Everett Poole, a man of few but essential words who personified a way of life on the Menemsha waterfront, died Monday, Feb. 21 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was 91.
Everett Poole, a man of few but essential words who personified a way of life on the Menemsha waterfront and presided as Chilmark town moderator for 45 years, died Monday, Feb. 21 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. He was 91.
His death was confirmed by his wife Dianne, who said he was surrounded by family at the end.
“He was conscious and at peace and not in pain of any kind,” she said.
Mr. Poole grew up in Chilmark and came to represent his town in all areas of democracy, from the town meeting floor gavel in hand, to the waterfront as proprietor of Poole’s Fish Market, fillet knife in hand.
In the early days as Chilmark town moderator.
In the early days as Chilmark town moderator.
In an interview with the Gazette he once compared the two jobs, keeping democracy in line to that of a captain at sea.
“When whaleships left the country, when they got outside the three-mile limit, the skipper would call everybody aft, and he would instruct the mates on their duty. And he would tell the crew, there’s one more thing to remember boys: when you see me in town, I’m Mr. So-and-So. But when we’re on this ship and out here beyond this three-mile limit, I’m God almighty.”
As a kid growing up in Chilmark, Mr. Poole established a paper route, delivering the New Bedford Standard and the Cape Cod Standard. To earn more money he headed out to fish with his father, but as he told the Gazette the two didn’t get along at sea.
“The old man threw me off the boat in the middle of July,” Mr. Poole recalled in the interview. “I couldn’t get a job anywhere by then. I had to do something. Either that or there would be no ice cream the rest of the summer.”
He began peddling fish, working as a middleman between the fishermen and his customers, going door to door with a small box packed with ice and fish. After high school he studied engineering and business in college, graduating from the University of Rhode Island.
Mr. Poole opened Poole's fish market in 1944.
Mr. Poole opened Poole's fish market in 1944.
During college summers he continued his fish business and opened Poole's Fish Market on Menemsha Harbor in 1944. The shop remained open until 2005 when the Larsen family purchased the business.
In 1976 he stepped into his role as Chilmark town moderator, a position he held until 2021, making him the longest serving town moderator the Vineyard has ever seen.
In an interview when Mr. Poole stepped down, Chilmark select board chairman at the time Bill Rossi took note of his long tenure.
“I’ve never known anyone as moderator other than Everett and he has such a commanding presence up there in town meeting, he’s one of the most effective moderators I’ve ever witnessed,” Mr. Rossi said.
In an interview with the Gazette, Mr. Poole described his job as moderator this way: “The moderator is not supposed to talk. All he has to do is keep people on the subject, which is not easy sometimes.”
A festive red mask is a bright spot during Covid town meeting season.
A festive red mask is a bright spot during Covid town meeting season.
He continued: “I let them talk, but I don’t let them get off subject. You have got to let them have their say. You have got to let them get it out. And you have to let someone else prove them wrong.”
After selling Poole’s Fish Market, Mr. Poole continued to run the Chilmark Chandlery, a store specializing in just about any item fishermen, from professional to preschooler, might need for a day on the water. He continued to preside over Menemsha matters small and large to the end. His wife noted that he still went to the store routinely, and was available even when he wasn’t there.
“He had a sign on the door that said anybody need anything give me a call at home,” she said. “He was constantly positive and strong for everyone.”
Comments
RIP Mr. Poole
TBC EDGRIP Mr. Poole
What an icon (and what a
Carol AmherstWhat an icon (and what a classic photo!). I remember him from the Poole's fish market days of my youth in the 80s. Such a loss for the island.
Everett was always a steady
Kib bramhall West TisburyEverett was always a steady guiding hand. There won’t be another like him. RIP
I remember Mr. Poole from the
Pete Bansen Reno, NevadaI remember Mr. Poole from the early 70's. A fine man and a job well done for the community that he loved. Rest in peace, sir - holding your family and friends in the light.
RIP Captain
EricRIP Captain
Uncle Everett, your legacy
Claire Marcille Gadrow South Kingstown, Rhode IslandUncle Everett, your legacy will have a lasting legacy. I loved your salty sharp wit, respected your tremendous work ethic, and was inspired by your honor and integrity. Life is meant to be lived and not running idle - as you said to those off-island folks: Don't park here, EVER. Miss you forever.
Well said Claire. A true icon
CJ Floros Newton MAWell said Claire. A true icon on the island.
I remember him fondly. When I
Lucia Sullivan Belmont, MAI remember him fondly. When I was in college in Colorado in 1990 someone admired my Menemsha Bites hat. I called him up and he mailed me a dozen. During the pandemic I was decamped on the island for awhile in the fall and wanted a clamming rake. 30 years later he had what I needed. Service with a gruff but friendly demeanor. He will be missed.
RIP, another giant falls.
Lorraine EdgartownRIP, another giant falls.
