![]() In 1973, the Nantucket Garden Club took responsibility for adorning the fountain seasonally and caring for the plantings, and its members continue to do so today. For more information about the fountain and its history, see this article in Yesterday’s Island/Today’s Nantucket. Max Wagner Memorial Fountain has become a much photographed island landmark. Men and boys - and women, too-drank from those iron cups.” During the 1880s, there were at least two public fountains on Main Street.Īn article published in the Inquirer & Mirror in July of 1923 described one of the Main Street fountains, stating it “quenches thirst of both man and beast, and four heavy iron drinking cups were fastened to chains which dangled from the bowl. Eight years later, when street lighting was installed, the fountain was moved to the bottom of Main Street and disconnected from the water main. Spigots higher up provided fresh water for people. It was connected to a water main, and the lower, round basin was used to water horses. Donated to the town in 1885, the fountain was originally installed at the top of Main Street. Finally, in 1917 the owners dissolved the railroad and tracks were torn up and it and other portions were sold and sent to France during World War I to aid the Allies.Īt the base of Main in the center of the street is the iconic Lt. Nantucket weather and the surrounding ocean were not kind to the Nantucket Railroad, and it was plagued by shifting sands, storms, and surf that led to derailments and other issues. Train travelers arrived and departed six times a day during the summer season. Tracks were extended to Siasconset in 1884. By 1882, the Surfside Land Company had plans for a “cottage city.” A hotel was constructed in Surfside in 1883. Tickets cost 35 cents a trip, and during the first year about 30,000 people rode the train. It was originally designed to run three miles, from Steamboat Wharf along Easy Street and Washington Street out to Surfside, where a restaurant was established. The railroad operated on Nantucket Island from 1881 until 1917. Closed for the off-season, the staff adorned it with greenery and fun, colorful Christmas balls. At the base of Main Street, a car from the Nantucket Railroad serves as part of The Club Car restaurant. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |