Our mission is to locate, collect, organize, preserve, expand and make available information and knowledge relating to the natural and human history of the Isles of Shoals

© 2016 ISHRA

ISHRA Newsletter Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association

Volume 25 Issue 2 Fall 2016

Hal Weeks to speak at ISHRA Meeting:“A Virtual Walk Around Appledore Island

with Childe Hassam”

Meet Hal Weeks, a marine ecologist and New England na-tive, who has had a long-term affiliation with Appledore Island and the Shoals Marine Laboratory. Lots of rock-hop-ping while studying Appledore’s tidepools gave him great familiarity with the island’s rocks, and served as the founda-tion for a pet project to locate the sites of many Childe Has-sam paintings. This led to his contributing to the exhibition “American Impressionist: Childe Hassam and the Isles of Shoals” that is at the Peabody-Essex Museum in Salem MA through November 6th.

Be sure to attend the Fall Conference to hear about how Hal has been instrumental in his activities on the islands and what he was able to contribute

to the Childe Hassam feature exhibit at the PEM. It’s sure to be an eye-opening lecture. Don’t miss it! “At the Goldfish Window, “ Childe Hassam/

photo courtesy of Currier Museum of Art/ Sue Murphy

NEW MEETING VENUE! The ISHRA Fall Meeting will be held on November 1, 2016 at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave, Portsmouth, NH. Join us in the Levenson Community Meet-ing Room for light refreshments at 6:30 and chat with ISHRA members till the program starts at 7:00.

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Winter is finally here and all our wonderful memories of the hot summer sun on the Shoals and lazy days in rockers on the Oceanic porch will have to carry us through the cold months ahead. The Summer of 2016 saw some wonderful events take place out on the Isles of Shoals.

The June Conference was a huge success, and the 100th Anniversary on Star Island brought ISHRA members together with new visitors and old friends. ISHRA members contributed to the Star Island Time Capsules which will be opened in 25 and 50 years.

ISHRA would like to welcome new Treasurer Ken Riley who is a great addition to the Board. We also want to thank past Treasurer James Rock for his hard work and dedication. Jim’s assistance with the transition has been invaluable and he will be missed.

ISHRA also welcomes new Membership Chair, David Doskocil, who with Gary Bashline’s guid-ance and well kept records, will keep us all up to date on our membership.

This summer’s Star Island Docent Program again led day visitors through the history and present accomplishments on Star Island. Mark Lechner has really taken this program and run with it and we can’t thank him enough for all the hard work he and his volunteers put in.

The ISHRA Board would like to thank all of our members who work to make these, and other, events so much fun. From the Star Island Do-cents to the dishwashers and cooks at the Winter Social, Committee and Subcommittee members, Conference Chairs and Registrars, Fundraising Committee members, contributors to the news-letter and the staff that puts it together. Every member plays a part, particularly those who share their memories and enthusiasm for this wonderful group of islands. The heart of ISHRA is in our members and we want to thank you for the part you play.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the 2017 Winter Social, and the General Membership Meetings.

A Letter from the ISHRA Board

ISHRA MEDIA CONTACTSCassie Stymiest Sue Murphy ISHRA Webmaster ISHRA Newsletter Editor webmaster@ishra.org ishra.newsletter@gmail.com

ISHRA Website:www.ishra.org

Preparing the Oceanic Hotel for Winter

(for my unknown benefactor) by John-Michael Albert

It’s a short season, June to September. And after it’s all over—the conferences, the children, even the birds—it must be struck, like a stage set:

flags must be folded and stored, signs taken down, pipes drained, all the windows, boarded up. The porches stripped of their yeoman’s rock-ers, which are stacked

with the other furniture in the middle of the great room and covered with canvas, as a good gardener mulches his roses, his bulbs, with an eye toward spring; every towel,

every blanket, every sheet is washed one last time and packed in plastic, and sorted floor by floor—each bundle a good-luck talisman for the next season.

And all the pillows are thrown into one, special bedroom—all 300 of them—that serves as a day’s-end playpen for the last of the … Pigeons, uh; Penguins, no;

I’ve got it! Pelicans! … for the last of the Pelicans to stay. The winter caretaker, a photographer with an Italian name, possessor of a shining gift for silence and brittle light,

arrives in early November. Winter is her season; her black and white postcards, sans telltale post-marks, are on the ’net. And so the island hiber-nates till May.

The families leave their houses; the yachts move inland; the rowboats are stored under the porch; and—oh, yes—they drain the port, to be extra neat about it.

***Printed with permission by the author john-michael.albert@comcast.net

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Volunteer Weekend at Star Island

Photo courtesy of Sue Murphy

Another great Shoals experience is the Volunteer Weekend at Star Island. Positions are available in the spring for pre-opening and in the fall for the pre-closing for the winter. Some volunteers are also needed during the conference season.

