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^^rffument 
 Settlers'' 
 
 WHAT HAS 
 
 HAPPENED 
 
 ON AND AROUND 
 
 NANTUCKET. 
 
 J{ Complete J^istory of Tfantucket 
 in Condensed J'orm. 
 
t\/-, x's.rVj 
 
 k ff 
 
 Settlers^ ^ ^ 
 
 WHAT HAS 
 
 HAPPENED 
 
 ON AND AROUND 
 
 NANTUCKET. 
 
 Jt Complete J^istori/ of Tfantucket 
 in Condensed ^orm. 
 
7 6- a. 
 
 THE INQUIRER AND MIRROR PRESS 
 NANTUCKET. MASS. 
 
 Copyright 1917. by Harry B. Turner. 
 Copyright 1920. by Harry B. Turner. 
 
 ©CU570139 ^ 
 MA't 26 ly^O '' 
 
FOREWORD. 
 
 When the first edition of "Argument Settlers" was is- 
 sued in 1917, it was solely for the purpose of preserving 
 interesting and valuable historic data regarding the island 
 of Nantucket. It was not thought that the little book 
 would ever meet a demand sufficient to warrant another 
 edition. Within a year, however, the value of the data 
 contained within its pages proved that "Argument Set- 
 tlers" was worthy of its title and the edition of 1917 was 
 soon exhausted. 
 
 The second edition is issued in a somewhat more com- 
 plete form. Numerous corrections and additions have 
 been made in its pages, so that "Argument Settlers'* now 
 appears in as near an authentic form as it is possible to 
 make it. Since the first edition was printed some valuable 
 data that could not be determined at that time has been se- 
 cured and many events now appear of record within its 
 pages which were omitted in the first edition. 
 
 The year 1918 was so replete with interesting events 
 and it was such an unusual year for Nantucket, that sev- 
 eral pages are herein devoted to covering the record for 
 that year, which, in the future, will be found of value for 
 reference to all who possess copies of "Argument Settlers." 
 Virtually, thi^ little book is the most complete and reli- 
 able history of Nantucket yet published, as it covers his- 
 toric facts and chronicles interesting events compiled from 
 year to year, all presented in the most condensed form 
 practicable. 
 
 Harry B. Turner. 
 
 Nantucket, Mass., 1920. 
 
Condensed JV/story of T^antuoket. 
 
 1602. 
 
 The island of Nantucket was discovered by Barthol- 
 omew Gosnold, an Englishman, who sailed from England 
 in a small bark, with thirty-two persons, bound for Vir- 
 ginia, in search of a proper site for a plantation. The 
 first land seen was Sankaty Head. The Indian population 
 at that time is said to have been about 1,500. 
 
 1630. 
 
 A war occurred between the Eastern and Western 
 tribes of Indians, according to tradition. 
 
 1639. 
 
 Thomas Macy, who became one of the first settlers of 
 Nantucket, came from England this year and settled at 
 Salisbury, where he and his wife (Sarah Hopcott) lived 
 twenty years before coming to Nantucket. 
 
 1641. 
 
 The island was deeded to Thomas Mayhew and his 
 son Thomas, by James Forrett, agent of William, Earl of 
 Sterling. 
 
 1659. 
 
 Thomas Macy and family, accompanied by Edward 
 Starbuck and Isaac Coleman, moved from Salisbury to 
 Nantucket, and were the first white people who lived on 
 the island. 
 
 This year the island was deeded by Mayhew to the ten 
 
original purchasers for the sum of thirty pounds sterling 
 and two beaver hats. The ten purchasers were: Tristram 
 Coffin, senior, Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard 
 Swain, Thomas Barnard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleaf, 
 John Swain, William Pile. Thomas Mayhew reserved one- 
 tenth of the island, together with Masquetuck, or Quaise. 
 Each of the above chose an "associate" with whom to set- 
 tle the island, namely: Tristram Coffin, junior, John Smith, 
 Robert Pike, Robert Barnard, Thomas Coleman, Edward 
 Starbuck, Nathaniel Starbuck, Thomas Look, James Coffin, 
 Thomas Mayhew, junior. 
 
 The Indian population had decreased to about seven 
 hundred. 
 
 Tuckernuck island was this year deeded by Thomas 
 Mayhew to Tristram Coffin, Sr., Peter Coffin, Tristram Cof- 
 fin, Jr., and James Coffin, for the sum of six pounds. 
 
 1660. 
 
 Ten families moved to Nantucket from Salisbury. 
 The west end of the island was bought from the In- 
 dian<5. 
 
 1662. 
 
 The first death of a white person on Nantucket, on 
 October 31st — Jean, wife of Richard Swain. 
 
 1663. 
 
 Peter Folger moved to the island. 
 
 The inhabitants gained a livelihood by farming and 
 fishing. 
 
 The island, with the exception of Quaise, was divided 
 into twenty-seven parts. 
 
 Mary Starbuck, the first white child, born on Nantuck- 
 
 7 
 
et the 30th of March. Was the daughter of Nathaniel 
 Starbuck and Mary Coffin (seventh child of Tristram). 
 
 1664. 
 
 The land owned by Sachems Wanackmamack ana 
 Nickanoose sold by them to the original purchasers for the 
 sum of twenty-six pounds. 
 
 1665. 
 
 King Philip (Metacomet), of Mount Hope, visited the 
 island in search of an Indian offender. 
 
 First marriage occurred April 11 — William Worth and 
 Sarah Macy. 
 
 1666. 
 
 Peter Folger (who was the grandfather of Benjamin 
 Franklin) agreed to become miller. The first mill for 
 grinding com was built near Wesko pond (afterwards 
 known as the Lily Pond). 
 
 1667. 
 
 Abiah Folger, mother of Benjamin Franklin, bom Au- 
 gust 15. 
 
 1671. 
 
 The town was incorporated, its location being near Ca- 
 paum and Maxcy's ponds. The site of the town was grad- 
 ually changed to "Wesko," its present site, between this 
 year and 1720. 
 
 1672. 
 First whale caught. James Loper made an agree- 
 
 8 
 
ment to carry on the whale fishery, but there is no record 
 of the agreement being fulfilled. 
 
 Capt. John Gardner, of Salem, came to the island to 
 "set up the trade for the taking of codfish." 
 
 1673. 
 
 Whaling commenced in boats from the shore. 
 
 The town was called Sherburne by order of Francis 
 Lovelace, governor of New York, April 18th. The island 
 at that time belonged to the province of New York. 
 
 1676. 
 
 About this time Sesachacha and Siasconset villages 
 were built. Also a cluster of whale houses at Miacomet, 
 together with fishing stages at Peedee and Quidnet, and 
 the fishing stage at Weweeder. Sesachacha village con- 
 tinued in existence 140 years, the last house being moved 
 to Siasconset in 1820. 
 
 1681. 
 
 Death of Tristram Coffin on October 3d. 
 
 1682. 
 
 ," Thomas Macy died April 19, aged 74 years. 
 
 1686. 
 
 The "Oldest House," now standing on Sunset Hill, 
 was built this year for Jethro Coffin, who married Mary 
 Gardner. 
 
 1690. 
 
 The town hired Ichabod Paddock to instruct its people 
 in the best manner of killing whales and extracting their 
 oil. 
 
1692. 
 
 The island, previously a part of New York, became, by 
 request of the proprietors, a part of Massachusetts, under 
 an act of parliament. 
 
 1698. 
 
 Thomas Chalkley, a distin^ished minister of the So- 
 ciety of Friends, visited the island. 
 
 First vessel larger than a rowboat, owned on the isl- 
 and, was sloop Mary, bought of Boston parties this year. 
 
 1704. 
 
 The first Society of Friends was formed. 
 First execution said to have occurred this year — an In- 
 dian, for murder. 
 
 1707. 
 
 The first "town-house" was built this year north of 
 "No Bottom Pond." 
 
 1708. 
 
 Yearly meeting of the Society of Friends established. 
 
 1711. 
 
 The first (North) Congregational Society formed and 
 the first meeting-house (still standing — the vestry build- 
 ing) was erected. The site was about two miles west of 
 its present location. It is said to have been built of oak 
 that grew on the island. The name of the first pastor is 
 not known. 
 
 The first Friends' meeting-house was also erected this 
 year. It stood a little to the southeast of the Forefath- 
 
 10 
 
ers' or Ancient burial ground, on land adjoining their first 
 burial place. The building, which was enlarged in 1716 
 by adding 20 feet to its length, was later used as a school- 
 house, and was destroyed by fire in 1736. 
 
 1712. 
 
 The first spermaceti whale taken by the Nantucket 
 whalers was killed by Christopher Hussey. 
 
 1715. 
 
 The number of vessels engaged in the whale fishery 
 was six, all sloops of from thirty to forty tons burden 
 each, which produced eleven hundred pounds sterling, or 
 $4,888.88. 
 
 1717. 
 
 Mary Starbuck died September 13. 
 
 1719. 
 The white population at this time was 721. 
 
 1720. 
 
 A small quantity of oil was sent to London from Nan- 
 tucket on ship Hanover. 
 
 1723. 
 
 The first (Straight) wharf was built this year by 
 Richard Macy, grandson of the original Thomas Macy. 
 Birth of Miriam ("Coffin") Folger on October 9. 
 The first mill erected on "Mill Hills" this year by 
 Frederick Macy. 
 
 1726. 
 The white population had increased to 917. 
 11 
 
1729. 
 
 Twenty-five whaling vessels were owned at Nantuck- 
 et at the end of this year. 
 
 1730. 
 
 Quanaty (Quanato) Hill was dug away to make land 
 from Union street to the shore. 
 
 The second Friends' meeting-house was started this 
 year. It stood near the comer of Main and Saratoga 
 streets, within the space known as the "Quaker burial 
 ground." 
 
 1732. 
 
 The Rev. Timothy White was pastor of the First Con- 
 gregational society. 
 
 1736. 
 
 First Friends' meeting-house destroyed by fire. 
 1745. 
 
 A vessel laden with oil was sent to England this year 
 as a venture. 
 
 1746. 
 
 The "Old Mill" (still standing) was erected this year 
 by Nathan Wilbur. 
 
 Brant Point lighthouse the first on the island, erected 
 by private funds. First keeper unknown. 
 
 1750-1. 
 
 First fire-engine purchased. 
 
 12 
 
1752. 
 
 Death of Abiah Folger Franklin, mother of Benjamin 
 Franklin, 
 
 1753. 
 
 A deputy judge came to the island to settle differences 
 between the whites and the Indians, holding session in the 
 meeting-house. 
 
 1755. 
 
 Three whaling sloops and their crews, consisting of 
 thirteen men each, were lost near the Grand Banks. 
 
 1756. 
 
 Three more sloops were lost, and six were taken by 
 the French and carried to France, where the crews were 
 imprisoned, most of whom never returned home. 
 
 1757. 
 
 The first square-rigged vessels, of 100-tons burden and 
 upwards, were fitted out for whaling. 
 
 1759. 
 
 The lighthouse on Brant point was destroyed by fire. 
 Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin, founder of the Coffin School, 
 born in Boston, May 16. 
 
 The "spider mill" was erected on Mill Hills. 
 
 1760 
 The South wharf (now Island Sei-vice Co.'s) was 
 
 13 
 
1762. 
 Second fire-engine purchased. 
 1763-4. 
 
 The population comprised 3,220 whites and 358 Indi- 
 ans. A disease called "yellow fever" or ''plague" broke 
 out among the Indians and was very fatal, 222 out of the 
 358 dying. The plague continued up to February 16, 
 1764, at which time it ceased as suddenly as it commenced. 
 
 Seventy-eight vessels engaged in whaling from Nan- 
 tucket. 
 
 1765. 
 
 First Congregational meeting-house moved to its pres- 
 ent site, but out of 3,270 whites only 47 were pew holders. 
 
 Whaling in boats from the shore ceased this year, but 
 101 vessels were engaged in the whale fishery. 
 
 Hon. Walter Folger born June 12. 
 
 1766. 
 
 One hundred and eighteen vessels cleared from Nan- 
 tucket this year. 
 
 1767. 
 
 The Rev. Bazaleel Shaw was pastor of the Congrega- 
 tional society. 
 
 1768. 
 
 Eighty Nantucket ships went to the northern whaling 
 grounds. 
 
 14 
 
1769. 
 
 A big fire this year destroyed property valued at 
 $11,000. 
 
 The last execution occurred this year, when four In- 
 dians were put to death, making a total of ten executions 
 in the history of Nantucket, 
 
 Great Point lighthouse established. First keeper un- 
 known. 
 
