Dinner for Head of National Society of D.A.R. at Amsterdam

 

 

Mrs. Donald McLean, of New Yrok, president-general of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, reached Amsterdam at 3 p.m. today on teh way to the State conference of the daughters, which will convene tomorrow at Syracuse. A reception was given Mrs. McLean at the home of Mrs. Wiliam J. Kline, No. 158 Market St., from 4 until 6 o'clock. Mrs. William G. Waldorf poured the tea and Mrs. Fred Davey presided at the fruit punch bowl. Mrs. Edward P. White, et al, assisted in the serving. At 6:10 p.m. the guests boarded a special electric car, which conveyed them to the Antlers Country Club, where a dinner was served by Miss Sharpleigh, in honor of Mrs. McLean. Mrs. Henry T. McEwen, the Regent who presided, called upon Edward P. White, James Howard Panson, and the Rev. Henry T. McEwen, who gave informal talks, which were responded to by Mrs. McLean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27 Sept. 1905 | New York Tribune

 

 

34 Post Crossing

c1932

"Historical Association Aftermath"

Southampton Press | Thursday, October 27, 1932 

Written by the Late Mrs. Edward P. White on the Day of Her Death, Tuesday, October 25, 1932

L. Emory Terry, Lizbeth Halsey White, Col. Walter Barnes

With the removal of the signs which for several weeks have given to the village a suggestion of environment, which is her historic right, we engage our minds to reflect upon what this week of history has left to us which will remain and be of permanent value to the future?

The sign committees of the different villages are to be highly commended for interpreting so successfully the historic places along the route of the tour, which our visitors and many of our own residents found so interesting. Each village erected its own signs so that each was quite individual in design.

Southampton was fortunate in having a committee for its signs the enthusiasm of which knew  no bounds. W.D. Van Brunt, chairman, has had long familiarity with activities of this kind, ever since, as village president, he gave careful attention to the placing of signs designating the streets and compiling the Village Book in which among other valuable information we find a list of historic events which have occurred in Southampton from the beginning of her history in 1640 until 1908, when that book was compiled. One of our D.A.R. members has referred to this book as Mr. Van Brunt’s bible,” and the many to whom it has become most useful believe it has been well named.

As well as an historic, the sign had also an artistic value which was much appreciated. The weatherworn shingles provided by Dick Foster and Cortland Smith, shaped and touched by the magic brushes of Eli H. Fordham, were appropriate reminders of those early houses, gray with the ocean salt and damp of two hundred years and more. Abigail F. Halsey and Dr. David H. Hallock also made the contributions to the work. Since the signs are stored away until another historic occasion shall call them forth, it is not out of place remember that of all the committees which contributed so much to make the Historical Conference an outstanding success, none gave greater enthusiasm to the work than those who marked the historical places, of which Southampton had 38.

 

The Water Mill committee also did excellent work for their markings were so legible that they could be read with much more rapid driving than the 25 miles made on the Historic Tour. Would it not be interesting indeed if 1644 could be made permanent on the old watermill—our oldest landmark on Eastern Long Island? When the windmill on the green is restored by the community committee, surely the date of the building—1800—will be placed conspicuously thereon.

Southampton Press, October 6, 1932

In speaking of markers we desire to most appreciatively commend to the attention given by the Village Board to the renewing and replacing of the street signs, several of which were much in need of repair, while a few had disappeared altogether for all of the substantial appropriation made in the village budget for this purpose each year.

For instance, in view of the coming to Southampton of the State Historical Conference this Fall, and the incentive to refurbish our historical housekeeping, it was discovered late in the Summer that very substantial signs declaring the s sites at Old Town of the earliest settlement (1640) and that of the earliest church building (1644) had but lately fallen down.

Old Post House

These had been erected during the early days of the Southampton Village Improvement Association (1885) and so substantially made that they had withstood the element for more than 40 years. In view of the coming of a conference of historically-minded people it was, indeed, a calamity to discover that these very important signs had disappeared and their renewal must wait for next year’s budget.

The village officials, however, were more than equal to the occasion when the matter was brought to their attention and voted the needed funds wherewith to replace these and also others which needed repair. The committee on street signs, Elmer W. Van Brunt, for the village, gave much time and untiring effort to the replacement of the signs and in erecting them. This could not have been done without the assistance of C. Wesley Baily, whose interest and persistent overtime effort saw the painting finished in time for the coming of the visitors on October 6^th.

