From the Nov. 26, 1926 Vineyard Gazette:

An important transfer of Edgartown real estate the past week is that of some 400 acres of land with building thereon located on or near Edgartown Great Pond, and formerly comprising the farm and other lands of the late Owen W. Norton.

This property has been owned for some years past by Frank L. Look and John E. Look of Vineyard Haven and Christopher Look of Oak Bluffs. The Look brothers have now sold, through the real estate agency of Archibald Mellen, the entire property to Alfred Hall of Edgartown and Morris Hall of Boston, trustees. On the property conveyed are at the present time a two story dwelling house with out-buildings and two well-equipped gunning lodges, the best known carrying the name “Wintucket Camp,” being located on the point of that name. The property embraces much tillable and wood land, shooting privileges, and scores of camp sites from which delightful views of pond and coves can be had. It is said there are from five to six miles of shore frontage. It is reported that the consideration was about $12,000.

While no announcement of definite plans as to the future of this property can be obtained at this time, it has been stated it is probable in the near future, among other things, will be established at different points on the estate two summer camps and schools, one for boys and the other for girls, under the auspices of a prominent organization of Boston.

Announcement by Maurice V. Blomerth that he intends to drive wells on his development at Huzzleton’s Head has given an air of reality to the stories of crude oil deposits on the stories of crude oil deposits on the Island which began last week after some of Mr. Blomerth’s workmen discovered what seemed to be petroleum in a ditch. That part of the property has been withdrawn from sale.

Since the discovery many reports in various sections of the Island within the memory of the present generation. It appears that little notice has ever been taken of these discoveries, due to the fact that those concerned had little or no knowledge of oil or the manner in which it was obtained. The discovery of oil-bearing sand and other minerals usually encountered near a petroleum deposit, at Huzzleton’s Head has therefore aroused much interest and refreshed the memories of a number of persons who have seen previous indications of the presence of oil in Vineyard soil.

It is recalled that a fire started in a fissure of the Gay Head cliffs some years ago and burned for some days. At that time it was thought to be lignite which furnished the fuel, but witnesses recall certain features about the incident which causes them to believe the fire to have been caused by the ignition of natural gas.

The presence of oil on the surface of swamp pools has been reported in several sections and samples of water have been taken from one boiling spring in which the oil can be seen clearly. The owner of this spring states that he has known of the presence of oil in this water since boyhood.

Whether it is petroleum or not is a question which no one can answer as yet, but it is said that the late Prof. Nathaniel Shaler of Harvard analyzed specimens taken from certain points on the Island and pronounced them to be oil of average quality. This was years ago, when oil was not as valuable as at the present time, which may account for the lack of interest shown at that time.

Setting eel pots is an expression which is seldom heard nowadays, where once it was very common, especially at this time of year. For it is sometime between the middle of October and the middle or last of December that the great eel run occurs in the great ponds which are open to the sea.

The cause of this run is a matter much discussed by scientists and no basis of agreement has ever yet been reached, Each faction declares the other to be entirely wrong, and while it would naturally be supposed that the scientific gentlemen know what they are talking about, the layman who may observe the proofs offered by fishermen will invariably take their side of the argument.

In the case of Vineyard ponds, an opening is cut through the beach in the early spring. Through this opening come the herring, smelts and eels, and many other specimens of sea life, seeking fresh water. In the case of the herring, they come to spawn, and fishermen maintain that the eels come for the same purpose.

These eels are not the dark-colored variety with yellow undersides, but are larger and silvery in color. Their heads, too, are shaped differently. The opening in the beach soon closes, and remains closed during the summer and fall months while the ponds rise with the fall rains. With the first white-frost, these silver eels become restless. Unlike their yellow-bellied brethren, they do not care to hibernate in the mud during the winter months, but seek an escape to the sea through the opening in the beach where they entered the pond.

Compiled by Hilary Wallcox

library@vineyardgazette.com