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PROCEEDINGS OF THE
Nantucket Historical Association
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Thirty-Eighth Annual Meeting July Twenty-Eighth Nineteen Hundred Thirty-Two
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TO OUR MEMBERS As was to be expected in view of the general depression and a sub-normal tourist season, this has been a hard year for our Associa tion. Though most of our old members have remained loyal and we have added over seventy new names to our membership list, our re ceipts from admissions to the various exhibits have fallen nearly a thousand dollars short of the total for last year, and as this is a very important part of our income, we have had to reduce expenses whereever possible without too great a sacrifice of the service we try to render. Believing that our members will co-operate with us to that end, we have thought it advisable this year to cut down the cost of printing our Annual Report by using smaller type and omitting the member ship list, which now takes over thirty pages of the report. Its omis sion will effect a substantial saving in printing as well as in postage. A few copies of last year's report are available, and if any mem bers have extra copies which they do not care to keep, we should be glad to receive them to supply any demand there may be. If, as we hope, conditions next year are more normal, it is our purpose to furnish you as heretofore with a complete report, including the membership list. Attention is once more called to the new class of "Sustaining Members" at $5.00 a year. We have added some fifteen or twenty to this list this year, and every one helps. If you are able and willing to transfer to this class or can secure one or more such members for us, we shall greatly appreciate it. Present annual members whose dues have been paid may make the transfer any time before July 1, 1933, on payment of four dollars additional, which will be accepted as pay ment in full for Sustaining Membership up to July 1, 1934. Cash donations for either specific or general purposes are of course always welcome and will be wisely expended. And may we again suggest that a clause in your will, or a codicil added to it (if already made), bequeathing any amount, large or small, to the Asso ciation, will help to insure the continuation of the work and perpetuate the memory of our ancestors and their accomplishments among those who come after us. Such bequests should read: "To the Nantucket Historical Association Incorporated". Cordially yours, THE COUNCIL.
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LIST OF OFFICERS
President WILLIAM F. MACY Vice-Presidents MILLARD F. FREEBORN G. LISTER CARLISLE, JR. FRED V. FULLER MRS. IRVING ELTING THOMAS H. GIFFIN DR. CHARLES E. CONGDON Secretary MRS. CATHERINE R. EGER Treasurer WILLIAM F. CODD Curator Emeritus MISS SUSAN E. BROCK Curator and Librarian MRS. WALTON H. ADAMS Auditors MISS EMMA COOK ALBERT G. BROCK MISS HANNAH G. HATCH
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Councillors EDGAR W. JENNEY
Term Expires 1933
MISS CLARA PARKER
Term Expires 1933
MRS. GEORGIE L. WALLING
Term Expires 1934
MRS. FREDERICK L. ACKERMAN
Term Expires 1934
BASSETT JONES
Term Expires 1935
KENNETH TAYLOR
Term Expires 1935
CHARLES P. KIMBALL
Term Expires 1936
MISS OLIVE ALLEN
Term Expires 1936
Life Councillors MISS ANNIE BARKER FOLGER
WINTHROP COFFIN
MRS. FLORENCE OSGOOD LANG
SIDNEY MITCHELL
Committees—1932-33 Finance—Fred V. Fuller, Dr. Charles E. Congdon. Publication—Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Miss Clara Parker. Buildings—Oldest House, Fred V. Fuller, Charles P. Kimball; Old Mill, William F. Codd, Mrs. Frederick L. Ackerman; Friends' Meeting House and Historical Rooms, Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Thomas H. Giffin. 'Sconset House—Miss Annie Barker Folger, Herbert C. Gardner, Thomas H. Giffin. Whaling Museum—William F. Macy, Fred V. Fuller, Edgar W. Jenney, Mrs. Walton H. Adams, Miss Annie Barker Folger, William F. Codd, Dr. Charles E. Congdon, Bassett Jones, Mrs. Frederick L. Ackerman. Publicity—Dr. Charles E. Congdon, Bassett Jones, Charles P. Kimball. Junior Membership—Edgar W. Jenney, Miss Olive Allen, Charles P. Kimball.
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THE ANNUAL MEETING The thirty-eighth annual meeting of the Nantucket Historical Association was held in the Old North Vestry Thursday afternoon, July 28, 1932, with about one hundred and fifty members and guests present. The meeting was called to order by the President, William F. Macy, at three o'clock, and by vote of the meeting the reading of the records of the last annual meeting were dispensed with, as they had been printed in the Association's annual report. Mrs. Catherine Ray Eger then read her annual report as secre tary, which was received with approval. William F. Codd read the annual report of the treasurer. Mr. Codd had been appointed treasurer to fill the unexpired term of Mrs. Louise M. Gordon, who had been forced to resign by the press of her other duties. Mr. Codd's report showed the Association to be at least holding its own against the strong tide of present-day conditions. Both the secretary's and treasurer's reports were accepted as read and a vote of thanks to Mrs. Gordon for her faithful and efficient service as treasurer was passed unanimously. The report of Mrs. Nancy Grant Adams, the curator, was received with the same keen interest shown in other years. The Carnegie Cor poration's grant of $5,000 to the Nantucket Historical Association in January, 1932, was the outstanding item of the report. Mrs. Adams spoke of the forethought of President William F. Macy in securing the famous whaling library of Mr. Edward F. Sanderson, and also the collection of whaling prints, models, scrimshaw, etc., in Mr. Sander son's house, "Moors End", and which might have gone "off-island" but for Mr. Macy's prompt action. Miss Mary E. Bigelow, chairman of the nominating committee, presented the following list of officers for the ensuing year: President—William F. Macy. Vice-Presidents—Millard F. Freeborn, Dr. Charles E. Congdon, G. Lister Carlisle Jr., Fred V. Fuller, Mrs. Irving Elting, Thomas H. Giffin. Secretary—Mrs. Catherine R. Eger. Treasurer—William F. Codd. Curator and Librarian—Mrs. Walton H. Adams. Councillors for 4 Years—Miss Olive Allen, Charles P. Kimball. Councillor to replace Dr. Charles E. Congdon, (elected to VicePresidency)—Mrs. Frederick L. Ackerman. The secretary was then authorized, by unanimous consent, to cast one ballot for the nominees as reported by the nominating committee, which was done. The president had no formal address to offer, but spoke briefly, touching on the various accomplishments during the year. He spoke of the Carnegie grant, as the result of which we had been able to get many valuable and needed articles from the famous Sanderson collec-
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tion, and remarked on various other matters pertaining to the various exhibits. He reminded the gathering that though the salary list and overhead expenses now amounted to a considerable sum, and that in these times of depression it required strict economy and careful man agement to avoid a deficit, the Association was not a money-making organization. He concluded his summary of the year's work with the optimistic note that the storm of present-day conditions would some how be safely weathered by the Association's finances. The winners of the prize essay contest by High School students were then announced. Miss Elizabeth Sylvia was awarded the first prize of ten dollars in gold for her essay entitled "Notable Old Buildings of Nantucket". Miss Frances Chase was awarded the second prize of five dollars, and Miss Catherine Ellis the third prize of twofifty. Miss Sylvia and Miss Ellis then came forward to receive their prizes, Miss Chase being "olf-island", and Miss Sylvia, in accordance with the usual custom, read her essay. The President then called upon Wilbur G. Sherman, of New Bed ford, an authority on whaling in that city, to say a few words. Mr. Sherman was introduced as "one who has done a great deal to make the Nantucket Whaling Museum known in New Bedford." He extended the greetings of the New Bedford Whalemen's Club and the Old Dartmouth Historical Society. James F. Morton, assistant curator of the Patterson, N. J., Museum, was the next speaker. Mr. Morton gave a short, vigorous speech in which he praised highly the activities of the Nantucket Association, and complimented the members on their fine spirit and co-operation in keeping alive the old traditions and history of Nan tucket. The program continued with a reading from one of the new Nantucket books of the year—"You Fight For Treasure!" by Edouard A. Stackpole—with the author reading the first chapter of the book. A delightful part of the program was the singing of three "chanties" by a group of young men..—Henry U. Swain, Walter White, Stuart Davis, Whitman Pearson, and Bradford Coolidge—accompanied on the accordion by Herbert Brownell, the blind musician. The singers rendered "Rio Grande", "Blow the Man Down" and "Haul on a Bow line". The audience gave them such vigorous applause that they sang an encore, and then Herbert Brownell responded with two appropriate solos. Mrs. Florence Bennett Anderson then read from her new Nan tucket book, "Through the Hawse-Hole", the biography of her great grandfather, Seth Pinkham. Mrs. Anderson chose several excerpts from her book which showed the fine quality of the work, and she read so charmingly that the audience was sorry to have her stop.
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The President then called upon Miss Helen McCleary to read from documents which shed a new light on Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin. Mr. Macy remarked that he had chosen Miss McCleary to read these selections because he was sure that she would "get them over". He was right. Miss McCleary not only "got them over" but delighted the gathering with the inimitable way in which she did it. The first document showed how the doughty Sir Isaac conducted his affairs at the Halifax station, and the second told how Admiral Coffin outwitted the Spanish commanders on the coast of Spain, during the last English naval war with that country—this last being from the story "Peter Simple", by Captain Maryatt. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5 o'clock after a very interesting and enjoyable session.
