From the March 5, 1926 edition of the Gazette:

“Who’s got it?” everyone is asking down in Oldtown, and no one can say. Got what? But wait, we’re ahead of the story. It seems as how some mean hijackers have been at their wicked tricks in that town. Entrance was gained to a storage attic, in which was contained various and sundry cases of bottled goods. Yes, sir-ee! you’ve guessed it — alcoholic!

When the robbery was first discovered the young man, who formerly possessed the liquor, was in a terrible way. There were tears in his eyes, but who can blame him? A young fortune had been lost, stolen or gone astray. At least three officers were called in to trace the guilty ones, but they are still at large, and probably enjoying their ill-gotten gains.

The stuff, the young man is reported to have said, was bought before the war, and was the real, genuine goods. One officer, however, said that no permit was forthcoming to prove legal right of possession. This being so, said officer continued, whoever now has it has just as good a title as the first owner. What do you know about that?

‘Tis said that in the stock were listed the brands of White Horse, King George and Chivas. These varieties are undoubtedly very ancient and honorable names, but old timers assert they were unheard of in these parts before prohibition. The story goes that to one officer ten full cases were reported as missing, to another six, and to still another five. In checking up with each other the various versions of the affair, the law enforcers are said to have been disgusted and practically washed their hands of the matter. Of course, this is just a rumor, and it is probably a safe bet that they are working night and day on the bold thievery.

There is another element of mystery whispered. A partner is mentioned. What kind of a partner? is asked. No one knows where a partner comes in . . . all of which “than which there is no than whicher.”

It’s an old story now, but it hasn’t been forgotten by any means. Hear it wherever you go” “Who’s got it?” Oh, we could go on and on and on!

With a view to “advertising with athletics” and thus help to put Tisbury on the map, a number of the young men of that town who have distinguished themselves on the diamond met and organized the Vineyard Haven Town Baseball Team.

Uniforms and equipment will be needed, and matches are to be made with Island and off-Island teams. The boys have hinted therefore, that if any sport-loving citizen cares to furnish any backing, either moral, physical or financial, such aid will be welcome.

The officers of the new organization: manager, Emulus Elliot; captain, George Carey; treasurer, Joseph Rogers; entertainment committee, Fancis Howes, chairman, Joseph Rogers and Manuel Campbell. The full list of members is composed of Emulus Elliot, Joseph Rogers, George Carey, Manuel Campbell, Joseph Campbell, Theodore Howes, Francis Howes, Jessie Oliver Jr., Frank Oliver, George Baptiste, Antone Silvia, Clarence Davey, John Andrews, Manuel Campas, Elijah Crowell.

Spring is with us! True, the weather is cold and bleak, but the lady is laying in five fathoms of water just the same. The proof lays in the catch of school cod which Capt. Ed Dalen brought in last week. There were 170 fine, large fellows, making about four barrels, and he took them off Squibnocket. These are the first cod to be taken anywhere inshore since the first heavy blow of the winter. Two more weeks and the herring will run, say the old timers, and they’re right. So let it blow! And freeze if it wants to! Warm weather is dead to windward and running down wing-and-wing.

While there have been but few fish marketed or shipped locally, during the last week, the shellfish receipts haven’t been half bad, considering the weather. A couple of the deep legged lads have touched here within a week, on their way out, but they haven’t had any news. Rough water and ice is the common cry but prices are high and the boys are doing fairly well, even when they have to run in with half a trip.

Last week’s shipment of eels was the largest of the winter, that is, since the potting season closed. It seems that the boys must be doing fairly well with their spears, especially around Gay Head.

If the Edgartown lads are anywhere near correct in their surmising, next season should bring the biggest scallop catch on record. It was voted to open Cape Pogue Pond at town meeting last week, and it may be remembered that it was reported through this column some time ago that the scallops were laying three or four feet deep on the pond bottom. Given the salt they need, they should be in great shape for market next fall.

There is no great amount of activity among the boys as yet, but a canvass of the boat yards reveals the fact that there is a bunch of remodeling to be done, and as soon as a man can work outside in comfort there will probably be plenty of work going on in the yards.

Compiled by Hilary Wallcox

library@mvgazette.com