Today has been a notable day in the history of Martha’s Vineyard. The President of the Republic has landed upon our shore, has partaken of our hospitality, and has received in person the salutations of our people. Other days he will be with us but this day, his first day, is especially noteworthy.

Martha’s Vineyard, Aug. 24th, 1874:
[Correspondence of the Gazette]

On the afternoon of Saturday last the Island Home was described coming down the bay toward Katama, bearing on her gangway an object which for some time kept a merry throng of expectant guests in a flutter of excitement and anticipation, and when finally the steamer had approached so near that the mysterious object could be fully made out, and word was passed that it was indeed the long-expected engine, then the enthusiasm knew no bounds, and with one accord the spectators adjourned to the wharf with the band to extend the welcome such an arrival deserved.

Dacey Brothers, of Neponset, have taken the contract to build the railroad. They are under bonds to have the road completed and ready for the rolling stock by July 20th.

“To be or not to be” - stock or no stock - railroad or no railroad - was the principal question before the community last Saturday, and the town and its “dependencies” (?) turned out en masse to meet the emergency. Every able-bodied voter was in attendance, and the people seemed determined that the matter shouldn’t go by default.

Hon. J. T. Pease was chosen moderator.

The second article of the warrant, “To see if the town would subscribe to the stock of the Martha’s Vineyard Railroad,” &c., coming up, Mr. Samuel Osborn submitted the following resolution:

At a meeting of the associate subscribers to stock to form a corporation, to be called the Martha’s Vineyard Railroad Company, Feb. 24, 1874, Samuel Osborn, Jr., was chosen Chairman, and Shubael L. Norton, Secretary.

Voted, To elect a committee of three, to nominate temporary directors of said company. N. M. Jernegan, E. Marchant and G. N. Collins were elected.

At a preliminary meeting of those interested in the proposed railroad, held at Samuel Osborn’s office, in Edgartown, on Tuesday evening last, the necessary officers were chosen to effect an organization. The gentlemen present were all harmonious in their opinions, and there was but one expression in reference to the contemplated undertaking.

I have returned, myself and one or two more of us, as well as a number of others who are not “of us.” The first thing of course, on arriving, was to secure a good room, and I rather plume myself on having gotten one of the best in the hotel, of which, by the way, I will attempt a brief description. The building is situated on the bluff at the head of the landing, and is about 125 feet front in the whole.