Digging In

From Gazette editions of January, 1986:

Surf and Turf

From Gazette editions of January, 1936:

Menemsha Pond appears to be producing an unusual variety of scallops this winter. Although the set is not particularly heavy, the scallops, especially those in Gay Head waters, are said to be the largest ever marketed in this locality.

Cold and Comfort

From Gazette editions at the turn of the year 1935:

Richard L. Pease of Oak Bluffs opened the ice harvest season at Crystal Lake, harvesting ice eight inches or better in thickness and of a fine quality. Granted a freezing temperature, or anything approaching it for a few days, Mr. Pease expected to fill all available space in his icehouses.

For the Love of It

From The Christmas Instinct by William Caldwell:

A Scrooge No More

From Art Railton’s Just a Thought, of December 16, 1988:

About this time each December I begin to wonder: Is Christmas worth it? Frazzled and frantic, with a long list of things still undone, presents still not bought, cards still not written, the tree to put up, I’m tempted to chuck it all in. Bah, humbug!

How did Christmas get to be so hectic? Why not go back to the “good old days,” the way Christmas used to be?

Waxing Poetic

From Gazette editions of December, 1985:

Vineyard residents have become accustomed to receiving mail addressed in unusual ways. But the other day Travis Tuck, well-known Island metal sculptor, called to say he had received a package addressed to Vineyard Heaven. He remarked, “I know it’s a nice place we live in and all, but . . . .”