earlier years of its existence. In Massachusetts, they came from Waltham, Lincoln, Newton, Watertown, Nantucket, Brookfield, Boylston, Boston, Fall River, New Bedford, Salem, Woburn, Truro, Greenfield, Dorchester; in Maine, from Westbrook, Waterford, Cam*Probably Louisa Rolph.

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55

den, Kennebunk, Bangor, Hallowell, Orrington, Bloomfield; in Rhode Island, from Providence, Pawtucket, Newport; in New Hampshire, from Milford, Epsom, Hopkinton, North Hampton, Concord, Northwood; in Connecticut, from Woodstock; in Vermont, from Newbury. Other places of residence of the pupils were Trenton, New Jersey, Westport, New York, and York Springs, Pittsburg and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Normal School pupils from Nantucket from 1839 to 1849 were Mary Swift, from July 10, 1839 to April 4, 1840; Susan E. Burdick, from November 25, 1839 to De­ cember 22, 1840; Amelia L. Coffin, from May 6, 1841 to October 9, 1841; Eliza M. Myrick, from May 6, 1841 to June 18, 1841; Catherine Swift, from May 6, 1841 to July 10, 1841; Emily L. Shaw, from May 7, 1845 to April 15," 1846; Sarah Watson, from September 10, 1845 to Decem­ ber 8, 1846; Elizabeth G. Austin, from October 10, 1845 to December 23, 1846; Caroline S. Bassett and Rebecca N. Watson both entered the school September 6, 1848 and were pupils when Mr. Peirce's record was closed. Miss Coffin died in about five months after she entered the school and for a time our people were very shy about allowing their children to go to Lexington.

So much did Father Peirce's personality have to do with the establishment of this branch of education that Horace Mann, then the head of the just organized State Board of Education, said of him—"Had it not been for Mr. Cyrus Peirce, I consider that the cause of Normal Schools would have failed, or have been postponed for an indefinite period."* It is interesting in the light of the trend of modem thought in some directions to know what his sentiments were in those days regarding the much discussed question *Memoirof Cyrus Peirce by Rev. Samuel J. May, p. 21.

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of external stimuli to study. In September, 1857, in an ad­ dress to the Association which the first class that entered the Normal School had formed eight years before, he said— "Experience and observation have led me to doubt very much the wisdom and propriety of rewards and punish­ ments merely arbitrary. Hiring children to learn, to be good, or to do anything, is worse than error—is abomina­ tion. The whole system of medals and premiums as a means of education, at home or in the school-room, sanc­ tioned as it is by authorities, is at best a refined abomina­ tion."

Of the Nantucket pupils of that first class Miss Burdick was a teacher in the High Schools of New Bedford and Lowell for ten years.

Miss Swift, who subsequently married Edwin Lamson, received her first call to teach immediately after her grad­ uation from Dr. Samuel G. Howe who desired assistance in demonstrating to the world that a blind man can do some­ thing better than sit at the street corner and beg. A year later one of her pupils entered Harvard College and anoth­ er entered Dartmouth. She afterwards taught Laura Bridgeman five years at the Institution for the Blind. She was appointed by Gov. Claflin on the Board of Trustees of the State Industrial School at Lancaster and served nine years in that position. She served on the School Commit­ tee for the 1own of Winchester, and for 36 years was en­ gaged on work for the Boston Young Women's Christian Association. She died March 2 of this year in the city of Cambridge.

A writer in the Boston Evening Transcript says further of her: W ith a boy pupil, Oliver Caswell, a deaf mute, she was able to communicate within half an hour, the first communication that the boy had with the outside world.

This ability was the result of a system of articulation which the teacher had been developing to take the place of the old-

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57

er system of communication by gestures. As a result of her investigation in communicating with deaf mutes by articu­ lation, Clark University was established about 1860 in Northampton."

Such, in brief, were the beginnings of Normal Schools in the United States.

ALEXANDER STARBUCK.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE N. H. A. SINCE 1906 Annual.

A. Miss Alice Owen Albertson, 3940 Brown St., Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs. Caroline S. B. Allen, West Newton, Mass.

Miss Clara L. Allen, Nantucket, Mass.

B. Miss Charlotte P. Briggs, 257 Steuben St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Miss Alice Macy Bunker, 45 Pleasant St., Winthrop, Mass.

Mrs. Cordelia M. Bunker, 29 Juniper St., Roxbury, Mass.

c.

Morris E. Conable, Port Watson St., Cortland, N. Y. Frank M. Coffin, 54-56 Franklin St., N. Y. City.

D. George W. Daw, Troy, N. Y. Mrs. William P. Defriez, 537 Washington St., Brookline, Mass.

Mrs. Emily C. Dorsey, 6 Brimmer St., Boston, Mass.

F Miss Phebe C. Edwards, 422 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass.

Mrs. Richard G. Elkins, West Newton, Mass.

Herbert Elliot, M. D., Arlington, Mass.

F. J. E. C- Farnham, Box 1065, Providence, R. I. William H. Farrington, 1099 Mary St., Elizabeth, N. J. Rupert Folger, M. D„ Box 3, Whitestone, Long Island.

Clinton Folger, 312 California St., San Francisco, Cal. Louisa B. French, 97 High St., Woonsocket, R. I. Mrs. John B. Folger, Nantucket.

G. John C. F. Gardner, 60 Wall St., New York City.

Alfred Gardner, Garden City, Long Island.

Mrs. Alfred Gardner, Garden City, Long Island.

Alfred Gardner, Jr., Garden City, Long Island.

NEW MEMBERS OF THE N. H. A. SINCE 1906

59

H. Frederick L. Hoffman, East Orange, N. J. Mrs. Abbie S. Hawes, 1 Allston St., Dorchester, Mass.

Thomas V. Hussey, 353 Fifth Aye., N. Y. City.

Merritt M. Harris, Nantucket, Mass.

Joseph Husband, Zeigler Coal Co., Zeigler, 111.

Howard D. Hodge, 29 College Hill Chambers, Cannon St., London, England.

JBenjamin F. Janes, 2192 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

K. Mrs. E. N. Kingsbury, 93 Blacktone St., Woonsocket, R. I.

L. James Morton Lowden, Hotel St. George, Brooklyn, N. Y. Matthew Crosby Lowden, 415 Washington St. Brooklyn, N. Y.

M. Miss Louise Macy, Pittsfield, Mass.

N. Mr. and Mrs. George M. Neall, Philadelphia, Pa.

P. Mrs. Sarah Howland Gardner Penniman, 39 Fifth St., New Bedford, Mass.

R. Mrs. Sarah F. Read, Nantucket.

S. Judge William F. Solly, Morristown, Pa. Mrs. Allen Smith, Nantucket.

Mrs. Sidney Starbuck, Nantucket.

Miss Emma Josephine Steele, 1 Allston St., Dorchester, Mass.

Mrs. Mary H. Starbuck, Nantucket.

Mrs. Robert M. Swinburne, 63 Chili St., Rochester, N. Y. Mrs. Clementina Swain, 152 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

w.

Mrs. Clementina Swain Wing, 152 Clinton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. Dr. Sidney Worth, 1721 Vallejo St., San Francisco. Cal.

6o

NEW MEMBERS OF THE N. H. A. SINCE 1906

Since the published list of members was printed in 1906 Miss Elizabeth Watson's address is Mrs. Granger A. Hollister, 375 East Avenue, Rochester, N. Y. Miss Hannah W. DeMilt is Mrs. F. D. Jackson, 2025 Broadway, New York City.

Miss Beulah M. Hacker is Mrs. J. Sellers Bancroft, 917 Pine St., Philadelphia, Pa. Miss Madeleine Fish is Mrs. Walter E. Severance, 510 Second Ave­ nue, Lockport, N. Y. Miss Mary L. Myrick is Mrs. S. T. Fuller, Kennebunk, Me. If there is any error in the list, either in name or address, the Secretary will feel grateful if her attention is called to it by any member.

DECEASED MEMBERS OF THE N. H. A. SINCE 1906 Life Members.

Admiral Seth M. Ackley.

Miss Helen B. W. Worth.

Annual Members.

Captain George H. Brock.

Benjamin Allen Barney.

Henry Pinkham Brown.

Mrs. Margaret Agnes Bunker.

Allen Coffin.

Mrs. Sidney Chase.

Mrs. Delia Upham Chapman.

Horace S. Dodd.

Mrs. T. C. Defriez.

Mrs. Mary Ewer Denham.

Horace Easton.

Mrs. Emily Shaw Forman.

Rev. Walter Russell Gardner.

Miss Charlotte M. Gardner.

Mrs. Andrew G. Hussey.

Peter B. Hayt.

Mrs. Annie B. Sheldon.

Miss Mary Abhy Swain.

Sylvester Swain.

Edward A. Swain.

Mrs. Sarah M. Wing.

Mrs. Sarah G. Whittemore.

Publications of Nantucket Historical Association.

Quakerism on Nantucket since 1800, by Henry Barnard Worth.

Vol. 1, No. 1, 1896 Timothy White Papers, by Rev. Myron Samuel Dudley.

Vol. 1, No. 2, 1898 Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, by Henry Barnard Worth.

Part 1, Vol. 2, No. 1, 1901 The Settlers, their Homes and Government (Map),

by Henry Barnard Worth. Part 2, Vol. 2, No. 2, 1902 The Indians of Nantucket, by Henry Barnard Worth.

Part 3, Vol. 2, No. 3, 1902 A Century of Free Masonry on Nantucket, by Alexander Starbuck.

Vol. 3, No. 1 PRICE 25 CENTS EACH

Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, by Henry Barnard Worth (Illustrated) Part 4, Vol. 2, No. 4, 1906 PRICE 35 CENTS

Proceedings of First, Second and Third Annual meetings of the Nantucket Historical Association. 1895-6-7.

Proceedings of the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1898.

Proceedings of the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association. 1900.

Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1901.

Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1902.

Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association. 1903.

Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association. 1904.

Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association, Constitution and list of Members. 1905.

Proceedings of the Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association, with list of Members.

1906.

Proceedings of the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1907.

Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1908.

Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Meeting of the Nan­ tucket Historical Association. 1909.

PRICE 10 CENTS EACH Souvenir Postal Cards of interior and exterior views of the Association's Rooms, 3 cents each, 2 for 5 cents.

Above will be forwarded, postpaid, upon application to Miss Susan E. Brock, Curator, Nantucket, Mass.