From the November 10, 1950 edition of the Vineyard Gazette:
The old sail loft, commonly known as the Double Decker, at the head of the Vineyard Haven wharf, was auctioned Wednesday afternoon to Henry Cronig, whose high bid of $250 was believed an almost infinitesimal price for the historic two-story structure. Terms of the sale are that the building must be moved away from the present site by Dec. 1, and that the ground there be seeded.
Mr. Cronig, Vineyard Haven real estate man, said he had “no idea at all” what would happen to the building, but that his first act would be to communicate with Mrs. Wilfrid O. White of Vineyard Haven and Boston. She had expressed interest in preserving the structure, but has given him no assurances that she will actually underwrite its future.
Indications are that renovations must be extensive if the building is to be turned into a private home. Although it is in good repair for its years, the many different uses to which the Double Decker has been put leave it somewhat disordered for living purposes.
There are several rooms, however, and endless possibilities for an ingenious decorator. The top floor has particular potentialities because of its long enclosed porch at the rear. But terms stipulate that windows there are the property of Leroy W. Luce of Vineyard Haven whose shop and restaurant were there until recently, and will not be transferred to the new owner.
Although a large crowd turned out for the auction, only two persons engaged in active bidding. The crowd was attracted by the unusual historical interest of the building and its long-time service as a landmark both for Vineyard Haven residents and for persons arriving on the Island by ferry.
Plans now are to level off the area as a parking space to accommodate the many cars which jam facilities during the summer season.
Just before the auction began, the building teemed with persons who looked like prospective bidders. Philip J. Norton, the auctioneer, commented that it was “a good turn-out”, and he obviously expected the bidding to prove more spirited than it did. But by the time Mr. Norton began soliciting bids, many people had moved outside and stood on the sidewalk looking on, as if a funeral were proceeding inside to which they hadn’t been invited, although they’d long known the corpse.
There was a long silence among the persons who had remained on the top floor, where the auction took place. Finally Michael Fontes Jr., Vineyard Haven contractor, tentatively offered a $100 bid. Mr. Cronig jumped him to $200. When Mr. Fontes seemed to be going no higher, Mr. Norton went to the window and yelled at the bystanders: “Doesn’t anyone want to buy a building?”
Under urging from Mr. Cronig, Mr. Fontes at last went up to $225. But Mr. Crong’s next bid of $250 was the last of the afternoon. “Do I hear $275?” asked Mr. Norton. “Do I hear $275?” But he didn’t. “The building goes to Henry Cronig for $250,” said the auctioneer.
No one seemed very upset or surprised, but there was general agreement among those who wandered through the building that Mr. Cronig had a bargain. He said himself that he had anticipated more bidders, and reiterated to all questioners that no definite plans had been made relative to its future. There was no mention of the most fearsome possibility — tearing down the historic structure for its lumber value.
The Dukes County Historical Society had attempted to preserve this remnant of the Island’s maritime era, but had failed either to find a prospective purchaser or to convince the Steamship Authority, which owns the property, that it might serve to house ticket offices and waiting rooms.
Its most recent commercial uses has been as the site of candy and antique shops. Many years ago, the Double Decker served as a cooper shop, and later as the home of Boat Brand Noman’s Land codfish, which was packed there.
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Adding to their extensive South Water street holdings in Edgartown, Mr. and Mrs. Leo J. Convery of the Harborside Inn have just completed the purchase of the Errol T. Fisher house and are already at work on changes and improvements to the property. The third house from the bank, the dwelling is next to the home of the Converys.
It is in the same general architectural style as the Brown and Convery house, and the new owner has been told that the trio of houses once stood near Tower Hill where an early settlement was started and where there was once a tavern. On the 1858 map of Edgartown the house is identified as the “Mrs. J. Pease” home. There were so many “J. Peases,” though, that the identification is not very helpful.
In 1858 the present Convery house was owned by J. Bunting, and next to the Errol Fisher house on the other side came Capt. Roswell Coon, Capt. Lafayette Rowley, and the “estate of Timothy Coffin,” this being the present Osborn house.
It is presumed that the Converys will use their new purchase for the purposes of the Harborside Inn.
Compiled by Hilary Wallcox
library@vineyardgazette.com