Jessica Harris is quite simply one of Martha's Vineyard's many wonderful treasures.
6
OH! How wonderful!
5
Reading the reader reactions to the fine article says more about our country than an article about the divided and divisive nation we have become.
Looks like a good time.
Looks like a good time.
12
The inkwell? Glad to see some people still have a sense of humor.
3
Is there a cookbook that features the mouthwatering food shown in this article?
12
As a child of sharecroppers and descendant of enslaved African Americans who has also vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard for almost a decade, I ask for more inclusiveness in future articles about Black Vineyarders. For example, if I were not familiar with the politically and economically relevant panels annually sponsored by Harvard Professors Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Charles Ogletree, I might have retched at these descriptions as “’House Servants’ putting on airs.”
This sensitivity, I seek, is especially important today when the vast divergence between the Black Underclass and more socioeconomically fortunate classes of African Americans is frightening and expanding.
This sensitivity, I seek, is especially important today when the vast divergence between the Black Underclass and more socioeconomically fortunate classes of African Americans is frightening and expanding.
11
There it is, "the vast divergence between the underclass(needs no racial distinction) and the more socioeconomically fortunate classes is frightening and expanding."
5
I covet those cottages and homes pictured in this delightful and charming article. And can I please invite myself to one of the five to seven events? The food and wine and convivial atmosphere make me envious! A treasure well portrayed.
20
When I was young 3 generations of my family would congregate in one house on Chappaquiddick every summer. My grandparents would be there first with a car so big only 1 other could fit on the 3 car On Time Ferry. There was no tv and no phone. This article reminded me of the wonderful summers with my family. That's what I got from this lovely piece; people enjoying each other's company in paradise.
19
With no cable, tv, internet, or phones. People actually came outside!
8
I really enjoyed this!
Some commenters suggest that articles that highlight diversity somehow is divisive. I certainly feel differently. I love the diversity of this country-- it's what makes America unique. And this diversity is worth celebrating. Let's live fearlessly and with appreciation of each other without recoiling from our differences. Thanks, NYT, for shedding light on a charming little oasis, and giving us a nice history lesson in the process.
Some commenters suggest that articles that highlight diversity somehow is divisive. I certainly feel differently. I love the diversity of this country-- it's what makes America unique. And this diversity is worth celebrating. Let's live fearlessly and with appreciation of each other without recoiling from our differences. Thanks, NYT, for shedding light on a charming little oasis, and giving us a nice history lesson in the process.
42
Diversity has come to mean only different skin colors. And that diversity kind is alive and well. The trouble is that diversity of thought is not flourishing.
12
She's there at the invitation of a food writer and refers to something as " Swedish red licorice"?
Licorice candy is black. That red stuff is nothing more than chewy sugar.
Licorice candy is black. That red stuff is nothing more than chewy sugar.
3
Oh to be there on Martha's Vineyard some day in my lifetime, it all sounds just so lovely and sublime.
10
Such negativity......... does it really matter? On the eastern side of Idaho is a quaint little Amish store. They have raspberry ropes or as they call them raspberry licorice. You are right, licorice is a flavor but you missed the beauty of this article and focused in on having to prove that you knew otherwise about licorice. The absence of negativity is how the good stuff happens.
20
I happened to be born on the Island, as my mother was taking some time at her parents summer home in Oak Bluffs. I was fortunate enough to have spent every summer of youth there. The fun part was getting to connect with cousins who came from various locations on the east coast: Boston, New Haven, and Philadelphia. Their parents were the first African American Democrat to be elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, doctors, dentists, educators, and judges. They were roles models of what we as African Americans could accomplish. The moments I spent listening and eventually participating in conversation, hearing the history of Inkwell Beach, Shearer Cottage, or the founding of the Oak Bluffs Tennis Club, were not fully appreciated until later in life.
As your story clearly illuminates, the Vineyard is a special place and while food is certainly part of it, the people one encounters make it all the more. This past summer has been no different.
As your story clearly illuminates, the Vineyard is a special place and while food is certainly part of it, the people one encounters make it all the more. This past summer has been no different.
38
more race based culture reporting by the NY Times? exhausting....
8
Keep reading. It will help you expand your appreciation for the beauty of this country... owing to our diverse population.