Especial appreciation is hereby given for the guide post on which “Southampton—founded 1640” may be read by all who pass on the Montauk Highway at either entrance to the village.

The Hollyhocks | built 1662 | home of Thomas Halsey

Since the erection of this most valuable reminder of our historic beginnings, we can but wonder why we have not used it before, for 1640 is the proud inheritance of every one who has a living interest in Southampton.

There are other markers, too, which if rightly placed would help to make Southampton as interesting as the date of her birth. 1640 is an altitude to attain unto and so many of our oldest landmarks have disappeared. We should be eternally grateful to those of our Summer colony who have appreciated many of our old houses enough to restore them, thus preserving to the village these landmarks which speak of her history and mark the contrast between the old and the new, all of which helps to make the village more attractive.

Sign marking site of British Fort during Revolutionary War

We have in times past thought we had no Revolutionary history worthy of preservation, because Long Island was under British supremacy until after the close of the war. We have awakened to realize that the history of Long Island during the Revolution is unique, that to live if one must, under British supremacy was heroic and that he story of the Refugees who fled to the patriot soil of Connecticut is one of the most thrilling of the Revolutionary War. The old Fort cast up by the British on the hill back of the colored church was removed only two years ago to make way for a new street which will open up for settlement many choice building sites in a newer Southampton. The fort is gone, but historic sentiment can still make attractive the site with the placing of a marker to the memory of those who, though their husbands and brothers were away in the lines—they managed to live in peace under very trying circumstances until the return of their protectors; or, we may erect most worthily if we will, a marker in memory of the British General, Wm. Erskine, who declared from the first of his coming that he and his solders had not come to make war on defenseless women and children, and who, during his stay on Eastern Long Island, became so impressed with the justice of the patriot cause that he resigned his commission and returned to England before the war was over.

Herrick House, North Main Street

The William Smith Pelletreau house which stood in North Main Street, where General Erskine made his headquarters during the occupation, has disappeared but the Herrick house, across the street, is standing with its huge fireplace unchanged since the days when General Erskine and his officers had their mess from over its blazing logs.

This house was built in 1760 by David Howell, who went as a refugee to Connecticut, during the Revolution and so far as is known, did not return. It has been well cared for by several generations of the Herrick family. During the historical Conference, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Herrick were good enough to open their home on two occasions and nearly a hundred visitors enjoyed their hospitality—with its many reminders of Revolutionary history.

Let us not wait o long before we erect on the triangle near, a marker to the Revolutionary era in Southampton.

The Charles B. Foster collection at Littleworth is receiving more frequent visits as it becomes better known. Here are preserved the homely implements of the early housekeeping and farms which so many have given to the bonfire. The exhibit contains also a very complete collection of guns, especially of Winchesters and implements of the whale fishery. The collection is an interesting and valuable one and Mr. Foster is most generous in his invitation to open it to any who so desire.

Southampton Press, June 1931

On the impulse given by the coming of the Historical Association, the Southampton Colonial Society has completed two very important project which have for some time been under consideration—the restoration of the stones in the old South End Burying Ground, the fund for which has been met by the accumulated dues of its members, and the completion of the fence marking the boundary of the right-of-way to Conscience Point.

In 1910, the Society incorporated and purchases from Charles Reeves at North Sea the peninsula of upland and meadow known as Conscience Point, and the right-of-way there. The society placed there a boulder in honor of the landing there of the colonists, who in June, 1640, settled Southampton.

With the increase of traffic and building it became necessary to visibly define the boundary line of the right-of-way and a board fence has been completed by placing near the main highway an entrance which is ornamental and appropriate and altogether a great improvement. The entrance is of Colonial design—the drawing for which was the contribution of William I. La Fon, Jr.

First Presbyterian Church of Southampton

The carrying out of the design was done by Builder Lester E. Raynor and the result is both appropriate and attractive, wholly in keeping with its purpose. The committee from the Colonial Society, who have had the matter in charge, President L. Emory Terry, and Mrs. Hugh Halsey, are to be congratulated upon the success of the undertaking. The boundary line is now well defined, the entrance to the Point is dignified and inviting, and speaks of an interest in Southampton's beginnings, which as been given permanent emphasis.

