Edgartown courthouse

October 13, 2011

Russell Smith Sheriff Michael McCormack Joseph Solitto

Upholding the Law on Land and Sea

A 128-year-old painting of a Vineyard sheriff has been rehung in the Edgartown courthouse after extensive restoration. The painting of Sheriff Frances Cottle Smith was accidentally slashed from behind while in storage when the courtroom was repainted four years ago.

And behind an oil painting with an accidental slash lies an intricate family story.

The restoration work was spearheaded by Ann A. Perkins — a Los Angeles resident who is the great-great-granddaughter of the subject in the portrait — and her husband, John.

July 7, 1981

Judge Tucker Brings New Dignity To Sessions of Island Court

A man and woman charged recently with sleeping in Ocean Park, a violation of Oak Bluffs law, came before the Dukes county district court judge Herbert E. Tucker, Jr. and were ordered to pay a $25 fine. They told Judge Tucker they needed until 1 p.m. that afternoon to pay.

At 1 p.m., the couple did not appear. They had gone home to Fairhaven.

September 29, 1950

First Woman Jurors in the State Courts

For the first time in the history of the commonwealth, women sat on the jury of state court as superior court convened in Edgartown Tuesday for a three-day September term. Women were represented on both of the juries impaneled at the session.

Women have sat on juries in federal courts in this state, but so far as any state court is concerned, the Vineyard this week made history. Both Judge Vincent Brogna of Newton, who presided, and District Attorney Maurice M. Lyons of New Bedford, made formal recognition of this fact.

February 5, 1858

County Commissioners’ Court

On Wednesday the Court of County Commissioners for Dukes, met at the Selectmen’s Room in the Town Hall. Hon. Thomas H. Lambert, having taken the customary oath, took his seat with the board. Hon. Benjamin Davis was re-elected Chairman.

The following order was passed and the read by the Clerk: -

Dukes County, ss. In Court of County Commissioners, November Term, by adjournment, to February 3d, 1858.

Edgartown courthouse