 Third fire-engine purchased. 
 
 1771. 
 
 Union Lodge, F. & A. M., was chartered this year. 
 A small-pox hospital was erected by Dr. Samuel Gel- 
 ston on Gravelly island. 
 
 1772. 
 
 A fulling and coloring mill established on the island 
 this year by a Scotchman named Nichols. Operated un- 
 til 1796. Located at Polpis. 
 
 The first sperm candle manufactory was established 
 on Nantucket. The business was first established in this 
 country in Rhode Island in 1750, the art of manufacturing 
 being kept secret for a number of years. 
 
 The William Rotch ware-house built. This building 
 is now owned by the Pacific Club, its interior having been 
 rebuilt after the fire of 1846. 
 
 1773. 
 
 Ships Dartmouth, Eleanor and Beaver sailed from 
 Nantucket for London with oil. After discharging were 
 laden with tea and on reaching America took part in the 
 "Boston Tea Party." 
 
 15 
 
Last burial in the old cemetery near Maxcy's pond this 
 year — Jonathan Coffin and his wife. 
 
 1774. 
 
 One hundred and fifty sail of vessels were engaged in 
 the whale fishery, amounting to 14,867 tons. 
 
 The inhabitants were much troubled with apprehen- 
 sions of the approaching rupture between the colonies and 
 England, and many removed from the island. 
 
 Population at this time was 4,545, with one clergy- 
 man, tw^o doctors and one lawyer resident on tlie island. 
 
 Town had no public schools at this period. 
 
 Lighthouse on Brant Point blown down. 
 
 1775. 
 
 On May 23 a vessel arrived with over 100 Provincial 
 troops, who landed on the wharf and marched up town to 
 seize flour alleged to have been landed on Nantucket for 
 the use of the British. 
 
 Between this year and 1781 one thousand and six hun- 
 dred Nantucketers lost their lives in the Revolutionary 
 war. 
 
 Over one hundred and fifty vessels were engaged in 
 the whale fishery during this period. 
 
 1776. 
 
 Three mills were in operation on "Mill Hills." 
 The well of the famous 'Sconset pump was dug this 
 year at a cost of 20 pounds, 4 shillings, 9 pence. 
 
 1777. 
 More than a score Nantucket men and boys sailed as 
 part of crew of the Ranger with John Paul Jones. 
 
1/778. 
 
 Ratable property on the island valued at $866,630. 
 The small-pox hospital on Gravelly island was abol- 
 ished and the buildings bought by the town. 
 
 1779. 
 
 Eight British vessels (refugees) came to the bar on 
 April 6th and two entered the harbor, their crews plun- 
 dering many of the island stores, property being taken to 
 the value of $50,000. A committee visited the English 
 commander at New York, who assured them that he had 
 given orders that no more depredations should be made. 
 
 1780. 
 
 Great distress for want of provisions and fuel. The 
 harbor was frozen over December 20 and remained so 
 throughout the winter. Teams drove over ice on harbor 
 to bring wood down from Coskata. 
 
 1782. 
 
 A few vessels received permits from the British com- 
 mander to sail from Nantucket on whaling voyages unmo- 
 lested. 
 
 Brant point lighthouse burned this year. Rebuilt. 
 
 1783. 
 
 The "town house" was moved to the corner of Main 
 and Milk streets. 
 
 Nantucket had its first representatives in the legisla- 
 ture — Alexander CofRn, Peleg Coffin, Jr., and Stephen Hus- 
 sey. 
 
 Brant point lighthouse burned. 
 
 17 
 
Ship Bedford of Nantucket, Captain William Mooers, 
 the first vessel to hoist the American flag in a British port. 
 This event occurred on February 3, 1783, the vessel reach- 
 ing Nantucket on the return from London, May 31. 
 
 Ship Washington, Capt. George Bunker, was first to 
 hoist the American flag in a Spanish Pacific port. 
 
 1784. 
 
 Population 4,269. 
 
 Lighthouse erected on Great point. The same year 
 a lighthouse was built and maintained on Brant point by 
 the state. 
 
 Tidings of peace were received with great joy by the 
 inhabitants. During the war 134 vessels, amounting to 
 over 10,000 tons, had been captured by the British and 
 many of their men lost their lives, 1200 Nantucket seamen 
 were either killed or captured. A total of 1600 Nantuck- 
 eters lost their lives due to the war. 
 
 1785. 
 
 The legislature of Massachusetts passed a resolve giv- 
 ing a bounty of five pounds for every ton of white spenna- 
 ceti oil brought into her ports, sixty shillings a ton for 
 yellow spermaceti and forty shillings a ton for whale oil. 
 
 1787. 
 
 Watchmen first placed in the tower to look for fires. 
 
 1788. 
 
 The fifth lighthouse on Brant point was wrecKed in a 
 heavy storm this year. 
 
 Astronomical clock planned this year by the Hon. Wal- 
 ter Folger and finished two years later. 
 
Ship Penelope, Capt. Tristram Gardner, readied lati- 
 tude 70 degrees in Arctic ocean. On June 20, 1788, the 
 Penelope reached 78.44 North and on the 18th reported 
 50 ships in sight. 
 
 Nantucket had no representative this year, but Mat- 
 thew Mayhew was elected state senator. 
 
 1790. 
 
 Population 4,620. 
 
 Death of Miriam ("Coffin") Folger on March 29 from 
 effects of falling down stairs, aged 66 years. 
 
 Hon. Walter Folger's astronomical clock first set in 
 motion July 4. 
 
 A vessel was sent to the coast of Africa on a sealing 
 cruise, which proved unsuccessful. 
 
 The third Friends' meeting-house was erected this 
 year, on Main and Pleasant streets. The building was two 
 stories high and was occasionally used as a court-house. 
 It was later moved to a site on Commercial wharf and en- 
 tered into the construction of the "Charles G. Coffin store." 
 
 1791. 
 
 The United States government assumed control of 
 Brant point lighthouse, which was one of eight transferred 
 at that time. 
 
 The first whaling vessel went from the island to the 
 Pacific ocean — the Beaver, Capt. Paul Worth, around Cape 
 Horn. 
 
 The Nantucket Customs House was established March 
 21st, with Stephen Hussey the first Collector. 
 
 1792. 
 
 A duck factory was established by Joseph Chase, 
 James Barker and others. 
 
1793. 
 Lucretia Mott born January 3. 
 
 1795. 
 
 The name of the town was this year changed from 
 Sherburne to Nantucket. 
 
 The old north tower was erected. 
 
 Nantucket Bank incorporated and soon after it was 
 robbed of $20,000. 
 
 Only three wigwams were left standing (in Squam). 
 
 Sixteen ships, five brigs and a number of schooners 
 sailed from Nantucket. 
 
 A division occurred in the Society of Friends. The 
 Friends living north of Main street this year seceded and 
 built a new meeting-house on Broad street, next east of the 
 present Ocean House. The building was used until 1829, 
 and in 1838 was purchased by the Episcopalians, moved to 
 the rear of the lot and used as a chapel for the Trinity 
 church building erected in 1839, 
 
 1797. 
 
 The streets of the town were first named. 
 First cut nails ever used on the island made this year 
 by David Allen. 
 
 Peleg Coffin, Jr., elected state treasurer. 
 
 1798. 
 
 Difficulty between the United States and France — four 
 Nantucket ships captured by the French. 
 
 1799. 
 A Methodist society was formed this year. The first 
 
church building was erected on the southwest corner of 
 Fair and Lyons streets and was dedicated on New Year 
 Day, 1800. This building was commonly known as the 
 "Teazer" meeting-house from the fact that the flag ol 
 aloop Teazer was raised over the church during an early 
 period of it existence. 
 
 1800. 
 
 The Academy (private) was incorporated and a build- 
 ing erected on Academy Hill. 
 
 The bell weighing 1,000 pounds was placed in the 
 steeple of the First Congregational meeting-house. For 
 a few years this bell was rung at sunrise, at 12 and at 9 
 daily. 
 
 Population 5,617. 
 
 Joseph Chase maintained a grist mill on Pine street. 
 
 Commercial wharf was started this year. 
 
 . 1803. 
 
 First fire cistern built. 
 
 A project started for dredging the bar and deepen- 
 ing the channel, the cost to be $54,120. Did not mate- 
 rialize. 
 
 1804. 
 
 The Pacific National Bank and two Insurance offices 
 were established. 
 
 Forty-eight ships engaged in the whale fishery. 
 
 1805. 
 New jail built. House of correction built at Quaise. 
 
 21 
 
1807. 
 
 On October 1, ship Union of Nantucket was struck by 
 a sperm whale when twelve days out and sank. Crew 
 landed at Azores, being in boats seven days. 
 
 1809. 
 
 The Unitarian (Second Congregational) Society was 
 formed, with the Rev. Seth F. Swift pastor. The church 
 building was erected this year, on Orange street, and was 
 dedicated November 9th. 
 
 Gideon Gardner elected congressman. 
 
 1809—10. 
 
 Nantucket had nine Representatives, one State Sena- 
 tor and one United States Congressman these years. 
 
 1810. 
 
 Population 6,807. 
 
 First ship built on Nantucket, was launched this year 
 and named "Rose." 
 
 1811. 
 
 Seventeen ships and seven schooners sailea rrom Nan- 
 tucket. 
 
 Gideon Gardner re-elected congressman. 
 
 1812. 
 
 Eleven Nantucket vessels captured by the British and 
 the crews made prisoners of war. 
 
 A fire in the easterly part of the town consumed eight 
 buildings. Loss $6,000. 
 
 A petition for protection was sent by the people of 
 
 22 
 
Nantucket to James Madison, President of the United 
 States. 
 
 Woolen factory established on New North wharf by 
 Obed Mitchell, Employed 200 persons. 
 
 A biTish and bellows factory established on Academy 
 Hill. 
 
 1814. 
 
 Encounter off the south side of Nantucket, five miles 
 distant, between the American privateer Neufchatel and 
 five boats from the British frigate Endymion, October 
 11th. One hundred of the crew of the latter were killed 
 and only five of the former, one of whom (the pilot, 
 Charles J. Hillburn) was a Nantucket man. 
 
 1814-15. 
 
 Scarcity of food this winter. A "soup-house" was 
 established in a building near the corner of Main and Gard- 
 ner streets, where soup was dispensed free to the poor 
 families. 
 
 1815. 
 
 When peace was declared, Nantucket held a general 
 jollification (in February). Bells were rung, lights were 
 burned from the church towers, and men and boys went 
 through the streets shouting and cheering. Jonathan Park- 
 er, with a chair lashed on a peat-sled for a sleigh, v^dth a 
 small American flag flying, drove from town through the 
 villages of Polpis and Quaise, spreading the glad tidings 
 of peace. One-half of the vessels belonging to Nantuck- 
 et had been taken and condemned during the war. 
 
 February 2 was the coldest day ever known on the isl- 
 and, the thermometer registering 11 degrees below zero. 
 
 Social library instituted, with Josiah Hussey president. 
 
 23 
 
Portuguese bell placed in the south tower. 
 Lighthouse on Great Point was destroyed by lire this 
 vear. 
 
 1816. 
 
 The first newspaper was published, May 6th, called the 
 Nantucket Gazette, but not receiving the expected patron- 
 age, it was discontinued March 1, 1817. Copies of the 
 Gazette are in the Atheneum library. 
 
 In November the lighthouse on Great point was de- 
 stroved by fire. 
 
 1818. 
 
 The first steamboat (the Eagle, 80 tons) crossed Nan- 
 tucket sound on the fifth of May, with about sixty passen- 
 gers. The boat ran but one season. This was the first 
 regular schedule of steam communication established in 
 New England. 
 
 Capt. George W. Gardner, in ship Globe, discovered 
 "off-shore whaling grounds" off the coast of Chile. 
 
 The present Pacific National Bank building was erect- 
 ed. 
 
 Maria Mitchell, noted astronomer, born in Nantucket, 
 August 1st. 
 
 Rising Sun Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, dedicated 
 November 25 and was in existence until September, 1840. 
 
 1819. 
 
 Fifty-seven ships and four brigs were engaged in the 
 whale fishery, besides a number of sloops. 
 
 Capt. Joseph Allen, in ship Maro, discovered "Japan 
 grounds." 
 
 The first steam vessel, the "Savannah," crossed the 
 Atlantic this year. She was commanded t)y Capt. Robert 
 Inot, who was born on the island of Nantucket. 
 
 24 
 
1820. 
 
 The Rev. Abner Morse pastor of the First Congrega- 
 tional church. 
 
 Population 7,266. 
 
 The Mechanics Association, a literary organization, 
 formed. 
 
 "Bug Light" established on south side of Nantucket 
 harbor. First keeper Caleb Cushman. 
 
 Loss of ship Essex in Pacific ocean, November 20th, 
 sunk by a whale. Survivors of crew were obliged to re- 
 sort to cannibalism in order that any might return alive. 
 
 1821. 
 
 Seventy-eight ships, six brigs, sixteen schooners, fif- 
 ty-nine sloops, w^ere engaged in whaling and coasting from 
 Nantucket. Total tonnage 27,445. 
 
 The "Newtown Gate" was in existence until this year 
 when it was removed. 
 
 The Nantucket Inquirer was established by J. T. Mel- 
 cher, with Samuel H. Jenks as editor. First issue June 23. 
 
 A brass foundry established on the south beacli. 
 
 Trees v/ere planted in the town this year — a species of 
 two-thorn acacia. 
 
 1822. 
 
 Ship Globe, Capt. Thomas Worth, sailed. During 
 1823 the crew mutinied, killing Captain Worth and three 
 officers. Ship returned to Nantucket, November 14, 1824. 
 
 Arthur Cooper, a fugitive slave from Virginia, with 
 his family, were rescued from pursuers and protected by 
 Quaker citizens. (First case on record). Cooper lived 
 and died here. 
 
 The last full-blooded Indian died this year. Her name 
 
 25 
 
was Dorcas Honorable and her father was Isaac Earop and 
 her mother Sarah Tashma. She was bom April 27, 1776. 
 
 "Urbanity Lodge," F. & A. M., founded this year. 
 
 The town bought Quaise Farm for $6700 and erected 
 an asylum there. 
 
 1823. 
 
 The first "town clock" in Nantucket was placed in ser- 
 vice this year in the tower of the South Congregational 
 church building. It was built on the island and remained 
 in service until replaced by the present one in 1881. 
 
 The Methodist church building was erected on Centre 
 street and dedicated September 24. 
 
 First powder-house erected. 
 
 Columbian Libraiy Association was formed. 
 
 1824. 
 
 The milestones were placed along the 'Sconset road 
 this year by Peter F. Ewer. 
 
 Steamer Connecticut visited the island under command 
 of Capt. R. S. Bunker. 
 
 1826. 
 
 Ferdinand C. Ewer bom February 22. 
 
 Another newspaper was started, called the Nantucket 
 Journal, which was published less than a year. 
 
 Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin visited the island and gave 
 a sum to found a school for his kinsfolk, a large part of 
 the inhabitants of Nantucket being akin to him. 
 
 1827. 
 Two public schools were established and the Coffin 
 School opened. 
 
The Universalist Church Society was formed this year. 
 The Society owned the site of the present Atheneum build- 
 ing, upon which a church building was erected. The Uni- 
 versalist Society was in existence until 1834. Rev, George 
 Bradburn was the pastor. 
 
 1828. 
 
 The Cross Rip lightship was established this year, the 
 first floating beacon in this vicinity. 
 
 A dredging machine was brought to Nantucket to cre- 
 ate greater depth of water in the harbor. Scheme not a 
 success. 
 
 Steamer Hamilton (50 tons) placed in service between 
 Nantucket and New Bedford. The boat ran about six 
 months, but was a dismal failure. 
 
 A school of twenty-six blackfish stranded in the chord 
 of the bay on November 3d. 
 
 1829. 
 
 Ship Loper, Capt. Obed Starbuck, sailed. After four- 
 teen months and fourteen days the ship brought home 
 2,280 barrels of sperm oil, valued at $50,000. 
 
 Steamer Marco Bozzaris made her first trip to Nan- 
 tucket on the 29th of April, under command of Capt. Ed- 
 ward H. Barker. 
 
 The North (Friends) meeting was discontinued and 
 the Hicksites, seceding from the main body, erected the 
 building on Main street afterwards known as Atlantic Hall, 
 where they held meetings until 1851. 
 
 1830. 
 
 Nantucket was third commercial town in Massachu- 
 setts at this time. 
 
 27 
 
Population 7,202. 
 
 Ship Sarah, Capt. Frederick Arthar, arrived home 
 April 19 from three years' voyage, with the largest amount 
 of sperm oil ever brought in before or since — 3497 barrels, 
 valued at $98,000. 
 
 1831. 
 
 A cold v^rinter. No fuel to be obtained and several old 
 buildings were cut up for firing. Vessels arrived at 
 Brant point with wood, which sold readily at $22.00 per 
 cord. 
 
 The York Street Colored Baptist society was formed, 
 occupying the building on York street formerly used by 
 the town as a school-house for colored children. 
 
 First coal stove used on Nantucket this year, brought 
 by Isaac Austin. 
 
 1832. 
 
 Largest whaling fleet that ever sailed from Nantucket 
 in one year, consisting of forty vessels. 
 
 Steamer Telegraph (171 tons) made her first trip on 
 the 4th of October, under command of Capt. Edward H. 
 Barker. In service until July, 1858. 
 
 The first steam mill erected on the island established 
 on the north beach by Daniel Mitchell. 
 
 1833. 
 
 Three fire cisterns built on Main street. 
 Sloop Fame, Capt. Peter Myrick, sailed in search of 
 sea serpents. Returned empty. 
 
 Nantucket Steamboat Company organized. 
 
1834. 
 
 The Congregational meeting-house was erected and 
 dedicated November 6th. 
 
 In March, the state legislature passed a bill establish- 
 ing the Nantucket Institution for Savings. 
 
 A silk factory operated on Gay street by Aaron Mit- 
 chell. 
 
 The Nantucket Atheneum incorporated. The land 
 was donated by Charles G. Coffin and David Joy, and the 
 building purchased through public subscription. 
 
 The original or Orthodox body of Quakers built the 
 Fair street meetipg-house and in 1838 they erected the 
 school-house — now owned by the Historical Association. 
 
 1835. 
 
 Daniel Webster visited the island to try a case in 
 court. 
 
 Name of India street was changed to Pearl street and 
 State street to Main street. 
 
 About this time there was a scheme for making a port 
 of refuge inside Great Point. The government made sur- 
 veys and the engineers advised it. 
 
 1836. 
 
 Disastrous fire on Main street. The Washington ho- 
 tel and several stores being consumed. 
 
 Disruption among members of the Methodist church. 
 
 1837. 
 
 Main street business section was first paved with 
 cobble-stones this year. 
 
 Financial panic in Nantucket. 
 
1838. 
 
 The **Bug- Light" beacons established by the govern- 
 ment on the cliff beach. First keeper, Peleg Easton. 
 
 Great fire in the eastern section of the town, along the 
 south beach, and much valuable property destroyed. Loss 
 $300,000. 
 
 High School opened, with Cyrus Pierce as principal. 
 
 Fair street school-house erected by Friends. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Trinity church (Episcopal) erected on the north side 
 of Broad street. This parish had been organized a short 
 time before by Moses Marcus, D. D. 
 
 Baptist church society organized June 9. Rev. Dan- 
 iel Round first pastor. 
 
 Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin died i*t Cheltenham, Eng- 
 land, aged 80 years. 
 
 1840. 
 
 Baptist Church building erected on Summer street. 
 
 A new newspaper (Democratic), called The Islander, 
 started this year by Charles C. Hazewell. Expired in 
 1843. 
 
 Population 9,712. 
 
 Epidemic of small pox this year. 
 
 System of telegraphing by signals between Nantuck- 
 et and Woods Hole, via islands of Marthas Vineyard, 
 Mua|keget and Tuckernuck, was inaugurated and main- 
 tained successfully several months. 
 
 This year the massive pillars were constructed in 
 front of the Methodist church on Centre street, when the 
 roof wa^ changed from a four-pitch to its present form. 
 
"Sunset longitude" discovered by Owen C. Spooner 
 of Nantucket, while on ship Atlantic, December 16, 1840. 
 
 1841. 
 
 Frederick Douglas visited Nantucket this year. 
 
 Barker Burnell of Nantucket elected to Congress. 
 
 Anti-slavery convention in Atheneum Hall. 
 
 Severe storm on October 3d drove ships Rose and 
 Planter ashore, demolished a rope-walk and cut away tTie 
 'Sconset bank fifty feet, a dwelling, two bams and several 
 sm.aller buildings going down the bank. Tide rose three 
 feet above the wharves. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Three young willow trees from the grave of Napoleon, 
 on the island of St, Helena, were brought to Nantucket 
 on ship Napoleon and planted on the east side of Centre 
 street, near the corner of Broad. 
 
 The "camels" were built by Peter Ewer for carrying 
 ships over Nantucket bar. The first ship to enter them 
 was the Phebe, but the first to make practical use of them 
 was the Constitution, on September 23d. (See "The Sto- 
 ry of the Island Steamers" for details.) 
 
 Steamer Massachusetts made her first trip to Nan- 
 tucket, July 4th. 
 
 The banner year of Nantucket's whale fishery, with 
 86 ships and barks, 2 brigs and 2 schooners, with a capaci- 
 ty of 36,000 tons, hailing from the island. 
 
 Ship Joseph Starbuck lost on Nantucket bar, Nov. 27. 
 
 1843. 
 Whale fishery commenced to decline. 
 Barker Burnell elected to congress — the last congress- 
 man from Nantucket. 
 
 31 
 
Another newspaper called The Telegraph started in 
 June by A. B. Robinson and W. Bradford. Published but 
 a short time. Issued as a daily for a few months. 
 
 1844. 
 
 "Poor farm" at Quaise destroyed by fire, February 
 21. Ten inmates burned to death. 
 
 1845. 
 
 Odd Fellows lodge started in Nantuci^et this year. 
 
 The Nantucket Weekly Mirror was first published by 
 the Hon. John Morissey, and continued a thriving sheet 
 until it consolidated with The Inquirer in 1865. 
 
 A third paper called The Warder was also started 
 this year, its first issue being on December 27, 1845, with 
 Samuel H. Jenks as editor. Was in existence less than 
 two years. 
 
 Steamer Naushon built this year. 
 
 Another split occurred in the Society of Friends, and 
 the Gurneyite branch later built a meeting-house on Cen- 
 tre street (now the building used as a dining-room by the 
 Roberts House). 
 
 1846. 
 
 The Ladies' Union Circle was organized January 6th. 
 
 Great fire July 13 and 14, wiping away over one-third 
 of the town. Trinity church, the Atheneum library and 
 museum, together with about four hundred buildings, were 
 destroyed, and but one store was left standing. Dona- 
 tions for relief of the sufferers, to the amount of about 
 $100,000, were sent to the island from abroad. Over one 
 million dollars' worth of property was destroyed by the 
 conflagration. 
 
 32 
 
Whaling on the decline. 
 
 Barker Burnell elected senator. 
 
 Main street business section relocated, the north line 
 being moved back twenty feet. Marble slabs were placed 
 on some of the street comers (still in evidence). They 
 are said to denote the boundaries of the burnt district. 
 
 Louise S. Baker bom October 17. 
 
 William D, Clark, the famous town crier, born No- 
 vember 17th. 
 
 1847. 
 
 Nantucket had no representative in the legislature 
 this year. 
 
 Present Atheneum library building opened February 1. 
 
 On March 21st a number of new stores were lighted 
 on Main street for the first time since the "great fire," 
 with a general jollification. 
 
 Pleasant Street Baptist Society (colored) organized, 
 with Rev. James E. Crawford, a barber-minister, as pas- 
 tor. He held the position forty-one years — until his 
 death in 1888. 
 
 Pine trees planted by Josiah Sturgis. 
 
 Sons of Temperance (Harmony) hall, on Federal 
 street, built. Afterwards the building was used as a 
 Catholic church and was torn down in 1896 to give place to 
 the new church edifice. 
 
 Comet discovered by Maria Mitchell on October 1st. 
 
 Stranding of ship Louis Philippe off Nantucket, De- 
 cember 17th. 
 
 1848. 
 
 John Elkins of Nantucket elected a presidential elec- 
 tor and William Mitchell on the governor's council. 
 
1849. 
 
 Custom of ringing the bell thrice daily — at 7 a. m., 
 12 noon and 9 p. m., — started permanently February 12 
 by order of the selectmen. 
 
 Roman Catholic services first held on the island this 
 year. The old town hall was first used as a place of wor- 
 ship and later Pantheon hall. Rev. Fr. McNulty of New 
 Bedford was the first to celebrate Mass. 
 
 The Episcopal Society erected a church building on 
 Fair street. 
 