Southampton Press, October 6, 1932

* * *

In as many as half a hundred homes each quarter of the coming year will come the State Association Quarterly—New York History—to those who during the past few months have become members of this Association. In this will be found interesting account of the recent Conference; the papers read and there will be enjoyed even more when read for oneself, and many items of current historical interest appear which are most enlightening. A membership in the Association places New York History in the home of the subscriber and this is more than worth the $3.00 which is the annual membership dues.

First National Bank of Southampton c 1939

Surely there are still those who in attending the meetings have gained a more definite knowledge of the important activities of the New York State Historical Association and would like to give their endorsements.

Lizbeth May Halsey White & Edward Pearson White 
c1929 | 34 Post Crossing

Credentials for membership are an interest in the history of New York State and the signature of one who is already a member. A call the Library and your subscription can be arranged. L.E. Terry at the Southampton Bank or Mrs. Edward P. White, 34 Post Crossing, will be glad to arrange it for you and forward your membership to Frederick B. Richards, secretary, Glens Falls, N.Y.

October 25, 1932

LIZBETH H. WHITE

Historic newspaper and scrapbook images courtesy Lizbeth Halsey White Files, Southampton Historical Museum Archives and Research Center. 

Edward Post White | Obituary

Funeral Rites Sunday For Edward P. White"

Southampton Press | Friday, September 9, 1938

Edward & Lizbeth White c1926

The death of Edward Post White on Friday, September 2, 1938, came as a shock to his many friend. Mr. White had been in ill health since March, but of late had been much better. He was born July 15^th, 1865, the only son of Captain Hubert A. and Sarah Post White. Both his father’s and mother’s families have been active in the affairs of Southampton since the days of its early settlement. His uncle, Albert J. Post, was the first president of Southampton Village. The Old Post House was his birthplace and the home of his mother’s family for several generations. Sebonac, now the home of C.H. MacDonald, was his father’s family home.

Mr. White was educated in Friends’ Academy, Locust Valley, and Mohegan Lake Military School. He has severed his town in many capacities, as assistant postmaster for twelve years, later as tax collector, town clerk and finally as, justice of the peace. In all these offices his quiet and genial personality and his just decisions have won him the respect and cooperation of his fellow citizens. But it was in his own home that Edward White was at his best, a devoted son, a loving husband, and helpful father, always more interested in his children’s pleasures or successes than in his own. December 24^th, 1892, he married Lizbeth Halsey, whose family, like his goes back to the founders of Southampton. Together they worked to preserve its history. White town clerk, Mr. White worked with the late harry Sleight of Sag Harbor, in compiling the seventh and eighth volumes of the Town Records, 1883-1927. Mrs. White compiled the World Records while she was town historian. Her death occurred in 1932.

Their children, all of whom are married, are Captain Edward White, Jr., who is with the Bureau of Marine Investigation and Inspection, Washington, D.C., and was in London at the time of his father’s death; also Mrs. Gerald T. Adams of Westhampton Beach, and Harry Halsey White, who lives in the home on Post Crossing. There are five grandchildren, Edward and Helena White, Jean and Gerald Adams, and Harry Halsey White, Jr.

The funeral services were held in his home on Sunday afternoon at five o’clock, The Rev. James N. Armstrong of the Presbyterian Church conducted them. The Rev. John E. Zeiter of the Methodist Church spoke as a friend and neighbor. Edwin O. Swain sang “Abide with Me.” Rev. Jesse Halsey, brother of Mrs. White, offered the prayer at the grave and closed the service.

"the past will be restored, the lost will be found"

Lizbeth May Halsey White

Lizbeth May Halsey White

Lizbeth Halsey White (6 Apr 1869 - 25 Oct 1932) was the sister of Harry, Abigail Fithian, and Rev. Jesse Halsey, daughter of Charles and Melvina. Lizbeth was 18 when her mother died, and for the six years following Melvina's death, Lizbeth helped her father tend the home, cared for her younger siblings, and worked on the farm. In 1892, when Lizbeth was 23, she married Edward White, then 27, and they and what would be their three children lived with Edward's parents, his uncle, three servants, and six or so boarders in the Old Post House a few blocks down Main Street from the Halsey family home in Southampton. Later, Abigail (Aunt Babbie) lived with Lizbeth and her family in the Post home, too, despite Jesse having built Abigail "the bungalow" behind the Halsey family home at 49 No. Main. Edward was a justice of the peace, as well as founder of the Southampton Colonial Society.

