Unofficially the first poet laureate of the Island was Dionis Coffin Riggs, who began hosting a poetry group at the Cleaveland House in West Tisbury in 1960.
Here is Dionis’s poem Wait, Spring, which was published in the April 19, 1996 Gazette:
Photography
November is the month the Island season truly turns, and the sensations of change are as vivid and dramatic as the advent of summer. The hours of daylight grow ever shorter, and even the sunniest day begins in gray mists.
November 10, 2019
Pumpkins were carved, costumes were made, and plans were made. Unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans for Halloween.
November 4, 2019
Sixty minutes doesn't seem that much of a change, and for most a single hour's difference means only minor adjustments in our everyday lives.
November 2, 2019
It was a culinary tour of the world, going grape by grape through various wine growing regions and letting the stomach lead the way to Italian themed dinners, Japanese inspired selections, a Lobsterpalooza, a Salumi extravaganza and Tacos and Tequila.
October 28, 2019
In the 40th Island Cup matchup, a tough Nantucket team proved too much for the Vineyarders.
October 28, 2019
Scallopers are in the ponds now, the days are shortening in rapid succession and the porch is stacked with wood for evening fires. The hammock swings in the late October winds; time to take it down, roll it up and tuck it into the cottage for the winter.
October 27, 2019
October is a moment to be outdoors drinking in the Island's beauty, a moment to pause and breathe deeply here on the far shore of Vineyard summer.
October 24, 2019
In October birds begin migrating past Martha's Vineyard; some are summer resident species leaving for winter homes, while others nested north and west and are migrating down the Atlantic Coast.
October 24, 2019
We are moving from T-shirts to sweaters, from sweet corn in farm fields to pumpkins and squash and sunflowers bent in final salute to the changing of the seasonal guard. The sails of summer are vanishing and only a few are left to catch the crisp autumn breezes.
October 20, 2019
A powerful storm brought high winds to Martha’s Vineyard Thursday, downing trees, knocking out power and forcing a day of canceled ferries.
October 17, 2019
Each day and night of fishing provides participants in the derby with choices — not only of baits and lures and lines, but favorite fishing spots that become secrets only when competitive fish are landed there.
October 17, 2019
A barnraising began Monday at Flat Point Farm in West Tisbury, seven months after a devastating fire destroyed the historic farm's main barn.
October 15, 2019
The holiday weekend is a time to journey into the countryside to discover the true quality of the Vineyard.
October 13, 2019
A strong northeast storm whipped up high winds and heavy seas around the Vineyard.
October 10, 2019
The word from the Derby is, entering its third week, the fish are being elusive.
October 10, 2019
The talk of the Island is about change, about a time of year when the pace of Vineyard life slows enough to enjoy the seasonal gifts of autumn, a period of noble days and cool nights.
October 6, 2019