As spring leans toward summer Memorial Day reminds us to respect and honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy our freedoms. I often think of my brother Franklyn W. Taylor III who served in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange, which led to his early death. As we pass the VFW and the cemetery across from the library please remember our fallen veterans, not only during the Memorial Day weekend but throughout the year.
Spring also brings surprises as many return to the Island from their winter cocoon. Construction has begun on the long abandoned house adjacent to the Barn & Bowl parking lot. Phillips Hardware was not only sold but the property has been demolished leaving a vacant lot so that one can see from Circuit avenue. to the Back Door Donuts parking lot on Kennebec avenue. Now that is a generational change. The owners of Reliable Market purchased the property with a view to possibly expanding and upgrading the market.
New shingles on the outside of the former Oak House are visible from Seaview avenue. And several accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) are sprinkled throughout Oak Bluffs, now that a new state law permits a 900-square-foot structures “as of right.”
The largest change is the massive construction ongoing at the historic Union Chapel. The Preservation Trust has a plan to undergird the four platform entrances to the chapel, significantly improving the wheel chair access, and to completely redesign the sloping grounds that surround the chapel. The colorful exterior posters surrounding the Flying Horses announce that 2026 is the one 100th celebration of the oldest operating carousel in the nation. The balance between old and new is often difficult to appreciate. But the presence of institutions like the Flying Horses reminds us of our never to be forgotten history and legacy. Those horses have carried generations of families who return again and again each year to chase the brass ring.
The Cottagers, Inc. have announced that they plan to celebrate 70 years of service and philanthropy to the Vineyard this summer. This historic nonprofit organization comprised of 100 African American female Island homeowners are planning a season of events that includes a grand reopening of its historic headquarters at Cottagers Corner. The unveiling of this completely renovated structure will take place at a formal ribbon cutting on June 24. The coming weeks and months of celebration will include several public events, including lectures, programs, children’s story telling, the 39th annual house tour, a special benefit concert featuring Jeffrey Osborne and so much more. Congrats to president Patricia Bush and her entire leadership team. Dorothy West, Thelma Garland-Smith, Maggie Alston, Helen Brooke, Liz White and Millie Henderson are applauding from above.
Continuing with organizational celebrations, the Polar Bears will be celebrating their 80th year on Friday, July 3 at Cousen Rose Gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. Chief Polar Bear Caroline Hunter, recent Martha’s Vineyard Medal Winner, will preside over the program.
Lisa and Ron Mitchell did not wait for the summer to start the party at their Oak Bluffs Cottage. Celebrating Ron’s 65th birthday party saw more than 50 family and friends enjoy all kinds of fish, steak and beef, lobsters, rice and vegetables with a magnificent birthday cake. Some thought it was the Fourth of July! A surprise musical treat was a performance by widely acclaimed composer, jazz guitarist and recording artist Bill Banfield, a long time professor at Berklee College. Bill is also the driving force behind the soon to be opened Jazz Urbane in Nubian Square in Boston. Can’t wait until the summer encore at the Mitchell cottage.
India Rose had a fun-filled Kentucky Derby party a few Saturday’s ago providing all with a preview of her new store on Main street in Vineyard Haven, stocked with Martha’s Vineyard summer treasures for friends, guests and family keepsakes. Her collective also features goods and products by Island innovators. Denise Blair features her Rhône Botanicals with all natural, hand-made shea butter, oils, candles, lotions and more.
Honorary Restaurant has taken over from Deon’s at the VFW. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their oxtails are a big hit on the new menu. They rescued the dining booths from Linda Jean’s when they closed adding a very different ambiance to their new table arrangements serving patrons old and new.
Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting.
Rest in Peace Randall Edward Taylor
This article appears in May 29, 2026.