Our rural village of West Tisbury has added another improvement and pleasing feature to its attractions in the fixture of a handsome clock in the steeple of the Congregational church. The four dials of the clock face nearly to the cardinal points of the compass and give a happy architectural effect to the little spire. A new bell has also been a part of the improvement in place of the former smaller one, procured nearly thirty years ago, which had not sufficient strength to correspond with the machinery of the clock in striking the hours.
Hon. Samuel Osborn, Jr., of Edgartown, died at his residence on Summer street last Friday evening at about eight o'clock, after an illness of several months of Bright's disease and accompanying complications.
On Monday ground was broken for the new Mission Chapel in the southwest part of the town. The lot, 80 by 81 is located on Masonic avenue between Circuit avenue and Dukes County avenue. The building is to be 26 by 40 feet. The lot comprises a shaded lawn which will be well adapted for open air gospel services, such as were held near the same spot last summer. The building is for the accommodation of the Sabbath school and sewing school which has been established by Mrs. S. C. Bradley and her band of faithful helpers.
Whaling schooner Hattie E. Smith, Capt. John E. Johnson, Jr., arrived at Edgartown late Saturday evening, with a catch of 450 barrels sperm oil to Samuel Osborn, Jr. The Smith sailed May 21st, 1894, therefore absent less than six months. The vessel was in all the severe October gales, and was blown off, sustaining some damage to rigging and sails, and was running short of provisions. Sunday morning at about 11 o’clock the Smith sailed for New Bedford, where she will discharge her oil.
The former Vineyard House, which is to be reopened this summer as “The Sea View,” is beginning to present a fine appearance in its new coats of white paint. Mr. Kelley is doing an immense amount of work to the interior and exterior of this once famous hostelry, and when opened in June the house will be all that made it so popular in years gone.
Among the old landmarks of Vineyard Haven, the most interesting one is the old mill; first built “up island,” then moved to Edgartown, and finally to Vineyard Haven to the spot where Association Hall now stands. Later, it was purchased by Dea. Tristram Luce and moved to the land where Capt. Owen Tilton’s house now stands. In 1883 it was purchased by Col. Carey and retained its individuality till 1886, when Major Carey had it moved to its present position; and it’s now a component part of the Major’s cottage, - and the old mill has lost its identity.