Nantucket – Day Two

Monday, July 25

Hi, it’s Lynn writing today’s post.

Nantucket is an island formed by rocks and sand -1200 feet deep – left behind by glaciers, and it’s history is rich, having been settled in the 1600’s by folks fleeing persecution by the Puritans in Massachusetts. Empowered by Quaker beliefs and philosophy, women played a big part in the development of business and industry – the major industry was whaling.  

Today was a day of sightseeing starting with the Whale Museum. This skeleton is of a young mature whale, only 45 feet long that washed up on shore in the late 90’s. If full grown it could be as long as 70 feet and weigh 90,000 pounds. 

The boat below it would have been cast off from a larger whaling ship to harpoon the whale and bring it alongside the larger ship to collect the whale oil (spermaceti)  that was used in machinery and lamps until the discovery of petroleum in Pennsylvania in 1859. 

This discovery changed the economy of Nantucket as people left, and it wasn’t until the mid 20th century that developers started restoring the island as an upmarket destination spot for the wealthy. Very quaint and picturesque today with many shops and cobblestone streets. 

We visited the Hadwen House, where there was a beautiful display of Nantucket baskets including a demonstration by one of the docents who also makes baskets. He took his time giving us a complete tutorial on making these baskets and all the work involved. Look at the nesting baskets below designed with scrimshaw – each depicting a different theme relating to Nantucket. 

We’ve had some great meals here so far and tonight’s reservation seems promising too…if only we could remember where we’re going!

TTFN

L&R&G