The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago when the new year began with the first new moon after the vernal equinox, which we know today to be the first day of spring. At that time it was thought that the planting of new crops was a logical time to start a new year.

Hard Work, Simple Pleasures

From the Vineyard Gazette editions of January, 1975:

Renewal, the theme of a new year, has turned Islanders to the past to rediscover some of the old-time values and joys for 1975. Reactions here to the recession nationwide resemble lessons from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Self Reliance — above all the individual is asked what he can do for himself.

Looking for something a bit different? Well, in a quiet way. Next time you’re off-Island with nowhere particularly to go you might try Hopedale. It’s a small town in the Mill River Valley near Milford. In fact it was once part of Milford, but had a very special history beginning around 1840.

A New Energy Course

With the passing of the holidays, winter stretches out before the Vineyard. Islanders bracing themselves for the season’s short days, long nights and pervasive isolation are facing an added burden this year: heating costs forecast to rise twenty-five per cent over last year’s levels.

Comparing the Ferries

Nine months ago, the Steamship Authority ferry Island Home replaced the ferry Islander on the Woods Hole-Vineyard Haven route. Now that Vineyarders have had some time to ride the new vessel, how does she stack up against her venerable predecessor? In what ways does the vessel excel the Islander, and where does she lag behind?

Conflict and Turmoil

From the Vineyard Gazette editions of December 1982: