Curating Old Nantucket Slides
With unmatched historic charm and lore, most famously depicted in Herman Melville’s 1851 novel Moby-Dick, Nantucket has long hosted adventurers from the mainland who are ready to embrace the unknown and a mindset that is only felt when stranded 30 miles out to sea.
Fishing at Great Point. August, 1979.
We caught up with Bob, Curator of @oldnantucketslides, for a quick glimpse into his family’s long-time love of the island. Since 1969, he’s visited Nantucket in search of a chance to unwind and he hopes to preserve the history of Old Nantucket while paying homage to those who documented the island through their own eyes over the decades.
“Boat to America”. August, 1953.
“I’ve always had an interest in midcentury American design and furniture and found that Kodachrome slides from the 1950’s were very representative of the era and I started collecting slides. That was the original genesis of collecting and the Nantucket slides were an outgrowth of that.”
Sailing around Brant Point. Summer, 1961.
Alden’s Bicycle Shop. July, 1977.
“I love going to flea markets and garage sales and would often notice photographs and slides for sale. Honestly, I think it’s a shame that families let their personal remembrances be sold or thrown away. I first found a bunch of Nantucket slides for sale at a flea market in New York City back in the late 90’s.”
The Nantucket Compass. July, 1958.
Main Street. Summer, 1961.
“My first visit to Nantucket was as a 10 year old in 1969. I recall a very bohemian vibe mixed together with the historic whaling village theme. Nantucket had a lot of rooming houses in that era and it was a new experience for me to be in shared accommodations, but it was a lot of fun and everyone was so cool about it! My family continually visited over the years and eventually we started renting out in Madaket for our vacation.”
A young lady checks out the fishing fleet. Summer, 1958.
Sailing around the harbor. July, 1977.
‘Sconset. July, 1950.
Open top. June, 1965.
“After I married and had children my wife and I loved introducing our daughters to the island and today our oldest is engaged to be married and we look forward to introducing grandkids to the island someday! Many things about Nantucket have changed, but it still is the most magical place in the world to visit. We always take the slow ferry so we can unwind on the trip and get into Nantucket mode.”
Baxter Road from the top of Sankaty Head Light. Summer, 1954.
Sankaty Head Light and keeper’s house. Summer, 1958.
Inspired by Nantucket
It's always sweater weather on Nantucket. Inspired by the island's charming enclave, Siasconset, with picture perfect hydrangeas, weathered shingle homes, and historic Sankaty Head Light. Donning an iconic sailor stripe pattern, our 'Sconset SeaThread™ Sweater pairs well with an early morning bluff walk or a trip into town for dinner.
