Posts Categorized: History

Island Historian

Star Island is pleased to announce that Isles of Shoals historian Ann Beattie will be in-residence on the island this summer and available to provide historic talks and tours. Ann is an educator with a fascination for the Isles of Shoals and its rich history. She combs through historical records, salt cod recipes, and journals… Read more >

Remembering the Last Village on Star Island

  By Peter Randall Gosport Remembered, the Last Village at the Isles of Shoals, tells the story of the last years of the little village that existed on Star for many years before the island became a conference center. First published twenty years ago by the Portsmouth Marine Society, a special 20th anniversary paperback edition… Read more >

Childe Hassam Exhibit Closes Soon

By Lois Williams There’s only a month left to see the “Childe Hassam at the Isles of Shoals” exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts – it closes November 6.  Many Shoalers have seen it, and there are even a couple of instances of Shoalers meeting other Shoalers at the exhibit. Not to… Read more >

Grammy’s Annex, Built in 2000

What is the newest building on Star Island? That would be Grammy’s Annex, a well-known spot to island kids since 2000. Built in memory of Louise Fulton Bush, the barn is one of a number of buildings that are specifically meant to strengthen the youth experience on Star. At the dedication of the building on… Read more >

A Century of Dining at the Oceanic Hotel

by Lois Williams, All Star 1 Conferee There’s more to Star Island’s Dining Room upgrade than effective sound-proofing measures! It’s now an elegant, summery room with crisp white curtains, pale yellow walls and bright white woodwork. New are black-framed-and-white-matted photocopies of items of Shoals memorabilia related to food and drink at the Oceanic a century… Read more >

For Your Enjoyment: Our Staff Talent Shows

The creative spirit on Star Island, ever present in our summer programs, is equally ingrained in our summer staff. Before work starts, between shifts, or when a day is over our staff can be found painting on the rocks, strumming their guitars, or taking photographs of the beautiful scenery. Even during work you might find… Read more >

Over Thar

Amongst our artifacts we recently found this poem written by Sewell Hayes. The poem captures the community aspect of Star Island, which has been the hallmark of our summer gatherings since the start of conferences in 1897. The poem is undated, but is most likely from the 1920’s or 30’s based on the year of… Read more >