From the Vineyard Gazette editions of August, 1977: The first of Will Hardy’s Songs of Martha’s Vineyard — this being the title under which words and music have now been collected and reprinted — was composed in 1911 and the last in 1928. That was quite a spread of years, crossing from one historic social era to another, from the final phase of the innocent age that ended in the First World War to the eve of the Great Depression.

From the Vineyard Gazette editions of August, 1980: How it will work out is impossible for anyone to know. The Coastal Zone Management program has approved a $98,000 proposal to build a solar-powered shellfish hatchery ­— the first federally funded in the country — in Vineyard Haven. The plan, if it works, is expected to produce enough shellfish seed stock — an estimated two million a year — to meet the needs of five Island towns, Oak Bluffs, Gay Head, Chilmark, Tisbury and West Tisbury.

From the August 18, 1972 edition of the Vineyard Gazette, by Joseph Chase Allen: When, half a year ago or more, the report of the annual meeting of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society was carried in the Gazette and it stated that Colbert’s Carnival would not be invited to return this year, there were certain old-timers who smiled in satisfaction.

From the Vineyard Gazette editions of August 1974: Forty cowboys, cowgirls and assistants came to the Vineyard Saturday in 17 trucks and trailers to stage the Island’s first rodeo and Wild West show, sponsored by the Island chamber of commerce. With them they brought 15 horses, six steers, a mule, two dogs and a buffalo, and before stands filled with spectators under huge striped tents at Scrubby Neck Farm in West Tisbury, they performed three shows. Vacationers intermingled with Islanders but, most of all, there were children.

From the Vineyard Gazette editions of August, 1906: One of the most important moves for the benefit of the town since its incorporation, is on foot, and has gained much headway within the past week.

From a 1995 column by Arthur Railton: Nothing good is happening. The sky is falling in. Run for your lives, the dam has burst. Family values have taken flight. We abuse our children, kill our parents, rape our neighbors, murder our ex-wives. Nowhere is the sun shining.