20
Honestly, continuousunderminer, can't you get a life?
8
Tsk, tsk, tsk... Why exhaust yourself by reading (and commenting) on the article?
6
I'm willing to be "charmed" about all this--but can't afford the shocking rates to rent a house (or book a hotel room) in Oak Bluffs. This is strictly for the "haves."
17
I own an inn in Oak Bluffs and the shocking rate I charge does not provide me and my family with an extravagant lifestyle. For example, all four of us share the one and only bathroom in my house.
It's expensive to live here and run a business. Maybe you can visit in the off season when the rates are lower.
It's expensive to live here and run a business. Maybe you can visit in the off season when the rates are lower.
15
There was a movie made in the 1990's that takes place at Oak Bluffs in the 1970's. It's called "The Inkwell".
9
Reading this acted like a tonic on my spirits. A glorious summer to you and yours, Nicole Taylor-- and many, many more.
18
They should have been more specific and said old black people.
6
This feels awkward. MV's demographics is 95% white and I reading this, I get a queasy feeling that these folks are 'on display' because they aren't white. Mixed nuts, - I recognized the costco fancy mix - deviled eggs, - even with paprika - and shrimp cocktail are fairly standard picnic fare regardless of culture, and really, fairly 'vanilla'.
This just seems like tokening and very demeaning, dehumanizing, objectifying and just plain wrong.
Please do better.
This just seems like tokening and very demeaning, dehumanizing, objectifying and just plain wrong.
Please do better.
11
Would you rather read about what's going on in Chicago?
3
oh how stuffy my dear!
1
Where are you getting your statistics? Year round residents are certainly overwhelmingly white. Not sure about summer.
1
Nourishing magic for all - the sweet winds - o such melodies! One summer there was a black-white teenage tussle in Oak Bluffs - and black moms in their dressing gowns out with flashlights to flush the bushes from "white boys". Yes, Oak Bluffs families took no guff, and were firmly entrenched. And o those sweet winds - !
10
Yea for the real USA. All of us care for if not love each other. This is what our country is all about. Huzza, bless us all.
11
I wish that I could visit that wonderful place.
14
As a summer kid on the Vineyard in the 1950's, a rainy day ritual was going to the Flying Horses in Oak Bluffs,.The Oak Bluff African American kids could out-do everyone at grabbing the rings,..often getting four, one on each finger, at one pass,..it sounded like the burst of a tommy gun. They were in a whole different league,.still jealous.
9
How black do I have to be to be a Black American ?
8
Believe it or not there are African Americans with blond hair & blue eyes who identify as Black.
1. Have you heard of the one-drop of blood rule?
2. Have you heard the term 'passing for White' & what being found out could mean in the Old South.
3. How would you react if you found out that your son or daughter was dating a blond blue-eyed Black person who looks White.
4. How White would he/she have to be to be considered White?
Time to read a little African American history so you can ask really tough questions.
1. Have you heard of the one-drop of blood rule?
2. Have you heard the term 'passing for White' & what being found out could mean in the Old South.
3. How would you react if you found out that your son or daughter was dating a blond blue-eyed Black person who looks White.
4. How White would he/she have to be to be considered White?
Time to read a little African American history so you can ask really tough questions.
9
Could you be lynched in Alabama?
4
Absolutely off the mark with the "one drop rule" and insisting that this regressive law, enacted to expand the definition of what made us chattel, somehow should have any bearing on defining "blackness." Let's take off more of our shackles in this age, shall we? The beauty of your explanation is that defining a race is complex, and at the heart of it, absurd.
1
lovely island, lovely people. blacks also live all over the island. edgartown, katama, gay head, for example are beautiful and quieter than oak bluffs.
7
For some who seek MV at more affordable prices, there is Airbnb. The public transportation is pretty cool. And the many people's who are part of MV history include Wampanoag who are doing some pretty great food traditions to check out, too. In Aquinnah, and in Chilmark, check out pizza night where you bring your own toppings. The parking tells you where it is. Also the secret to Back Door Doughnuts needs to be revealed - the bakers! So Magic is also what is behind the scenes.
12
Air B&B does not pay lodging tax here so the island is missing out on revenue. Also, the rates are far from low.