RIP Everett-
Katy Keene Metell Villanova PARIP Everett-
Such a presence in my town and forever in my memories. He will be missed.
My memories of you from when
Andrea Lavallee Rhode Island and FloridaMy memories of you from when I was a little girl visiting you and Aunt Jini will stay with me always. There will never be anyone like you. The world has lost a treasure but by God’s grace heaven has welcomed a wonderful soul.
Hauled product for Everette
Richard J. O'Neil NaplesHauled product for Everette back in the day. He paid me with lobster. Good friend and a very good card player. Best picture ever to grace the front page. Thoughts and prayers to the Family.
Everett set the tone that his
John keene ChilmarkEverett set the tone that his employees could listen to for the rest of their lives as they took what he taught them about hard work, integrity, and respecting others’ wisdom on their own life journeys. Thank you Everett for all of your wise words and dedication to our community. Fair winds-you will be missed
It was a just a couple days
Chris West TisburyIt was a just a couple days ago I was thinking of heading up to Menemsha and dropping round to the Chilmark Chandlery to see if Skipper Poole was around. I've gone in there lots of times over the years for various items I couldn't find anywhere else: jigger & fishing twine, twine needles, fibreglass matt, oakum, rope - if he didn't have what I was looking for, I wasn't gonna find it on the island!
I'm from up in Newfoundland and when I was growing up, we had a couple of stores like this owned by the fishing merchants. They specialized in Green River Knives, fishing gear, lead rope, anything you'd need on a fishing vessel. So Everett's place always made me feel like I was walking into a store back home made especially for the fishermen. He even stocked Dexter Russell Green River Knives & I'd never seen 'em anywhere else. And the place smelled like a twine loft to me, as well. The fragrant smoke from his pipe topped it all off. And on the way out, you got a hand-written receipt to finish off any transaction - won't see THAT anywhere else anymore!
I was really glad to have known him. Skipper Poole was always a good help to me. Even if I wanted to only go in there for 5 minutes, it was almost always an hour or more before I could leave cos I always had great chats with him, asking him about the past, and his fish shop, etc. He was one of the people I liked the best on the island, I have to say. I'll think about him every time I'm up in Menemsha and pass his old shop, for sure. Thank you for lots of great memories and for making the island feel more like home. RIP, Skipper!!!
I enjoyed mr. Pools weather
Joe Bullard Eastbay East Providence Rhode IslandI enjoyed mr. Pools weather reports on WMV in the fish report China Star fresh swordfish
A wonderful human and a great
Lauren Cardinal Toronto, CanadaA wonderful human and a great relative. I always enjoyed my time visiting with (great) Uncle Everett. He will be dearly missed.
A man for all seasons. Rest
Lindsay allison ChappaquiddickA man for all seasons. Rest In Peace.
I have known Everett since I
Daniel W. and family Chilmark, MAI have known Everett since I worked at Poole's in the summers and well before when I was a few years old spending vacations on the Vineyard. He was the lifeblood of the Vineyard and his character and spirt will live on in all of us. We will miss visiting Everett at the Chilmark Chandlery, the smell of his pipe and store (reminding me of my own grandfather's shop) and hearing the latest stories. My heart goes out to his entire family and the entire Island. He will be missed but never forgotten. Farewell Captain -- may you have fair winds and following seas...
Mr. Poole was one of the
Greg Kreps & Marne Fuller Westerville, OhioMr. Poole was one of the people that drew us to the island every year. Over the years we went from washashores to good friends. Nary more a relaxing day than sitting in the back of the Chandlery on the foam chairs hearing about Menemsha as only he could tell it. And suddenly the pink lures he painted for me are even more treasured. We will miss him this year and always.
Our love to the Poole family.
I was so lucky to be able to
Nellie Mai Northampton, MaI was so lucky to be able to call this amazing man my Grandpa. I wish I could go back and give him one more hug.
We have been going to
Deirdre Pizzuto Humarock,MAWe have been going to Menemsha by boat for over 25 years, and came to know Mr. Poole . He sold us the best crab trap ever for my son when he was very young and we visited him every year. We rented a parking space every year, which he personalized with a hand painted sign for us. Just last summer we were fortunate to spend some time talking about URI , as my son is a student there. A man of few words, with a sharp sense of humor and a kind heart . I am grateful to have known him…Rest Easy Everett. Thank you for being a friend.
We spoke with him just once
Steve Cripps AtlantaWe spoke with him just once 27 years ago when he realized that our son (then at about 10 years old) didn’t like fish and Everett asked, “hey kid, haven’t you heard of mad cow disease?!”
What a great and true character.
I am deeply saddened by the
Albert Fischer West TisburyI am deeply saddened by the passing of Everett, he was a good friend and I will miss my times chatting with him. RIP
Always crack the door open,
swe chilmarkAlways crack the door open, throw in your hat and wait
Oh how I enjoyed walking in
Michael Herbert Winthrop, Mass.Oh how I enjoyed walking in his Chanderly shop. It was like going back in time with all the old style rigging he had laying around.
He was always there with the pipe in hand and the Skippers hat on. He would have item that no one else would have. It was a treasure trove of Menemsha’s old fishing village in his time capsule. He surly will be missed by many.
Rest In Peace my seafaring friend.
I worked for Everett in the
Morgan Muir Oakland and EdgartownI worked for Everett in the late sixties two summers. A powerful mentor that has helped me through years as an employer. One day behind the counter a very loud and demanding wealthy customer was holding forth harassing us kids. Suddenly Everett came from the back with a very big swordfish knife and loudly slammed in on the wood counter scaring us all. Told the customer loudly to get out. Support your employees always when they are being wronged. Lesson well learned.
Met him in the 50s, sold
Ralston Jackson PittsburghMet him in the 50s, sold clams to him in 71, and bought bay scallops from him until he sold the place, including frozen shipments to Pittsburgh. Good company and good stories, including, for my benefit, memories of his long childhood, predawn drives to The Town dock in Edgartown with his mother to drop his father off for weeks long trips offshore on The Hazel M. Jackson with my grandfather, Capt. Bob, and crew. He lit up remembering going onboard for the fresh fruit the cook would always gave him for the long ride home. He told stories with a warmth and purpose, sensitive to the rich Island tapestry. He will be missed by many.
Tom Brokaw aptly titled one
B and L Langley There's only one place you can truly call home.Tom Brokaw aptly titled one of his Books "The Greatest Generation"...Mr. Everett Poole and so many of his ilk, where forged in a different time and place. The grit, stoicism, wit-n-wisdom and yes, metal seem greatly diminished with his passing and the passing of so many of his era.
There is a mountain of coins offered today by so many Vineyarders past and present to see him home across the River Styx. Safe passage good sir.
Love,
BLLB
There's only one place you can truly call home.
So glad to have known and
Robin Conway Morley Chester, NJSo glad to have known and worked for Everett in my college years. A pillar of the community. A delightful conversationalist with a quick New England wit. He and Ginny were great friends of my parents, Phyllis and Bob. I’m sure they welcomed him into heaven with a big ol’ clam bake.
Was a true gentleman and
John Hobby Franklin MAWas a true gentleman and leader. Always remember him at the market when I was a kid summering in Menemsha. Used to sell him lobsters with my student commercial permit from time to time. Always treated me nice and was encouraging. Will be missed.
The 80s and 90s were filled
Jane Chittick Amelia Island FLThe 80s and 90s were filled with laughter and many good friends: among them Everett and Jini. RIP you two! You added so much to everyone's lives here.
Nobody told a story like
Clark your dreamsNobody told a story like Captain Poole. What a powerful orator, a lost skill.
Rest In Peace Everett, you will be missed.
Great loss to his family,Town
Trip Barnes Vineyard HavenGreat loss to his family,Town of Chilmark and Marthas Vineyard.I am a better person for knowing him,reading about him and watching him....
Dave Flanders was helping us
John MolinariDave Flanders was helping us find a place so the three of us went down to Basin Road to meet with Everett Poole. “I’m seventy now,” Everett said, turning to Dave. “I’m gonna need some decent rent. I’m not feeling great and I don’t know how long I’m gonna last.” “Oh, of course,” Dave said, chuckling. “We’ll work something out.” After years in corporate jobs, we were thinking about launching a business on the island. Eventually Renee would bring Everett fresh-squeezed lemonade slushies, which he loved. I took care of the grounds like they were my own, which Everett loved. 20 years passed. “John, I’m still vertical!” he shouted from his little blue truck just last spring. Hardy, endearing, salty at times, Everett seemed timeless and endured mighty well. But alas the bell tolls.
We will miss him.
John and Renee
Beetlebung
An icon and great character.
Adam Birnbaum Santa Barbara CaliforniaAn icon and great character. My family shopped there quite a bit, until I started working at Larsen's. But I maintained great respect. I do recall my mother, inappropriately, asking him if some piece of fish was fresh and Everett taking it out of the case, holding it right up to her nose and asking: "Is this fresh enough for you?" Like I say, a great character. RIP
I never knew Everett Poole
PL San DiegoI never knew Everett Poole well but to get a nod and a couple words out of him drew me to his fish shop time and again and made me feel that I’d been included among the inner group of Islanders. He exuded authenticity and I liked him tremendously.
Will miss him so much and
Miranda Edison MenemshaWill miss him so much and peering at the lobster tank full of mystery and wonder. RIP.
Everett was a unique presence
AramEverett was a unique presence and something of a throwback from a different age. He gave me a job and I earned my wages to be sure, but I enjoyed working for him. I always listened carefully when he spoke. He was wise and often very funny. Fair winds Everett.
