Gay Head (steamboat)

The "Gay Head" was a sidewheel steamer operating as a ferry serving the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket during the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth. It was named after the town of Gay Head, MA, later renamed Aquinnah.

Construction

The "Gay Head" was built in 1891 in Philadelphia for the New Bedford, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamboat Co. [Banks, Charles E., "The History of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Volume I". (Dukes County Historical Society, 1911)] It was 701 tons, 203 feet long, 34 foot beam, a draft of 5 1/2 feet, with encased paddlewheels. The engine was built by Pusey & Jones Co. in Philadelphia. [Turner, Harry B. "The Story of the Island Steamers" (The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1910)] It was the largest sidewheeler ever operated by the company. [ [http://www.mvgazette.com/commentary/gazette_chronicle/?document=19610600_steamboat_days Vineyard Gazette Online ] ]

According to a 1961 "Vineyard Gazette" article::"Her social hall, ladies' saloon and toilet rooms were "all fitted in the Neapolitan style, with gold trimmings." The woodwork was of cherry, and the side seats in the cabins were covered with maroon plush upholstering. The social hall deck was laid with black walnut and maple - its size, too, was imposing, for its length was 50 feet. Above the main deck were the forward promenade and upper saloon, reached fore and aft by "richly carved staircases." Five state rooms on each side were furnished with willow furniture. The Gay Head could boast a hurricane deck extending from the stern to the pilot house; this was something earlier steamers had lacked." [ [http://www.mvgazette.com/commentary/gazette_chronicle/?document=19610600_steamboat_days Vineyard Gazette Online ] ]

Career

"Gay Head" was commanded initially in 1891 by Capt. A. P. Bartow and Capt. G. L. Daggett, and later by Capt. Charles H. Fishback of Nantucket, Capt. Charles H. Coulter (resigned 1909), and Capt. J. W. Merriman. [Turner, Harry B. "The Story of the Island Steamers" (The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1910)]

In July 1898, the Gay Head collided with the steamer "Nantucket" while crossing Vineyard Sound in a dense fog. The Nantucket's bow was badly damaged in the accident. [Turner, Harry B. "The Story of the Island Steamers" (The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1910)]

The "Gay Head" operated until 1924, after 33 years of operation. ["The Dukes County Intelligencer". Vol. 24, No. 4. May 1983]

Notes

References

* Banks, Charles E., "The History of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Volume I". (Dukes County Historical Society, 1911)

* Turner, Harry B. "The Story of the Island Steamers" (The Inquirer and Mirror Press, 1910)

* [http://www.mvgazette.com/commentary/gazette_chronicle/?document=19610600_steamboat_days] - reprint of a 1961 "Vineyard Gazette" article

* "The Dukes County Intelligencer" Vol. 24, No. 4. May 1983