SECRETARY'S REPORT Mr. President, Members and Friends of the Nantucket Historical Association: Once again we assemble here in this Old North Vestry, and ac cording to Miss Starbuck's "Robert B." the year has made the Grand Tour and we are once more at the starting point of Annual Meeting. As an association grows older and annual reports multiply, the story of routine business may seem to be the same from year to year, but in reality it is not. Each year brings its peculiar problems and calls forth in its own way special enthusiasm. The four Council meetings held during the year have been well attended and the necessary business transacted at each. The most important one was held on February 2nd, at which our president, Mr. Macy, had some very good news for us. Notice had been received in December that the Carnegie Corporation of New York had voted to grant the Nantucket Historical Association the sum of five thousand dollars "toward forwarding the educational program of the Whaling Museum", and early in January the money was received. Within less than a month thereafter the opportunity of a lifetime came to us to acquire the great whaling and marine library and other collections which had been assembled by Mr. Edward F. Sanderson, to whom we are so greatly indebted for the gift of many of the whaling implements and other material connected with the industry which made our Whaling Museum possible. Mr. Sanderson had sold his estate "Moors End", on Pleasant Street, and though he had simultaneously contracted with a New York dealer to dispose of his library, together with his great collection of whaling prints, paintings and engravings, ship models, "scrim shaw", and other whaling items, we were able through the efforts of our President, to persuade the purchaser to release his claim in the interest of our museum. «Sf 7 ]§•
The council met at once, and feeling that no investment of a portion of the Carnegie grant which we could possibly make would do more to carry out the expressed object of "forwarding the educa tional program of the Whaling Museum" than the acquisition of such of these books and other material as we needed, it was voted to appro priate one-half of the amount received from the grant to that purpose, and it was looked upon as most fortunate—not to say providential— that the necessary funds happened to be available just at that time. The material acquired represents an investment of several times the amount which it stands us, and our collections and exhibits at the Whaling Museum are greatly enlarged, improved and enriched by the addition of so much new and valuable material. It would have taken years of time and much money to acquire this material from other sources, even if it could have been obtained at all, which is doubtful. There were, of course, many duplicates in Mr. Sanderson's collec tion of books and other items which we already owned, or which for other reasons we did not need, but the collection could not be divided to allow us to select what we wanted from it, so our president offered, in order to make sure of getting the things we did want for the Museum, to take over the surplus material and dispose of it, as oppor tunity offered, to other museums or private collectors, which he is now doing. We believe we now have one of the best whaling libraries in the world, if not the best, and that our exhibit of prints, paintings and engravings relating to whaling has few, if any, equals in any public museum. Our "educational program" is bound to profit accordingly. Recently notice was given that the Treasurer, (Mrs. Harry Gordon), owing to a pressure of other duties, felt obliged to tender her resignation, which was accepted with sincere regrets at a council meeting on July 5, 1932. The association has lost a faithful and effi cient worker, and I, personally, shall greatly miss working with "Louise", as our duties were closely allied and required us to consult each other continually, and to work together many an afternoon or evening to keep our files complete and correct, not to mention the time we put in together on the annual bills, notices and proceedings. During the summer of 1931 three lectures were given under our auspices at the Nantucket Yacht Club, as follows: On July 29 Don C. Seitz, formerly managing editor of the New York World, spoke on "Pirates and Piracy". On August 10 Rear-Admiral Reginald R. Belknap, U. S. N., told us "The Story of the United States Navy", and on August 24, Dr. Charles E. Park, of Boston, gave us his illustrated lecture on "The Clipper Ship Era". For the rest there is little to report. The year ending has not been one of great activity, and we have few items to offer for your conspi ration, but we are very proud of our accomplishment in obtaining our new whaling library and the other articles, which is the outstanding event of the year closing. In spite of depressing times our membership 4 8
continues to increase and we have quite a number of members who have changed from annual to sustaining membership, which is grati fying indeed. This is the thirty-eighth birthday of the association, and so we press on, as each year opening out before us brings something new to be accomplished and some new hope to be fulfilled. Respectfully submitted, CATHERINE RAY EGER, Secretary.
TREASURER'S REPORT (SUMMARIZED)
GENERAL ACCOUNT RECEIPTS Cash balance July 1, 1931 Dues Admissions Sales of Publications, Books, Postcards, etc. Gifts Use of 'Sconset House for Library 4 years
$117.96 $1,003.00 3,146.70 299.15 7.00 400.00 4,855.85 $4,973.81
EXPENSES Salaries of Attendants Salaries of Officers and Janitor Essay Prizes Printing and Advertising Books, etc. To Life Membership Fund Repairs Lectures Interest on Whaling Museum Mortgage Miscellaneous
$1,919.38 500.00 17.50 676.20 83.84 60.00 100.75 100.30 600.00 789.02
Cash balance June 30, 1932
4,846.99 $126.82
WHALING MUSEUM ACCOUNT RECEIPTS To July 1, 1931 Pledges and Gifts Miscellaneous Carnegie Fund
$35,622.65 1,722.00 186.38 5,000.00 $42,531.03 4 9 )§•
PAYMENTS To July 1, 1931 Equipment Equipment paid from Carnegie Fund Deposited in Nantucket Institution for Savings, Carnegie Fund Paid on Notes Cash Balance
$35,089.63 490.19 2,500.00 2,500.00 1,250.00 701.21 $42,531.03
INVESTMENTS JUNE 30, 1932 Principal United States Bonds $200.00 Deposits in Nantucket Inst, for Savings: William Swift Fund 5,000.00 Oldest House Fund 492.30 Ella M. Starbuck Fund 3,000 Life Membership Fund 2,392.22 Carnegie Fund, Whaling Museum Account 2,500.00
With Dividends $221.55
$13,584.52
5,253.12 492.30 3,151.87 2,743.05 2,500.00 $14,361.89
Membership June 30: life, 110; sustaining, 8; annual, 1035; junior, 64. Total 1217.
