7 , - - d- ISHRA. NEWSLETTER Historical and Research Association Volume 3 Number 1 March 1994

BUSINESS MEETING

The ISHRA Fall Meeting was held at 7:00 p.m. on statements of account and with the analysis of ex- Tuesday, November 9, 1993 at the Seacoast Scie~ce penses.The Treasurer's report was accepted asread. Center, Odiorne State Park, in Rye, New Hampshire. There were 70 members and 4 visitors present. Committee Reports The meeting opened with a welcome extended . Publications Committee by Steve Miller, the Center's Prowam Di.r~c:t0r.Steve Janice Warren announced that Tricia Miller, a mem- gave a brief overview of the vaned acnvmes of the ber of the committee and the person who produced Center and indicated the need for volunteers to theluly 1993 newsletter, has kindly offered to do the - assist staff members in carrying out their missions. same for the next newsletter. Members were asked to Before proceeding with the business me~ting, submit items for inclusion in the next issue .of the members were treated to a videotape presentation of newsletter. It is hoped that members will share items liThe Ballad of Louis Wagner." The film described of interest or the results of any Shoals-related research the 1873 murders of Anethe and Karen Christensen they have carried out. The committee would like to on . It was set to the music com- produce a publication, in addition to the newsletter, posed and sung by John Perrault and had been pro- that would contain more extensive researchreports or duced by Gary Samson of the UNH Media Center- literary efforts. Members who are interested in pre- senting Shoals-related programs to the general public secretary's Report were urged to join the ISHRA SpeakersBureau. Donna Titus had prepared photocopies of her report of the Annual meeting in May, 1993. These were dis- Collections Committee tributed to. the members present and, subsequently, Nancy Noble reported that committee members were accepted with one minor correction. have held two meetings. Topics for consideration have included the following: Treasurer's Report • The discussions currently underway to transferthe Lyman Rutledge Isles of Shoals Collection to the Paul Sadler, Jr. reported that as of October 31,1993, Portsmouth Athenaeum and the possibility of hav- 120 individuals had renewed their memberships in ing the Athenaeum serve as the central depository ISHRA and 57 new members had joined since our for other Shoals material and collections. last meeting in May. Approximately 80 members had • Increased efforts to obtain oral histories. Several not renewed. We have one Institutional member and have already been conducted and members were our first Junior member. [At the time of this mailing, urged to suggest the names of other individuals there are 68 new members, including two Junior who might be willing to be interviewed. and two Institutional, and renewed individual 142 • The efforts of Ed Rutledge in compiling a data- members. Some 67 have not renewed their member- base of Shoalsiana sources and how best to dis- lncome from all sources is $4,913.35. Expenses ships.l seminate this information. to date: $3,405.30. The balance on hand is $1,508.05. An audit of the financial statements of ISHRA Program Committee through October 29, 1993, was carried out by Bob Peter Lamb reported on the ISHRNStar Island week- Hochstetler. It was found that the income was quick- end, September 10-12, 1993. Twenty-eight members ly deposited and expenses accounted for. All monies attended, leaving for Star from Portsmouth on 5:00 were balanced with the Bank of New Hampshire p.m. on Friday the l Oth and returning on Sunday the

n...... •'1...... March 1994 ISHRA Newsletter

12th in the afternoon. On Saturday evening, John NEW BUSINESS Hatch presented a slide show on art, including his own, done at the Shoals. Later that evening, Kate and Proposed amendments to the ISHRA bylaws were Richard Stanley (aka the "Bigelow Bighters") enter- included in the meeting announcement that was tained the group with music. The following day, John sent to all members. The amendments were: Hatch led the group to various sites on Star that he • To expand the membership of the Board of had used as subjects for his paintings. Later that day, Directors by adding the immediate Past President a flotilla of rowboats went over to Smuttynose for a as a voting member and the chairpersons of all brief visit. All were impressed with the renovation of committees and all other Past Presidents as non- the Haley cottage that John MacKenzie had carried voting, ex officio members. out over the last four summers and with the -eoalr • That committee appointments shall be for two work done by Richard and Kate Stanley on years with the opportunity for reappointment to Rosamond Thaxter's cottage. additional terms. The consensus of the participants was that it was an enjoyable weekend and well worth repeating next • Changing the dates of the May and November year. If it is possible for us to fit into the Star Island meetings from the first to the second Tuesday of schedule next year, we plan to announce to the entire each of these months. membership so that all may have an opportunity to The amendments were approved unanimously by consider attending. . the members present. .

OTHER BUSINESS

Smuttynose Ranger Program Edith, stating that the presence of the Rangers on Edith Pierson described another successful Ranger island and staying in the Haley cottage was vital for program this last summer. There were Rangers con- its protection from vandalism. tinually on the island except for a few weekends Edith brought sign-up sheets for those interested in when the weather was bad. Several things were staying on Smuttynose next summer. She asked that accomplished, including the repl·acement of the sign those signing up indicate whether they wished to serve on the Spanish as Rangers or simply to camp on the island. It was 9.~··; Sailor's Graves noted that, in addition to providing a presence on the monument, addi- island to deter any vandalism and working to improve tional work on the premises, the Rangers performed an important the Thaxter cot- public information role for visitors to the island. tage by Richard One final announcement was that Smuttyrose (or and Kate Stanley, Smuttyrows, depending on how you look at it) the development of canoe that Edith allowed Rangers to use for trans- designated area portation between Smuttynose and Star, had disap- for the use of peared. We were urged to keep our eyes open for it. boaters who had The canoe will be greatly missed if not found, as it is dogs on board, essential for ferrying gear and for trips tp Star to mowing of lawns, obtain water and ice. clearing of the Haley graveyard Smuttynose Ranger's log and several trails, Janice Warren announced that copies of the Rangers' preparation of Log for summer 1993 could be obtained from her at a three campsites cost of $3.00 (the cost of photocopying). away from the cottage area, poison ivy control, and clearing of the foundation of the Mid-Ocean House. White Island Project The restoration of the Haley cottage has been There were no residents on White Island during sum- completed by John MacKenzie and it is beautiful. mer 1993. Wilbur LaPage, Director of the Division of During the winter, John plans to build some period Parks and Recreation for New Hampshire, has furniture for use in the cottage. John had written to received an extension of the lease on the cottage. He ISHRA Newsletter March 1994

hopes to have several residents on island next sum- The Program' mer for shorter periods. The matter of support for the residents has been resolved with the development of Peter lamb introduced Faye Labanaris, a residentof a contract for a boat to provide this support. Dover, New Hampshire, and a new ISHRA member. It is still not clear how residents will deal with Faye gave a presentation on the quilt she had made power and light requirements. The Coast Guard entitled "A Tribute to Celia Thaxter," Her impressive refurbished the cottage when they were out on the accomplishment is an artistic interpretation of the island during the summer of 1992 installing the life and poetry . solar power system for the lighthouse. The electric of Celia, "\': I 'j)'.i i .: . \ .i' I" stove, refrigerator, cistern water pump, and electric , I, \ 'J. \. toilet were operated by a large diesel generator /W;:"/'Z~(d./Jjj{(~·#"".;'~rV:.' I I· that was brought to the island and ~//7b' II: r r: :'./ -''II I placed outside the entrance to #.;. the cottage. If it is to remain r there, the question is whether a \ resident will be permitted, or able, to operate it. The original plan had \ "-.:\IU~.. been to replace the electric stove ..\.. ..;, ''!!Iii.; and refrigerator with propane-operated '~\:.\.'~li appliances. How this will be resolved

remains to be seen..: I. ~'\'II''"",'1/"1." Edith Pierson commented that work- \.~ men had been on the island a few days before and were replacing the boat ramp. This should make landing on the island much easier.

