Experimental Base a Well-Kept Secret

The well-kept secret of the Army's experimental base at Katama during the fall and early winter of 1943 is disclosed at last, in this issue of the Gazette.

Ten miles of heavy pipe were delivered, with other equipment, beginning in August, and during the following months five one-mile lengths of pipe were laid in the ocean with the aid of tugs, and welded together into an experimental pipeline under conditions similar to those which would be encountered in laying a gasoline supply line under the English Channel.

Improptu Parades Feature Jubilee

Enthusiasm of a variety that was wild by Island standards followed the 7 o'clock broadcast on Tuesday night that Japan had surrendered. The natural instinct and tendency to celebrate was manifested by just about every person able to walk and appear out of door; and it seemed, in the down-Island section, at least, that all were present.

A Cheer and a Prayer for the Impending Arrival of V-J Day

This looks like V-J Day as the Gazette goes to press in a sunny and remarkably invigorating atmosphere. The morning began with clear skies and a feeling of both warmth and coolness in the air, the best that August can offer.

Early news broadcasts contained no hint of Japanese surrender, but by 8 o'clock the radio flashes were indicating the decision of Japan to surrender on the terms of the Potsdam declaration. Confidence began to appear more and more, and the day of liberation from war seemed to be at hand.

How Island Will Recall News of Atomic Bomb

The first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan Sunday, but the Vineyard knew nothing of It until yesterday, and then only through the radio announcements. In the night there was wind and rain, and this morning a heavy fog wrapped the Island, not as impenetrable, however, as that which still shrouds the scene of destruction in Japan.
The events have no association except in our own minds, but this is how Islanders will recall the time when the release of atomic energy was made known to the world.

Salvaged from Storm, for Use as Hotel Annex

The Kelley House garden in Edgartown resumes a portion of its former beauty as it is cleared of the wreckage of the hurricane, and the setting has changed through the addition of two annex buildings increasing the capacity of the ancient hotel.
 

V-E Day On Vineyard Brings Joy, But No Antic Celebration

"The tumult and the shouting dies,

The captains and the kings depart. Still stands our ancient sacrifice,

An humble and a contrite heart."

 

Vineyard Roll of Honor

The roll of service men is printed herewith in revised form which the Gazette hopes is accurate. Every effort is made to keep the list up to date. All official sources of information are used when possible, but the Gazette is heavily dependent upon the families and friends of service men for their listing in proper classifications.
 

Visits of Franklin D. Roosevelt to Vineyard Waters

Twice the thirty-first President of the United States came close to Martha’s Vineyard, into Vineyard waters, once a few weeks after his first inauguration in 1933 when he skippered the yacht Amberjack II into Edgartown harbor and lay overnight, and again in August 1941, when on the yacht Potomac, bound for the meeting with Winston Churchill which resulted in the Atlantic Charter, he kept rendezvous at Tarpaulin Cove.
 

To Buy Knowlton House

An agreement for the sale of the Knowlton house on Davis Lane at School street, Edgartown, to Mr. and Mrs. G. Holmes Perkins of Cambridge by William Roberts of Edgartown, has been made. Mr. Roberts acquired the house, built by David Davis in 1838, in the summer of 1943, from the estate of the late Miss Cora B. Knowlton. Avery & Company are in charge of the transaction.
 

Final Figures Show $705,367.50 Bonds Sold

Final figures for the Sixth War Loan drive, so far as It applies to the Vineyard, are now available, and stand at sales of $705,367.50, compared with the quota of $203,218. The amount is somewhat increased since the total given at the formal end of the drive, since all sales of E bonds made dur­ing the month are credited to the drive. According to S. C. Luce Jr., chairman, the Tisbury and up-Island towns, listed as one district, turned in $59,350 in E bond sales, with a quota of $35,000, and $521,400 in all other bonds, with a quota of $105,518.

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