2
My ancestors came to and from Martha's Vineyard, and I love having this happy story about some of its present occupants who love its charms as much as do I!!!
8
I'm tired of reading about rich peoples' vacation spots.
18
tee hee.......you know you didn't have to read the article.
6
Go out and get rich. This is America.
5
It would probably amaze the clueless 1%-percenters running this rag, but probably 80-90% of Americans cannot afford to go to Martha's Vineyard, or even Cape Cod, and are very lucky if they can get to the local lake for the day. Many of us cannot afford ANY vacation.
We eaked out 5 days vacation this year -- many years we get none, because family stuff or illness eats away at our days (which combine sick leave and vacation!) -- and we spent it doing home repairs and painting the back of the house. Whoopee. And we had deviled eggs too! Do you think the NYT is going to do a piece about "the staycations of working class white folks in the Midwest Rustbelt" any time soon?
We eaked out 5 days vacation this year -- many years we get none, because family stuff or illness eats away at our days (which combine sick leave and vacation!) -- and we spent it doing home repairs and painting the back of the house. Whoopee. And we had deviled eggs too! Do you think the NYT is going to do a piece about "the staycations of working class white folks in the Midwest Rustbelt" any time soon?
1
I'm a longtime fan of Dr. Harris. How I long for an invitation to her lovely soirees!
6
I wonder if they've been approached to be on a museum board?
3
Such appointments usually are accompanied by hefty donations. If they donate, they can get on boards.
2
I wonder if you nave been approached. Likely not.
1
It's nice to read about African American finding a place to feel safe and at peace, not threatened or shunned, to be able to relax with friends and have something to eat and drink, take a walk in warm weather with sea breezes. And what do they recall of these times? "Magic!"
Yes, of course.
Yes, of course.
15
We just returned from Martha's Vineyard and were so heartened to see so much many cultures, so many diverse people, all just enjoying the beauty of The Vineyard.
8
Love the love the cottages, the food looks delicious. Hope they carry on for many more years. Thanks for this delightful piece.
9
We go pretty much every year. Almost a pilgrimage. Just love it.
9
Wonderful piece, which I read with my toes in the sand in Oak Bluffs. Although back "to America " in just a few days... the Vineyard magic sustains me all year long.
One more annual Oak Buffs culinary treat. Back Door donuts.... literally the back door of a bakery that serves hot right out of the fryer donuts from 7pm until 1am daily. The line starts to form by 6... Standing in the long line, and chatting with folks from all over the country .... often discussing favorite donut choices, good beach reads and politics..., is another part of the joyful Vineyard experience. (Coconut..,, THE BEST!!)
One more annual Oak Buffs culinary treat. Back Door donuts.... literally the back door of a bakery that serves hot right out of the fryer donuts from 7pm until 1am daily. The line starts to form by 6... Standing in the long line, and chatting with folks from all over the country .... often discussing favorite donut choices, good beach reads and politics..., is another part of the joyful Vineyard experience. (Coconut..,, THE BEST!!)
6
I stayed at Abigail Rosens house as a guest many years ago. I met Dorothy West and was star struck. She lived right next door. She grabbed my hand and told me she lost her way and forgot where she was. She was such a tiny person. I've read all her books. I'll never forget my memories of that weekend so long ago. Especially waking up on Sunday to zeroxed copies of the NYT crossword puzzle. Abby Rosen, miss you and the whole family!
3
I am lucky enough to get to the Vineyard every year; I often bike from our family house in Oak Bluffs down to Edgartown. Along the way, I weave up and down the streets just inland from the "Inkwell"; I especially love it on Sunday mornings. I observe many black families on their roomy front porches, still dressed in their church attire. Often I say good morning and they wave and nod as I ride by; it's one of the nicest experiences of my visits. This is indeed a special place that is unlike any other in our country.
10
I loved this article. I would love to go to Oak Bluffs and meet and become friends with these beautiful,intelligent and gracious people.
4
Looks like a magical place! The cottages are just beautiful, and it surely must be heaven to be invited to share the company of such interesting and accomplished individuals.
As to the article, I was struck by what seems to be a disclaimer, an attempt to justify the apparent success of the folks in this charming place: "...But the common labeling of homeowners and regular visitors there as “the elite” leaves out the social nuances. The fact is, strivers are responsible for making Oak Bluffs a destination ..." Yes, just like everybody else! We should admire success and positive accomplishments, rather than assuming people just lucked out with their born social class or skin color or whatever. This goes many ways: White, black, yellow, red.
As to the article, I was struck by what seems to be a disclaimer, an attempt to justify the apparent success of the folks in this charming place: "...But the common labeling of homeowners and regular visitors there as “the elite” leaves out the social nuances. The fact is, strivers are responsible for making Oak Bluffs a destination ..." Yes, just like everybody else! We should admire success and positive accomplishments, rather than assuming people just lucked out with their born social class or skin color or whatever. This goes many ways: White, black, yellow, red.
5
This was a beautiful article, but the lack of acknowledgement of the many African American families that call Martha's Vineyard home all-year is a disappointment. There is a rich and complicated story about these families and their relationships with the summer folks that make their way to the island every summer. Would be nice to see a story that addresses the full picture of Oak Bluffs as an enclave for African Americans to live and also vacation.
20
I lived for over 15 years in Venice, Italy -- Italy famed for its food and art. I am back living full-time on the Vineyard. While my contribution will not be equal to those profiled in this article and the history that abounds in this vibrant community, I am thrilled to be home here for good. The beautiful food, artistic homes, caring and welcoming faces pull one into the magic pf the artistic and intellectual communities. It is a blessing to live here and to participate since we need to remember that that are many in need.
12
The Vineyard is unique...especially in these racially challenged times. Not only is Oak Bluffs a bastion for African Americans, but the whole island reveres and treasures those that are part of the artist, financial, educational, all forms of professionalism, with open arms. There is no racism, no fear for safety, no fear of abject discrimination. And, their history is deep on the island.
10
Rare look at a community not generally open to viewing- privilege likes privacy.
Is there a metaphor here about inherited gifts, like access and property, that raise uncomfortable questions about academic preferences that benefit those already privileged and not those lacking?
Is there a metaphor here about inherited gifts, like access and property, that raise uncomfortable questions about academic preferences that benefit those already privileged and not those lacking?
7
To Robert from Atlanta these "privileged"people are the descendants of slaves. They worked hard,got educated and many put their resources and livelihoods on the line in the struggle for civil and human rights. They have on Martha's Vineyard a unique oasis where they can relax,be themselves and enjoy each others company. They earned this little piece of paradise and I for one am glad to see that they are enjoying it and regard it as a privilege to read about it here.
22
@Robert: It sounds like you are trying too hard to create a metaphor ( a negative one at that) where there is none: I refer you to the part of the article:
" Formerly enslaved people, or their descendants, bought property around Baptist Temple".
These were hard working people working in a very segregated America. One Gentleman was a waiter at the Parker House Hotel. Is there really any difference between those who "Inherited" property there than any other Black family with property passed on from one generation to another? Everyone I know values their privacy. Hardly- would I consider this about Privilege. Rather it is about a unique place where Blacks have been part of over one hundred years
" Formerly enslaved people, or their descendants, bought property around Baptist Temple".
These were hard working people working in a very segregated America. One Gentleman was a waiter at the Parker House Hotel. Is there really any difference between those who "Inherited" property there than any other Black family with property passed on from one generation to another? Everyone I know values their privacy. Hardly- would I consider this about Privilege. Rather it is about a unique place where Blacks have been part of over one hundred years
9
Thank you for chronicling the rich history of "Black" Martha's Vineyard, Ms. Taylor, it was so frustrating to read eight years' worth of complaints about the Obama family vacations by the unenlightened who accused the First Family of encroaching on pleasures above their station(!)
Just last week I mentioned Oak Bluffs on a thread here and my hope that someone would write an account of both its vacationers and year-round residents, and so I took great delight in seeing your feature article. Again, thank you for an informative and enjoyable read.
Just last week I mentioned Oak Bluffs on a thread here and my hope that someone would write an account of both its vacationers and year-round residents, and so I took great delight in seeing your feature article. Again, thank you for an informative and enjoyable read.
18
loveLove Oak Bluffs. Hate the ticks. 25% of the Vineyard's population has chronic Lyme Disease. I was bitten in June and within 10 days had debilitating reaction. Still not ok almost 2 mos later. I've been to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs but not going back until ticks are eradicated. Great memories.