Audubon Society Trip Bob Hochstetler announced a trip on Sunday Dec- using the for- ember 19, 1993 aboard the new Universty of New mat of a Baltimore Hampshire vessel R/V Gulf Challenger. The itinerary Album Quilt. This type includes the York ledges, , and Star of quilt is one in which Island. He also announced that the R/V lere Chase each block tells a story, and she chose themes from was to be sold at auction. periods in Celia's life, using scenes of the Islands, excerpts of Celia's writing (including commentary Refreshments on toadsl), and of course, the flowers. She was not There was an abundance - almost a superabun- able to bring the quilt itself, but she showed many dance - of delicious snacks. Carol Rymes, a member slides of her beautiful work and brought a square-to of the Program Committee who is responsible for show the type of workmanship and great detail used refreshments, asked that those planning to bring in creating the quilt. something for the May 1994 meeting give her a call The quilt had been submitted in a Baltimore (603-588-6868) so that she can be sure that there Album Quilt Revival contest in the category of a quilt wi /I be an adequate supply. that is reflective of a .particular time, place, or per- son. It was a finalist in the contest and had been sent J.B. Heiser to California a few days prior to the ISHRA meeting. J.B., who has served as Director of the Shoals Marine Clearly, this was a labor of love that will insure Laboratory for the last 15 years, has announced his that Celia's life and works will not be forgotten. resignati~m, effective January 1, 1994. Following in the footsteps of the founding Director, John M. Kings- Adjournment bury, J.B. has brought this marvelous undergraduate The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. and members marine science teaching facility to its position of pre- enjoyed the refreshments and the opportunity to talk eminence. He will be sorely missed. with one another.

Page 3 , I March 1994 ISHRANewsletter 1,

UPDATES

White Island The deed was presented to the State at a ceremo- White Island was granted to the United States by the ny held at the Coast Guard station at New Castle on State of New Hampshire on June 20, 1820. The first December 17, 1993. Contrary to the articles that lighthouse was constructed at that time. Almost appeared in the Portsmouth Herald and the Boston ._. exactly 173 years later Globe the following day, four additional islands were

;,...>~;-'i;.'~·:':: r the island was re- not included in the transfer. must have been . turned to the state. concerned for awhile, wondering which one of its On September 7, islands were included. One question which the j 1993, a quitclaim deed answered is that Seavey's Island was not deed was sent to included in the transfer - note the reference to "five Governor Merri II acres, more or less." noting that. the We all owe Wilbur LaPage a debt of gratitude for United States of his persistence in seeing this complicated process America, Grantor, through to completion, as well as to all those others I remised, released, and quitclaimed to the State of who provided help a.:d support. Wilbur has most New Hampshire, Grantee, all of the Grantor's right, generously provided a copy of this historic deed for title, and interest in White Island Lighthouse. the ISHRA archives. The Lighthouse was defined as "the Coast Guard lighthouse located at White Island, Isles of Shoals, The Muchemore Family Reunion New Hampshire, including the attached [sic] keep- On July 9-11, 1993 the Muchemore Family Associa- I er's dwelling, several ancillary buildings, the associ- tion held its 3rd reunion at the Conference Center in i I ated fog signal, and such lands as may be necessary Portsmouth, NH. Participants from to enable the State of New Hampshire to operate at throughout the United States,includ- 1, that lighthouse a nonprofit center for public benefit; ing Hawaii, were in attendance. and being more particularly described as follows: Highlights of the reunion were work- i Aii that piece or parcel of land situated in the Town shops on genealogy, tours of local ,I of Rye, County of Rockingham, State of New Hamp- historical areas, and a trip (back) to I shire and described as follows: that certain rock or the Isles of Shoals aboard the Thomas 1 island, known by the name of White Island, being Laighton.. The MFA reports: ''The 1995 Reunion will the southernmost of the Isles of Shoals off the be held in the Springfield-Summit-Morristown New entrance of Piscataqua River, and containing five Jersey area. We are now in our 7th year with mem- acres more or less." bers throughout the United States and England. Our The quitclaim deed specifies that the property growth is slow but we have accomplished a great may be used for educational, historic, recreational, deal tying our family together- Wish us luck." and cultural programs open to and for the benefit of the general public. The Tribute Quilt The light, antennae, sound Signal, and associated ISHRA member Faye Labanaris' quilt "A Tribute to equipment which are active aids to navigation shall Celia Thaxter" has been featured on the cover of a continue to be operated and maintained by the United limited editlon book States.The United States shall have the right to enter entitled Baltimore the property, with notice, to maintain navigational Quilt Revivel. The full aids and at any time in emergency circumstances. ~~. quilt and essay ex- In addition to a prohibition on the construction of cerpts are included in anything that would interfere with the 360 degree the book. If anyone arc of visibility of the lighthouse, the deed states that wishes to purchase a "no physical or structural change of changes of ';t;;wI~"'- copy, you may order color will be made to the exterior of the structures it directly from Faye and architecturally or historically significant interior \: for $10 plus shipping. features as determined by the SHPO [State of New She has pledged 10% of the book's proceeds to Hampshire Historic Preservation Officer! without ISHRA. For information, please call her at (603) 742- the written approval of the SHPO_ 0211, or see her at the next ISHRA meeting.