Edward Post White, Sr.

Lizbeth was the town historian of Southampton during the '20s and early '30s, the second person to hold said position and the first woman. The dedication page to Abigail Fithian Halsey's 1940 book "In Old Southampton," published by Columbia University Press and chronicling the history of the town of Southampton from its founding in the 1640s through its role in the Revolutionary War, reads:

MY SISTER, LIZBETH HALSEY WHITE
HISTORIAN OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON 1923-1932
BEGAN THESE STORIES IN 1932
IT HAS BEEN A LABOR OF LOVE TO COMPLETE THE SERIES
IN HER MEMORY

Lizbeth with son Edward Post White, Jr. and Dorothy Pearson, March 1923
Cap'n Eddie and Dot were married in July 1924

From the memorial written by Robert Keene at Annual Meeting of Southampton Colonial Society, May 17, 2985:

Lizbeth White was the founding Regent of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and it was Lizbeth White who was instrumental in bringing to the attention of the Town Board in 1928 the design of the Town Flag, as presented by the D.A.R. . . .
And it was Lizbeth who revealed that the first woman to step ashore at what was later to be called Conscience Point was Eleanor, the wife of the leader of the first settlers, Edward Howell.

In advocating for the creation of an organization dedicated to the preservation of historical landmarks in 1915, Lizbeth wrote:

"Many of our Town's most precious memorials have vanished forever. Our fathers were too busy planting and colonizing, wrestling life from hard conditions, to think much about leaving behind them personal souvenirs . . . Then into this repository let every native and every citizen take a pride in gathering whatever shall preserve the memory of the past or throw a light upon its life . . . Begin with today and work backward as fast as possible. Gradually the past will be restored, the lost will be found."

Photographs of Lizbeth and Edward Post White, courtesy of Con Crowley, from a collection of photos belonging to his grandfather, Captain Ed White, Jr. Apparently, Cap'n Eddie kept the photograph album with him at sea, as he spent a lifetime in the Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard.  

1910 United States Federal Census Record 
1930 United States Federal Census Record
Pedigree view for Lizbeth May Halsey White on Ancestry.com

275th Anniversary of Southampton: "a more sympathetic understanding between neighbors"

On June 12, 1915, the citizens of Southampton, N.Y., staged a historical pageant written and directed by my Great Great Aunt Abigail Fithian Halsey, commemorating the town's 275th Anniversary. In addition to being a teacher and one-time Southampton town historian, "Aunt Babbie" made a living writing stories, poems, and pageants.

Edward Post White, Sr., far right

According to the catalog of Babbie's papers held in the New York State historical archive, organizations which sponsored her pageants include: "The Dairymen's League Cooperative Association, the Heckscher Foundation for Children, City History Club of New York, the New York State Federation of Women's Clubs, and other civic or cultural organizations in Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Riverhead, Ithaca, Kingston, Tappen, N.Y., and Cincinnati, OH." Among the topics covered in the programs were the Shinnecock Indians in Southampton, and the Women's Community Building and the Tompkins County Fair in Ithaca, N.Y.

One of the publications to which Babbie contributed was the Cornell University Extension Bulletin. Her article, "The Historical Pageant in the Rural Community," from Bulletin No. 54 in June 1922, features a photo of a woman in Puritan garb, accompanied by two children similarly clad. The photo depicts a scene from the 1916 Southampton pageant. I'm certain the boy in the photo is 10th-generation son of Southampton Charles Henry Halsey II, my grandfather, age 4.

In the article Babbie writes, "Fifty years ago the street procession was the usual form of American pageantry. Now the pageant is the dramatic representation of the life of a community, or of the development of an art, expressed historically, allegorically, or symbolically. This is a simple definition, but, for our purpose, a satisfactory one. Whether it is an historical pageant, an allegorical pageant, or a symbolical pageant depends upon the form in which we choose to present the life of our community. It is easy to look up the historical facts and portray them in a series; but the pageant will lose its best lessons if we depend upon facts alone for our materials. There are meanings below the surface of men's lives which can be expressed only in living pictures that represent spiritual qualities. This is allegory. There are lessons for the future which no portray of facts, nor even pictures of spiritual qualities, can teach, but which can be made clear only by some strong, symbolical episode which will for all time leave in the minds of its beholders a truth which cannot be forgotten. There, while it is perfectly possible to make a community pageant which shall be entirely allegorial or symbolical in form, it is better for our purpose to take the facts from the historical background of the community and use the other forms of pageantry 'to suggest the ideals and aspirations which have had a place in the development of the community.'"