6
Macaroni and cheese is a southern American dish? Up here in the sometimes frozen northland, we think it's a Canadian dish! Macaroni boiled until just done, spread in a flat baking dish, pour over a white sauce mixed with 5 years old Black Diamond cheddar grated, a can of chopped Ontario tomatoes, and grated hard cheese mixed with breadcrumbs spread on top, and baked in a 350 oven. In the olden days, was served with jellied salads.
12
Tomatoes in mac and cheese? Oh, honey, no...
23
As a SC "Southern Girl", you lost me where n you threw in tomatoes. Never in my entire 60+ years have I ever had mac and cheese with tomatoes.
7
I was lucky enough to visit the Vineyard when it was still "affordable" for 2 young publishing hopefuls, newly-wed in the late 50s, early 60s... we rented a room on Winter St in Edgartown for about $60 for 6 nights! AND rented bikes ro ride all over the island. AND we knew and visited someone in Oak Bluffs, African-American who enjoyed a nice year-round retirement there an was decidedly not one of the "elite". Mrs. T had worked for my husband's family in NJ during the 1930s & 40s, and later lived in Boston -- and thru her Boston friends was able to buy an attractive cottage in the 1950s there. We had a fond reunion, went to dinner & church together, learned a lot about the community. 3 years later we brought our firstborn back to meet her, and then later both our kids. I could not afford the Vineyard as a visitor today, so I'll just cherish the memory of those simpler, happy days for all of us.
9
I will always remember bicycling through Oak Bluffs one early evening years ago, during my first and only visit to Martha's Vineyard. The soft murmurs of people celebrating the end of a beautiful summer day, and the delicious aromas of the food, made me incredibly envious.
8
What a lovely, lovely story that itself is infused with Vineyard magic. And the photos are gorgeous. Together they truly convey a sense of place.
23
Awesome. I am green with envy.
10
Wow, its beautiful (Go Green)
5
Great article. I implore those who cherish places like this regardless of culture to resist every possible temptation to sell their properties to the highest bidder. As I speak there are people buying up land to build a future that will ruin a place like Oak Bluffs. It's happen across america time and time again. Stop it before it's too late.
67
Wonderful piece. Our weary nation needs far more of these kinds of stories.
68
I know this a 'Food section' article and the Times has published other articles about the black American community of Martha's Vineyard ... however, the real story is probably not the food. In truth, the food scene there is probably no different to what has been served at any gathering of black Americans of this ilk anywhere on the east coast. The 'black American' story of Martha's Vineyard starts with the Camp Meetings, then the construction of the more permanent houses (after tents) for the annual returnees, then the generations ... and it continues. The magic is that, in the personal stories of these generations of black American families is the 'living history' of black America, particularly, in the 20th century, but even well before then. If this lovely article has peeked your interest, a good source of further information/education is Stanley Nelson's film "A Place of Our Own".
85
It also looks like a paragon of 'civil society.'
It would be interesting to also see what Oak Bluffs is like in the Fall, Winter and Spring.
It would be interesting to also see what Oak Bluffs is like in the Fall, Winter and Spring.
1
Much quieter, but easy to find parking.
1
This is a magical story. Thank you!
30
I was introduced to the Vineyard in college by Black friends whose families had been going for generations. My husband and I brought our two children there for many summers to have a Black experience. So glad we did!
The magic of the Vineyard hit home for me when my 10 year old daughter and I read Mitch Albon's book The Five People You Meet In Heaven together. After reading the book, she asked me where would I want to revisit in heaven. I told her I would love to revisit my wedding, when my mom was still alive, and I would want her and her brother to be there...although impossible since they were born years later...but that's my dream wish. When I asked her, she said her dream wish is to be in the Game Room on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluff with all her friends in life...forever! Wow...the magic of the Vineyard!
The magic of the Vineyard hit home for me when my 10 year old daughter and I read Mitch Albon's book The Five People You Meet In Heaven together. After reading the book, she asked me where would I want to revisit in heaven. I told her I would love to revisit my wedding, when my mom was still alive, and I would want her and her brother to be there...although impossible since they were born years later...but that's my dream wish. When I asked her, she said her dream wish is to be in the Game Room on Circuit Ave in Oak Bluff with all her friends in life...forever! Wow...the magic of the Vineyard!
