Commentary
FOUNDATION FACTS
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
Holy Real Estate
Many Island churches were founded, built and filled to the rafters more than a hundred years ago, when mainline religion held a central place in contemporary affairs. The prevailing culture on the Vineyard these days centers on real estate. More people are interested in the rock (or sand) on which the church was built than in the church message itself, it seems.
staying sober
Editors, Vineyard Gazette:
We are writing in response to your recent story concerning a teacher in the West Tisbury school who allegedly provided alcohol to students and hosted parties where young people drank. We have no knowledge of the facts in this particular case but it seems clear that somewhere along the line alcohol was available and underage drinking occurred. The issue draws attention to the illegal use and abuse of alcohol by minors and their access to alcohol.
This is out of the world, but this is America: this is our country. Picture an Island of triangular shape, a hundred miles in area, lying seven miles off the southeast coast of Massachusetts; an Island which is all things to men. This is Martha’s Vineyard, described as a place of old towns, new cottages, high cliffs, white sails, green fairway, salt water, wildfowl, and the steady pull of an ocean breeze.
Ship to Shore
From Gazette editions of January, 1934:
Many who did not expect to be awake to see the New Year ushered in, were aroused from their slumber at a little before 12, midnight, with the blowing of whistles by steamers and tugs in Vineyard Haven harbor. A general “hustle out” of the old year 1907 and a “welcome in” to the newborn year 1908 took place.
I enjoyed the story by Cooper Davis that appeared in the Gazette on Dec. 5 titled “Naturalist Rose Treat on the Art of Living at 100.” I have come to know Rose over the last few years and have made time to visit with her for an occasional lunch. My visits are always rewarded with a new story as well as familiar tales illustrating her remarkable life.