This is a great opportunity to meet with new people and old friends who share a love of the island and wish to give back. Volunteers need to be fairly self supporting as there are limited services available during preseason and postsea-son. Water and facilities may be restricted while plumbers and others work to turn them on or off, and the kitchen is also staffed by a skeleton crew of volunteers. Shops may or may not be open and have limited hours.

The workday generally runs from 8-5 starting work right after breakfast until dinnertime, with a break for lunch. Much work needs to be done!! Activities include helping out with housekeep-ing, gardening, carpentry, landscaping, general repairs and much more…

After dinner is relax time, for chatting with friends and co-workers, playing instruments, rocking on the Oceanic porch, calling loved ones at home or just plain sleeping!

Weather is so unpredictable, as it is during other times of the year. It may be hot, cold, wet, foggy or sunny, so volunteers need to pack for the ultimate in changing weather.

Although it’s a tiring weekend, when it’s time for the Leighton to arrive for the trip home, vol-unteers feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in a job well done. If you have some free time next spring or fall and you’d like to help out next year, check it out at http://www.starisland.org .

Photo courtesy of Sue Murphy

Dr. Robert Tuttle liked to observe that he had washed the windows of the building on Ap-pledore Island now called Laighton House on two widely separated occasions; first for Profes-sor C. Floyd Jackson’s University of New Hamp-shire course there before the war closed the is-lands to the public, and second many years later, in 1966 when Louise Kingsbury and I brought students once more to Appledore and Laighton House came again into use. Not long before his death, it came to pass that Bob Tuttle (MD) and I (PhD,ScD) were joined once again in a volunteer project on the porch of Laighton House. Despite our multiple advanced degrees and an extended erudite vocal exchange, we managed successfully to assemble from a Walpole Woodworkers Kit of tricky and confusing parts, a sturdy rocking chair to reside permanently on that porch. I think it is probably still there, and I think we might have put our initials on it. There is much more about Laighton House in my book “Here›s How.» John M. (Jack) Kingsbury ***Our thanks to Dr. Kingsbury for his submission!

A Great Bob Tuttle Story

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This summer marks the 50th Anniversary of the Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML)! SML is extremely excited and proud to be celebrat-ing a half-century of marine science education and research on Appledore Island. What be-gan as a single marine science course on Star Island in the summer of 1966 led by Dr. John Kingsbury has grown into a world-class marine laboratory that attracts students and renowned scientists from around the globe. Thousands of students, hundreds of faculty, hundreds of staff members, and an engaged community of sup-porters have led us to this Golden Anniversary year.

As SML’s Executive Director in this 50th year, I find it notable that one of the original reasons for the founding of SML remains important and even more relevant today: the decline of natural history in undergraduate education. Natural history focuses on organisms---their identity and relationships, where they live, and how they interact with the environment and each other. In the 1950s, courses in natural history were requirements for biology students; today, most programs have dropped both the requirements and the courses 1. Natural history information in introductory biology textbooks is down 40% since SML opened its doors2. Funding for re-search and publications related to natural his-tory is also decreasing significantly.

Why does this matter? A recent survey of Californian environmen-

tal scientists found that over 90% of them felt natural history knowledge was “essential” to success in their field and yet over half felt they lacked the training3. Over 80% of these scientists want more training in natural history4. I think SML Alumni and award-winning science writer Jennifer Frazer put our current problem into nice plain language: “the people society depends on to know the most about life -- people with col-lege biology degrees -- in nearly all cases have no obligation to learn anything about actual living

1 BioScience •2014. 64(4): 300- 310.2 ibid3 BioScience 2016. 66 (7): 592-599.4 ibid

organisms5. Frazer goes further to point out that immersive, detailed study of the natural world is critical to advancing higher-level biological the-ories, as evidenced by of a long list of eminent biologists, not the least of which include Charles Darwin, Alfred Wallace, Rachel Carson and E.O. Wilson6. Natural history is a critical component of training of tomorrow’s scientists for success.

At SML, we agree that a strong foundation in natural history is critical to the future of the biological sciences. Appledore Island and its sur-rounding ocean is SML’s home, classroom, and primarily teaching tool. Students have the rare opportunity to explore, all day, the rich natural history that surrounds them. Our students can choose from over 15 immersive colleges courses offered from May through August on such topics as Sustainable Fisheries to Marine Invertebrate Biology. They earn the same amount of credit in two weeks as they would in a semester-long course back on campus! This immersion in nat-ural history, coupled with 21st century technology and world-class scientists lead many students to a life-changing experience and a path to a career in science. For others, their time at SML opens their mind to a larger world and a sense of stew-ardship and appreciation for the land, ocean, and their diverse and fascinating creatures.

