From the Vineyard Gazette edition of September 9, 1920:

The “Season” is closing fast. Labor Day brought thousands of people to Oak Bluffs and it is surprising how quickly they were absorbed and became a part of the community. There were large crowds at the Tivoli, the two theaters, the skating rink, the bowling alleys and the band concerts. The churches were well filled on Sunday. The bathing beaches were crowded with bathers on Sunday as well as on Monday by those who came from cities for the weekend and Labor Day vacations.

The exodus of summer visitors who were here for their August vacation took place so quietly that unless one was at the boat to see the crowds of people who boarded the boats, and except that we miss people from our avenues, it would be hard to conceive that such a thing had happened. Almost like magic the people take their departure. Yesterday thousands of transients walked our streets and today the avenues seem deserted, yet thousands remain and others will come for the beautiful days of the Fall and many will remain even until the last of the October days.

It has been a wonderful and happy summer for most people. There have been the fine concerts at the Tabernacle, under the jurisdiction of the Board of Trade and the Camp Meeting Association through their committees. Those who have visited other parts of the Island are enthusiastic over the beauties and attractiveness of the whole Island, and thought Gay Head wonderful and many said that this particular cliff section should be a reservation under the control of the State or National Government. The season of 1920 will be remembered by many as a happy one and their visit to Martha’s Vineyard one of the bright spots in their lives.

Island schools open bright and early Monday morning. Perhaps the boys and girls who will fill them all winter long aren’t quite ready — they never are — but really there’s no use hoping, for an imposing number of teachers are already here and more are on their way. Superintendent of Schools, R. E. Martin, who spent yesterday in Boston filling one of the two vacancies, believes all signs point to a large registration and a pleasant and profitable year for everyone.

Manager Erwin C. Burleigh of the Telephone Company, gave an illustrated talk on the telephone, before West Tisbury Grange at its first meeting of the fall, last Monday night. Mr. Fred G. Vincent presented the stereopticon.

The lecture took up not only the very interesting subject of “The Telephone in Wartime” but dealt with the inside working of a Central Office, and concluded with views of the laying of the Nantucket cable. At the start a “Hello Girl” was shown in position, and following slides told the story of the keyboard operation. “Toll” was also depicted. Now came the absorbing story of what the telephone did in the war. It was a most important factor, Manager Burleigh declared; and his slides showed every angle of telephone activity at the front. It was the first showing of these views on the Vineyard and they were well worth seeing.

The Ethel Marion, Captain Abraham Osborn, Edgartown, arrived at the South Boston fish pier Tuesday with eighty-nine swordfish, which stocked $5,700. Each of the seven members of the crew received $625.60, the largest share ever made by the crew of a swordfisherman. The fish which sold for from 27 to 31 cents, were caught off Georges Bank in two weeks. This record breaking trip is the last that Captain Osborn will make this season.

Keep in mind the Island’s highway system. With only one road and one good ride for the visiting automobilist, our “highway system” may seem an empty phrase.

But it will not be for long. The roads of the Island mean too much to be neglected.

Mrs. Emma W. Terry, daughter of Ulysses E. Mayhew of West Tisbury, was the first woman to cast a vote at the primaries on Martha’s Vineyard.

Martha’s Vineyard Chapter Daughters American Revolution held its usual meeting at the Historical Rooms on Saturday afternoon, September fourth. After a brief discussion of business, there ensued an unusually interesting programme. There was excellent response to the roll call: “Superstitions.” The paper “New England Legends,” by Miss Doris Huxford, including two of our native island Chappaquiddick, the tale of “Buried Treasure under Blue Rock at Washqua,” and the harrowing tale of “Charitics Hollow,” was of real merit, humorously and artistically told, with bits of local color that were wholly charming.

The guest of honor, ex-state Regent Mrs. Masury spoke convincingly on “How Woman Should Instruct themselves about Voting.” She included several personal experiences of teaching foreigners, and her keen wit, intelligence and fascinating delivery held the close attention of her listeners.

Compiled by Hilary Wall, library@mvgazette.com