CLOSING OF THE INKWELL 2015: OAK BLUFFS, MV, MA
The Closing of the Inkwell on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, in Massachusetts, is an annual event/celebration of the island's African American residents and visitors. It is a ritual of closing out the Summer's swimming season at the Inkwell, each Columbus Day Weekend in October, and welcoming the Fall by officially ending the Summer's swimming season with a festive get-together (fellowship) of relatives, friends, and visitors. Each year, the numbers of people attending the Closing have grown, and the festivities have become merrier. We look forward to seeing you next October!
Postcard from Inkwell Beach
On today's CapeCast: Spend a minute at beautiful Inkwell Beach in Oak Bluffs--it's like a mini-vacation!
Driving Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
Driving Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard
Oak Bluffs is a town located on the island of Martha's Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,713 at the 2000 census and was estimated at 3,735 as of 2008. It is one of the island's principal points of arrival for summer tourists, and is noted for its gingerbread cottages and other well-preserved late-nineteenth-century buildings.
History:
Oak Bluffs was first settled by Europeans in 1642 and was part of Edgartown until 1880, when it was officially incorporated as Cottage City. The town re-incorporated in 1907 as Oak Bluffs, named because the town was the site of an oak grove along the bluffs overlooking Nantucket Sound. Oak Bluffs was the only one of the six towns on the island to be consciously planned, and the only one developed specifically with tourism in mind.
In 1866 Robert Morris Copeland was hired by a group of New England developers to design a planned residential community in Martha's Vineyard. The site, a large, rolling, treeless pasture overlooking Vineyard Sound, was adjacent to the immensely popular Methodist camp meeting, Wesleyan Grove, a curving network of narrow streets lined with quaint Carpenter's Gothic cottages, picket fences, and pocket parks. Seeking to take advantage of the camp's seasonal popularity (and overflowing population), the developers established Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Company, gaining immediate success: Five hundred lots were sold between 1868 and 1871. Copeland would end up creating three plans for the community to accommodate its constant expansion. Oak Bluffs is the one of the earliest planned residential communities and largely informed later suburban development in the United States.
Some of the earliest visitors to the area that became Cottage City and later Oak Bluffs were Methodists, who gathered in the oak grove each summer for multi-day religious camp meetings held under large tents and in the open air. As families returned to the grove year after year, tents pitched on the ground gave way to tents pitched on wooden platforms and eventually to small wooden cottages. Small in scale and closely packed, the cottages grew more elaborate over time. Porches, balconies, elaborate door and window frames became common, as did complex wooden scrollwork affixed to the roof edges as decorative trim. The unique Carpenter's Gothic architectural style of the cottages was often accented by the owner's use of bright, multi-hue paint schemes, and gave the summer cottages a quaint, almost storybook look. Dubbed gingerbread cottages, they became a tourist attraction in their own right in the late nineteenth century. So, too, did the Tabernacle: a circular, open-sided pavilion covered by a metal roof supported by tall wrought iron columns, erected in the late 1880s, which became a venue for services and community events. The campground's gingerbread cottages are cherished historic landmarks as well as very expensive real estate. Many are still family owned and passed on generation to generation. On April 5, 2005, the grounds and buildings in the Campground were designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior.
Nineteenth-century tourists, arriving by steamer from the mainland, could also choose from a wide range of secular attractions: shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, dance halls, band concerts, walks along seaside promenades, or swims in the waters of Nantucket Sound. Resort hotels, of which the Wesley House is the sole surviving example, lined the waterfront and the bluffs. For a time, a narrow-gauge railway carried curious travelers from the steamship wharf in Oak Bluffs to Edgartown, running along tracks laid on what is now Joseph Sylvia State Beach. In 1884, the Flying Horses Carousel was brought to Oak Bluffs from Coney Island and installed a few blocks inland from the ocean, where it remains in operation today. Built in 1876, it is the oldest platform carousel still in operation. Like the grounds and buildings of the Campground (so designated in April 2005), the Flying Horses were designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior.