Page 4 ISHRA Newsletter March 1994

Old Time Boats of the Isles

Nowadays fleets of pleasure craft visit the Isles of decades of this century. From the boat yards of Story, Shoals and fill the surrounding waters of lower Burnham, Oxner and other families came the tough lit- Bigelow Bight during the summer. On holiday week- tle boats for the inshore fishery as well as larger vessels ends Gosport Harbor is frequently crammed with that sailed all the waters of the world. boats, some rafted together five or more on a single The dogbody, pinky, and heeltapper share a com- mooring, their occupants bent upon the pursuit of pure mon feature with the later schooner; all have two pleasure. What a different sight would greet our eyes masts nearly equal in height, the looking across these waters 200 years ago! Most after mast carrying the larger or A PINKY notable would be the appearance of the boats, very main sail. This forms the basis unlike the sleek bright craft of today. of a general design that is Dogbody, pinky, heeltapper, and gundalow are the easily worked by a small names of working craft common in these waters dur- crew, adaptable to vary- ing the 18th and early 19th centuries. While many ing conditions and other types were common all along the Atlantic Coast, weatherly (able, J these are of interest due to their local origin. The first sail upwind effec- =-=- ~ three are all recognized as predecessors of the more tively). Differences ~.-:..::~_~_~ ~:::..::_ fami liar schooner, a design brought to perfection by in hull design and Cape Ann boat builders during the latter 19th century. slight variation of the sail rig distinguish among these. The fourth is a kind of sailing barge peculiar to the The dogbody type had a bluff, full design of hull Merrimack and Piscataqua Rivers. All of these boats (likely source of the name) and no sails ahead of the were strictly working vessels; the idea of going out foremast ("bald-headed"). It is the most primitive of the upon the water "for fun" would have been quite for- three, almost boxy in shape and lacking the better eign to the people of that time. In fact, the twin influ- maneuverability of a boat having headsails. These ences of the Puritan ethic and New England climate small (30-35 feet, 20 or so tons) boats nevertheless saw wide use in the early fishing fleets and would have been common on the Isles from the late 17th century through about 1750. The pinky takes its name from the dis- tlnctive upswept stern which has a sort of swallow-tail appearance, especially when the sails are furled with the main boom resting upon the "pink" and extending many feet beyond the stern. Pinkys com- monly had two headsails (jib and staysail) and were somewhat larger than the dog- body type. The hull shape was quite refined, almost elegant above the waterline with its sweeping shear and cocky, upturned tail. Below the waterline these POHT5:'1IOL"TU, ~£W UA~lPSIlJnEI FI~U:\I li.ITTER\· BIUOGE. boats were much "finer" having more have conspired to make outdoor activity of any kind pointed bows, narrower width to length and stream- for pleasure only a relatively new and not altogether lined stern resulting in a faster, more precisely manage- whole-heartedly accepted concept hereabouts. able craft. Used mainly for fishing, these boats were Working in these frequently rough and dangerous common along this shore from about 1750 to the mid- waters required boats that were sturdy and easily han- 19th century. A photo taken ca. 1870 shows a pinky dled by.a small crew. Down on Cape Ann, twenty moored to the inside of the pier in Haley Harbor on miles south of the Isles of Shoals, the design and Smuttynose Island. building of boats was firmly established in the town of The heeltapper had a raised deck aft of the main- Essex (MA) during the late 17th century. In 1668 an mast. This feature, thought to resemble the heel of an area was formally set aside by the town for boat upside-down shoe, gave the design its name. Some- bu iIdi ng and rema ined the site of a prodigious output times called "riz-deck," the idea was applied to many of fishing and work vessels up through the early (Continued on page 8)

Page 5 ISHRANewsletter March 1994

Winter on the Isles of Shoals

After bringing Sturgeon into its winter dock, Edith and some of the surrounding Islands, check buildings Dave Pierson were returned to Star Island on Barry inside and out for weather damage. About every six Bush's charter boat Seafari, and began their winter weeks we set up a pump and a temporary pipe line residency on December 31st. We asked them to fill and refill our cistern at the EMS from the well in the us in on what daily life is like on the island in winter. front lawn. When it SNOWS we have a contest to see who can dig out the most pipes from under the drifts. The Average Day on Star Island Enjoy... Edith and Dave There are a number of factors determining our daily activities as you can probably imagine. Addendum First is the weather, perhaps even more so than on Since writing the above, we have noticed that the the mainland. This includes the tide level and the new Haley Outhouse has blown over. Not much condition of the sea - is it quiet or still surging from a more news, weather remains "Challenging," but we previous storm or a storm off shore. keep warm. Saw a Snowy Owl out on the far rocks Second depends on the time of year. After the close again today and lots .f ducks, probably eiders, in the up crew leaves there is still some final close up to be water east of the island too. done - final shutters, draining water systems, putting Also (from Edith): I reported at the Fall meeting equipment away, ete. Obviously draining water sys- that Smutty Rose/Rows (my canoe) had disappeared tems must be done before the weather turns too cold, or been stolen. f am looking for a replacement small which out here is usually later than on'the mainland. vessel such as a rowboat, canoe, or john boat that Meanwhile, maintenance on Sturgeon is on the agen- could be used this summer. If anyone has one or da, too while the weather is still warm enough - knows of one, please contact me. beaching out and scraping and painting the bottom is done when tide is low midday, and the weather is Tentative Ranger Schedule for 1994 suitable for painting (I hate to paint with an overcoat June and mittens on!) and the sea is not surging too much. _ 11 Ann Knott and loanie There's also preparation for our winter stint - 11-12 McGee and Saunders storm windows up, screens down, fuel supply in 19-25 Tuttle, Tuttle, and Varco place, winter water supply, ete. 25-26 JennieAshlock There's always plenty of chores that would be nice 26-2 John Whedon to do before cold weather sets in, so it's a matter of July juggling jobs with conditions and doing the most 13-17 Nancy Emerson important ones first; shutters can be put up after a 20-24 Kay Williams hard freeze, but draining pipes wouldn't work so August well, ete. Really don't know as I can say we do BettyHeron and JeanRagnese things in a very orderly fashion, just get up in the 21-27 Warren and MacEachron morning, size up the weather, tide sea, and mentally 29-30 Drapeau look at the list of things to be done. September During January, February, and March our routine 18-24 Richardand KateStanley really becomes unpredictable - when windchill is Pleaselet me know ASAPif thesedatesare not OK. extreme we stay indoors, or bundle up thoroughly PO Box 4636 Portsmouth,NH 03802-4636 and go for a walk, just to get outside for a bit. Always plenty of indoor things to do that get put aside during John MacKenzie will probably be on Island for three the busier times of year. Reading, 'riting and 'rith- to four weeks. His dates are not finalized yet. He has metic (in the form of Income Taxes). occupancy of the Haley House while he is on Island. One activity that gets done pretty regularly during Peoplewho want to camp are able to while othersare servingasRangers. these months is the daily bread - Edith makes fresh bread each day. Other than that and the 3 squares, if you call mussel chowder square, and listening to and An interesting contrast to these activities revolving observing the weather, there's not much routine. around weather, water, and wood, is that we When conditions permit we gather more firewood received this article through Internet, Dave and and coal, launch a skiff and check Appledore, visit Edith's computer link-up with the rest of the world.

Page6 ISHRA Newsletter March 1994

Excerpts from the Smuttynose Rangers Log 1993

6/23 Very lazy day. A videographer and her hus- 8/17 Being here makes you very conscious of time band landed in a chartered amphibian. She was and resources. Every minute is valuable, every drop interested in recording historic sites on the island of water to be conserved. We should live island and in particular the foundation of the Honvet style all the time. House .... They were attacked by a mama gull who nests near Haley House and were quite shaken by 8/29 Bought a Sunday NY Times at the main desk the experience ... of the conference center and watched 200 joyous Ioanie sweeps the grass out of Haley House every conferees depart after their LOAS Conference - a day and still more comes. We can hardly believe we wonderful sight, these restored people who'd spent entertained 57 visitors, 2 children and 1 dog these a week together without automobiles, telephones, or past 5 days. lYs. It made me hopeful for America!

6/27 At 6 p.m. sat in front of the cottage with my 9/3 Tenters arrived and set up sites at "ISHRA vespers toddy .... Sun out, nice breeze .... Lit the char- Shrine." Six year old Shawn is definitely going to end coal and got ready to do the "baked potato." At 7:12 up as an Old Shoaler, his whole body, being was in p.m. the fog descended and by 7:15 only Malaga love with this island .... the future has to have places visible. Despite this, grilled a beautiful rib-eye steak like this where young children can spend a weekend and had a lovely dinner - no dried cod for me, des- soaking in the jewel-like quality of the isles. (And pite the place. unfortunately without people like the Hubbards and For reference, 1 person (5+ daysland 2 people ...the Rangers and of course, EDITH it can't happen.) (2+ days) used @ 3 gals bottle water and @ 3 gals If I ever hit Mega-Bucks, I would love to have the wash water. Brought five 10-lb blocks of ice and stone pier rebuilt. It is such a monument to the era two 5-lb bags cracked ice and discarded one third. of ships and obviously the product of a lot of peo- ple's skills and sweat. 7/8 My brother Nate arid I both inherited quarter One guest remembered being here in the '60s shares in this Island when my Great Aunt Roz died 5 and Rozie "holding court" on the lawn in front of years ago, and I try to get out to Smuttynose from my the cottage. He said that she granted permission to homebase in Tennesseeonce a summer. With support camp to those who would write a poem. from my Aunt Celia Hubbard, John MacKenzie and a host of others have done a fantastic job on the Haley 9/13 3:30 a.m..... the "privy" awaits. The advantages House and Rozie's cabin. And now with the estab- of a weak bladder are the night lights of Star and the lishment of the Rangers, the progress on this historic mainland. Saw a shooting star to the southeast. old house ... can continue safely. Everyone should get up in the middle of the night at Visitors over the years ... were heartened by Rozie's least once, use a flashlight to get away from the build- Yankee generosity .~. I am glad that this spirit of gen- ings and then turn off the light and look and listen. erosity continues to this day and is certainly part of the magic of these Islands. We can thank God Roz 9/20 With the gulls in retrenchment other birds didn't sell the Island to Ari Onassis who offered 1 mil- have appeared on the island. The 'IIISHRA Shrine" lion dollars to build an oil refinery here. was full of warblers and nuthatches. However the - Nick Hubbard most remarkable sight was clusters of Monarch but- terflies hanging like blossoms on the sumac. 7/25 Sunshine and peace fill the little cove - a secret place at low tide. The song sparrow sings to us 9/23 The Shoals come slowly in view through a - and the 100 member gull chorus chants and cries smokey haze as sky lowers. Glad to make the lee of all around. Over the top of little old Malaga the wild Smuttynose as western horizon goes black. Rain mustard blooms a bright yellow-green amid the rust falls as we make Haley Harbor. Within the Haley and darker green of rose bushes and other low-lying house a rising wind murmurs around windows and shrubs. Today great white clouds sail across an doors tugging the latches while spatters of rain tat- intensely blue sky and the air is fresh and wonderful. too the wall.

