Posted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
A Category 3, this ‘September Gale’ was first observed in the Bahamas. It ultimately made landfall in Rhode Island just west of Buzzards Bay, dissipating in Northern Maine. This storm was very compact, but intense. It was reported to have been only 60 miles wide, but it caused extensive damage in Rhode Island, southern Massachusetts […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
This was the first historical record of an intense hurricane striking New England. The highest winds have been estimated at Category 3 or greater, with winds of 115-plus mph. The storm’s eye passed between Boston and Plymouth causing at least 46 casualties. A 20-foot tidal surge was reported in Boston, ruining farms throughout the area. […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
Horseneck Beach 9/21/1938 The first warning I had of the storm was about 2 P.M. while driving down the Horseneck Road. Half way between Waldo’s place and the Island View Farm, I heard, so I thought, a truck roaring down the hill behind me and I swerved quickly to the right and slowed to allow […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 13, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
When the bottom first dropped out of the barometer (and soon after the roof) I suspected a blow, and at noon I removed all loose things from the yard and took down the tennis net. I directed my man Friday of the moment (Many changes in personnel) to keep all shed and barn doors shut, […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 9, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
The “Long Island Express” was first detected over the tropical Atlantic on September 13, although it may have formed a few days earlier. Moving generally west-northwestward, it passed to the north of Puerto Rico on the 18th and 19th, likely as a category 5 hurricane. It turned northward on September 20 and by the morning […]
Continue ReadingPosted on January 8, 2009 by Jenny ONeill
Even by Westport’s standards, Cadman’s Neck is off the beaten track. This small promontory of land edging into the east branch of Westport River is easily bypassed on Hix Bridge Road. However, what is now a secluded community was once a hub of activity, a place where thousands of people would gather to participate in […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
The following is a list of masters on whaling vessels out of Westport Point. Many of these individuals lived in Westport. Allen Allen, David E. Allen, George E. Allen, Hezekiah Allen, John Milk Allen, Timothy C. Baker, Daniel Ball, Charles Barker, John E. Barns Beebe, John A. Beebe, George W. Bennett, A. Blake, Davis Active […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
These photographs are a sample of the imposing characters who served as master on whaling voyages out of Westport. . . .
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Dear Brothers, I now take the third opportunity to inform you that our little number is well and hope that you are the same. Our mother and Caroline and Mary and George P. Dyer last fall with the disintery. It was very syckly a grate many dyed. John was vay sick but now is well […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Dear Brother We received a letter from you last October and informed us that you had fifty barrels of oil and I sat myself down to write you a letter to inform you how we got along. We had a schoolmaster from Newhamshire. He was not very good teacher. When he turned his back the […]
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