Category Archives: Feature

The Gay Head Lighthouse, An Iconic Piece of Martha’s Vineyard History, Is In Danger

Perched on top of the famous clay cliffs in Aquinnah, the Gay Head Lighthouse is in danger of toppling into the sea below if it isn’t moved back within the next year and a half. In a race against time, locals are frantically trying to accumulate the funds to get this historic icon moved to a yet to be decided location.

So why the urgency? To move the Gay Head Lighthouse safely, there needs to be a 30′ circumference around the lighthouse to accommodate the heavy impact of the moving vehicles and machinery. Currently there is only 47′, and that is swifty eroding, according to a geological and engineering study performed 2012.

In order to move the 400 ton beacon the town of Aquinnah is applying for ownership from the US Coast Guard, and scrambling to raise over $3,000,000 for the project. The Save Gay Head Lighthouse Advisory Committee is well underway, hoping to raise 2/3 of the funding from private sources, and 1/3 from public events, as well as public and private grants. They hope to be able to move the Gay Head Lighthouse in late fall of 2014 to one of three spots. The final location will be chosen based on geological factors, and many other factors. If everything goes to plan the actual move should take about 1-2 weeks.

base-light

In 1796, thanks in large part to the whaling and shipping industries, Massachusetts State Senator, Peleg Coffin, put in a request to Congress to have a lighthouse installed on Martha’s Vineyard overlooking what is known as “Devils Bridge”, a shallow dangerous passage in the Vineyard Sound. By 1799 the Gay Head Lighthouse was constructed and helped many a sailor on their voyage. Just a short 45 years later, the lighthouse had to be moved back 75’. John Mayhew of Edgartown was in charge of the move, and the total cost at time was $396.75.

1799_Gay_Head_Light_from_wood_engraving

Due to weather and erosion, the original octagonal shaped building had to be replaced in 1885, to what is now the iconic brick building we know and love today. At that time, Gay Head was listed as the 9th most important lighthouse in our country. Because of this, and the timing of needing to be replaced it was the first United States lighthouse to receive a Fresnel lens, making the light the most visually powerful lighthouse yet.

In order to differentiate itself from the area’s two other light houses – one at Sankaty Head, and the other at Montauk Point- the Gay Head Lighthouse changed from flashing white to flashing three whites and a red in 1874.

Things remained relatively the same for many years with the lighthouse until 1954. With electricity starting to replace kerosene in the early half of the 20th century, it was only a matter of time until our beloved lighthouse was converted to an electric lamp.

Now we are at the end of a fabulous chapter of history for this iconic lighthouse. Within the next couple of months we will be turning the page to a new era of history for The Gay Head Lighthouse; one that hopefully will last another century.

To help save The Gay Head Lighthouse, please visit www.gayheadlight.org

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc

Rent@SandpiperRental.com
CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS
or
CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes

Spring Awakening Means Time In The Garden

Emily Post's Garden

Recently I have noticed more and more signs of spring popping up all around the island. The trees are starting to show new growth, the Crocuses and Snowdrops are starting to pop up everywhere,  Cardinals and Blue Jays are making appearances and,  as hard as it is to believe, The weather seems to be going up in temperature just a scosh. All these signs have me itching to get outside and work in the Garden. The island is home to many amazing gardens, and soon enough just walking through the streets of Edgartown will make you feel as if like walking through an Arboretum or  Botanical Garden.

Here are some great tips for getting your garden ready this spring:

  • Did you know that Corn Gluten is a natural preemptive weed control? Simply sprinkle it around your garden and you won’t see any crabgrass or other pesky weeds popping up. The general timing of this is to apply it just as the forsythia plants start to bloom.
  • Be sure to prune back the following plants to achieve maximum effect come spring:
    • Hydrangeas should be pruned back to the lowest pair of strong buds on last season’s growth
    • Rosa Rugosa should be pruned back roughly 12 inches
    • Any Shrub Roses you may have
  • Now is the time to start adding organic material, such as coffee beans or manure to your garden bed. Make sure you wait until the soil and organic material dries out before you start to dig. Working in the wet soil causes compaction and compound destruction.
  • Once soil reaches 41 degrees on a regular basis you can start to transfer any seedling vegetables you may have planted  indoors before the final frost happens.
    • Hardier vegetables such as carrots and lettuce tend to grow better in the cooler weather, but make sure to have some form of cover handy to keep the plants safe from any overnight frost that may occur.
  • Lastly, take time to shear back any groundcover, such as ivy. They can quickly overtake any garden if not kept in check.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
Rent@SandpiperRental.com
CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS
or
CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes

Inexpensive And Easy Ideas To Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Space

A popular trend here on Martha’s Vineyard is to have a comfortable, yet functional outdoor living space. There’s nothing better than having family and friends together for food and quality time from spring all the way into fall. Here are some astonishingly easy ideas to bring new life into your outdoor living space.

Mason Jar Votives

1) Mason Jar Votives

This simple update will bring a serene feeling to your outdoor space. All you need is 3 Mason Jars, thick twine, sand from the beach, and your favorite votive candles.

1)Fill the mason jars with sand at varying levels. this will give the candles different heights.
2) Next wrap the top of the mason jar twice with the twine, tying it off in a simple bow.
3) Finally place the votice candles in the sand and arrange them to your liking on your outdoor table.

 

Foundation decoration

2) Hide Your Boring Foundation

Tired of looking at that brick or concrete slab at the base of your house? Head to your favorite home improvement store and pick up your favorite faux stone siding, and install it along your foundation. This subtle change will make a huge difference. 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor dog bowl ideas

3) Easily Made Fancy Dog Bowls

 

Style doesn’t just have to be for humans. Head to the Home Goods and pick up some inexpensive planters, and some dog bowls. Once home, place the in a spot next to either a garden or a statue, just make sure they blend in within your design motif. Once the planters are situated place the dog bowls within the planters. This way fido has a source of water that is discrete and decorative.

 

 

Solar Chandilier

4) Make Your Own Cordless Outdoor Chandelier

There’s something fun and romantic about having a chandelier outside. This Chandelier is perfect for hanging over a table outside. You don’t even need a power cord.

Find an old chandelier you’re fond of at a thrift or antique store, take out the bulbs, and replace them with outdoor solar lights, then hang it from your favorite spot or tree, and enjoy! 

 

 

 

These quick subtle changes will make a world of difference to your outdoor space. Adding lighting that will illuminate the outdoor living space during the evening will extend the use of your outdoor space well past sunset. And hiding the foundation will create a more appealing look to your outdoor space, as well as improve the resale value should you ever choose to sell. For a property enrichment evaluation, please feel free to contact us. Sandpiper would love to help take your home to the next level in vacation rentals.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
Rent@SandpiperRental.com
CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS
or
CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes