12 THE ISLAND OF NANTUCKET. 



Almshouse and Paupers. 



That the town takes care of its poor is shown by the 

 fact that about $6,000 are spent annually for their sup- 

 port. The asylum or almshouse is situated at the 

 lower end of Orange Street, in a good, healthy locality. 

 It is surrounded by green fields, and the inmates have 

 at all times a fine view of the harbor, and the advan- 

 tage of that greatest of nature's medicines, pure air. 

 There are at present about thirty inmates in the alms- 

 house. Rev. J. E. Crawford has for many years offi- 

 ciated gratuitously as chaplain, for which he at least 

 deserves the hearty thanks of all Christian people. 

 Mr. Edward G. Coffin, 2d, is the superintendent. 



Since the above was written the following has been 

 gathered from the annual town report: During the 

 year 1881 $2,329.30 were expended for the almshouse, 

 and eighty-seven families, consisting of one hundred 

 and fifty-nine persons, were supplied with provisions, 

 fuel, etc., to the amount of $2,160.95. 



Amusements. 



The question is often asked, " How do you Nantuck- 

 eters amuse yourselves in the winter? " The question 

 is as easily answered as asked : they amuse themselves 

 in the same way as any other intelligent people so far 

 removed from 



" the madding crowd's ignoble strife." 



There have been, at various times in years gone by, 

 local dramatic, reading, debating, and other clubs,' but 

 S&ey have, with one or two exceptions, met the fate of 



