Midsummer Steam

The evening sun is picking up its pace, and so is everything else on the Vineyard. As the sun races too fast for the horizon, we all seem to be racing, too — racing too madly along our rural roads, racing to tick off all our vacation traditions, racing to make enough money from the season. We even race to find some relaxation, knowing it’s ridiculous.

With President Obama soon to arrive on the Vineyard, it seems appropriate to look back at an earlier visit. For instance, I was surprised to read and find a Yiddish word linked to our black president. To wit: The Chilmark Tavern’s advertisement in the Vineyard Gazette of August 28, 2009, noted that, “Obama Schlepped Here.” Naturally, because of my interest in Yiddish, I called Judy Russo, the then owner of the Chilmark Tavern, and learned that Obama did not schlep to or eat at the tavern.

By SQUIRE RUSHNELL

My wonderful wife, Louise DuArt, and I live in the Yellow Cottage of Edgartown, built in 1853. We love that our Island’s most prominent artist, Ray Ellis, calls it the “most painted house on the Vineyard.” Is it? I cannot attest. But, were I an artist, I’d have my easel permanently perched on Davis Lane.

We love that the Yellow Cottage makes us feel as if we’re living in a Leave It to Beaver home, complete with a Dutch door, and Louise baking scones in her June Cleaver apron.

From a Vineyard Gazette edition of 1931:

READING RAINBOW

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Letters to the President