55
Oh, the game room! My now grown children used to love the game room, too. Fun memories there.
3
Please consider how problematic your statement of taking your family to have "a black experience" is to those who are black. We are not a commodity to be experienced. I will give you the benefit of the doubt in assuming your intention was not to offend. So, I will also assume that you will consider the errors in your language and mindset when it comes to expressing your experience with race.
2
Or, DB, it could be that they’re a black family who just liked visiting a place where they weren’t the only black family around.
2
What a beautiful home!! Wish I could be there with you to enjoy all the festivities.
31
The Vineyard has always been a bohemian and progressive place. While people think of it for its connection to the elite, it has always been populated by large numbers of hippies, free spirits, artists, writers, etc.
69
Perhaps, until the baby boomers turned real estate into another get-rich-quick scheme.
23
There are still plenty of bohemians and hippies and artists on the Vineyard.
24
How can they afford it?
6
Great topic and photos; but I found the article hard to follow. Is it the writer's first trip to Martha's Vineyard, or her 7th? She argues that it's too simplistic to imagine Oak Bluffs has a destination for Black elites, but goes on to list the founders' professions--all of which would have been upper class jobs for 19th and 20th century African-Americans. Wealthy people often like to think of themselves as "strivers," but being the descendants of slaves does not inoculate today's Oak Bluff homeowners against relative class privilege. There was a more interesting story to tell here about the intertwined networks of this community and its food history.
36
Striver: 1. To exert much effort or energy; endeavor. 2. To struggle or fight forcefully; contend: strive against injustice.
Though easily dismissed by you, any African American that attained any degree or professional status in the beginning of the 20th century would have qualified them as a "striver". Almost no law or medical school would even allow a person of color to attend. And even after those odds, none of the professions mentioned would make anyone wealthy. So any "relative class privilege" would have been the result of nothing but risk and determined hard work.
Your dismissiveness reads as woefully uninformed. And, of course, envy.
Though easily dismissed by you, any African American that attained any degree or professional status in the beginning of the 20th century would have qualified them as a "striver". Almost no law or medical school would even allow a person of color to attend. And even after those odds, none of the professions mentioned would make anyone wealthy. So any "relative class privilege" would have been the result of nothing but risk and determined hard work.
Your dismissiveness reads as woefully uninformed. And, of course, envy.
15
Beautifully stated.
2
I'm making my way through the writings of James Baldwin and Richard Wright . Very painful material to read. I'm delighted to be shown a sampling of life for African Americans that is directly contradictory to the heartbreak and sadness that Mr Baldwin and Mr Wright both detailed in their works. Am I surprised by the specifics of this article? Not in the least, but I'm definitely very glad to encounter another set of African American stories that are so opposite the pain and suffering written by James and Richard. It's delightful, to say the least. And sadly, so often not remotely talked about by the larger media in favor of the horror stories that still exist in so many quarters of African American lives in this country. Forgive me lest I have overstepped but I mean only the greatest admiration and appreciation for a broadened perspective.
45
You should check out the book "Our Kind of People" by Lawrence Graham if you're interested in learning more about the African-American upper class.
The people enjoying Martha's Vineyard still have the problem of getting arrested while DWB or WWB (driving or walking while black)
This is part of the present black experience --of all black folks-- and should not be swept under the rug....
This is part of the present black experience --of all black folks-- and should not be swept under the rug....
11
Remarkable to see someone say macaroni and cheese is a Southern dish... since the French and Italians invented it and an English woman probably was first to write down a recipe.
9
It's hardly "remarkable." First of all, everything is derivative, Jim, especially in America where nothing is of this land short of Native Americans and whatever cultural artifacts, cuisine, language, and rituals are left after Anglo-Saxon interlopers did their best to stomp it all out. Mac and cheese is quite commonly considered a Southern comfort food, and in the black community it is considered a staple for important meals such as Sunday dinner, Christmas and Easter feasts, funeral repasts, and more.
63
"Southern" macaroni and cheese is not "macaroni" and cheese. The macaroni is so overcooked it doesn't resemble what it is. That's close to apolento, which is simply way overcooked pasta.
