From the August 22, 1924 edition of the Gazette:

Edgartown harbor presented an animated appearance on Saturday forenoon when water sports at the Bathing Beach in the morning drew together one of the largest crowds of the season, and also in the afternoon when took place the first regatta of the season of 1924.

For the hour previous to the start of the regatta, which had been set at 3 o’clock, over one hundred boats under sail, jockeying about the harbor made a marine picture not soon to be forgotten. Adding to the beauty of the scene was the handsome schooner yacht of Elmer J. Bliss of Boston, the Acabo, and the auxiliary schooner yacht Argyle owned by G. F. Dominick of New York, both of which vessels were gaily dressed for the occasion In addition many of the residences and boathouses along the waterfront displayed flags in honor of the day.

The general committee having the events in charge was composed of G. F. Dominick, A. L. Swasey, Fred H. Guild, Marsen Candler, Flamen Candlre, Charles Tischoff and under their direction the day’s sports were carried through with great success and much to the enjoyment of the thousands and more spectators who witnessed the contests from boats, from the Bathing Beach, from the Lighthouse Bridge, or from other points of vantage along the eastern harbor front. As stated in the committee’s circular, “this regatta day was given for the express purpose of rejuvenating the Edgartown spirit for yacht racing, water sports and everything that pertains to seamanship, so that the town will once again assume the high position it held in the past in this line, for there are no better sailors old and young than though who were brought up and have had their training in this harbor.”

Weather conditions were perfect for the Dance held on Saturday afternoon at the Tivoli for the benefit of Trinity Episcopal Church of Oak Bluffs. Mrs. H. O. Philips was in charge of the affair and worked hard to insure its success. Mr. Hardy, with four or five members of his popular orchestra, furnished the music. Pretty afternoon gowns and handsome sports clothes were worn by the dancers. Tiny girls in cute little costumes, of various dainty shades and at least one little boy enjoyed their little “dances” in a roped off portion of the floor. Dr. and Mrs. Soper and Rev. Dr. Cabot were present. East Chop, Vineyard Highlands, Eastville and other portions of Oak Bluffs were well represented as were Vineyard Haven, West Chop, West Tisbury and other portions of the western end of the island and several came from Edgartown to enjoy the afternoon to do their share toward making the affair a financial success.

Mrs. John T. George was in charge of the cake and candy table, which cleared over $70. Assisting her were Miss M. Frances Norris, Miss Emma Spinney, Miss Alice Brown, Mrs. Anne Estelle Hollis, Miss Barbara Whipple, Mrs. Ruth Blatchford. Mrs. A. H. Lamborne was in charge of cigarettes. Their sale brought in over $40. Mrs. Bertland W. Norton, chairman, Mrs. Hugh J. Diamond, and Mrs. Harold Weston Chase, dispensed delicious lemonade, bringing in, thereby, the sum of $60.10. The total net receipts of the affair were $300.

To many people the recently much discussed proposition of a bridge to Chappaquiddick, which might be built across the narrows in the vicinity of Kent Harbor and make easy passage for automobiles, etc., has been looked upon as quite in the group of pleasant visions — a most desirable thing to be accomplished, resulting possibly in a building boom on Chappaquiddick and consequently adding more or less to the taxable wealth of the town - but not likely to be built chiefly for the reason of its apparent high cost of construction and later maintenance. So it happened one day this week, while in conversation with a gentleman who is a large owner of Edgartown real estate, the subject of a bridge to Chappaquiddick was mentioned, and we were brought instantly to attention by his emphatic statement. “You can bet your life that five years from today you will see a bridge across the narrows to Chappaquiddick at the Swimming Place.” And then he proceeded to dilate very interestingly on the reasons for his belief. Coming from one who, if necessity arose, could himself undoubtedly shoulder the entire cost of the undertaking without disturbing his financial equilibrium in the least, his prediction has caused food for thought, and a further statement by him to the effect that at the proper time the matter of the cost of the bridge could be very easily financed, has brought us to the border land of “Who Can Tell,” and in fancy we see the future of Chappaquiddick, summer villas, beautiful roads, magnificent marine and country views, easily accessible by water or by the handsome bridge, through or under which steamer and water craft of all kinds plow on to the glistening waters of Katama Bay, discharging thousands of happy pleasure seekers at the resorts on either shore. “Who can tell.”

Compiled by Hilary Wallcox

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