Undergraduate research internships are an-other major activity at SML. Our ~20 interns fo-cus for 2 to 10 weeks on seabird ecology, marine mammal biology, rocky intertidal community ecology, sustainable engineering, and more. Stu-dent interns work directly with university faculty and SML scientists to conduct experiments and research projects, many of which build long-term datasets to help us understand how chang-ing populations reflect changing environments. Internships provide invaluable experience, tech-nical skills and opportunities for critical think-ing and creativity, all of which enhance future education and careers. For budding scientists, nothing equals the chance to engage in your 5 http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/artful-amoeba/natu-ral-history-is-dying-and-we-are-all-the-losers/6 http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/artful-amoeba/80-percent-of-young-environmental-scientists-could-use-more-natural-history-training/

SML Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Page 5 ISHRA Newsletter Vol. 25 Issue 2

studies as you watch changing weather, observe behavior, and enjoy the excitement of discovery first hand --- the stuff of natural history–based research and education.

Here at Shoals Marine Laboratory, we are ded-icated to the pursuit and promotion of natural history-based education to ensure that tomor-row’s scientists and citizens are ready to face our rapidly changing world and build a sustainable future. It’s working!***Thanks to Jennifer Seavey, Executive Director at SML for sharing this article with our reader-ship. Way to go SML!

JUNE 2016 SUMMER CONFERENCE “EXPERIENCING THE ISLES OF

SHOALS IN A WHOLE NEW WAY”

The June 2016 Summer Conference “Experience the Shoals in a Whole New Way” was a great success. Approximately thirty people joined us as we touched, tasted, looked at, smelled, and listened to the islands. Art Eves from the Rut-ledge Marine Lab lead us through a seaweed collecting, preparation, and tasting; while our own Amy Cook ran her famous Seaweed Press-ing Class which has always, and will continue to be, an ISHRA favorite. Alexandra de Steiguer’s presentation of her photographs and writings allowed us to vicariously experience a winter on Star Island, something very few people will ever be privileged to know.

Gretchen Gudefin once again outdid herself with a fantastic art project. Her amazing color-ing book celebrating Star Island’s 100th Anniver-sary gave our conferees hours of peaceful and relaxing enjoyment.

We were fortunate enough to be on Star Island during its 100th Anniversary. The many events Star Island Corporation held were a great addi-tion to ISHRA’s programs and we want to thank them and congratulate them on One Century of Conferences. ISHRA is very proud to be a part of that history.

During a trip to Appledore Island conferees were able to walk in the footsteps of Childe Has-

sam when they visited the sites where he stood to paint his iconic Shoals paintings. This was a timely trip as it kicked off the Opening of the Childe Hassam Exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem Massachusetts.

Perfect summer weather gave us plenty of time for relaxing in an Oceanic Porch Rocking Chair, kayak and rowboat trips to Smuttynose, yoga on the front lawn, photo-op walks, visits to the amazing solar array, seaweed collecting, beach combing, and outdoor social hours.

We wish a healthy and happy winter to our con-feree family and look forward to seeing you all again next summer. Enjoy Isles of Shoals Winter Dreams, and remember “You Will Come Back”.

Star Island Overlooking White Island

by Sue Murphy

It is early summer at Star Island. The fog bank is determined, but the sun will even-tually win out. Fog is a common visitor to this isolated, but natural environment,

ten miles from the New Hampshire mainland. The sound of the fog horn is repetitive, warning mariners approaching the rocky outcroppings to change course.

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Except for the cries of seabirds searching and swooping for their crustaceous meals, every-thing else is silent at this early time in the morn-ing. The waves crash harmoniously against the sand and rock that is the shoreline; the fog wafts through the air, smelling of the low tide and sea salt, trees and flowers of the island and beyond. The island is a herbaceous wonder in this world of rushing and stress. It is a lonely paradise, a step out of the regular routine of modern-day life, offering solace and rest to those who seek it.

Flowering plants adorn the inside of a wooden barrel sunk into the grassy knoll above the shoreline, carefully planted by the young care-takers of the island. A park bench sits idly on the grass, awaiting the first visitors of the day; the wooden seat is a worn but comfortable perch for artists, photographers and all who come to the island, offering a clear view of the age-old light-house in the distance. The grain of the wood is weathered and grey but well kept by the island staff. Wrought iron legs provide a strong base for the bench that has seen so many visitors over so many decades.

Tall grass, too near the edge of the precipice for mowing, and small shrubs seem to complete the view of the sea, lending green framework for the scene. As I sit on the bench and look out over the sea, my mind wanders into historical fantasy. How many mariners have forged their way into this watery vista in time past, some marooned on the rocks awaiting their victorious entry into the next world and some safely navigating into the harbor? One can only imagine history as they occupy the lonely bench supplied by some unknown craftsman for the benefit of genera-tions to come.

