Nearly a century ago, Harthaven, a colony on Martha’s Vineyard, existed only as a patriarchal conception of an old Connecticut Yankee about family ties and devotion, as it was created by William Howard Hart, of New Britain, Conn., for a summer residence and meeting place “for all my heirs, forever”, as he described it. Much has been said and written, sometimes in ridicule, about the devotion of New England to family genealogy.
“Now we approach the exclusive summer colony of the Hart family, founded by one William H. Hart who spent a fortune building houses here for his many children. On the right you will see the Harthaven Harbor. It was this project that was Mr. Hart’s undoing, for he squandered his wealth in the last years of his life trying to keep it dredged against the ravages of nature.”
There is a prospect that more new houses will be built in the new “Hart Settlement” off the Beach Road. It was our privilege to be shown over the lovely estate and new summer residence of Mr. Wm. H. Hart one day last week. Here are all the latest modern improvements and conveniences. Electric bells and electric lights all over the house and on the spacious piazzas. The interior of the house is of hard wood, finished in natural color. Fine Oriental rugs cover the floors, and the furnishings and hangings are all in keeping. Mr.
During a conversation Thursday at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, Andrew Moore reflected on his art career as part of a legacy that spans generations. The museum is featuring his work along with art by his daughter, Hannah, and his great-great-grandfather N.A. Moore.
One hundred years ago, the community of Harthaven in Oak Bluffs was established when William H. Hart purchased the first parcel of land bordering Farm Pond. On Saturday, about 300 people joined to celebrate that event at the home of Walt and Mary Lee Gifford which was built by Jim Hart, one of the founder’s sons. The Harthaven centennial was much more than the normal gathering of a clan — though it certainly was that.
I remember jumping off the old little wooden bridge that used to cross over to get to the beach by Young’s old house. Also digging the best steamers in that little waterway.