 Last ship (Martha) brought in by the camels June 
 8th. 
 
 A large exodus from Nantucket this year owing to 
 the California "gold fever." 
 
 The Pollock Rip lightship was established this year. 
 
 1850. 
 
 Population 8,770. 
 
 Friends' meeting-house built on Centre street. (Now 
 Roberts House dining-room). 
 
 Lighthouse on Sankaty Head erected. First keeper 
 Alexander D. BuTiker. First lighted February 1st. 
 
 1851. 
 
 Elm trees planted on Main street in April, by Charles 
 G. and Henry Coffin. 
 
 1852. 
 
 Erection of new Coffin School building commenced. 
 
 Main street from "the square" to the Starbuck houses 
 was paved. 
 
 The West Grammar school-house was destroyed by 
 fire July 8th. 
 
 34 
 
More pine trees were planted during this and the fol- 
 lowing year. 
 
 Friends' meeting-house on Main street purchased and 
 Atlantic Straw Works started there, employing between 
 two and three hundred females. 
 
 1854. 
 
 The present town asylum was erected this year. Sec- 
 tions of the old building at Quaise were moved down and 
 entered into its construction. 
 
 The House of Correction, built at Quaise in 1805, was 
 moved to its present site. 
 
 Steamers Metacomet and Eagle's Wing built this 
 year. 
 
 Joseph Mitchell elected senator. 
 
 The lightship was established on Nantucket South 
 Shoals, June 15th, this year, with Samuel Bunker of Nan- 
 tucket the first captain of the beacon. 
 
 Loss of ship Manchester, August 28. Captain CofRn 
 killed by natives. 
 
 Opening of steamboat route between Nantucket and 
 Hyannis, September 26th. 
 
 Present Coffin School building on Winter street was 
 opened. 
 
 Gas lighted for first time on the island November 22. 
 
 Abram Quary (Abraham Quady) the last man with 
 Indian blood in him, died November 25, aged 82 years and 
 10 months. 
 
 1855. 
 
 Steamer Island Home built and placed in service be- 
 tween Nantucket and Hyannis. Made her first trip Sep- 
 tember 5th. 
 
 Joseph Mitchell elected State Auditor. 
 
 35 
 
1856. 
 
 Bug- Light beacons refitted. 
 
 Present dwelling erected at Brant point lighthouse 
 station. 
 
 Propeller steamer Jersey Blue in service between 
 Nantucket and New York. 
 
 Cable laid from Great Point, Nantucket, to Monomoy 
 Point, Cape Cod, August 19th. It broke two months 
 after communication was established. A section was 
 pulled up by a quahaug dredge in the fall of 1916 and was 
 found to be in perfect condition. 
 
 First exhibition of the Nantucket Agricultural Soci- 
 ety held October 28. Display in Atheneum Hall. Pub- 
 lic exercises in Methodist church. Cattle exhibited in 
 lot opposite Atheneum, corner Federal and Chestnut 
 streets. 
 
 Nantucket High School building on Academy Hill 
 dedicated December 2. Cost $20,000. 
 
 William Barney elected senator. 
 
 1857. 
 
 Up to and including this year Nantucket had four 
 representatives in the legislature. 
 
 A hard winter for Nantucket. Harbor closed from 
 December 20 to FebiTiai-y 6. Steamer New York, from 
 Glasgow, coaled up by Nantucketers off 'Sconset, January 
 28. 
 
 First appearance of the Nantucket Band, February 26. 
 
 Whale captured off Surfside and towed ashore and 
 cut up May 21. Blubber was tried out at oil works of 
 C. G. & H. Coffin. 
 
 36 
 
1858. 
 
 Steamers Telegraph and Massachusetts were sold this 
 year, leaving Nantucket on July 5, the Massachusetts tow- 
 ing the other boat. 
 
 The Catholic Society secured Harmony Hall on Fed- 
 eral street in which to hold services, under Rev. Fr. Hen- 
 nis, which was later consecrated as St. Mary's Church. 
 
 John Morissey of Nantucket elected to governor's 
 council. 
 
 The lightship was placed on Handkerchief Shoal in 
 Nantucket sound this year. 
 
 Nantucket's representative's reduced to three. 
 
 1859. 
 
 A boot and shoe factory was started this year. 
 
 The Mission School started by Miss Ann Morselander 
 and Mrs. Marianna Harper. 
 
 Ship Three Brothers returned April 20, with 6000 bar- 
 rels whale oil — the largest cargo of oil ever taken. 
 
 Ship Planter burned on railway at Brant Point, Oc- 
 tober 28. 
 
 From 1859 to 1868 Nantucket had two representatives 
 in the legislature. 
 
 1860. 
 
 Population 6,094. 
 
 Six vessels sailed from Nantucket. 
 
 Alfred Macy of Nantucket elected presidential elec- 
 tor. 
 
 Phebe Fuller attacked by Patience Cooper, a colored 
 woman, on November 22 and died December 12 from her 
 injuries. 
 
 37 
 
1861. 
 
 Steamer Eagles Wing destroyed by fire on the Prov- 
 idence river. 
 
 1861-5. 
 
 Nantucket sent 213 men into the Union army and 126 
 into the navy, 56 more than her quota. 
 
 1862. 
 
 Steamer Monohansett built. 
 
 1864. 
 
 Manufacture of linen coats or /'dusters" was intro- 
 duced by Charleg Lawrelice. 
 
 Steamer River Queen built. Used as General Grant's 
 dispatch boat. In service on Nantucket route from 1873 
 to 1880. 
 
 1865. 
 
 Population 4,748. 809 legal voters. 
 
 Hon. James Easton elected senator. 
 
 High School Alumni Association organized. Re- 
 unions held in 1865, 1866 and 1869. 
 
 The two island papers, The Inquirer and The Mirror, 
 consolidated and the name changed to The Inquirer and 
 Mirror on April 1st. 
 
 Troops landed from a stranded vessel on the south 
 side of the island June 10 and marched through the town. 
 
 Bark Islander, Capt. William Cash, while in Pacific 
 ocean this year, captured a sperm whale 87 feet long, 36 
 feet in circumference and weighing about 200 tons, yield- 
 ing 110 barrels of oil. The jaw measured 17 feet in length 
 
and was brought to Nantucket, now being a part of the 
 Historical Society's collection. 
 
 Wreck of ship Newton on the 25th of December. The 
 crew perished. 
 
 1866. 
 
 Second reunion of the High School Alumni. 
 
 Pines at Miacomet were planted this year. 
 
 The Mission School building was erected on lower 
 Orange street. 
 
 Unsuccessful efforts were made to revive the whaling 
 business. 
 
 1867. 
 
 Last regular meeting of the "Gurneyite" Friends in 
 the Centre street meeting-house on January 10. 
 
 The town voted to maintain a school-house on Tuck- 
 ernuck and the building on Milk street formerly used as 
 an engine-house was taken down and carried to Tucker- 
 nuck for the purpose. 
 
 1868. 
 
 William Henry Waitt was representative. 
 
 Bark R. L. Barstow sailed. She was the last whaling- 
 vessel owned at Nantucket. 
 
 First Memorial Day observance held in Nantucket, 
 May 30th. 
 
 Isle of the Sea, Royal Arch Chapter, consecrated Au- 
 gust 27. 
 
 1869. 
 N. H. S. Alumni Celebration. 
 Isaac Freeman Robinson was representative. 
 
Historical map of Nantucket surveyed and drawn by 
 the Rev. Ferdinand C. Ewer, D. D. 
 
 A fad of riding velocipedes was started in Atlantic 
 Hall. 
 
 Hayden's bathing establishment built at the "clean 
 shore." 
 
 Smith's Point was separated from the island by a 
 heavy storm on September 8. 
 
 Beds of sea clams were discovered near Nantucket 
 bar. 
 
 First Catholic fair held in September. 
 
 Quahaug beds discovered near Smith's point and Tuck- 
 ernuck, which yielded six hundred bushels in one week. 
 
 Three vessels sailed from Nantucket. Bark Oak, 
 which sailed November 16 under Capt. W. B. Thompson, 
 was sold in Panama in 1872. 
 
 1870. 
 
 Population 4,123. 
 
 Reuben Pinkham Folger was representative. 
 
 Nantucket reached the lowest point of its "decline" 
 this year. 
 
 A fair was held for the benefit of the Nantucket Ath- 
 eneum. 
 
 Bark Amy, Capt. Joseph Winslow, arrived May 30, 
 with 1350 barrels of sperm oil. 
 
 Brig Eunice H. Adams, the last whaler to arrive at 
 Nantucket, came in June 14 under Capt. Zenas Coleman. 
 
 1871. 
 
 Steamer River Queen was purchased by the Vineyard 
 line. 
 
 Grand Masonic centennial celebration at Nantucket 
 on June 27. 
 
 40 
 
De Molay Commandery, Knights Templars, visited 
 Nantucket, July 1. 
 
 Consecration of Catholic Burial Ground on Sunday 
 afternoon, July 23. 
 
 Robert F. Gardner was representative. 
 
 1872. 
 
 Alfred Macy member of the governor's council. 
 
 Albert S. Mowry started the Springfield House this 
 year. 
 
 Catboat Dauntless built this year and placed in serv- 
 ice to and from the bathing beach. 
 
 Nantucket commenced to be popular as a summer re- 
 sort. 
 
 The West Grammar School building was purchased 
 by Mitchell & Hayden and a shoe factory started there. 
 
 The 'Sconset postolERce was established in November 
 with Miss Love Baxter as postmistress. Her salary was 
 $12.00 a year and her father, Capt. William Baxter, re- 
 ceived $8.00 a year for carrying the mails. 
 
 1873. 
 
 Island Lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, organized. 
 
 The Nantucket Relief Association was founded Feb- 
 ruary 25. 
 
 Steamer River Queen was placed in service on the 
 Nantucket route. 
 
 Edward McCleave was Nantucket representative and 
 Alfred Macy on the governor's council — last Nantucket 
 man to serve there. 
 
 Negotiations were on for the purchase of a large tract 
 of land on the south shore, with three miles of shore front- 
 age, for development as "Surfside." The promoters vis- 
 
 41 
 
ited the island in July and were enthusiastically received. 
 
 The shoe factory was destroyed by fire August 3d, 
 when the manufacture of shoes on Nantucket ended. 
 
 The Round Top Mill, which stood near the site of the 
 present North Cemetery, was taken down this year. One 
 of its stones was used as a base for the monument erected 
 the following year. 
 
 The town expenses this year were only $23,885.15. 
 
 1874. 
 
 Lowest tide on record March 21st. Only four feet 
 of water in steamer's berth at the wharf. 
 
 The Island Review was started this year by Isaac H. 
 Folger, who was later joined by S. Heath Rich. The 
 Island Review lasted four years, when its proprietors 
 bought The Advance in Brockton. 
 
 Large school of blackfish driven ashore on north side 
 of the island July 1st and ninety-one were captured by 
 Nantucket men. 
 
 First season of two-boats-a-day during the summer 
 months. 
 
 President Grant visited Nantucket August 27 of this 
 year. 
 
 Soldiers* and sailors* monument erected on upper 
 Main street in October. 
 
 The roof was placed over the gasometer in October 
 this year. 
 
 A "bucket brigade'* organized by the Nantucket Fire 
 Department. 
 
 Surf side life-saving station was established (the first 
 on the island). It was manned for the first time Decem- 
 ber 1st, with Capt. Joseph Winslow as keeper. First res- 
 cue March 9, 1877, crew of bark W. F. Marshall. 
 
 First trial of No. 4 hand fire-engine on December 11. 
 
 42 
 
1875. 
 
 Population 3,201, with 890 legal voters. 
 Soldiers* and sailors' monument dedicated May 29th. 
 Joseph Mitchell, 2d, was representative, serving two 
 terms. 
 
 1876. 
 
 Catboat Lillian built in May. 
 
 Steamer Island Belle built by W. F. Codd and W. M. 
 Robinson, inaugurated the first steam communication be- 
 tween Nantucket and Wauwinet. 
 
 Nantucket Union Temperance Society formed, August 
 28. 
 
 1877. 
 
 Great temperance movement. 
 
 Paddle-wheel steamer Edith operated between town 
 and Wauwinet. 
 
 Charles B. Swain was representative. 
 
 1878. 
 
 Construction of the water works commenced. 
 
 Henry Paddack was representative, serving four 
 terms. 
 
 Pitman & Ellis drug-store (now Small's) opened 
 in May. 
 
 Governor Rice visited Nantucket, July 26. 
 
 Arthur H. Gardner issued the first number of the 
 Nantucket Journal on September 25. 
 
 A severe storm on October 12 (the worst since 1841) 
 caused damage estimated between $20,000 and $30,000. 
 
 Nantucket Institution for Savings in financial straits. 
 
 43 
 
1879. 
 
 Running water led into the town. 
 
 Survey made for proposed railroad on Nantucket, 
 route being staked from comer of North Water and Ches- 
 ter streets, through Chester and West Chester to Maxcy's 
 pond, across Trott's Hills, through Sheep Pond Valley, 
 across head of Hummock pond, skirting south shore of isl- 
 and to Surfside, thence across to Philip's Run to 'Sconset. 
 This route did not materialize. 
 
 Project for Cutting through the Haulover. 
 
 1880. 
 
 Population 3,727. 
 
 Legislature granted a charter to the Nantucket Rail- 
 road Company on April 19th. 
 
 Ground was broken for the railroad line May 3d of 
 this year. 
 
 The Sherburne News was published four months this 
 year, with Frederick V. Fuller editor, and Albert G. Brock 
 publisher. 
 
 Bug Light, on the south side of the harbor, was dis- 
 continued August 1st. Last keeper Benjamin F. Wyer. 
 
 Water pressure from pipes of the new water company 
 was tested in the Upper Square October 14th. Owing to 
 prejudice, the firewards refused to permit the use of the 
 town's fire-hose, so a reel of hose, with pipes and fittings 
 was borrowed from New Bedford. 
 
 Lucretia Mott died in Philadelphia, November 11th, 
 aged 87 years, 10 months. 
 
 Nantucket branch of the Women's Christian Temper- 
 ance Union organized. 
 
 Fifty thousand "linen dusters" were manufactured in 
 Nantucket this year by John W. Hallett. 
 
Nantucket Institution for Savings resumed business 
 December 13, having been suspended under a stay law. 
 
 Frederick Parker, the hermit of Quidnet, died in town 
 asylum, December 18, aged 80 years. 
 
 1881. 
 
 Mansion erected for Charles O'Conor on the cliff. 
 
 On February 4 five oxen were driven over the ice from 
 the steamer Island Home, which was frozen in about a 
 mile and a half in back of the bar from January 29th to 
 February 10th and was supplied with coal and provisions 
 over the ice. 
 
 Bark Hazard wrecked on the "Old Man," February 
 14. Seven of her crew perished. 
 
 Competitive trial between fire-engine John B. Chace 
 and hydrant pressure of Wannacomet Water Company, 
 March 29. 
 
 Work upon the Nantucket jetty (western) commenced 
 this year, first stone being placed April 26. 
 
 The old sloop Tawtemeo sold in May. 
 
 Nantucket Railroad constructed to Surfside. First 
 sleeper laid May 13. First train run July 4. 
 
 Polpis school-house burned January 18. New building 
 erected and opened May 23. 
 
 The new town clock, gift of William Hadwen Star- 
 buck, was first set in motion May 28. 
 
 The Coffin Reunion was held from the 15th to 18th of 
 August. 
 
 Steamer River Queen sold. 
 
 Death of Rev. Ferdinand C. Ewer. 
 1882. 
 
 Josiah Freeman was representative, serving two 
 terms. 
 
 45 
 
steamer Island Home nearly lost in blizzard off Tuck- 
 emuck, February 5th. 
 
 Hon. Charles J. Folger, a native of Nantucket, was 
 appointed Secretary of the United States Treasury. 
 
 The Surfside land boom at its height. 
 
 'Scon set pump was rebuilt this summer. 
 
 Hydrants first used in Nantucket in throwing water 
 over buildings, March 9. 
 
 James F. Smith drowned near Tuckernuck, March 23. 
 
 Surfside road (Atlantic Avenue) widened this year. 
 
 Nantucket's first street watering yjart purchased by 
 subscription. 
 
 Hotel erected on Tuckernuck by Marcus W. Dunham, 
 known as "East End View House." 
 
 President Arthur visited Nantucket on the U. S. S. 
 Dispatch, September 7th. 
 
 1883. 
 
 Muskeget life-saving station established January 11. 
 First keeper Thomas F. Sandsbury. First rescue, Feb- 
 ruary 15, 1885, crew of schooner Lyndon. 
 
 First wedding occurred on Tuckernuck island, March 
 18 — Louis E. Thomas and Linda A. Dunham. 
 
 Termination of the "packet" line between Nantucket 
 and New Bedford, with the sale of schooner Lillie Ernes- 
 tine, which succeeded the old sloop Tawtemeo in 1881. 
 
 Riverside Hotel, on Providence river, taken down and 
 brought to Nantucket and erected at Surfside. Hotel 
 formally opened July 4th. 
 
 Union Chapel at 'Sconset opened publicly for first 
 time July 17. Formally dedicated July 26. 
 
 August 29th, heaviest surf at the south shore known 
 for years. 
 
Coatue surveyed and mapped into house-lots. 
 
 'Sconset postoffice re-opened September 1, with Mrs. 
 P. M. Almy postmistress. 
 
 The old Atlantic Hall building moved from Main 
 street to Brant Point to become a part of the new hotel, 
 in September. 
 
 Coskata life-saving station established November 24. 
 First keeper Benjamin B. Pease. First rescue Feb- 
 ruary 20, 1884, crew of brig Merriwa. 
 
 1884. 
 
 Nantucket's strenuous sewer agitation. 
 
 John W. Hallett was representative, serving four 
 terms. 
 
 Steamer City of Columbus wrecked off Gay HeacT, 
 January 18. 
 
 Polpis road built this year; relocated by county com- 
 missioner^ in March. 
 
 Helping Hand Society organized March 25. 
 
 Town debt was cancelled through generosity of 
 Charles O'Conor on April 21st. 
 
 Drowning of Bert Everett and Harry Hildebrand, by 
 upsetting of their canoe. May 3d. 
 
 Mechanics Band organized this year. 
 
 Death of Charles O'Conor, May 12. 
 
 Thomas J. Hall, member of construction gang, killed 
 by falling from train en route to 'Sconset, June 18. 
 
 Hotel Nantucket constructed on Brant Point; opened 
 for business June 30th. Was 260 feet long. 
 
 Nantucket had an "Antiques and Horribles" parade on 
 July 4th. 
 
 Nantucket Railroad extended to Siasconset. First 
 train run July 8th. 
 
 47 
 
Annex to the Ocean View Hotel at 'Sconset built this 
 year. 
 
 'Sconset had its first "illumination" in August. 
 
 The 'Sconset fire department organized and rendered 
 its first service August 9th. 
 
 Schooner Warren Sawyer wrecked on south shore De- 
 cember 22. 
 
 1885. 
 
 English sparrows were brought to the island this 
 year and liberated by Capt. Joseph Mitchell. 
 
 John B. Dunham drowned near Tuckernuck January 7. 
 
 The skating rink was built this year on the lot comer 
 of Sea and Beach streets. 120,500 shingles necessary to 
 cover the roofs, and 8,000 feet of lumber for the skating 
 floor. The rink was formally opened June 29. 
 
 Irregularities discovered in accounts of cashier of 
 Pacific National Bank. 
 
 Another locomotive in service this year named the 
 'Sconset, which was brought to the island June 25. 
 
 Rival bands held "hops" during the season — Hills' 
 Band of New Bedford at Surfside Hotel and Mechanics 
 Band of Nantucket at the Nantucket Hotel. 
 
 Frederick Douglas visited the island on August 15th. 
 
 'Sconset held its second "illumination" on August 28. 
 
 The government cable was laid by tug Storm King on 
 November 18. The first telegraph message was sent the 
 following day. 
 
 1886. 
 
 Wreck of schooner T. B. Witherspoon on south shore 
 of island, January 10th. Seven lives lost. 
 
 48 
 
The Sea Cliff Hotel was erected this year for Mrs. C. 
 W. Pettee. 
 
 Two whales captured off Tuckernuck on April 20th 
 and tried out. One whale turned out forty barrels of oil. 
 The oil and bone netted the men $2,400. 
 
 The public drinking fountain was placed on Main 
 street, opposite the foot of Orange street, where it re- 
 mained several years before being moved to the lower 
 square. 
 
 Steamer was frozen out of the harbor until March 
 13 th. 
 
 Steamer Nantucket built and placed on the route 
 July 31. 
 
 Five foxes were brought to the island and liberated 
 by some evil-minded person. 
 
 The freight-house on Steamboat wharf was enlarged 
 this year. 
 
 The government maintained a signal office this year 
 until the establishment of the Weather Bureau station in 
 October. 
 
 Consolidation of the Nantucket and Cape Cod Steam- 
 boat Company under the corporate name of the New Bed- 
 ford, Marthas Vineyard & Nantucket Steamboat Company. 
 
 1887. 
 
 Steamer Waquoit was built this year. 
 
 Railroad track moved in from edge of bluff at Surf- 
 side. 
 
 Foxes were numerous on the island and many were 
 shot during the winter of 1887-8. 
 
 1888. 
 
 Henry Riddel! was representative. 
 
 49 
 
Franchise granted Nantucket Electric Light Company 
 by Legislature. 
 
 Excellent sleighing and skating on the harbor in Feb- 
 ruary. 
 
 Ernest H. Jemegan purchased business of Oliver F. 
 Hussey, February 29. 
 
 Irregularities discovered in March in accounts of the 
 town clerk and clerk of courts. 
 
 Underbill property at Shimmo ransacked by burglars 
 in March. 
 
 Another and larger catboat named "Lillian" built for 
 the Wauwinet route. 
 
 James M. Ramsdell broke out of the Nantucket jail, 
 July 8, and escaped via Madaket, crossing the sound in a 
 dory. Was captured in New York city on the 17th. 
 
 "The 'Sconset Pump" and the "Town Crier" issued 
 during summer season. 
 
 Severe storm November 25-28. Cable broken. South 
 shore of island cut away over 100 feet in places. Rail- 
 road line washed into surf. 
 
 1889. 
 
 Anthony Smalley representative, serving two terms. 
 
 Main street business section was repaved this year. 
 
 Elaborate stable erected for R. Gardner Chase near 
 the bathing beach road. 
 
 Maria Mitchell, the noted astronomer, died June 28. 
 
 Bathing pavilion and toboggan slide in operation at 
 Coatue this season. 
 
 Electric lighting introduced into the town. Current 
 first turned on Saturday evening, August 17. Hotels Nan- 
 tucket, Springfield and Veranda were first places lighted. 
 Congregational church lighted Sunday evening. Formal 
 opening of the station on September 3d. 
 
 50 
 
Australian ballot system first used in Nantucket at 
 state election November 5. 
 
 Muskeget life-saving station destroyed by fire on De- 
 cember 27. 
 
 1890. 
 
 Population 3,268. 
 
 Masonic Block erected on Main street. 
 
 Survey made in January for proposed electric road be- 
 tween town and 'Sconset. 
 
 First flag-raising at the High School on May 29th. 
 
 Death of Frederick C. Sanford, August 13, 1890, aged 
 81 years, 6 months. 
 
 The "Wilburite" Quakers held meetings in the Fair 
 ^reet building until this year. 
 
 Horse cars introduced in Nantucket. First car run 
 September 20. Line extended from Main street to Steam- 
 boat wharf. Brant Point and the Cliff. In operation two 
 seasons. A financial failure. 
 
 The lightship was established on Great Round Shoal, 
 east of Nantucket, on October 10th. 
 
 1891. 
 
 Arthur H. Gardner representative, serving two terms. 
 
 Capt. John Killen purchased business of Edward W. 
 Perry & Co., June 1st. 
 
 Point Breeze Hotel built. First opened June 20th. 
 
 Steamer Gay Head made her first trip to Nantucket, 
 July '8, with a big demonstration in her honor. 
 
 Madaket life-saving established. First keeper 
 Thomas F. Sandsbury. First rescue December 20, 
 1903, crew of catboat Wild Rose. 
 
1892. 
 
 Remarkable rescue of crew of schooner H. P. Kirk- 
 ham on Rose and Crown shoal, January 20, by Coskata 
 life-savers, for which the g'ovemment bestowed medals 
 upon them. 
 
 Town sued by Dr. F. A. Gardner on account of use of 
 the Lily Pond ditch as a sewer outlet for the town. 
 
 1893. 
 
 Anthony Smalley representative, serving two terms. 
 
 The "odorless excavator" was purchased by the tov/i? 
 this year. A failure in every sense. 
 
 Bark Mentor, laden with sugar, abandoned off Nan- 
 tucket, April 23, boarded by Nantucketers and salvaged, 
 the men receiving $14,500 for their efforts. 
 
 Another brass band organized this year. 
 
 Drawing first taught in public schools, with Alexan- 
 der H. Seaverns instructor. 
 
 Electric street lighting adopted by town this year. 
 
 An August storm washed track of Nantucket Rail- 
 road into the surf at Nobadeer. 
 
 Town expenses this year were $34,900. 
 
 1894. 
 
 State road to Siasconset commenced. 
 
 Nantucket Historical Association organized and in- 
 corporated. 
 
 Friends' meeting-house on Fair street purchased, for 
 use of the association. 
 
 Name of North street was changed to Cliff Road in 
 October. 
 
 Sons and Daughters of Nantucket organized. 
 
 C2 
 
1895. 
 
 John J. Gardner representative, serving three terms. 
 
 Nantucket Railroad line rebuilt by a shorter route to 
 'Sconset. 
 
 Centennial celebration of the anniversary of the 
 changing" of the name of the town from Sherburne to Nan- 
 tucket, held on July 9, 10 and 11. 
 
 Steamer Petrel built for Nantucket fishermen. (Came 
 to the island January 14, 1896). 
 
 Eugene S. Burgess maintained a bicycle racing track 
 near lower Orange street. 
 
 The town bought a stone crusher this year. 
 
 Alfonso Hall was built. Dedicated on the evening 
 of December 21st. 
 
 1896. 
 
 The first steam fire-engine was purchased. 
 
 Muskeget life-saving station rebuilt this year. 
 
 Steamer Island Home sold and converted into a barge. 
 
 The old Catholic Church building was removed from 
 Federal street in June and the new structure built on the 
 site this year. 
 
 Water spout appeared in Nantucket sound, near Cross 
 Rip lightship, on Wednesday, the 19th of August. 
 
 Death of Rev. Louise S. Baker, September 19. She 
 was pastor of the Congregational church from 1880 to 
 1888. 
 
 Nantucket celebrated the "sound money" victory on 
 November 10th, with a bicycle parade in the afternoon 
 and a torchlight procession in the evening. 
 
 Opening broke through the beach at the Haulover 
 in heavy storm on December 15 and remained open twelve 
 
 53 
 
years. The widest opening was one-quarter of a mile in 
 1904, available to craft drawing up to eight feet. Closed 
 November 9, 1908. 
 
 1897. 
 
 The Joy residence at the comer of Cliff Road and 
 Easton street removed this year, to give place to new 
 residence for Dr. J. S. Grouard. 
 
 The first phonograph, or graphophone, was brought 
 to the island in February by Henry Nelson Lamb. 
 
 Death of Capt. Nathan Manter, February 6, aged 78 
 years. 
 
 The Nantucket Telephone Company was in existence. 
 
 The "Oldest House" was repaired and opened to the 
 public in July. 
 
 The "Old Mill" was purchased by the Nantucket His- 
 torical Association, August 8, for $885. 
 
 The first high Mass was celebrated in the new St. 
 Mary's Church building on August 4, by Rev. Fr. McSwee- 
 ney. 
 
 Nantucket golf links were laid out this year. 
 
 1898. 
 
 Rollin M. Allen representative. 
 
 Ship Asia struck on Great Round shoal, February 
 20th, becoming a total loss. Twenty lives lost. 
 
 Barkentine Culdoon wrecked on the south shore, 
 March 23d. 
 
 Schooner St. Elmo foundered on shoals east of Nan- 
 tucket, March 31st. Only one man saved. 
 
 The Coffin School was closed this year. 
 
 The basin between Steamboat and Old North wharves 
 was filled in by vote of the town during the spring of 
 1898. 
 
 64 
 
Collision between steamers Nantucket and Gay Head 
 on July 29th. 
 
 Disruption between members of the First Baptist 
 Church ur.der the ministry of the Rev. E. A. Tuck, caused 
 a Reparation and the People's Baptist Church was formed, 
 sui-viving several years, when the two factions reunited. 
 
 Thomas W. King and family of Nantucket, lost on 
 steamship Mohegan, off the English coast, October 15, 
 1898. 
 
 "Free fishing" agitation in Nantucket. Complimen- 
 tary banquet to David B. Andrews and A. N. Hoxie held 
 at Sherburne HouRe, November 11th. 
 
 Separate Boards of Health and Overseers of the Poor 
 abolished this year and their duties vested in the select- 
 men. 
 
 1899. 
 
 William Hosier, last male member of the Society of 
 Friends, died January 4. 
 
 David B. Andrews representative. 
 
 Anti-seining agitation. 
 
 Barge John Spankalina launched February 28th. 
 
 The first toll telephones were installed in Nantucket 
 in March. 
 
 Nantucket Union Temperance Society expired on 
 April 3d. 
 
 Iron pier erected in front of "Driftwood" at Brant 
 Point. 
 
 Block pavings were laid on North Water street. 
 
 Last issue of the Nantucket Journal, November 23d. 
 
 Friends' meeting-house on Centre street purchased 
 by People's Baptist Church society and dedicated Novem- 
 ber 23d. 
 
 The Surfside Hotel collapsed in November. 
 
 55 
 
1900. 
 
 Arthur H. Gardner was representative, serving five 
 terms. 
 
 In August, Howard Willets brought the first "horse- 
 less carriage" to the island, called a "mobile." 
 
 In April and May a man came to Nantucket from 
 the mainland and under contract with the town extermi- 
 nated the thousands of prairie dogs which for several 
 years had been devastating the moors. 
 
 The Atheneum library was first opened as a free in- 
 stitution on the 3d of April. 
 
 The Siasconset Casino building was erected this year. 
 
 New postoffice opened in Masonic Block, May 31st. 
 
 The Atheneum was opened as a free public library 
 on April 3rd. 
 
 First collection from street letter boxes June 21st. 
 
 Twenty-seven miles of electric light wire on the island 
 up to August and nearly one thousand incandescent lights. 
 
 Steamer Waquoit came to Nantucket and was used 
 by fishermen ten years, when she was sold. 
 
 Memorial fountain erected by Abiah Folger Franklin 
 Chapter, D. A. R., a short distance west of the town on 
 Madaket road. 
 
 Eunice Paddock, the last member of the Society of 
 Friends, died September 22d. 
 
 Drowning of Conrad F. Goss, Frederick L. Howard, 
 of Brockton, and Thomas Wall and Joseph P. Gardner, of 
 Nantucket, in the upper harbor, October 11th. 
 
 The Inquirer and Mirror first issued from its new 
 quarters in Folger Block, October 13. 
 
 Schooners Alaska, J. W. Cooper and J. Arthur Lord 
 wrecked in chord of bay during heavy storm October 17. 
 
 Schooner David S. Siner foundered off Pollock Rip. 
 
 56 
 
Marthas Vineyard Telegraph Company purchased 
 government telegraph cable between Woods Hole and the 
 Vineyard. 
 
 1901. 
 
 Beach House built at 'Sconset this year. 
 
 New beacon light on end of Brant point erected. 
 
 Dedication of new engine-house on Orange street. 
 
 Effort being made to secure long distance telephone 
 connection with the mainland. 
 
 North Atlantic squadron visited Nantucket this sum- 
 mer. 
 
 Unitarian summer meetings held on Nantucket for 
 first time this year. 
 
 First year of open-air band concerts during the month 
 of August. 
 
 Wireless telegraph station installed at 'Sconset and 
 placed in operation August 3d. First message received 
 from steamship Lucania on August 16. 
 
 Corner-stone of new St. Paul's church building laid 
 September 5th. 
 
 Schooner St. Thomas sunk in Mus'keget channel, 
 September 12. Crew saved by Muskeget life-savers. 
 
 Telephone cable laid from Smith's Point to Tucker- 
 nuck on December 28. On January 6th, 1902, cable was 
 laid from Tuckemuck to Muskeget. 
 
 1902. 
 
 Death of Edgar Ramsdell by drowning in Smith's 
 Point opening, February 17. 
 
 Loss of schooner Fly Away on March 18. Crew res- 
 cued by Surfside life-savers. 
 
 57 
 
First type-setting machine installed in The Inquirer 
 and Mirror office in March. 
 
 The Pollock Rip Slue lightship was established this 
 year. 
 
 First artificial ice manufactured in Nantucket by J. 
 Killen & Son, May 5th. 
 
 St. Paul's Episcopal church building consecrated June 
 11th. 
 
 Upper Main street paved with vitrified brick this 
 year. 
 
 Sea Cliff Hotel property purchased by Providence 
 parties. 
 
 Maria Mitchell Association founded this year. 
 
 Secretary of Navy W. H. Moody visited the island. 
 
 James King, a young lad, drowned in Miacomet pond, 
 September 3d, 
 
 Steamer Uncatena launched June 25th. Made her first 
 trip to Nantucket on October 31st. 
 
 Temperature of 1.1 degrees below zero recorded on 
 Tuesday, December 9th. 
 
 1903. 
 
 Fishing schooner Hattie and Maggie struck on Rose 
 and Crown shoal January 29 and became a total loss. Crew 
 of eighteen men landed on Great Point. 
 
 W. H. H. Smith's stable destroyed by fire March 17th. 
 Twelve horses perished. 
 
 New electric station started. 
 
 Albert E. Sivyer drowned from catboat near eastern 
 jetty, August 29. 
 
 Nantucket Athletic Club organized. 
 
 Coffin School re-opened for manual training October 5. 
 
 Special act of the legislature passed to permit town 
 to construct water plant at 'Sconset for supplying water 
 
 58 
 
.for domestic and fire purposes. Not accepted by the 
 town. 
 
 Legislature passed special act making Cliff bathing 
 beach a "public park," thus saving it for public uses. 
 
 1904. 
 
 Nantucket Civic League organized January 14. 
 
 Wauwinet Tribe of Red Men organized January 14. 
 
 Interior of Methodist church remodelled. New lec- 
 ture room dedicated on March 6th. 
 
 Bathing beach leased by town to Clifford Folger, at 
 special town meeting April 11, for $350 per annum, for a 
 term of fifteen years with privilege of five years renewal. 
 
 Steamer Monohansett wrecked in Salem harbor in 
 June. A total loss. 
 
 New organ placed in Congregational church in July. 
 
 Corner-stone of new fire-proof building for Nantuck- 
 et Historical Association laid on July 21. 
 
 A water plant was established by the town at Siascon- 
 set. 
 
 Booker T. Washington visited Nantucket in August. 
 
 'Sconset wireless station refitted by Marconi Com- 
 pany in September. 
 
 Government purchased building on Orange street now 
 occupied by Weather Bureau. Station up to this time had 
 been in Pacific Club building. 
 
 1905. 
 
 William C. Dunham representative, serving two terms. 
 
 Development of Gibbs Pond swamp into cranberry bog 
 started this year. 
 
 Revenue cutter Mackinac landed mails and passengers 
 at Quidnet, February 18th, Nantucket harbor being closed 
 with ice. 
 
New club-house opened by the Athletic Club, April 5. 
 
 Opening of Progress Hall on South Water street, 
 May 10. 
 
 The town asylum was called "Our' Island Home," by 
 vote of the overseers of the poor, on July 4th. 
 
 Museum of Nantucket Atheneum transferred to His- 
 torical Association's collection. 
 
 New York Yacht Club station established at Nan- 
 tucket this year and maintained several seasons. 
 
 Nantucket Hotel property sold at public auction for 
 $3,000 to Edwin F. Atkins of Boston. The central por- 
 tion of the hotel was purchased by the Red Men in De- 
 cember. 
 
 Martin L. Paschal drowned from tug Hamilton A. 
 Mathes on Thanksgiving day. (Body found January 11, 
 190G). 
 
 Relief lightship No. 58, stationed on Nantucket South 
 Shoals, sank while being towed by steamer Azalea, De- 
 cember 11. 
 
 1906. 
 
 First power dory used in Nantucket by Jacintho 
 (Jesse) Leial. 
 
 Nantucket's "merchant marine" dwindled to one lone 
 coasting vessel — schooner William P. Boggs. 
 
 Death of Capt. Charles Grant, Nantucket's most suc- 
 cessful whaling master, March 18th. 
 
 San Francisco earthquake April 18. 
 
 Death of Owen Holland, Jr., chief of police, May 30. 
 Tombstone erected over his grave by popular subscription 
 as a tribute to his memory. 
 
 Arthur H. Gardner succeeded C. H. Crowley as collec- 
 tor of taxes July 30th. 
 
 The Nantucket Railroad was not operated this year. 
 
