Category Archives: Aquinnah

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

May 13, 2014 Leave a comment

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.

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.

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 9^th 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 20^th 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

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A Quick Guide To Boating On Martha’s Vineyard

April 22, 2014 Leave a comment

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), It’s always our self we find in the sea.” – E.E. Cummings

With the weather finally turning towards the better, it seems like more and more boats are slowly trickling into the harbors. People are prepping for the season, and I can’t wait to get my boat ready as well. Boating is a large part of the lifestyle here on Martha’s Vineyard, and luckily you don’t have to know someone in order to take advantage of that. There are so many different programs & businesses on Martha’s Vineyard, that finding a way to get out on the water is a breeze.

If you’re looking for some excitement on the high seas, sport fishing is the way to go. We recommend Smokin Eel Charters, or Larry’s Tackle Shop Charters. These two Captains have been fishing these waters for 30+ years, and know the island’s best fishing spots.

If you’re looking for a family day out on the water sailing, call the people over on the schooner Ishmael at 617-355-8610.

Would you like your children to learn how to sail? Check out Sail MV. They have an amazing sailing program for sailors at every level of sailing.

If you are looking for something else out on the water, please give us a call. With so many connections throughout the Island, we can help make your summer dreams a reality.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
Rent@SandpiperRental.com
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or
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Spring Awakening Means Time In The Garden

April 1, 2014 Leave a comment

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
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