African American History

February 3, 1921

The True Story of a Fugitive Slave: Or the Story a Gay Head Grandmother Told

Netta Vanderhoop
It was a few years before the Civil War that the incident here related took place. A large vessel in the lumbor-carrying trade was north-bound from Charlestown, South Carolina, and thereon a slave had concealed himself, hoping that when Boston was reached he would find an opportunity to gain his freedom.
African American History
Slavery
August 21, 1925

Oak Bluffs

Vineyard Gazette
Harry T. Burleigh, the composer, who recently returned from a three months’ trip abroad, on which he was accompanied by his son, has arrived to spend the remainder of the summer at Oak Bluffs.
Shearer Cottage
Harry Burleigh
Famous visitors
August 24, 1928

Burleigh’s Compositions Heard at Chapel

Vineyard Gazette
Two of the anthems sung by the Union Chapel choir last Sunday were new arrangements of Harry T. Burleigh’s “Were You There When They Crucified Him” and “Deep River.”  Mr.
Union Chapel
African American History
March 28, 1930

“As Proud as a Cuffy”: Probably Refers to Cuttyhunk’s Citizen of Revolutionary Days

Vineyard Gazette
In the list of Vineyardisms offered by H.
Paul Cuffe
Cuttyhunk
Cuttyhunk history
African American History
March 25, 1939

Too “young” Now for Arctic Exploration, He Was With Peary on 8 Expeditions, Raised Flag at Pole

Vineyard Gazette
Matthew A. Henson, who is visiting the Powell family in Oak Bluffs for a few weeks, proclaims with twinkling eyes that he is too young now to go on Arctic explorations.
Matthew Henson
Famous visitors
August 5, 1941

Open Door Club Holds Open House for Employers

Vineyard Gazette
Many of the employers who have been interested in the progress of the Open Door Club in Edgartown, which provides a pleasant place as a recreational center for their employees, were given a tea on
Open Door Club
August 26, 1941

His Dreams of America Have Been Realized Even If It Isn’t as Rosy as His Visions

Vineyard Gazette
On Thursday, Rev. O. E. Denniston, founder of the Bradley Memorial Church, celebrated his fortieth anniversary as pastor of that Baptist church in Oak Bluffs. Mr.
Bradley Memorial Church
Oscar E Denniston
Oakland Hall
March 6, 1942

Mr. Denniston Dies: Church Is Monument to Oak Bluffs Pastor

Vineyard Gazette
Rev. Oscar E.
Oscar E Denniston
Bradley Memorial Church
Denniston House
August 4, 1944

Powell Wins Nomination

Vineyard Gazette
Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York city, and a summer resident of Oak Bluffs, won both the Republican and Democratic nominations for congressman in the 22nd district in New York on Tuesday. He is apparently assured of election as the first Negro representative from New York.
Politicians
African American History
April 15, 1949

Recalls Pole Discovery: Matthew Henson, Former Island Visitor, Recalls Momentous Day

Vineyard Gazette
A few summers ago the Vineyard, and particularly Oak Bluffs, was host to one of the most notable figures in the world of exploration, Matthew A. Henson, who watched Comdr. Robert E.
Matthew Henson
Famous visitors
September 16, 1949

H. T. Burleigh Was One of Music’s Great Figures

Vineyard Gazette
Harry Thacker Burleigh, eminent composer, singer, and arranger of Negro spirituals — and who was for more than thirty years a summer resident of the Vineyard — died in Stamford on Sept. 11 at the age of 82. He was one of the great figures in music in his generation.
Famous visitors
Harry Burleigh
May 9, 1952

Open Door Club Finds Its Niche: For 12 Years It Has Played An Important Role

Edna L. Smith
Twelve years ago a group of men and women, domestic employees, who came to Edgartown, formed a club to provide a means of social contact which was otherwise lacking,.
African American History
Open Door Club

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