Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1895-07-12
HERSELF ONCE AGAIN.
Nantucket Winds Up Her Celebration
In q Blaze Of Glory.
Rising Generation Receives
an Object Lesson.
Historical Parade, Fireworks and Grand
Ball End Centennial 0bservancsa

NANTUCKET, July 12-The three days
centennial celebration closed last night In
blaze Of glory. 1t was by far the great
est event the island ever saw. The after
noon parade was an object lesson to the
younger generation. 1t was the aim OF the
committee to reproduce, so far as possible,
the scenes and customs OF 100 years ago.
Floats and characters were devised to that
end, and the result was parade full OF In
terest and instruction.
The town of Nantucket started in life
without cent made a fortune in the
business of killing whales and selling
whale products, and then went into bank
ruptcy. Her commercial end came almost
like the bursting ola bubble or the snap
ping of a thread.
There was no end of secrecy In prepar-
ing the floats for the procession. 1t was
hard work to hide individual preparations
in place such as this, but pretty good
success was had by the originators Of some
of the most interesting designs
Among the Oid-Time Vehicles
that figured in tho parade was a convey
ance such rs the fishermen at Siasconset
used to haul fish from the water to the
houses up tho beach. It was a curious
oontrivance. The running gear was,noth-
ing more elaborate than q common barrel
with an axle run through 1t. The body Of
the cart sat over the barrel and the shafts
projected much like che bowsprit Of YES
eel.
"An the way 10 Shearing" was repre-
sented by m old couple In crazy-looking
cart that dates back century. Arthur
Dyer was the driver, and beside him sat
woman gowned In the raiment Of the days
when Nantucket was Sherburne.
Dramatic In Its lesson was "Homeward
Bound; Full Ship" represented by Cap
tain William Baxter, seadog Of 80 years,
and group Of children. They were seated
In boat supposed to represent whaler
coming into port after long cruise, with
. hold full load Of oil.
Then there was q stuffed whale on
wheels. Right In tho wake Of the whole
was whaleboat and crew.
The Goddess Of Liberty was Miss Anna
Tolger, attended by maids Of honor.
Another float gave q good illustration
Of the Indians who sold the island for the
price Of a small potato patch as Nantucket
Land is held in the market today.
An interesting feature during the parade
was the display OF relics.
Flags Of privateersmen, battle flags and
oolors of famous whaleships were seen on
every hand. Many Of these tattered en-
blems are coupled with history made by
brave Nantucketers.
At dusk 800 people crowded to the water
front to witness the display Of a carload of
fireworks. There were a number of set
pieces that produced brilliant spectacle
In the harbor score of yachts were deco
<~I la,1% 4
whale Nantucket's town seal, went up in
shower of sparks, the enthusiasm was in
tense.
The grand ball was the event of the
three days jollification. 1t marked the
end of the celebration in most fitting
manner. The skating academy, where it
was held, was decorated with bunting
There were some 300 couples in the march
Today Nantucket is herself again
quaint, quiet and 30 miles at sea, looking
forward TO her bicentennial