In 1873 the neighboring community of Harthaven was established by William H. Hart when he purchased a lot from the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Company. The community later moved in 1911 to its present location between Oak Bluffs town and Edgartown.
Robert Myrick Photography©
Shot With GoPro HERO Black Edition
Oak Bluffs Polar Bears
inkwell-mv.com is all about fine art and wearables that embrace the beauty, history, and culture of inkwell beach and the town of oak bluffs on martha's vineyard island. These art pieces and apparel are created entirely from the original artwork and designs of m.v. island's fine art photographer michael johnson.
mj@inkwell-mv.com
A view of the pier on Oak Bluffs (Martha's Vineyard)
My first attempt at narrating a video while walking around near the pier on Martha's Vineyard - Oak Bluffs
Martha's Vineyard Ferry & Island Tour Highlights (4K)
See what it was like to take a Martha's Vineyard Ferry landing in Oak Bluffs via the Steamship Authority from Woods Hole, Massachusetts. There are food and drinks available to purchase on board, and there is free Wi-Fi for the duration of the 45 minute ferry ride.
We also took a sightseeing tour of Martha's Vineyard the departed from Oak Bluffs. We went past Villa Rosa, then saw people jumping off the famous Jaws Bridge near the Joseph Sylvia State Beach. In Edgartown we passed the unusual Dukes County Jail, the Old Whaling Church and the Morning Glory Farm. We then went through downtown Chilmark before reaching Aquinnah. There we saw the beautiful Gay Head Cliffs & Lighthouse where we were able to spend 20 minutes on our own exploring the area. After going past Vineyard Haven, we returned to Oak Bluffs.
Back in town, we tried out Lobster Ice Cream, visited some of the famous Gingerbread Houses/Cottages, before checking out Ocean Park & Inkwell Beach. We then enjoyed a beautiful sunset before catching our return ferry back to Woods Hole.
This was from our visit of the scenic island and the Cape Code area in Summer 2019. This was a thoroughly enjoyable day- and we got to see why Martha's Vineyard was so appealing to so many vacationers, including former presidents Bill Clinton & Barack Obama!
#marthasvineyard #oakbluffs #capecod #lobstericecream
CLOSING OF THE INKWELL!
On Columbus Day Weekend each year, Blacks on Martha's Vineyard get-together for the end of summer and closing of the Inkwell party. The Inkwell is the part of the town's beach in Oak Bluffs that was once used exclusively by black people, hence the name,Inkwell.
ADVENTURES IN MARTHA'S VINEYARD//Day trip to Oak Bluffs
My first time ever in Martha’s Vineyard was a success! The beach in this video is Inkwell Beach and it’s gorgeous. All footage was shot with a go pro hero 7 & iPhone XR. Adventures is never too far away! Thanks for watching, don’t forget to comment, like & subscribe for more adventures!
Things To Do In Martha's Vineyard | Jumping Off Jaws Bridge
Located in Edgartown on the island of Martha's Vineyard, the Memorial Bridge (Jaws Bridge) at Joseph Sylvia State Beach was the site of one of the most iconic movies, AND is one of the most fun bridge jumps in the nation!
The nickname, Jaws Bridge, derives from the fact that one of the shark attack scenes in the 1975 Steven Spielberg’s film, Jaws, was filmed there (you can check out the Jaws scene here:
Besides being a tourist destination, there is also a great beach, and jumping off the Jaws Bridge is a ton of fun for those not faint of heart.
WARNING! There is signage on the bridge that discourages jumping, and doing so is at your own risk.
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Pequot Hotel in Oak Bluffs MA
Rates: . . . . . . . .. .. ... . .. .. .. Pequot Hotel 19 Pequot Avenue Oak Bluffs MA 02557 Surrounded by the charming cottages of Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, this Victorian-style B&B is only steps from the island's main attractions and offers friendly, personalized service along with cozy accommodations. Start each morning at the Pequot Hotel with delicious fresh baked muffins and a free continental breakfast. Relax in the afternoon on the spacious porch with a cup of tea and fresh cookies. After a long day of sightseeing, take advantage of free wireless internet access before going to sleep. Discover the unique shops, art galleries and gourmet restaurants Martha's Vineyard is famous for, located only steps from the Pequot. Beautiful beaches as well as scenic cycle paths, fishing and sailing are also easily accessible.
NeverLeaveMV Oak Bluffs Views from above
Views of the Vineyard Sound, Pay Beach, Inkwell Beach, Waban Park, Ocean Park w/Bandstand, Oak Bluffs Harbor and the many Victorian Cottages in parts of downtown OB. All footage courtesy of MR_NBC.
MY MARTHA'S VINEYARD VACATION
I had so much fun until something unexpected happen.I documented as much as I could. I hope you enjoy it
The Polar Bears Exercise Group of Oak Bluffs, MA
Caroline Hunter of Oak Bluffs is interviewed by oral history curator, Linsey Lee. Slide show photos from various sources accompany this audio interview. Photos courtesy of Caroline Hunter, internet sources and MV Museum archives.
Martha's Vineyard prepares for presidential holiday
(22 Aug 2009)
1. Close of newspaper rack
2. Close of poster in window welcoming US First Family to Martha's Vineyard, zoom in to poster
3. Mid of Deborah Carruthers, visitor from Chicago, Illinois
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Deborah Carruthers, visitor, vox pop:
Everyone is very excited. He's bringing a resurgence to the industry here. There are lots of memorabilia that you can buy, and I think they're very happy to be connected with this president; you know, even just to be on the island at the same time as him. It's okay to word hard, but it's okay to vacation, also.
5. Mid of Leonard Stephens, visitor from Silver Spring, Maryland, sitting on porch
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Leonard Stephens, visitor, vox pop:
My expectation will mirror what happens in Washington, D.C. In Washington, D.C. he has been known to go to Ben's Chili Bowl and take the vice president and his security team and buy them all chili burgers and hot dogs. So yes, he'll show up in Oak Bluffs, without a doubt in my mind.
7. Wide pan right of harbour
8. Various of boats
9. Street scene, pan to close of town sign reading (English): Welcome to Oak Bluffs
10. National flags outside shops
11. Wide of souvenir shop; tilt up
12. Mid of beach, with holidaymakers
13. Wide of seafront
14. More, beach
STORYLINE:
The First Family of the United States will kick off a week-long vacation in Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, renewing the small island's fame as a presidential retreat.
Former President Bill Clinton and his family also spent time vacationing at the New England island.
There was considerable excitement in the town of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on Saturday, a town with a long history as an enclave for affluent vacationers.
Oak Bluffs is also home to The Inkwell, a famed stretch of beach, popular with families on vacation.
Signs have been popping up around the island welcoming the Obama family to Martha's Vineyard.
Merchants across the island were gearing up to welcome the Obamas and take advantage of the worldwide attention that the presidential vacation will bring to Martha's Vineyard.
The island is reputed to have house prices almost twice the national average, with a cost of living 60 per cent higher than the US average.
The population reaches 100-thousand as summer visitors join the 15-thousand all-year residents.
The celebrity visitors range from the late newscaster Walter Cronkite to singer Beyonce Knowles. Film director Steven Spielberg filmed the movie 'Jaws' on the island.
You can license this story through AP Archive:
Find out more about AP Archive:
Fourth of July on Nobadeer beach, Nantucket
Fourth of July celebration on Nobadeer beach in Nantucket Mass. God Bless America
Jaws Bridge Martha’s Vineyard
Jaws Bridge
Martha’s Vineyard
Back Flip
Massachusetts
Edgartown
Oak Bluffs
First Family revives Martha's Vineyard as presidential retreat
(21 Aug 2009)
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts - August 20, 2009
1. Wide shot Martha's Vineyard ferry
2. Mid shot ferry with passengers on board
3. Wide shot people on beach
4. Man standing on beach
5. Various shots of Oak Bluffs harbour
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts - August 19, 2009
6. Wide shot of people riding bikes in park
7. Various shots of people people on beach
8. Mid shot Kendall Flowers and family in chairs on beach
9. SOUNDBITE: (English) Kendall Flowers, 65-year old from Freeport, New York:
I was excited and I was hoping I would get a chance to just see him. You know we are very happy that he is the president, something that we never thought we'd see. I guess, hopefully he'll come. I know he's been here before and he'll have as good a time and be just as comfortable as we do.
Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts - August 20, 2009
10. Close-up hand painted sign welcoming Obama daughters to island
Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts - August 19, 2009
11. Close-up sign outside store advertising Summer White House T-shirts and hats
12. Close-up of Oak Bluffs sign outside post office
13. SOUNDBITE: (English) Ernest Hardaway, from Chicago, Illinois who has been vacationing in Oak Bluffs for 40 years:
You don't have to wear black tie outfits every day. I don't even bring one.
14. Various of brewmaster at micro-brewery pouring beer from tap
15. Various of Presidenti-ale beer tap handle
16. SOUNDBITE: (English) Phil McAndrews, Owner, Offshore Ale Microbrewery:
We kind of had it on the back burner until we really found out it was going to happen. We're kind of a smaller operation here, so in the peak months of July and August, it's a very busy brewing schedule. So we discussed, if we were going to do a beer to honour the president's visit here, what would we do? We talked about a presidential pilsner, but the time for that to be produced was too long of a window to actually make it match and be ready at the time, so we decided to go with an ale. And we decided, how about a presidenti-ale? So born was the name presidenti-ale and the toast would be 'ale to the chief' honouring the Commander in Chief for choosing the Vineyard.
West Tisbury, Massachusetts - August 20, 2009
17. Close-up dog eating Beefy Bobama dog snack
18. SOUNDBITE: (English) Madi Coutts, dog treat baker:
We have some friends that have connections with either the Secret Service or the police that are going to be helping with the security, so we're trying to get into those circles and see if we can get them the basket of treats.
19. Close-up bag of Beefy Bobama dog treats
20. Tilt down shot of women with dog outside store
STORYLINE:
The First Family of the United States will kick off a week-long vacation in Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, renewing the small island off Cape Cod's fame as a Presidential retreat.
Former President Bill Clinton and his family also spent time holidaying at the New England island.
There's considerable excitement in the town of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts - a town with a long history as an enclave for affluent African-American vacationers.
Oak Bluffs is also home to 'the Inkwell,' a famed stretch of beach popular with black families on vacation.
I was excited and I was hoping I would get a chance to just see him, said Kendall Flowers, while on the beach with his family.
We are very happy that he is the President, something that we never thought we'd see.
Signs are popping up around the island welcoming the Obama family to Martha's Vineyard.
Ernest Hardaway from Chicago, Illinois, who has been vacationing in Oak Bluffs for 40 years, knows why the retreat appeals to President Barack Obama and his family.
The island's only micro-brewery is putting the finishing touches on a beer to honour the President.
You can license this story through AP Archive:
Find out more about AP Archive:
Oak Bluffs dockside.MOV
Oak Bluffs at Martha's Vineyard is a small town with a lovely seafront. Gingerbread cottages dot the area. The marina has a lot of boats, most of them pleasurecraft. There is also a larger dock where the ferry from Woods Hole lands. Many fine restaurants and pubs are within walking distance.
Joseph Sylvia State Beach Flyover
July 29, 2018 - Joseph Sylvia State Beach on Martha's Vineyard. Late afternoon drone video with jet skis.
oak bluffs hotels
The top Oak Bluffs Hotels will ensure a comfortable and affordable vacation