Island Light: Before the Feast
Nevin Sayre takes advantage of waves at Squibnocket.
Nevin Sayre takes advantage of waves at Squibnocket.
Rob Coad has a heaping busehel of scallops to show for his efforts.
Rob Coad has a heaping busehel of scallops to show for his efforts.
Islanders enjoy the sunshine on Edgartown's Memorial Wharf.
Islanders enjoy the sunshine on Edgartown's Memorial Wharf.
As the fall weather gets rougher, Lucy Vincent Beach looks grander.
As the fall weather gets rougher, Lucy Vincent Beach looks grander.
Still unlit, but the installation of Christmas decorations begins in Oak Bluffs.
Still unlit, but the installation of Christmas decorations begins in Oak Bluffs.
The Grand Ladies face Ocean Park and Nantucket Sound beyond.
The Grand Ladies face Ocean Park and Nantucket Sound beyond.
Colorful time to walk in West Tisbury woods.
Colorful time to walk in West Tisbury woods.
Vineyard Haven home, surrounded by autumnal grandeur.
Vineyard Haven home, surrounded by autumnal grandeur.
West Chop pier connecting land to sea.
West Chop pier connecting land to sea.
Shorebird's view of the November Super Moon at State Beach.
Shorebird's view of the November Super Moon at State Beach.
Sun sets at Nashaquitsa.
Sun sets at Nashaquitsa.
Nighttime at West Tisbury town hall, but windows illuminate the campus.
Nighttime at West Tisbury town hall, but windows illuminate the campus.
Thanksgiving season stirs memories of bygone traditions, like the Thanksgiving horse race, a home-grown Island event if ever there was one.
Here is another memory: An old painted inscription hung on the front of the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury for many years with the message: "Honor the Lord with Thy Substance and with the first fruits of all thine increase, so thy barns shall be filled with plenty."
The inscription is gone now, and so are many of the old Vineyard barns. But Thanksgiving is still a season that grows out of the fields and the soil of the Vineyard.