The Lighthouse Keeper
By Daniel W. Drake

Associate Publisher

After almost two weeks of cheerless weather, with hardly a sun sighting, July third on Nantucket was a beautiful day. To some it was not quite perfect because the wind was still a bit brisk, but, it was as close to ideal as one could want. And because of the wind, which kept their boats moving, but didn’t slam them around, the sailors were happy.

The Fourth of July dawned the same way. The sky was crystal clear, the air was warm and the wind was benign.

Several thousand people gathered on Main Street for the celebration of our nation’s independence. Some outfits were sublime, others ridiculous, but all were in good fun. Red was the predominate color, although much blue and white was in evidence, as well.

The crowd waited patiently in long ribbons of humanity for balloons and for face painting. The Park and Recreation Department staff and their helpers did a magnificent job in keeping up with the crowd.

It was a real shock to discover the balloons were free; there are so few events these days where the participants don’t have to lug their wallets along. The cost of most “family entertainment” is beyond the reach of many families.

A casual observer might wonder why people were so intent on gorging themselves on pies and watermelon, or allowing themselves to be dunked in a vat of water by a well-aimed softball. What gives people the fortitude to wait in line for the pleasure of a stomach ache or to walk around for the rest of the morning in a wet bathing suit? What is the thrill of decorating one’s bicycle so one can submit it for judging? What perverse pleasure is there in allowing oneself to be soaked by a fire hose?

The answers are elementary. These are the simple pleasures of carefree celebration. Perhaps it would behoove us to be more contemplative; to reflect on those sultry days in Philadelphia 229 years ago and the significance of the words in that Declaration of Independence, the document that gave rise to this celebration. Maybe we should think more about the risks that the signers took upon themselves by putting their names on a treasonous document.

Somehow, one can’t help but believe that the likes of John Hancock, the Adamses (Samuel and John), Robert Treat Paine, Robert Morris and Button Gwinnett would be pleased to have their bravery celebrated in this manner. The simple joy of our July 4 th activities must be very much akin to what was felt in the euphoric moments after that document was signed, as people gathered in the streets of Philadelphia and listened to the Liberty Bell peal itself into disability. Maybe they weren’t spitting watermelon seeds, but they had other ways to have a good time even in a time of war and deprivation.

As long as the roots of our celebration are remembered, the simple pleasures provided by Nantucket’s Fourth of July celebration on Main Street (and those of many other communities throughout the land) are most appropriate. The joy and laughter are our homage to those who came before and made possible the freedom that this nation and this community enjoy.

But, again the casual observer might ask, “What about the fog? How does that fit in?” The fog often does play a role in the Fourth of July on Nantucket and this year was no exception.

In the late afternoon, driving out to ’Sconset for a picnic, at about the fourth milestone, the fog looming off — or over — Tom Nevers became apparent. At first, it wasn’t clear that the bank extended to ’Sconset, so despite what common sense should have told us, our carload speculated on whether the fog was a serious threat to our wellbeing. The answer became clear atop the knoll beyond Tom Nevers Road. The sky was dark and there was no sign of the water tower.

For one who has always been suspicious of ’Sconset and its inhabitants, the sight was confirmation that this was indeed a strange place of Brigadoon-ish quality, with the power to disappear on demand; to raise the drawbridge; to say “keep out.” But, even as the temperature dropped 15 degrees, we persevered, only to find the assemblage of people clad mostly in sweaters, slickers and long pants. Our shorts and polo shirts, appropriate to the semi-tropical climes of Madaket from which we had come, looked out of place, a sure sign that we were from away.

No matter! We were accepted and, until the bone chill of the dampness set in, enjoyed great food and conviviality. The fog was merely part of the ambiance, an accepted vicissitude. However, we were eventually forced to retreat.

The return trip entailed much speculation about whether the annual fireworks display would occur. The fog had reached the southern edges of town as we circled the rotary, but to the north and west, it was clear. Since the cancellation time had long since come and gone, we figured that that the show would go on.

The fog had reached the southern reaches of Long Pond, but to the north, over Dionis and Eel Point, the sky was blue. The possibility of a fireworks show still seemed reasonable. But then, the wail of the fog horn on the East Jetty began to find its way to us.

By 8:30 p.m., as the sun was setting, the fog found its way inland and the pine trees between us and town became enveloped. We cancelled the fireworks and settled in to watch the awesome shows brought to us by television from Washington, New York City and Boston.

While being bombarded with frequently cacophonous music from the television, we listened for the booms of the local fireworks from outside. We heard nothing until about 10 p.m., when a rapid concentration of explosions seemed to signal the finale of a show close by.

Did the fireworks happen on Nantucket last night? At this juncture, we have no idea. We did enjoy the mainland displays, but there is nothing like seeing and listening to a fireworks show in person. Given a clear night, the choice of which to do is obvious.

One is hard pressed to believe that the founding fathers thought much about fireworks or Fourth of July picnics and fog. Given that they don’t mix well, perhaps Mr. Hancock and his colleagues would not mind if Nantucket’s fireworks, at least, were shifted to Labor Day. Then on a clear Fourth of July night we would be able to watch the shows from the Vineyard and the Cape, while we would have much greater assurance that our own show could be seen and enjoyed on a clear September night.

Yes, fog can be a factor on the Fourth of July. The Main Street celebration wouldn’t be as much fun in the fog, but it could go on. With the proper attire and a stiff drink, a barbeque in ’Sconset even works. For the fireworks, however, the fog should be removed from the equation.

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The “Lighthouse Keeper” reflects the views of the author and does not represent the editorial position of The Nantucket Independent. Please send any comments to drake@nantucketindependent.com.