For now, the fog begins to lift, the sun’s first rays begin to shine through and nature con-tinues its continuous sweet song. Voices in the distance mingle with the softer voices of the earth and sea and approach the silence of the old wooden bench. The island welcomes the next small band of visitors, new and old, for another beautiful day at the Isles of Shoals.

ISHRA MembershipISHRA membership includes:

• A subscription to our newsletter, published twice a year.

• Members Corner of our website, ISHRA.org, which features past newsletters, speaker details, and other Shoals resources.

• An opportunity to attend our meeting pro-grams in April and November, conferences on star Island and day trips.

• Fellowship with people who share your inter-est and enthusiasm for the history and natu-ral aspects of the Isles of Shoals.

• An invitation to work on Isles of Shoals his-torical research projects as well as our news-letter, website content and list of archived Shoals materials.

To become a member, please send your contact information, including telephone and email ad-dress, along with annual dues, payable to ISHRA to this address:

ISHRA, P.O. Box 705, Portsmouth, NH 03802Yearly dues are: Individual $20, Family $50, Lifetime: $250If you would like to make a gift membership to someone please include contact information for the recipient and proper dues.For more information, please contact:

David Doskocil,Membership Chair ishramembership@gmail.com

ISHRA Winter Social 2017

Be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s Winter Social on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at the First Congregational Church of Kittery Point. The snow date (yes, snow) is February 5th.

Page 7 ISHRA Newsletter Vol. 25 Issue 2

Photo courtesy of Sue Murphy

2017 ISHRA CONFERENCE CHAIR OPPORTUNITY

Have you attended an ISHRA Conference in the past and considered running one yourself? As conference chair you have the opportunity to shape the topic, the speakers and the activities. If you have an idea for a summer conference and would like the opportunity to share your enthu-siasm with others this is your chance!

The 2017 ISHRA Summer Conferences are look-ing for an organized, fun- loving and enthusiastic person to run one (or both of them).

If the task seems daunting don’t worry, the past conference chair will be there to guide you through the process step by step, and the Star Island Corporation Staff is second to none in their ability to solve any problem or to answer any ques-tion. In addition to shaping the confer-ence, your room and board is paid for, and you will have a great time.

If you are curious about the conference chair experience, please contact Maryann Stacy at mstacy1963@gmail.com for more information.

Visit with your ISHRA friends off season and share a meal and some stories about the islands. Please bring a main dish, side dish or desert or beverage to share (Last year’s offerings were a delicious testament to the culinary skills of our members). Don’t forget to bring your camera and photo albums! The social last year was enjoyed by all who at-tended, with a great meal featuring ham, turkey and a fabulous seafood chowder , a silent auc-tion, and a new ISHRA conference scholarship to honor longtime Shoaler and ISHRA member Alice Gordan. The social will be held from 1:00 – 3:30.Don’t miss out on the fun this year! See you at the Winter Social…More info at the ISHRA Fall Meeting.

New Venue for ISHRA Membership Meeting

The Fall Membership meeting, featuring a talk by Hal Weeks, “A Virtual Walk Around Ap-pledore Island with Childe Hassam,” will be held at the Portsmouth Public Library, 175 Parrott Ave., Portsmouth NH on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 from 6:30-9:00. Come on down and chat with fellow ISHRA members till the lecture begins. Light refreshments will be served and admission is free. Below is a map for your con-venience if you are not sure where the library is; you may visit the library website at http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/library/index.htm, or call the library at (603) 427-1540 for more info.

Hope to see you there!

Map of Portsmouth/ Portsmouth LibraryCourtesy of Portsmouth Library

MAILIsles of ShoalsHistorical & Research AssociationP.O. Box 705 Portsmouth NH 03802

Inside This Issue:Speaker: Hal Weeks, “A Virtual Walk page 1 Around Appledore Island with Childe Hassam”

A Letter From the Board page 2

Preparing The Oceanic Hote For Winter page 2 A Poem by John-Michael Albert

A Volunteer Weekend at Star Island page 3

A Great Bob Tuttle Story page 3

SML Celebrates 50th Anniversary page 4 & 5

June 2016 Sumer Conference: page 5 “Experience The Isles OF Shoals In A Whole New Way”

Star Island Overlooking White Island page 5 & 6

ISHRA Membership page 6

ISHRA Winter Social page 6 & 7

New Venue For ISHRA Membership Meeting page 7

2017 ISHRA Conference Chair Opportunity page 7

Officers and Directors

Nathan Hamilton, President Dudley DudleyKen Riley, Vice President Caroline FrenchAmy Richards, Secretary Cindy MartinKen Riley, Treasurer Sue Murphy, editorAmy Cook Joel Plagenz, ex-officio

ISHRA Membership MeetingTuesday, November 1, 2016Portsmouth Public Library

175 Parrott Ave. Portsmouth, NH Meeting 7:00- 9:00 PM