Time Machine Terms
November 14, 1856
New Light at Gay Head
Notice to Mariners. - The new light at Gay Head will be exhibited at sunset on December 1st, 1856, and will be kept burning during every night thereafter from sunset to sunrise. The focal plane of the light is 43 feet above the ground and 170 feet above the level of the sea. The tower is of brick, colored brown, and stands about 12 feet from the centre of the rear of the dwelling houses, with which it is connected. The lantern is painted black. The dwelling houses are brick color.
July 18, 1856
The Cable Is Down
The submarine cable which is henceforth to connect us with the world, was safely and expeditiously put down on Wednesday forenoon last, between the hours of ten and twelve. It arrived at Holmes’ Hole on Tuesday. Before the cable had reached the Vineyard shore, and when mid way the Sound, communication was had with Boston. Communication was also had with the same place after the cable reached this side, thus proving it to be all right. While the cable was being laid quite a lively scene was presented off the West Chop, where numberless boats were passing to and fro.
March 28, 1856
Massachusetts Legislature
In the Senate, on the 20th inst., the bill authorizing Shaw Norris to build a wharf, was passed to be engrossed.
In the House, a remonstrance was presented from Daniel Butler, and others, of Edgartown, against the petition of Benj. Worth and others.
In the House, on the 21st inst., a petition was presented from John P. Norton, and others, of Dukes County, that women may be allowed to vote. Laid on the table.
In the House, on the 25th inst., the bill to incorporate the Cape Cod Marine Telegraph, passed to a third reading.
September 21, 1855
Citizens of Edgartown Opposed to Slavery
The citizens of Edgartown, opposed to the further extension of slavery in this country, assembled at the Town Hall on Friday evening last.
E. Marchant was chosen Chairman, and Henry A. Coffin, Esq., Secretary.
The following gentlemen were elected Delegates to the Worcester Convention, to nominate candidates for State Officers, viz: - John Vinson, J.R. Dillingham, Harrison P. Mayhew.
August 31, 1855
Intermarriage of Blood Relations
It was the Rev. Charles Brooks, of Boston, who said at the late Scientific Association, in Providence, that there was hardly a living descendant of Martha’s Vineyard who could write consecutively a page of good sense! Mr. Brooks, it would seem by the papers, made himself quite merry over the supposed misfortunes of our people. He stated that but few strangers could be persuaded to settle here! And the following is given as one of his periods, when trying to prove us of the Vineyard of lilliputian intellect: -
May 11, 1855
Slaves
We learn that two or three slaves, fresh from the South, were in town last week. They were conveyed to New Bedford by one of the colored residents of Chapaquidic.
October 6, 1854
Arrival of the Metacomet: the Big Guns Brought Out!
The new and beautiful steamer Metacomet, which is to ply between this place and Fairhaven, arrived here, on her first trip, Thursday afternoon. As the Metacomet rounded the East Chop, a cannon was fired as a signal of her approach; and as she entered our harbor, a salute of fifty guns, and the hearty cheers of our people, welcomed her arrival among us.
September 22, 1854
A Runaway Slave
The Bark Franklin, which arrived at Holmes Hole on the 12th inst, from Jacksonville, Florida, had a slave on board, who secreted himself in the hold, when the vessel was loading. During the night, while the vessel was lying at anchor, he took a boat, and made good his escape to the shore; since which his whereabouts have been known only to a select few. He was from 25 to 30 years of age. The Franklin was bound to Hallowell, Me.
September 15, 1854
Severe Gale
The gale of the 10th inst, was very severe at Holmes Hole. Some thirteen vessels were driven ashore there, They were, with few exceptions, but slightly damaged, and most of them will be easily got off after discharging. Some two or three only have bilged.
June 2, 1854
Escape of a Fugitive Slave from a vessel in Edgartown Harbor
The public mind has been greatly occupied recently with several cases of reclamation of fugitive slaves. We give, in another column, some account of the capture and return to bondage of a brother and two nephews of the Rev. Dr. Pennington, a well known and highly esteemed colored minister of New York; also of the case of Burns, in Boston.
Below will be found the particulars of the escape of a fugitive from a vessel in our own harbor.
July the 28th A. D. 1743.