Page 7 March 1994 ISHRANewsletter

Old Time Boats of the Isles (continued from page 5) on the right to wind on the left or vise-versa) when boats during the 19th century and provided more room going upwind without having to handle the sai/. Also, below and better visibility and protection from the the whole rig could be quickly dropped on deck to go water for the helmsman. under bridges. Barges are useful for transportation of The gundalow representsan entirely different type of large bulky cargoessuch as hay and although primarily boat, a hull of the barge type (wide, flat-bottomed with rivercraft, gundalows undoubtedly ventured out to the shallow draft) made primarily for river use. Unique to Isles on carefully chosen days of moderate conditions the gundalow is its distinctive sail rig, a single lateen when such deliveries were required. - sail, (triangular, with an angled yard along the fore edge Now, on rare occasions, one may see a vesselof the of the sail) mounted on a short "stump" mast. The short older cut around the Isles of Shoals or plying the fore end of the yard was ballasted heavily to counter- waters of lower Bigelow Bight but such a vision is balance the long after section. The advantage of this more likely a phantom revealed but briefly, then gone design is that the boat may be tacked (turned from wind forever as the mists of time close before our eyes. - Richard Stanley A Contribution from Our first Junior Member

Stacy Caswell, who now lives in Austin, Texas, has small speck on the horizon. Without a telescope been writing fictional history stories for a school there isn't much to see yet. assignment. Although fiction, her stories follow The islands are much closer now and I can see many of the occurrences and settings that were ger- smoke rising from the chimney of a small house. mane to the time periods and are written about her The islands look like they are just large piles of rock real ancestors who lived at the Shoals. out in the middle of the ocean. "They aren't very With Stacy's permission, the story we have select- pretty, are they?" Mary said to me. I agreed. ed to include in this newsletter takes place over 350 The ship pulled into Gosport Harbor and we years ago, and is narrated by Robert Caswell. were greeted by the other families living there already. I met a Mr. Berry, a Mr. Moulton, a Mr. September 22, 1639 Lamprey and several other men and women whose names I can't remember yet. They all seem-to like it We've been at sea nowfor almost three months. here and say that they can trade with the Indians for This small two masted ship does not go as fast as things that they need. some of the larger three masted ships. We've been I looked down into the water and was able to lucky because we have not had any bad weather. clearly see the bottom. I could see many different The ship, called the Jonathan, is sturdy because its kinds of fish swimming within the harbor area. I was made of heavy oak wood and my wife Mary and I told that the fishing was the best out here on the have a small cabin below the deck. islands and that the fish could be sold to people on Captain John Mason saysthat we should be sight- the mainland between here and Boston or Plymouth, ing land any day now. He ways that the new world Massachusetts. I was also told that the lobsters were is both beautiful and dangerous. He says that the very large and that people liked to eat them as well. land goes on for as far as you can see and that there It was at that moment that I decided to stay on is plenty for everyone. He also says that the native the islands. I asked about them and found that I was Indians can sometimes be friendly and sometimes standing on Star Island. The next island over is very attack and kill settlers. He should know what he's small and is called Cedar Island. The Hall family talking about, because he's been here before with lives there. Just beyond that is Haley's Island where Captain John Smith. several Haley families live. Also close by is a really I am filled with happiness because I will be able small island called . The families have to start a new life in a new world. We will be land- built rock breakwaters to connect the islands togeth- ing in a harbor among nine small islands just off the er. Across the harbor is Hog Island. To the north is coast. I haven't decided if I want to live on one of Duck Island, to the west is Londoner's Is-land, the islands or on the mainland yet. I guess I'll have Seavey Island and White Island. I think that I want to wait and see what things look like. to live on Star Island. "land Ho," the sailor in the crows nest just shout- Well, it's getting pretty late. I have had a big day ed. I called to Mary to come up on deck to see and there will be more to come tomorrow I'm sure. where our new home would be. The islands are just - Robert Caswell \SHRA Newsletter March 1994

NOTES AND NEWS

ISHRA Meeting Please contact Sandy Smith 207-439-4889 and/or The next meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10, at Carol Mairs 603-742-2971 for more information. the SeacoastScience Center,Odiorne Point State Park. Credits The Newsletter The illustration "Tom at Work" on page 2 and the We need your input! We want your ideas, your cover art is from the 1B8B publication Kelp by Willis research, your literary creations, your artwork! You Boyd Allen, and was provided by Janice Warren. The too can achieve immortality in print. Bring your pen and ink frog with slug and the sandpiper (pages3 contribution to the ISHRA meeting or send it to and 4) were executed by Andrew Labanaris. The Janice Warren, Publications Committee Chair, 42 engravings on pages 4 and 5 (White Island, and Ports- Woodman Road, Durham, NH 03824 mouth from Kittery) are from Nooks and Crannies of the New England Coast by Samuel Adams Drake WANTED (1875), and the drawing of the pinky on page 5 is Names of potential people to interview for oral his- from American Sailing Craft by Howard Chapelle tories, and also people to do the interviewing. (1936). All 3 were provided by Richard Stanley.

The Appledore Cookbook'

M. Parloa published the first edition of her cook- proved to be good. There are very few which I book in 1872. The second edition, The Appledore have not used myselt, and of the value of ' Cookbook. Containing Practical Receipts for Plain those I am fully assured, having seen nearly all and Rich Cooking was published in 1877. The pref- of them tried. The rules for jellies, charlotte ace for the first edition stated: russe, and creams will be found to be worth twice the price of the book. Many df the visi- In offering this little book to the public, I am tors to the Rockingham House, Portsmouth, aware that there are many good cook books in N.H., Pavilion Hotel, Wo/fborough, N.H., . the market already. But I trust that this will McMillan House, North Conway, N.H., and supp1ra'want whi"c1rhas always been-telt by the Appledore House, Isle [sic] of Shoals, will young housekeepers. The great trouble with find many dishes with which they expressed all the cook books which I have known (and I themselves pleased while the writer was pas- am consta'.l(ly hearing the same compleintlls, try cook at those houses. that they are too expensive, and thatihey use weight instead of measure, and also that they The recipe (or "receipt") that follows is the first of take for granted that the young housekeeper others that will be reproduced in future issuesof the knows many things which she [remember this newsletter if there is any interest. We'll start the was written in 18721 really does not. This young housekeeper off Simply, just in case he/she want I have endeavored to supply in this little does not know "many things." volume. Having had years of experience as a Com Cake cook in private families and hotels, I know the Three cups of Indian meal, one teaspoonful of wants of the masses, and feel competent to sugar, one of butter; 'wet this with boiling supply them. water, and then beat in one egg; spread half I have arranged this book in two parts - one and inch deep on buttered tin sheets, and for plain and one for rich cooking. In the First bake brown in a quick oven. This is delicious. Part will be found minute directions for cook- ing everything that is within the reach of an Reports on the success of this recei pt (or lack there- ordinary family. In Part Second will be found of) in meeting the "wants of the masses," as well as directions for richer cooking. There is not one whether it is really is as delicious as claimed, will receipt in the book which has not been be welcomed. · ..:..•..\:-...•.;~ ... ,~ ,,:~,::.'

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