Opinion
The beach, sunshine, family gatherings and the ability to enjoy something like anonymity — these are among the things that draw a variety of high-profile seasonal residents to the Vineyard year after year.
For many prominent African Americans, it is all that and something more: a chance to be part of a close-knit geographical community that has become less common in an increasingly integrated world.
From the Vineyard Gazette editions of July, 1970:
The preliminary census report released this week indicates that there are 318 fewer Dukes County residents this year than there were a decade ago.
From the Vineyard Gazette edition of July 6, 1962:
More than seventy-five fun-loving tots and forty-five interested adults were lined up along an Edgartown dock early one afternoon this week. Each squirmed to get on the Bonnie Jean, of fond memory for her service during the boatline strike two summers ago. She handled most of the transportation to and from the U.S.S. Glennon, the destroyer here for the Fourth of July activities.
While marching in this year’s Fourth of July parade, fellow campers and I, along with our fun-loving counselors, will be all thinking about Helen Lamb. The founder of Camp Jabberwocky died peacefully in her summer cottage in Oak Bluffs last August at the age of 97. Sadness engulfed us when we learned of her passing. This summer Camp Jabberwocky will remember, and celebrate, her life.
Polly Hill was well known for her love of stewartia trees. They are greatly admired by our visitors and represent years of hard work. Through Polly’s efforts and our continued devotion to these trees, we now have a recognized national collection. What does that mean exactly? The primary objective for the development of a national collection is to assemble the most comprehensive collection of plants within a particular genus.
Our country celebrates its two hundred and thirty-sixth birthday tomorrow and the national holiday will be marked by colorful parades, fireworks displays and picnics from sea to shining sea, including here on the Vineyard where bells will ring and Islanders of every stripe will pause to commemorate the founding of our country.