From the October 16, 1874 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:
The first game of Base Ball (National) ever played in this village came off last Saturday afternoon, between the “Regulars” and “True Blues,” both of this town. Of course there was a deal of wild throwing and more or less “muffing,” both nines being comparatively green, but, taking everything into consideration, it was a very credible game. The score could stand reducing a little, and more practice will tend to produce that result. The “Blues” had provided themselves with neat uniform caps and belts, which may account in part for their winning of the game: 40-31.
Last week large schools of whales were seen from Noman’s Land, Gay Head and Cuttyhunk. On Wednesday, large numbers were near the shores and the light-boat off Sow and Pigs. The stories told of the number of whales seen appear rather fabulous. One gentleman affirms that he saw three thousand off Noman’s Land on Wednesday.
A correspondent of the Boston Daily Advertiser who attended the Fair, says the fancy articles form the largest portion of the entries for premiums, and an inspection of many of them convinces one of the absolute truthfulness concerning the proverbial Vineyard diligence and perseverance. There are rugs, mats and bed-quilts innumerable. Then there are cushions, tidies, etc., in great number, besides brackets curiously made and of antique pattern, needle work and paintings. The drawings, of which there are quite a number, evince considerable talent, and are commendable productions, considering the limited advantages enjoyed by the authors. The show of vegetables is also excellent, though the specimens exhibited manifest a tendency towards unusual growth rather than staple marketable produce. The corn is truly a distinguishing feature of the exhibition. There is also a fine showing of oats, and we confess surprise in the cereals raised on Martha’s Vineyard, if these on exhibition may be considered a fair representation. There are some very nice cranberries, one specimen of a vine in particular being much above the average yield. The hall exhibition is without doubt the finest ever made by the society, and would do honor to many richer and more populous districts.
At 2 o’clock began the ploughing match. This took place in a field a short distance from the grounds, the field containing several acres. There were four entries of oxen and one of horses. In walking about the grounds a fine three-year old colt, weighing 1218 pounds, supposed the largest horse of his age ever raised on the Island, is noticeable. In the evening the band concert took place, immediately followed by dancing. The country lads and lassies from a circuit of many miles contributed fully their quota of enjoyment, and entered into the pleasures of the enchanting dance with commendable zeal and earnestness.
The third and last day of the fair was by far the most successful, both in point of attendance and in the variety of entertainments. The various features of the day’s programme following one another in quick succession caused the exercises to be unusually interesting, and served to call out the people from all parts of the Island. With the exception of a strong easterly wind which prevailed during the forenoon, interfering somewhat with the racing, nothing was wanting in the state of the weather to add tot he day’s pleasure. It was not until after the ball in the evening had got full under way that the threatening clouds emitted their volume of water, greatly to the discomfort of those living at a distance.
The racing began at ten o’clock on a track some distance from the society’s grounds. The course is of a nature perfectly consistent with the sandy soil, and besides in some places it is a perfect up-hill. Considering these circumstances it is not surprising that the best time made should not have been less than three minutes. Quite a large crowd collected and also many carriages, whose occupants came from every part of the Island. The band played a number of selections previous to and immediately following each heat. Some of the entries in the several races occasioned considerable amusement, which in a manner party compensated for the lack of fast time.
At two o’clock the farmers’ meeting was held in the upper hall of the fair building. A large audience was in attendance and the meeting was one of great interest and good feeling. The speakers were Rev. Hebron Vincent, Constant Norton, Esq., and Prof. Henry L. Whiting. The exercise opened with a piano solo by Miss Mayhew of Edgartown.
In the evening occurred the grand ball of the island, the one important event of the year to the farmer. Dancing was continued until daylight, when the merriest party the Vineyard ever held broke up for home, and all departed with pleasant recollections of the good time just enjoyed and pleasant anticipations of the same event another year.
Compiled by Hilary Wallcox
library@vineyardgazette.com