Stage coach furnished transportation between town and 
 'Sconset. 
 
 Electric automobile coach line between town and 
 'Sconset projected by William F. Codd and John R. Ba- 
 con. (Did not materialize.) 
 
 New bathing pavilion opened at Siasconset in August. 
 
 Alvin Hull, town crier, died August 10th. 
 
 Catboat Mildred sunk by steamer Nantucket in the 
 harbor, August 29. 
 
 Three summer residents brought automobiles to the 
 island this season. 
 
 The channel through Tuckernuck "slue" abandoned 
 this year by the island steamers. 
 
 Jesse H. Eldridge, first harbor master appointed. 
 
 Clara Parker appointed librarian of Nantucket Ath- 
 eneum. 
 
 A Quaker meeting was held on the island in Sep- 
 tember, when Hepsibeth C. Hussey preached to a large 
 audience who gathered for the special occasion in the 
 Fair street meeting-house. 
 
 Old Atlantic Hall building, which, since 1884, had been 
 the central part of Hotel Nantucket, purchased by the 
 Red Men and moved to South Water street. 
 
 Second steam fire-engine purchased. 
 
 Edward N. Burdick a suicide by drowning Dec. 11. 
 
 1907. 
 
 First annual town meeting to be held in Red Men's 
 Hall. 
 
 The town appropriated money for advertising itself 
 as a summer resort this year. 
 
 Foi-mal public opening of the Red Men's building on 
 February 22d. 
 
 61 
 
Ellenwood B. Coleman representative, serving three 
 terms. 
 
 Land on east corner of Broad and Beach streets 
 cleared of old buildings to prepare for construction of 
 Athletic Club's tennis courts, in March. 
 
 Sea Cliff Hotel property acquired by Clifford Folger 
 and W. D. Carpenter in May. 
 
 Electric fire alarm system first tested May 14th. 
 
 Nantucket Railroad purchased by Macy syndicate in 
 June. 
 
 The Inquirer and Mirror changed hands July 1, vv^ith 
 Cook & Turner the new publishers. 
 
 Boston parties came to Nantucket and tested the auto- 
 mobile-exclusion regulation of the selectmen, v/ith a 
 lengthy controversy in the courts resulting. 
 
 Revenue cutter Dexter broke into Nantucket harbor 
 March 2d. 
 
 Dwelling at Brant Point lighthouse rebuilt this year. 
 
 Rip-rap stones placed on the beach at Brant Point in 
 front of lighthouse. 
 
 Wireless telegraph station at 'Sconset destroyed by 
 fire November 15th. 
 
 Little motor-car popularly known as "The Bug" placed 
 in service by the Nantucket Central Railroad company. 
 On November 29 it made the trip over to 'Sconset in 19 
 minutes. 
 
 1908. 
 
 On the 23d of January an extreme wind velocity of 
 130 miles was reached in one gust. Was the most severe 
 storm in the history of the Weather Bureau station at 
 Nantucket. Much damage resulted. Heaviest sea ever 
 witnessed in the harbor. 
 
 62 
 
Wreck of brigantine Fredericka Schepp in the chord 
 of the bay on January 29. Nine persons rescued by Cos- 
 kata life-savers. 
 
 Death of Henry P. Brown, popular young business 
 man, on February 21. 
 
 Expense of construction of the eastern jetty computed 
 $375,000. Estimated cost of the western jetty, begun in 
 1881, was $112,000. 
 
 Bill passed the state legislature in April permitting 
 the Selectmen of Nantucket to exclude automobiles from 
 the island from June 15 to September 15. 
 
 The lightship was established on Hedge Fence Shoal 
 on July 12th. 
 
 Range lights at the cliff discontinued July 14th. Last 
 keeper George Dolby. 
 
 New beacon lights on Brant Point used for first time 
 on July 14. 
 
 Maria Mitchell Memorial Observatory dedicated July 
 15th. 
 
 Telegraph cable, which had broken, purchased by the 
 Marthas Vineyard Telegraph Company. Repairs were 
 made and cable was again in operation on August 4th. 
 
 New gasoline motor-car run to 'Sconset on Nantuck- 
 et Railroad, July 30th. Not a success. Shipped back to 
 mainland October 8th. 
 
 Opening at head of harbor closed. Team drove 
 down from Coskata station on November 10 for first time 
 in twelve years. 
 
 First superintendent of schools in Nantucket this 
 year, Miss Mary L. Lincoln being appointed. 
 
 Streets numbered anew this year. 
 
 63 
 
1909. 
 
 Steamer Republic sunk off Nantucket in collision with 
 steamer Florida, January 23d. 
 
 Letter carrier service inaugurated June 15. 
 
 New stand-pipe erected at Wannacomet pumping sta- 
 tion. Old tank removed June 26. 
 
 Governor Eben S. Draper visited Nantucket, July 6. 
 
 Reconstruction of road-bed and new track laid on 
 Nantucket railroad in June. Locomotive turned turtle on 
 south beach by rails spreading, July 23. 
 
 Nantucket Historical Association observed its fif- 
 teenth anniversary with a banquet at the Sea Cliff, July 
 21st. 
 
 Earl Cadwell drowned off Wauwinet, July 25. 
 
 Gymnasium hall added to Athletic Club building. 
 
 A discarded "Fifth Avenue bus" placed in service be- 
 tween town and 'Sconset during the summer, by Hough- 
 ton Gibbs. 
 
 "Break Neck Alley" transformed into "Sunset Pass" 
 in September. 
 
 William D. Clark, famous town crier, died August 17. 
 
 Severe storm and extreme high tide on December 26. 
 
 Town expenses this year were $68,455.38. 
 
 1910. 
 
 Benjamin Sharp representative, serving four terms. 
 
 Comet seen on Nantucket on evenings of 23d and 
 24th of January. 
 
 State road completed to 'Sconset. Cost $52,983.83. 
 
 R. T. Fitz-Randolph appointed trial justice for Nan- 
 tucket county in March. 
 
 64 
 
New locomotive and cars on Nantucket Railroad oper- 
 ated the first time on June 7. 
 
 Second artificial ice plant placed in operation in Nan- 
 tucket on August 18. 
 
 Crew of schooner Thomas B. Garland rescued by Cos- 
 kata life-savers December 16. 
 
 1911. 
 
 Steamer Sankaty launched at Quincy on February 2d. 
 First trip to Nantucket on May 2d. 
 
 Boat from barge Stonington, containing two men and 
 bodies of two who had died from exposure, landed on 
 Great point, March 24. 
 
 Meeting on April 18 to talk over project of Nantuck- 
 et Hospital. 
 
 Barnes boat-house fire on June 24. Four lives lost. 
 
 Suction dredge deepened channel over Nantucket bar. 
 
 Severe storm on July 28. 
 
 'Sconset camivel held the week ending August 5th. 
 
 Schooner Charles H. Wolston wrecked on Great Point 
 rip, November 17. Crew rescued by Coskata life-savers. 
 
 1912. 
 
 Cutters Acushnet and Gresham made landings at 
 Quidnet during freeze-up in February. 
 
 State legislature appropriated $10,000 for deepening 
 the anchorage area in Nantucket harbor. 
 
 Last trial of a hand fire-engine in the town proper on 
 April 24. 
 
 The Nantucket Local Band made its debut on May 8. 
 
 The auto-chemical fire-engine arrived on May 29. 
 
 Interior of Pacific National Bank remodelled in June. 
 
 Athletic Club landing pier built in July. 
 
 6S 
 
New organ installed in Baptist church, first used July 
 10. 
 
 Revenue cutter Acushnet first visited Nantucket on 
 August 14. 
 
 Governor Foss visited Nantucket on August 30th. 
 
 Nantucket Democrats celebrated victory at National 
 election by torchlight procession on November 18. 
 
 State commenced planting white pine trees on Nan- 
 tucket, December 8. 
 
 Heavy blizzard on December 25 brought first sleighing 
 on Christmas since ISTZS. 
 
 1913. 
 
 Steamer Sankaty established a record between Nan- 
 tucket and New Bedford on January 25, making the trip 
 in 3 hours and 11 minutes. 
 
 Death of Elisha Pope Fearing Gardner, Nantucket's 
 eccentric "peanut man," on January 28. 
 
 Death of William Barnes, Sr., on February 23. 
 
 Death of Capt. Thaddeus C. Defriez, last whaling mas- 
 ter of Nantucket, on May 21. 
 
 A "big season" for Nantucket as a summer resort. 
 
 Immense bed of quahaugs discovered north of Nan- 
 tucket island by Sam Jackson in the fall of this year. 
 
 Clinton S. Folger brought his automobile to Nantuck- 
 et, November 5th. 
 
 Drowning of Robert M. Ferris, of New York, while 
 bathing alone in surf at 'Sconset, July 13. 
 
 First hospital fair held July 15. 
 
 Disastrous fire on Island View Farm, July 27. Loss 
 $12,000. 
 
 Auxiliary pumping plant of Wannacomet Water Com- 
 pany, at Wyer's Valley, placed in operation August 4. 
 
 66 
 
1913-14. 
 
 A record season for the island's scallop fishery. A to- 
 tal of 7,968 kegs shipped from the island between Novem- 
 ber 1 and April 1. 
 
 1914. 
 
 Edward H. Perry representative, serving four terms. 
 
 Town voted January 29th to have a chief of fire de- 
 partment instead of a board of firewards. 
 
 A temperature of 4 degrees below zero recorded at the 
 local Weather Bureau, February 13th. Coldest since sta- 
 tion was established in 1886. 
 
 Cutter Acushnet broke the ice embargo on February 
 26 and released steamer Sankaty. 
 
 New bell installed in the First Congregation church. 
 First rung for the Easter service on April 12th. 
 
 Jacintho P. Leial drowned April 23. Body found 
 May 19. 
 
 DeMolay Commandery, Knights Templars, of Boston, 
 visited Nantucket the last week in June. 
 
 The special exclusion act barring automobiles from 
 Nantucket accepted June 18, by vote of 376 to 234. 
 
 Schooner George P. Hudson sunk by collision with 
 steamer Middlesex off Nantucket, July 11th. Four lives 
 lost. 
 
 Cape Cod Canal opened in August. 
 
 Death of Rev. John Snyder on August 12th. 
 
 Addition made to Academy Hill school building this 
 year at a cost of $12,000. 
 
 'Sconset wireless station closed by government for 
 alleged violation of neutrality law, September 25. 
 
 Drowning of Knute Youngdale, November 25. 
 
 Six-masted schooner Alice M. Lawrence wrecked on 
 Tuckernuck shoal, December 5. A total loss. 
 
 67 
 
1915. 
 
 Frank Souza drowned from catboat outside Nantuck- 
 et bar, January 9. Body recovered June 2d. 
 
 Nantucket swept by severe storm and extreme high 
 tide, January 13. Wharves submerged, water rising near- 
 ly to South Water street. 
 
 Marconi wireless telegraph station at 'Sconset opened 
 again under government censorship, January 17. 
 
 Death of Dr. Benjamin Sharp, in Moreland City, N. 
 C, January 23. 
 
 Disappearance of Miss Eliza P. Simmons near Tom 
 Nevers Head, February 9th. Probable suicide by drown- 
 ing. 
 
 William Kalmer caught in flounder net and drowned 
 February 16. 
 
 Steamer Sankaty took away 1196 barrels of fish pro- 
 ducts, on March 1st. On the 6th the Uncatena took 1382 
 barrels and on the 15th the Sankaty took 1426 barrels, 
 which was the largest shipment made on one boat. 
 
 Steamboat wharf rebuilt during winter and spring. 
 First landing heading south in new berth made by steam- 
 er Uncatena, March 22d. 
 
 Lionel Rhea Butler drowned by falling from motor- 
 boat Sadie, April 1. Body recovered June 16. 
 
 Death of Dr. Arthur Elwell Jenks, May 24. 
 
 Tragic death of Jessie HoUiday Dana by drowning at 
 Cliff beach, a suicide, June 17th. 
 
 Visit of Knights Templars from New Bedford and Fall 
 River, June 24. 
 
 Joseph Gomes killed in fight by Luther Rose, both 
 Bravas, August 1. Rose released. Case of self-defense. 
 
 Hussey Block on Main street purchased by C. F. Wing 
 Company, October 21. 
 
Old Curiosity Shop, on Middle Pearl street, passed 
 out of existence the week of October 23. 
 
 Wreck of six-masted schooner Alice M. Lawrence set 
 on fire November 27th, burning to water's edge. 
 
 Albert G. Brock resigned as cashier of Pacific Na- 
 tional Bank, December 1. George C. Rule appointed. 
 