1
It's more remarkable to see your comment, Jim, but then again you are in Phoenix and it is quite likely a very hot day. As the child of Italian immigrants, it would seem to me that macaroni and cheese is about as quintessentially American as you can get. It certainly does not resemble anything that my immigrant mother would cook, not even close. I had once read that Thomas Jefferson's daughter "invented" the dish; but really, who cares. It's a dish that has been in the vernacular for decades, if not centuries, and for that reason it is an American dish and perhaps, more appropriately, a southern dish. After reading this article, that's the kind of comment you leave? Picayune, to say the least...
77
great article, Nicole!
24
Don't forget to go to Lola's in Oak Bluffs. Southern food so good I had a hard time standing up afterward.
41
Long Live Lola !!!
Yes, there IS a "Vineyard Magic" and it's all over that island. It's why my grandsons cry when we leave every summer after 4 weeks there, and the adults have a lump in their own throats. And yes, there is always a connection somewhere .
We may stay in the various towns on the island, but we always say we're "going to the Vineyard", never naming the town. The Vineyard is just more than that.
We may stay in the various towns on the island, but we always say we're "going to the Vineyard", never naming the town. The Vineyard is just more than that.
84
As my wife always said of our yearly visits to the Vineyard: The Vineyard is a state of mind. My parents, and several relatives, lived each summer in the Oak Bluffs Campground community. One cousin and his daughter still do.
21
Lovely!
How can I finagle an invitation to Ms. Harris' house with the promise that I'll bring a bottle of Lafite-Rothschild and some Napoleons?
-JLM
How can I finagle an invitation to Ms. Harris' house with the promise that I'll bring a bottle of Lafite-Rothschild and some Napoleons?
-JLM
2
Delightful piece.
52
If you have never experienced true magic you need to participate in the Grand Illumination in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard. It is an absolutely magical and transforming event .it happens only once a year and for only for a few hours at the Oak Bluffs Campground Meeting and then it vanishes for another year. The campground consists of dozens of small multicolored wooden gingerbread cottages that are a site to be seen anytime of year. But on this magical night they are all festooned with glowing chinese lanterns of every possible design and thousands of people throng the walkways between them as they are lit and all other light sources are turned off
It is an unbelievably lovely sight which takes place for only two hours when the lamps are then switched off and removed from the houses. The program begins with a community sing of old sweet favorite songs sung by hundreds of people. That is followed by a band concert by the Vineyard Haven Band and then the lights...the impossible beauty of the lights! People are kind, thoughtful and gentle to each other...the crowd is pretty equally made of both white and black families and the warmth of the event is hard to describe. Definitely a step back in time to a place that is hard to believe that lasts only for about 4 hours one night in August. Like a "vision" that when it ends is hard to imagine! Go!
It is an unbelievably lovely sight which takes place for only two hours when the lamps are then switched off and removed from the houses. The program begins with a community sing of old sweet favorite songs sung by hundreds of people. That is followed by a band concert by the Vineyard Haven Band and then the lights...the impossible beauty of the lights! People are kind, thoughtful and gentle to each other...the crowd is pretty equally made of both white and black families and the warmth of the event is hard to describe. Definitely a step back in time to a place that is hard to believe that lasts only for about 4 hours one night in August. Like a "vision" that when it ends is hard to imagine! Go!
163
Always loved the community sing, when I've tried to explain it to people they look at me funny. Yes we get together and we sing. Everyone sings, the whole crowd.
36
We were just at the illuminations... I can't get the song "My hat has got three corners" out of my head - a fun memory.
3
What a lovely article. I can't decide which was more lush the pictures or the descriptions. Here's hoping the traditions are maintained. They sound sublime.
115
But where are the recipes? All I see are pictures of deviled eggs and cheese plates, but I imagine there must be more interesting (and delicious) family recipes that are shared during the summers.
19
I agree. We can't all travel to Martha's Vineyard. What are some of the flavors and ingredients that embody this island culture?
12
Jessica Harris, the host, has several wonderful cookbooks available online. You will be impressed!
50
Here's a link to the Wikipedia page on Dr. Harris, including a list of her publications:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_B._Harris
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_B._Harris
13