From the March 5, 1926 edition of the Gazette:
“Who has it?” everyone asks in Oldtown, and no one can tell. Have what? But wait, we’re ahead of history. It seems that some evil hijackers have done their dirty tricks in this town. Entrance was gained to a storage attic, in which were various crates of bottled goods. Yes, sir-ee! you guessed it — alcoholic!
When the theft was first discovered, the young man, who once owned the liquor, was in terrible condition. He had tears in his eyes, but who can blame him? A young fortune had been lost, stolen or misplaced. At least three officers have been called in to find the culprits, but they remain at large and are likely enjoying their ill-gotten gains.
The stuff, the young man would have said, had been purchased before the war and was the real genuine commodity. An officer, however, said no permit was issued to prove legal right of possession. That being so, said the officer, whoever has it now has as good a title as the first owner. What do you know about that?
It is said that in the stock were listed the brands White Horse, King George and Chivas. These varieties are undoubtedly very old and honorable names, but the elders claim that they were unknown in these regions before prohibition. The story goes that ten complete cases were reported as missing one officer, six more and five more. By checking the different versions of the case among themselves, the police would have become disgusted and would have practically washed their hands of it. Of course, that’s just a rumor, and it’s a safe bet that they’re working day and night on this daring theft.
There is another element of whispered mystery. A partner is mentioned. What kind of partner? is requested. No one knows where a partner comes from. . . all this “que quoi there is no more than what”.
It’s an old story now, but it has by no means been forgotten. Listen to it wherever you go” “Who’s got it?” Oh, we could go on and on!
With the aim of “advertising with the athletics” and thereby helping to put Tisbury on the map, a number of young men from that town who have distinguished themselves on the pitch came together and organized the team of Vineyard Haven Town baseball.
Uniforms and equipment will be required, and matches must be arranged with on-island and off-island teams. The boys therefore hinted that if a sports-loving citizen cares to provide moral, physical or financial support, such help will be welcome.
The leaders of the new organization: manager, Emulus Elliot; captain, George Carey; treasurer, Joseph Rogers; entertainment committee, Fancis Howes, chairman, Joseph Rogers and Manuel Campbell. The full list of members consists of Emulus Elliot, Joseph Rogers, George Carey, Manuel Campbell, Joseph Campbell, Theodore Howes, Francis Howes, Jessie Oliver Jr., Frank Oliver, George Baptiste, Antone Silvia, Clarence Davey, John Andrews, Manuel Campas, Elijah Crowell.
Spring is with us! Admittedly, the weather is cold and gloomy, but the lady is still lying in five fathoms of water. The proof is in the school’s catch of cod that Captain Ed Dalen brought in last week. There were 170 fine, big guys, about four barrels, and he took them from Squibnocket. These are the first cod to be caught off the coast since the first hard hit of winter. Another two weeks and the herring will sink, say the elders, and they are right. So let it blow! And freeze if desired! The hot weather has died to the wind and is flowing from wing to wing.
Although there has been little fish marketed or shipped locally, over the past week shellfish receipts have not been half bad, given the weather. A few deep legged guys got here in a week, leaving, but haven’t heard from them. Rough water and ice are the common cry, but the prices are high and the boys do well enough, even when they have to run with half a trip.
Last week’s shipment of eels was the largest of the winter, that is, since the end of the potting season. It seems the boys must be doing pretty well with their spears, especially around Gay Head.
If the Edgartown guys are nearly correct in their guesses, next season should bring the biggest catch of scallops ever. It was voted to open the Cape Pogue pond at the town meeting last week, and it will be remembered that it was reported in this column some time ago that the scallops were lying three or four feet from depth on the bottom of the pond. Given the salt they need, they should be in great shape for the market next fall.
There isn’t much activity among the boys yet, but a survey of the shipyards reveals the fact that there are a lot of renovations to be done, and as soon as a man can comfortably work outside , there will probably be a lot of work going on in the yards.
Compiled by Hilary Wallcox