According to a review of her article carried in the November 1922 issue of The Playground--the monthly publication of the Playground and Recreation Association of America--Babbie "offers practical and encouragement to rural communities desirous of making local history live through an historical pageant." Focusing on the "construction, presentation, music, costumes, committees, etc., of pageants," she claims as the pageant's purpose the development of a "local history as well as a more sympathetic understanding between neighbors."

"Southampton Honors Lizbeth White"

Lizbeth May Halsey White & Edward Pearson White 
c1929 | 34 Post Crossing

from "Southampton Honors Lizbeth White"

By Portia Flanagan

Long Island Traveler-Watchman

23 May 1985

SOUTHAMPTON—The Contents of the Southampton Historical Museum were designated officially as the Lizbeth White Memorial by members of the Southampton Colonial Society at their annual meeting held in the museum’s spacious drawing room Friday night, May 17.

The members’ unanimous action was taken to honor the late Mrs. White who, as Town Historian in the 1920s, uncovered numbers of long-hidden treasures and urged the community to preserve its rich heritage for future generations.

Society Trustee Roy L. Wines Jr. told the 100 persons present that it was “a privilege to offer the motion” to designate the museum’s contents in Mrs. White’s memory. His motion also provided for the creation of “an appropriate bronze plague” to be mounted in the museum building, known as The Captain Rogers Homestead, at Meeting House Lane.

Preceding the establishment of the memorial, Society president Robert Keene, who is the current town historian, described Mrs. White as “one of my heroines.” It was in his own search of town records that revealed her accomplishments and foresight, along with her remarkable grasp and concept of local history, that endeared her to me, three Town Historians and some 50 years later,” Mr. Keen said.

Reading from a prepared statement, Mr. Keene said that in 1915, when Southampton celebrated its 275^th anniversary, the local paper, the Sea-Side Times, published a piece written by Mrs. White that he said, “proved to me that she had the understanding and inspiration that, over 35 years later, resulted in the founding of the Southampton Historical Museum.

In it Mrs. White noted that  “Many of our town’s most precious memorials have vanished forever. Our fathers were too busy planting and colonizing, to think much about leaving behind them personal souvenirs . . . The golden opportunities for constructing the infant history of our colony have for the most part passed away. Those which remain ought to be seized with the greatest avidity.”

She would like to see, she wrote 70 years ago, “The fairest lot of land to be found between Long Springs and the beach devoted to a memorial use. Spare an acre or two from your generous farms, upon it to be erected a modest but dignified structure of stone, or brick, fireproof, which shall contain primarily a library. Then into this repository let every native and every citizen take a pride in gathering whatever shall preserve the memory of the past or throw light upon its life. The place and time to begin are here and now.

“Begin with today and work backward as fast and as far as possible,” she wrote, continuing: “Gradually the past will be restored, the lost will be found. Long hidden treasures will leap from their hiding places and find their companions and congenial associations.”

She noted in the article that the Colonial Society, established in 1898, had sponsored two loan exhibitions of “a rare and beautiful collection of articles and relics of earlier days  . . . These exhibitions have proved our locality rich in treasures of the past and the Society has long looked forward to making permanent an exhibit of the kind of thing which historical societies everywhere are doing, with a background of incidents far less picturesque than that Southampton possesses.”

It was not until 1951, however, 19 years after Mrs. White’s death in October, 1932, that the Colonial Society was able to open the doors of the Historical Museum, its first permanent home, which Mr. Keene said on Friday is “this truly magnificent museum complex which has become a fitting memorial for all that Lizbeth White ever dreamed of. And furthermore, he said, “it is a tribute to Lizbeth White, the first woman historian of the Town and the meticulous recorder of our history and heritage.”

It was Mrs. White, Mr. Keene said, who was instrumental in bringing to the attention of the Town Board in 1928 the design of the town flag; it was her “small typewritten note” that he found among the papers of the late Town Historian William K. Dunwell that led to the adoption of the first Southampton Town Flag in 1982, Mr. Keene added.

And it was Mrs. White, he said, who discovered that the first woman to step ashore at what is now Conscience Point in North Sea in 1640 was Eleanor Howell, the wife of the leader of the first white settlers, Edward Howell. It was she who identified the small boy in the boat as the Howell’s eight-year-old son, Arthur, he said.