 Captain Charles Hubbs killed by fall into hold of 
 schooner L. L. Hamlin, on December 13th. 
 
 Death of "Billy" Bowen, a 'Sconset character, on De- 
 cember 16. 
 
 Nantucket's first community Christmas tree held on 
 evening of December 24. 
 
 1916. 
 
 Old Cross Rip lightship removed and a rebuilt vessel 
 (formerly Succonnessett) was placed on the station in 
 February. 
 
 Heaviest snowfall for years on March 4th. 
 
 Cutter Acushnet broke up ice in harbor to release fish- 
 ing vessels on March 7. 
 
 Jury sustained will of Horace Starbuck, April 13th. 
 
 Tom Nevers Head land boom started. 
 
 New store buildings in Folger Block erected. 
 
 The Shovelful lightship was discontinued and the 
 Stone Horse Shoal lightship established June 2. 
 
 Suicide of Dr. Ellis V. Fanning by drowning, June 14. 
 
 New telephone exchange on Fair street placed in serv- 
 ice June 28th. 
 
 Sunday, July 30, peculiar phenomenon known as a yel- 
 low day. 
 
 Submarine telephone cable laid across Nantucket 
 sound in July. Capt. Arthur McCleave of Nantucket act- 
 ed as pilot. Officially dedicated at public gathering Au- 
 gust 29th. 
 
First summer reunion of "Sons and Daughters of 
 Nantucket" at Surfside, August 8th. 
 
 Linotype typesetting machine installed in office of 
 The Inquirer and Mirror, August 30. 
 
 James Y. Deacon assumed postmastership on Septem- 
 ber 7th. 
 
 German submarine sank six steamers off Nantucket, 
 October 8th. 
 
 Three vessels wrecked off Great Point, December 26th, 
 two of which were totally lost. Three-master Roger Dru- 
 ry salvaged by Nantucket wreckers and towed into the 
 harbor. 
 
 1917. 
 
 Island Service Company purchased business and wharf 
 property of W. T. Swain & Co., January 1st. Old South 
 wharf rebuilt this year. 
 
 Special town meeting, January 26, refused to place au- 
 tomobile question on Australian ballot at annual town elec- 
 tion. 
 
 Steamer Tampico stranded on Great Point rip, Jan- 
 uary 31. 
 
 Steamer Sankaty stranded on rocks off Wilbur's point, 
 in Buzzards Bay, on February 20, and badly damaged. Re- 
 paired at Hoboken and in service again March 30. 
 
 February 28, the selectmen granted permit to plant 
 oysters in Coatue bend, causing great indignation among 
 the fishermen. "The oyster grant" became a strong 
 factor politically. 
 
 Heavy snowstorm and blizzard^ April 9th, breaking 
 telephone and electric light wires and putting the cables 
 out of commission. Snowfall 11.6 inches. 
 
 United States declared war on germany, April 6th. 
 
 70 
 
May 1, Reginald T. Fitz-Randolph elected delegate to 
 Constitutional Convention. 
 
 May 9, snow fell for four hours before daylight — the 
 first May snow-storm on record at the Weather Bureau. 
 
 Manuel Santos, a five-year-old boy, run over and killed 
 on Lyon street by a team driven by Manuel Viera, June 
 15. 
 
 William H. Dodge, 61 years old, instantly killed, Wed- 
 nesday, June 20, at foot of Orange street, by trying to 
 drive his team across the railroad track in front of the on- 
 coming locomotive. 
 
 Nantucket subscribed $411,000 to First Liberty Loan, 
 in June. 
 
 Nantucket held a community flag-raising on the even- 
 ing of July Fourth. 
 
 August 10, first of drafted men from Nantucket ex- 
 amined at Barnstable. 
 
 September 13, President Wilson visited the island on 
 yacht Mayflower, accompanied by Mrs. Wilson. 
 
 September 14-15, second lot of drafted men from 
 Nantucket examined at Barnstable. 
 
 September 17, heavy northeast storm. 
 
 Nantucket subscribed $589,000 to Second Liberty 
 Loan, in October. 
 
 1918 
 
 A hard winter, with several periods of isolation be- 
 tween January 1 and March 1. 
 
 February 1 — Cross Rip lightship torn from her moor- 
 ings in Nantucket sound by ice and swept out to sea, 
 being lost with her crew of six men. Last seen on morn- 
 ing of the 5th in ice several miles east of Nantucket. 
 
 February 4 — Steamer Ruby, laden with supplies for 
 France, stranded at west end of island a short distance 
 
 71 
 
from the Madaket station. Was subsequently floated, 
 after about 1900 barrels of lubricating oil were removed. 
 
 February 5 — Worst cold wave on Nantucket in a cen- 
 tury. Weather station recorded 6.2 below zero. 
 
 February 26 — Hurricane signals displayed by Nan- 
 tucket Weather Bureau station. 
 
 March 14 — Automobile hearing at State House. Nan- 
 tucket's last effort to keep out the machines. 
 
 March 31 — "Daylight saving" first went into effect, 
 when clocks all over the United States were advanced 
 one hour at 2 a. m. 
 
 April 9 — Last of the three Napoleon vdllows on Cen- 
 tre street cut down. Root left in ground and new shoots 
 started growing again. 
 
 April 11 — U. S. transport Meade stranded near Great 
 point. 
 
 April 12 — Tanker Courier stranded on Long shoal in 
 Nantucket sound. 
 
 April 13 — Third Liberty Loan parade. 
 
 April 13 — First air-craft crossed Nantucket sound — 
 a hydro-airplane, making the trip over from Chatham in 
 twenty minutes. Landed at the south beach. 
 
 April 15 — Death of Private Howard F. Coffin of Nan- 
 tucket, in Boston. Member of Co. G of 302 Infantry, 
 U. S. A, First Nantucket life sacrificed since the Uni- 
 ted States declared war on germany. 
 
 April 17 — Four air-craft came over. Three landed 
 safely at Brant Point. The fourth struck in shallow 
 water near Coatue flats and was wrecked. 
 
 April 24 — Governor McCall signed bill repealing law 
 excluding automobiles from Nantucket. 
 
 The roof was removed from the old gasometer in 
 April. 
 
 72 
 
April— Nantucket subscribed $130,000 to Third Lib- 
 erty Loan. 
 
 May — Nantucket contributed $8,115.45 to the Red 
 Cross war fund. 
 
 May 15 — Repeal of automobile exclusion law accept- 
 ed by the voters of Nantucket— 336 to 296. 
 
 May 18 — Seven automobiles brought to Nantucket 
 on one boat, making eleven on the island the first week- 
 end after repeal of the law. 
 
 June 3 — First dirigible balloon came over to Nantuck- 
 et. Did not land. 
 
 July 1 — District Court established in Nantucket. 
 
 July 1 — 'Sconset motor-bus placed in service by 
 Pease & Ayers. 
 
 July 3 — School of blackfish stranded on the north 
 beach. Fifty-nine were harpooned and their oil tried out 
 
 July 13 — Fishing schooner Evelyn M. Thompson 
 wrecked at Low Beach, 
 
 July 17 — Death of Corporal Chester F. Dunham of 
 Nantucket at Ft. McHenry Hospital, Baltimore, Md., up- 
 on return from over-seas service. 
 
 July 19 — Byron L. Sylvaro died from wounds received 
 in action in France. Only Nantucket man killed at the 
 front. 
 
 July 20 — New District Court room in Pacific Club 
 building formally opened. 
 
 July 21 — German submarine sank coal barges and 
 burned tug off Cape Cod. 
 
 August 3 — Three-masted schooner Sarah & Lucy, 
 coal-laden, wrecked on Nantucket bar and became a total 
 loss. 
 
 August 3 — Another school of blackfish stranded, di- 
 rectly on the cliff bathing beach. One hundred and 
 twenty-eight were killed. No way to try out oil and 
 
 73 
 
carcasses were finally towed out to sea and set adrift. 
 Many persons indulged in blackfish "steak," which was 
 served in some of the hotels. 
 
 August 10 — Fishing fleet and a steamer attacked by 
 german submarine on Georges Bank and six vessels sunk. 
 Twenty-eight survivors (19 fishermen and 9 from Brit- 
 ish steamer Penistone) landed at Nantucket. 
 
 August 19 — Warren Barton Blake, a New York 
 journalist, drowned off Sankaty while bathing alone. Body 
 was recovered on the 26th, off Surfside, nine miles dis- 
 tant. 
 
 August 24 — Ninety-four automobiles on the island. 
 
 September 12 — 251 Nantucketers between ages of 18 
 and 45 registered for selective service and 97 "off-isl- 
 anders." 
 
 September 26 — Francis Leroy Wilkes, of Nantuck- 
 et, drowned at sea on the U. S. S. Tampa. 
 
 October— Nantucket subscribed $306,000 to Fourth 
 Liberty Loan. 
 
 October 9 — Fourth Liberty Loan parade. 
 
 October 30 — Epidemic of influenza. Town took con- 
 trol of hospital, placing William Wallace and W. Prentiss 
 Parker in control of the situation. Epidemic lasted three 
 weeks. 
 
 A total of 192 Nantucketers "in service" in World 
 War — 74 in army; 61 in navy; 39 in coast guard; 7 in avi- 
 ation; 4 in radio; 6 in merchant marine and 1 nurse at the 
 front. 4 died in service. 
 
 November 11 — "Armistice" signed. Peace agree- 
 ment between Allies and germany celebrated at Nantuck- 
 et by ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and suspension 
 
 74 
 
of business. Impromptu parade in afcerncon. Called 
 ''Victory Day." 
 
 Arthur W. Jones representative. 
 
 December 31 — Residence of Mrs. William Barnes 
 ravaged by fire. Damage estimated $27,000. 
 
 1918—1919. 
 No ice in Nantucket harbor during this winter. An 
 open winter with mild weather and only two or three 
 light falls of snow. 
 
 1919 
 
 February 27 — Death of Dr. Ellenwood B. Coleman. 
 
 May 10— Nantucket subscribed $2?5,500 to Fifth Lib- 
 erty Loan, which was $60,500 more than her quota. A 
 total of $1,665,500 subscribed on the island on the five 
 loans, making Nantucket the banner town in the United 
 States, with a per capita subscription of approximately 
 $555. 
 
 Roadway on Steamboat wharf concreted this year. 
 
 June 3 — Meeting of Society of Friends held by Job 
 Gidley, Horace Foster and Cyrus Copper in the Fair 
 street meeting-house. 
 
 September 17 — The town presented a ship's bell to 
 the U. S. S. ''Nantucket" of the Massachusetts Nautical 
 School as a testimonial. 
 
 Construction of Polpis road started on the half-cost 
 basis between the town and the state, each paying $2,500. 
 
 Ocean View Hotel at 'Scon set torn down in October 
 to give place to new residence for Mr. and Mrs. Harry 
 Burrage. 
 
 October 20 — First "open season on pheasants," last- 
 ing until November 20. 
 
 October 21 — First submarine entered Nantucket har- 
 bor. Docked at the south wharf. 
 
November 1 — Fog bells placed in operation on end 
 of eastern jetty and at Brant Point. 
 
 Helping Hand Society disbanded. 
 
 Radio-compass station established at Surfside by the 
 navy department. 
 
 The island fishermen organized an association and 
 actively opposed efforts of the Fishermen's Union to force 
 them to unionize. Fishermen received generous financial 
 support to assist them in their fight. 
 
 Arthur W. Jones representative. 
 
 Fishing sloop Sakuntala wrecked on the east shore 
 of the island December 8th, becoming a total loss. 
 
 1919—1920. 
 A hard winter. Island surrounded by ice for sever- 
 al weeks. Harbor closed and fishing at a stand-still for 
 two months. Many storms in succession; heavy snow-falls; 
 cold, blustering weather through January and February 
 and first week of March. 
 
 1920. 
 
 The town and state each appropriated $15,000 this 
 year towards oil construction on Polpis road. 
 
 Annual town meeting made appropriations totalling 
 $120,914.25 — the largest amount on record up to this year. 
 
 March 9th — Abandoned steamer Guilford taken in 
 tow 58 miles off Nantucket by cutter Acushnet and towed 
 to this island, where she was joined by a wrecking 
 outfit. 
 
 Precipitation during month of Februaiy was 7.00 in- 
 ches — establishing a record for that month. 
 
 By special grant of the Legislature the scallop season 
 was extended through April this year. 
 
 Hummock, Miacomet and Sesachacha ponds were 
 open to the Sea in the months of April and May. 
 
 76 
 
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