From the Oct. 23, 1925 edition of the Gazette:

Who says that the Vineyard climate isn’t changing? Ask anyone who heard the mysterious noise on Monday night.

“An explosion!” said the Menemsha Creek people, as they looked seaward for a flash. “Earthquake!” exclaimed the Cape Higgon folks, when their chairs began to shake and tremble.

Vineyard Haven people took the sound for an auto smash, and over in Oak Bluffs, it sounded as though someone was getting in their winter’s coal, according to those who were attracted to the unusual sound.