Mrs. White, who was born Lizbeth Halsey, live din what is today the Post House at North Main Street, and raised her family there. She was the founding Regent of the Southampton Colony Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and it was, appropriately, the chapter that presented the flag to the town.

Babbie's Dream

AFH

Thurs. Night [June 1, 1939]

Dear Jess,

What is this I hear through Mr. Ells and Mr. Moyer that you are appointed Vice Moderator with Dr. Higginbotton? You did not say anything about that in your letter. What does it mean? More work? Or more glory? Or a double-beated campaign the church union and missionary enterprise? Let the world move on. God bless you, only let me know about it, what shall I tell your inquiring friends?

Memorial Day was fine with Nan and Jack at their camp and Gardner Jagger the only representative of our older generation and Babbie slipping into their ranks watching waters of young the bathers. Boo, Louise, Boogie came for the night with me and broke the loneliness of the first night the old house.

Yesterday I went to Ibby’s for the night of little Jerry’s second birthday—found them well although Jean had had tonsillitis. I had a dream that has been with me all day, thought Edward came up the stairs bringing Lizbeth in his arms. I said, “O my Darling, you have come back to me!” She murmured, “Don’t talk to me just yet. I’ll be all right in a minute.” What you know were the last words she said to me. Her voice, the moment of experience, all so real, have been with me all day.

I wish you would write to Boo asking him about the estate encouraging him to keep after the real estate people about the house. Ed is away. It is all new to him. The market is bad and the place is eating itself up as it is—people are just beginning to rent, things here are so backward, but now are looking surprising well in the village, at the beach.

Goodnight and congratulations.

Ab.

When are the gals coming?

Summer 1912

from Jessie Luther: At the Grenfell Mission

Another important event for all of us is associated with that year. This was romance, the marriage of Dr. Little and Ruth Keese (L.M.K.) after three years of happy association. They were married by Mr. Jesse Halsey at the assistant doctor’s house, and the union of two persons so beloved by everyone was hailed with joy. The wedding was one of the simplest and most beautiful I ever witnessed, just a small gathering of friends brought together informally in the little room decorated with spruce boughs and yellow-leaved birch branches. Ruth Keese, in her familiar blue linen gown, and Dr. Little, in well known tweeds, entered the house together and after chatting with guests came forward with joined hands to stand before Mr. Halsey when he entered in his clerical gown to perform the short ceremony. In the dining room, Mrs. Grenfell had prepared a beautiful table for the wedding feast, to which all members of the staff contributed. Then, after congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds, we left them.

Another exciting event of that summer was the arrival at St. Anthony of a beautiful three-masted schooner with a party of Mrs. Grenfell’s friends aboard, bound for a trip down the Labrador coast. The ship, donated to the Mission by Mr. George B. Cluett of Troy, N.Y., and built with special reference to its requirements, had been chartered by Mr. W.R. Stirling of Chicago for a Labrador cruise, and this was her maiden voyage. At Boston, she had taken on a cargo of Mission supplies, and her stop at St. Anthony was to deliver them as well as to pay a social visit.

Mr. Stirling’s small party, which included his daughter, Miss Dorothy Stirling, Miss Harriot Houghteling and other friends of Mrs. Grenfell, spent their time on shore, and St. Anthony was gay until they sailed away after a brief visit, taking Dr. Grenfell with them as skipper for the northern voyage. One can imagine the enjoyment of such a trip under the Doctor’s guidance and the thrilling anticipation of possible hazards from icebergs or shoals along the uncharted coast.

For my own part, the hazards of a voyage on the George B. Cluett became my most notable experience of the following year, 1912. In late June, with other Mission personnel—doctors, nurses, collegians going north for a summer of volunteer service—I sailed from Boston for St. Anthony on the schooner instead of taking the conventional route by rail and steamer. The voyage was uneventful, but the last day our calm security vanished as we faced threatened disaster from fire, shoals, fog, heavy seas and finally near collision with an iceberg, a twenty-four-hour experience which, in detail, would be worth telling.

 

Herrick's Camp - Whalebone Landing, circa 1927

Photo courtesy of Con Crowley, from a collection belonging to his grandfather, Captain Ed White, Jr., a copy of which is also available in the archives of the Southampton Historical Museum and Research Center.