CURATOR'S REPORT Mr. President and Members of the Nantucket Historical Association: The thirty-eighth year of our organized historical work has come to a close, and there is little that is new to report. In reviewing past records we find that there has been ever increasing interest in our Historical Association and a gradual increase in the attendance at the museum on Fair Street has been noticed until the opening of the Whaling Museum, which seems to be of such great interest to the transient visitors to our island that a noticeable falling off in at tendance has been noted at both the Historical Museum and the Oldest House. It is recorded that in our early days our most prominent founder and organizer, Rev. Myron S. Dudley, used frequently to admonish us to remember that we were not a money making society, and that it showed more real progress to have spent large sums for worthy objects than to have piled up money in the bank. It is most certain that we are not piling up much money in the bank, but we are trying to keep off the rocks in these hard times—which reminds us of the story of the skipper of a coaster who was boasting to a passenger how familiar he was with the channel, that he knew every rock in it; just then the schooner struck on a big one. "There," said he, "There's one of the <S[ 10 }>
darned things now." That was our condition at the opening of the season this year, but we hope the channel will be clear for the re mainder of the voyage, and that we will sail into port with a full cargo and go on record as having the most successful voyage yet. I wonder if the members and friends are acquainted with a very interesting memento of Benjamin Tashma, the Nantucket Indian who died in 1770, and whose home was in the vicinity of Gibbs pond. This is the stone which lies in front of the entrance to the Historical Rooms on Fair Street and which weighs 1800 pounds. It was carried to the Edward Joy farm a number of years ago and later presented to the Historical Association. It was kept in the basement for some years, and on July 24, 1917, it was placed in front of the steps. We intend to have this stone suitably marked in the near future. Our accessions this year have been as varied as ever, and first among them has been a number of portraits of old Nantucketers—two fine ones of William Hiller and his wife, and others of Charles Starbuck and of Capt. Obed Starbuck and his wife. Many small photographs are being brought to us continually and many daguerreotypes. Our family of dolls has been increased by two the past year, with a full wardrobe for each. We have also received a fine old peram bulator, which is in a remarkably good condition and makes an inter esting addition to our collection. Several shingles from the old barn which stood in Gardner's Lane, and which was razed the past winter, have been sent to us as a relic of the days of handwrought shingles. One of these shingles has carved on it the name Wm. M. Barker and the initials H. R. B—1860. Another relic is a wrought iron hitching post, which is a reminder of the pass ing of the horse. One of the first rubber gossamer capes which came to the island has found a resting place in our collection. We have also added the steering wheel of the old fishing steamer Petrel, which was built in 1896 and dismantled in 1926, after almost thirty years of service. The usual number of old letters and deeds have been donated, and several family charts added to the genealogical department; also a complete census of the Bunker family in the State of Maine. To the collection of furniture has been added a very old high chair, probably of the seventeenth century, a child's chair with rush bottom, and a very fine chair which belonged to Phebe Folger Coleman, sister of the Hon. Walter Folger, donated by her great-granddaughter, who is now in her eighteenth year. From the same donor we have re ceived two silver spoons marked T. S. R. and T. S. D.; also a lovely old silver lustre sugar bowl and cream pitcher. From the Commonwealth of Massachusetts we have received several volumes of the Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors of the Civil War. There will be eight volumes when all are published. A very fine booklet has been donated about "George Washington" by Jean Houdon, Sculptor, being a brief history of the most famous
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sculpture created of America's immortal patriot, issued to commem orate the bi-centennial of his birth. At the Whaling Museum there have been many interesting addi tions to our already fine collection, and we are most fortunate in being able to add to our library the fine collection of books from the Sander son library. Also many fine old whaling prints, some beautiful scrimschaw, and several ship models, all of which would have gone away from the island if it had not been for the forethought and interest of our President. We have added new shelves to the library to take care of the added books, and the log books have been rearranged on the shelves so that it is easier to handle them. Several changes have been made in Sanderson Hall and in the portrait room, which the Committee feel is an improvement. The attendance at the Whaling Museum last year was nearly eight thousand. The Oldest House still attracts those who are interested in histor ical houses. There have been no special changes there. As another year opens before us with its work and possibilities we need to press on vigorously and earnestly to further the work of this Association. It has been quoted "that a people that lives in the present, that knows not the past, and cares naught for the future, can only be narrowly progressive, if at all." This should be brought home to our people in Nantucket and awaken and arouse them to an interest in our Historical Association. Respectfully submitted, NANCY S. ADAMS, Curator.
NOTABLE OLD NANTUCKET BUILDINGS First Prize Essay, by Elizabeth Sylvia. There are many old buildings in Nantucket. I will try to describe some of these storm-weathered old places. One of the most notable of structures is the Old Mill, which every summer resident loves to visit and which we Nantucketers are proud of. It is the last of the original mills, and was built in 1746. For a long time the mill has had the honor of being "the old wind-mill' on the island. It is one of the best known and most visited historical landmarks in this historic town. If one watches the sun go down just behind the hill on which the mill stands, he will be filled with admira tion of the beauty of the sight. The Old Mill was in active operation in 1746; the farmers took their corn and wheat there to be ground. Two large granite grind stones, lying flat against each other with one revolving on top of the -S{ 12 )S»
other, the lower one being stationary, ground the grain to a meal; it then passed through a wooden chute, narrowed at the end, into cloth bags that hung at the end of the chute. The mill is octagon-shaped, and has a revolving top to which are attached four large vanes, each thirty feet long. When the corn was to be ground, canvas sails were attached to the vanes and the wind caused them to revolve. The vertical shaft was connected to the upper grindstone and this made the stones grind together. In the olden days, this was the only way that the natives could have their corn ground. Now that electrical appliances have been invented, it has passed out of its glory and settled down just to be "an historical spot". It is now owned by the Nantucket Historical Association, to whom it was given as a gift in 1897 by Miss Caroline L. W. French of Boston. Inside the mill is a suitably inscribed tablet. It reads: "This mill, built in 1746, was bought and presented to the Nantucket Historical Association in 1897 by Miss Caroline L. W. French of Boston, Mass." In 1802, Captain Joseph Chase built a grinding mill near Mill Pond. It did many years' service for Nantucket and was torn down in 1873. It was the last windmill built in Nantucket. Another interesting structure, much sought by visitors, is the oldest house on the island. It was built in 1686. It is known as the "Horseshoe House" and the "Jethro Coffin House". It was built in the northern part of the town, and from the hill on which it stands one can see the harbor and Nantucket Sound. The house is a frame wooden building and has a long sloping back roof. It is shingled on all sides and beside it, on the east, is the old-fashioned well-sweep, from which swings an old oaken bucket. The construction of this building shows the plain and practical architecture of those days in which it was built—two hundred and forty-six years ago and still standing! The Unitarian Church is another prominent wooden structure. It was built in 1809, on Orange Street, facing Stone Alley. It is a pitch roof building, faced with a square tower, surmounted by a round dome, on top of which is a large weather vane. It is one hundred and nine feet, five and one half inches from the sidewalk to the top of the vane. The architecture of the building is very plain, yet it catches ones attention. Within the upper tower, on each side—north, east, south, and west—is a clock that gives us our time. Also, in the lower tower is a huge bell that sways back and forth in response to the bellman on the floor below as he draws and withdraws the rope. The bell even now summons religious worshipers. At seven o'clock in the morning, at twelve noon, and at nine at night, the bell rings for five minutes. The nine o'clock bell reminds mothers that it is time for the children to go to bed. Nantucketers are justified in being proud of this bell, as it is known to be one of the finest toned bells in the country. It was found in 1812 in Lisbon, and Captain Charles Clasby purchased it there. It 13 }>
was brought to Nantucket by Captain Thomas Cary on a ship that was owned by Samuel Cary, and when it was landed in Nantucket, it was placed in the home of the latter until 1815. A short time after that it was sold for five hundred dollars and was placed in the Uni tarian Church. It has remained there ever since, where we hear its reassuring toll all through the day. About two years ago, it was used to tell the children that there was to be no school on stormy days, but since we have the new fire horn it has just been used to sound the hours. The bell weighs 1,575 pounds. It was rung for the first time on December 18, 1815. It became so famous that at one time agents of a prominent church in Boston wanted to purchase it, but the Nantucketers were much relieved to know that the Unitarian Society would not consent to sell it. Inscribed on its outer surface, in bold relief, is a Portuguese inscription. Translated, it reads: "To the Good Jesus of the Mountain, the devotees of Lisbon direct their prayers, offering Him one complete set of six bells, to call the people and adore Him in His Sanctuary. Jose Domingos da Costa has done it in Lisbon in the year 1810." The house that is used by the Historical Association is composed of two connected buildings. The edifice on Fair Street has an inter esting history. It was built in 1838, and was at first used as a Quaker School, commonly called "Johnnie Boadle's School". A few years later, in 1864, it was discontinued as a school and was used for a meeting house. A large house wasn't needed then, as the Quakers were grad ually falling away. The interior of this building is now the same as it used to be. The old-fashioned desk, and "high seats" on the raised platform, the stiff-backed, plain, and lightly constructed benches with narrow strips of board running lengthwise for backs, and the bare pine floor, are still there. The outside of the building is the same with its quiet and formal appearance. I have lived in Nantucket all my life, but not until two years ago did I visit the Historical Association building. I found it very inter esting. One thing that I particularly noticed was a sort of xylophone. It was made of wood. The wooden strips were laid across a sort of bowl-shaped box, and it really made musical sounds. My class, also, visited this extraordinary place, and they too found it interesting and amusing. Back from the earlier days up to now, the Nantucket people have been known to love reading. To satisfy their wants, the Nantucket Atheneum was built in 1847. It is one of the best known and most attractive buildings in the town and it occupies the northeast corner of Federal and Lower Pearl Streets. The design is of the ancient Greek type with its large, impressive columns. The first floor is occu pied by the library. It contains many interesting books and has a comfortable reading-room. On the second floor is a large hall, with a platform, siderooms, and other accessories, that formerly made it 4 14 jSi-
adaptable for drama, lectures, concerts, and other entertainments. It is now used as a storage room for books. Inside the library are statues of famous men and women and important pictures. The Nantucket Jail and House of Correction are two plain, wooden frame buildings. They were both built in 1805, and the House of Correction was moved to its present position in 1854. They stand in back of the keeper's home, and are surrounded by a wooden frame. The jail has two floors. The second floor is reached only from the outside. The windows are barred with crossed iron bars, but if one really tried to escape he could easily do it. The House of Correction, also, has two floors, but it is much larger than the Jail House. It is so different from anything in Nantucket, that it gives one looking at it a queer, creepy feeling. It is very weird and grotesque. Another particularly interesting building is the "Old Rotch Mar ket". This building stands on the lower square of eastern Main Street, and was built of brick and wood in 1772. At present it is owned by the Pacific Club. The "Captain's Room" is on the lower floor. In the olden days the old ship-masters used to gather around in that room, and tell stories of long, hard voyages at sea. The upper floors are now occupied by an attorney's office and by the District Court. In this ancient building, the United States formerly had its Custom House and the National Weather Bureau was in it. Aside from these things mentioned it is associated with Colonial History. In one of the rooms the charter was drawn, describing the cargoes, all the necessary provisions and the equipments of the three Nantucket whaling ships, the "Eleanor", the "Beaver" and the "Dartmouth". These ships were loaded with whale-oils and whale bone, and they sailed to London to try to sell this cargo. On the journey back each ship brought a cargo of tea, and as they refused to pay the tax im posed on them by the English, they became the main figures in the "Boston Tea Party". The North Vestry was erected in 1711. When it was built it was about three quarters of a mile from where it now stands, and was surrounded by unoccupied moorlands. A large tablet tells of the original settlers, and when the vestry was built. In 1765 the edifice was moved to where it now stands on Centre Street. In 1834 it was moved back a little way and another building was added to it; this is now the First Congregational Church. The Charles Gardner House, known in recent years as the Lowell House, was built between 1730 and 1740. It was one of the first structures in Nantucket with the frame of the earlier lean-to type but with a full two-story front and rear elevation. The house was prob ably built by Joseph Gardner, grandson of the first Richard Gardner of "Crooked Record" for his son Charles. An interesting chapter in the long history of the "Crooked Record Land" was made when Miss Gladys Wood was fortunate enough to
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secure this house at the same time that she was restoring the other fine Gardner building. She discovered under many coatings of paint and paper some well proportioned fireplaces. The restoration, which was made from her own plans, was a task entirely different from that of the Joseph Gardner House, for very few additions to the original building were necessary. The work lay chiefly in the renovation of the old woodwork and in the refitting of the house with windows, doors, and other fixtures proper to the periood in which the house was built. Cellar, plumbing and electricity, were added in such a way as to alter the original aspect and tone of the house as little as possible. The house is remarkable now for the very fact that little reproduction has been resorted to in bringing the rooms back to the serene comfort of their first years.