Best boss I ever had. He
Sloan Yreka, CABest boss I ever had. He always had a sparkle in his eye. I loved watching him charm the customers. Fond memories as a child, of him and my dad swapping somewhat bawdy stories over silver trays of sole or bluefish, or while slicing off a 2" thick slab of swordfish. Both of them with deep, comfortable laughter of friends. You'll be missed dear man.
Oh goodbye Everett. So many
Mitzi Pratt AquinnahOh goodbye Everett. So many will miss you. We go back a ways, to when the Pooles lived in Edgartown back when the kids were small, we lived up the street, I was small too(still am!). Eventually my father and Everett cooked up a business venture, Menemsha Bites. The chef Joe Hyde was a part of things too. It’s been such a pleasure to be upisland neighbors all these decades since. Condolences to everyone.
It is a joy to know how many
Kristin Stewart Ithaca, NYIt is a joy to know how many people cared for him. I admired Everett from the long ago times (late 60s/early 70s) when we’d watch the Menemsha sunsets and watch the fishing boats pull into Poole’s to unload their catch. Chatted with him a few times over the years, and was overjoyed by his marriage to my sister in his later years. He was my personal hero and an incredible island icon. Fair winds, indeed. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.
He became a life mentor to
Fred Meyer MinnesotaHe became a life mentor to kids he hired each summer to work in the market. He taught us the importance of hard work and integrity. He came across as the tough Yankee but was a softy at the core, passionate about his family, community, and importantly the fishermen. I saw him talk down famous politicians and then in the next moment give an older person free food. He was a remarkable being, one of a kind, profoundly influential. I feel blessed to have known him.
One of a kind, raconteur, a
Hans Solmssen New Providence, NJOne of a kind, raconteur, a positive influence on young and old alike. Knowing Everett was knowing the Vineyard of olden days. RIP friend.
Our fishing village lost a
Margaret Maida ChilmarkOur fishing village lost a very valued member of our community. Another old timer whose wisdom and stories can never be replaced. The young people who had the privilege to work at Poole’s will never forget the experience. The good thing is no one can take your memories away and hopefully you will share them with family and friends. I am thankful to have many memories of Everett and his parents who were good friends of my Grandparents who I lived with. For many years I was manager of the bank across the street for the Community Center at one point Everett decided he wanted to give out two dollar bills as change at the fish market. Thought it would give those summer people something to think about. I ordered the money and Brinks asked me if I was aware of what I was ordering. Let me tell you I couldn’t believe how many he used. People would come in and ask us if they were real. I am sure he got a chuckle out of their reaction. Thank You Everett for all the memories. Good or bad you were loved and can never be replaced. RIP my Friend! Fair Winds.
RIP Everett - memories of
Wayne Vineysrd HavenRIP Everett - memories of working at Homeport in early 70’s and Chet Cummings in middle of dinner rush needing Swordfish and Everett hauling in a huge piece of Swordfish. Just last year saw him for a chat - told him my name and he remembered going to Tisbury High School with my Dad back in the early 50’s! Represents the Old Vineyard I’m afraid it’s gone forever with the loss of the likes of him.
Everett and a group
Dave Keede OBEverett and a group
Of us worked on bringing cable tv to the vineyard. He would always make fun of my Nantucket relatives, in a positive way. Saw him last summer. He is the best!!
I worked for Mr. Poole during
Kathy Sherbrooke AquinnahI worked for Mr. Poole during the summer of 1986 and will never forget it. What a presence that man commanded! A few memories:
- He was frustrated by his neighbors asking him not to make such a racket mowing his lawn at 5am. "When else is a working man supposed to mow the lawn?"
- Unloading swordfish from a boat in the middle of the day, the line got caught around his (middle?) finger and tore 1/4 or so of it off. Everett (of course) ignored the Drs suggestion to take it easy for the rest of the day. Instead, he held his hand (wrapped in an increasingly red bandage) over his head for the rest of the day. When I brought my husband to the Chandlery to meet him more than 30 years later, he proudly displayed his hand with the missing finger tip. "Just another day on the job."
- He demanded hard work, loyalty and commitment (in the best way) from his staff. I was never more intimidated than when I went to his office to tell him I needed to leave the island earlier than I had planned that summer. It taught me a lot about how to handle a difficult situation, the importance of honesty and integrity, and the value of looking someone in the eye to deliver unfavorable news, even when it scares the heck out of you. He was not pleased, but was a gentleman to the end.
You were one of a kind Everett Poole and will be sorely missed!
All of what has been said is
Sherry Purdy Edgartown and SanibelAll of what has been said is so true but let us not forget that he cut a mean rug at the Chilmark Community Center square dances…oh, did he make me laugh. Blessed to have known him and wish there were more like him in this world.
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