A NEW LIGHT ON ADMIRAL SIR ISAAC COFFIN From a series of sketches of old veterans at Greenwich Naval Hospital. Published by James Robins and Co., Dublin, 1826. "There he goes!" exclaimed a rough old hard-a-weather, pointing to a gladiator-looking sort of gentleman, whom he had just before saluted in his best style while standing at the main guard in the College—"There he goes! Do you know him, Murphy?" "I do well, bad luck to his picture!" replied Murphy. "Och, an' wasn't I wid him in the "Thisbe" on the Halifax station when he was a Captain? Sure an' I was, an' that's enough to make any man know him again." "Hoot! Hoot!" said old Dougal Macdougal, "I ken the Admiral verra well, and was ane of his ranting lads, when he was a commis sioner in Port-in-gale. Mony's the time I've followed him, harlyskarly, through the streets, the whiles he strode on before like a wharlwind, sweeping the chaff from off the face o' the yearth. He would gather up his muckle bony knuckles like the hammer o' death, and gie a fellow a tap that would slaughter an ox. Ma conscience! I've seen them drap doun by dozens on the quay. Nae doot, Murphy, you were ane o' the flock; for we baggit all sorts o' game." "Och, botheration, and do you say thot to the face o' me? Faith, but I'll beat a tattoo upon the nob o' you." "Weel, weel, Murphy, we'll no come to wranglesome babblement. But for the Admiral—as I live, yonder he stands, talking to the governor. Look ye, now, look ye, how they shake hands! and, sure enough, off they make sail thegither, and, nae doot, there'll be mony a tough yarn spun aboot auld lang syne." 4. 16 ]§>•
"And you may say thot," cried Murphy, as the two admirals walked towards the governor's house. "There they go, as pretty a pair o' pictures as the babes in the woods." "Hah!" says old Harry Bartlett, "I recollects one day when I belonged to the "Barfleur", there was a quarter-watch of liberty men on shore; and, just as we were strollin' along Common Hard up comes the admiral to overhaul us. Well, d'ye see, Will Ransom sheered off and the admiral twigged him. "Ahoy, sailor, ahoy!" he called. Will Ransom just give 'im a leer. "Come here, my man, come here! I want a word or two with you," says the Admiral. "I aren't got time, now, Sire," roared Will, and away he started, like a shot from a gun. Off set the Admiral in chase, the whole fleet of us bringing up the rear. My eyes! there was a run! Will Ransom was a famous fist at his heels, and kept his forereach ahead of the admiral, who laid his feet to the ground as fast as he could, and he was no bad hand at his legs either. There was a precious kick-up! the pigs squealed, the donkeys brayed, the dogs barked, the old women and girls shouted, with roars of laughter, the admiral bellowed, "Stop him! Stop him!", the men halloo'd, "Go it! Run it, my hearty!" and, sure enough, Will kept the lead in fine style, through Oyster Street, into High Street, and away on to the Point; and, at last he doubled upon the admiral and got housed in Capstan Square. But to see Sir Isaac, his sky-scraper fly ing back off his head, his uniform coat hanging upon his shoulders, his white breeches and military boots spattered with mud, his sword slued around to the wrong side, his face as red as a marine's jacket, while big, round drops of sweat poured down his cheeks like a spring tide! The best of it was the guard was immediately called out to search the houses; but Will was up to them there, too; for what did he do but togged himself out like an old woman, and out he comes among us. We knew him directly, but not a man would split; so up he goes, close alongside of the admiral, and played his pranks to admiration. The sodgers overhauled the shop, but, as night was com ing on they were glad to make sail out of it, and we all bowled down to the long-room with Mother Kilderkin, alias Will Ransom, mounted on our shoulders, and the evening was rattled away in jollity and punch. D'ye remember the time the expedition was fitting out and the transports lay in the harbor? After dark, the men used to land at Point and take a cruise to themselves, passing for man-o'-war's men; but Sir Isaac got scent of this, so he rigs himself out in a peajacket, and orders the gangs to scour the coast, while he himself brought to the stragglers. Well, just as he got through Point Gate, by the sally port, Jem Williams of the "Bedford" staggered along, singing, 'Since grog is the ticker of life', when the admiral cotched hold of him, by the collar, and brought him up all standing. Jem changed his tone to, 'Down, down, Derry down' and stretched the old gemman, at full length
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along the scuppers—the gutter, I mean. Howsomever, up the admiral got again, and at it they went like fighting-cocks. My eyes! there was strop a block in a minute! There was square-em-come round-'em, while Jem downed the admiral like a widow's pig! At last the buffsticks came running up from the guard-house with their baggonets fixed, and the blue-jackets came running down from all quarters, with chair and table-legs, warming-pans, pokers, toasting-forks, gridirons, frying-pans, broomsticks, roasting-spits—in short, everything that could present a muzzle against the enemy. Well, d'ye see, just as we were bearing down to engage off went the pea jacket, and the admiral proclaimed himself as Sir Isaac! Of course we hauled our wind directly, and Jem gave himself up; but the old boy—the admiral—was too generous to punish Jem, seeing as how he'd run our messmate alongside and boarded him under false colors. Nay, for the matter o' that, he was so pleased with Jem's defence and noble surrender that he got him promoted to warrant-officer and ever afterward stood his friend." By Captain Marryat From Chapter XXXIII of Peter Simple. Mr. Swinburne to Peter Simple: "Well, when the English fleet came down the Mediterranean after the 'vackyation of Corscia they did not muster more than seventeen sail of the line, while the Spanish fleet, from Ferrol and Carthagena, had joined company at Cadiz and 'mounted to near thirty. Sir John Jarvis had the command of our fleet at the time, but, as the Dons did not seem at all inclined to come out and have a brush with us (though almost two to one), Sir John left Sir William Parker, with six sail of the line, to watch the Spanish beggars, while he himself went into Lisbon with the remainder of the fleet to water and refit. Now you see, Mr. Simple, Portugal was at that time what they call "neutral", being friends with both parties, and being just as will ing to supply fresh beef and water to the Spaniards as to the English, if so be the Spaniards had come out to ax for it, which they darsn't. The Portuguese and the English have always been the best of friends because we can't get no port wine anywhere else, and they can't get nobody else to buy it of them; so the Portuguese gave up their arsenal at Lisbon for the use of the English, and there we kept all our stores under the charge of that old dare-devil, Sir Isaac Coffin. Now, it so happened that one of the clerks in old Sir Isaac's office, a Portuguese chap, had been some time before that in the office of a Spanish ambassador. He was a very smart sort of chap and sarved as interpreter. The old Commissioner, Sir Isaac, put great faith in him." "But how did you learn all this, Swinburne?" Why, 111 tell you, Mr. Simple. I steered the yawl as coxswain, and when admirals and captains talk in the stern-sheets they very «8f 18
often forget that the coxswain is close behind them. I only learnt half of it that way. The rest I put together when I compared logs with the admiral's steward, who of course heard a great deal now and then. "The first I heard of it was when old Sir John called out to Sir Isaac, after the second bottle, 'I say, Sir Isaac, who killed the Spanish messenger?' 'Not I, by God!' replied Sir Isaac, 'I only left him for dead,' and then they both laughed, and so did Nelson, who was sitting with them. "Well, Mr. Simple, you see it had been reported to Sir Isaac that his clerk was often seen taking memorandums of the different orders given to the fleet, particularly those as to there being no wasteful expenditure of his Majesty's stores. Upon which, Sir Isaac goes to the Admiral and requests that the man be discharged. Now old Sir John was a sly old fox, and he answered 'No so, Commissioner; per haps, we may catch them in their own trap.' So the Admiral sits down and calls for pen and ink, and he flourishes out a long letter to the Commissioner, Sir Isaac, stating that if the Spanish fleet were now to come out from Cadiz it would be impossible for him to protect Sir William Parker and the six sail of the line, which were watching the Spanish fleet, as he could not quit the port in his present condition. This letter and a supposed reply by the Commissioner, Sir Isaac, was put in the way of the d—d Portuguese spy-clerk, who copied them and was seen to go that evening into the house of the Spanish Ambassador. "Sir John then sent a message to Ferro—that's a small town, on the Portuguese coast to the southward—with a despatch to Sir William Parker, desiring him to run away to Cape St. Vincent and decoy the Spanish fleet there, in case they should come out after him. "Well, Mr. Simple, d'ye see, so far the train was well laid. The next thing to do was to watch the Spanish ambassador's house and see if he sent away any despatches. Two days after the letters had been taken to him by this rascal of a clerk the Spanish ambassador sent away two messengers—one for Cadiz and the other for Madrid, which is the town where the king of Spain lives. "The one to Cadiz was permitted to go, but the one to Madrid was stopped by the directions of the Admiral. This job was confided to the Commissioner, Sir Isaac, who settled it somehow or other; and this was the reason why the Admiral called out to him, 'I say, Sir Isaac, who killed the messenger?' They brought back the messenger's des patches, by which they found out that advice had been sent to the Spanish Admiral informing him of the supposed crippled state of our English squadron. "Sir John, taking it for granted that the Spaniards would not lose an opportunity of taking six sail of the line (more English ships than they have taken in their lives), waited a few days to give them time, and then sailed from Lisbon for Cape St. Vincent, where he joined Sir William Parker and fell in with the Spaniards, sure enough, and a pretty drubbing we gave them!" 19
PUBLICATIONS of the Nantucket Historical Association Quakerism on Nantucket since 1800, by Henry Barnard Worth. Vol. 1, 1896, out of print. Timothy White Papers, by Rev. Myron Samuel Dudley. Vol. 1, No. 2, 1898, 50cts. Nantucket Lands and Land Owners, by Henry Barnard Worth. The Title and The Nantucket Insurrection.
Vol. 2, No. 1, 1901, 50cts.
The Settlers, Their Homes and Government. (Map). Vol. 2, No. 2, 1902, 50cts. The Indians of Nantucket.
Vol. 2, No. 3, 1902, 50cts.
Sheep Commons and The Proprietary.
Vol. 2, No. 4, 1904, 50cts.
Ancient Buildings of Nantucket. Vol. 2, No. 5, 1906, (reprinted in 1928), $1.00. Indian Names, Wills and Estates, Index. Wills and Estates Continued. '
Vol. 2, No. 6, 1910, 50cts. Vol. 2, No. 7, 50cts.
A Century of Free Masonry on Nantucket, by Alexander Starbuck. Vol. 3, No. 1, 1903, 50cts. Proceedings of the Annual Meetings of the Nantucket Historical As sociation, from 1895 to 1931 (with the exception of 1899, which is out of print). 25cts. The Horseshoe House, by Wiliam F. Macy.
50cts.
"Ye Olde Mill", by William F. Macy.
25cts.
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