Letters to the Editor

Missing Ray Ellis

First, I wish to tell you how much I am enjoying reading and looking at the wonderful anniversary edition [May–June 2010]. My family and I are true Vineyard lovers and spend as much free time as possible on the Island. Your magazine has really captured so much of the magic of the Vineyard. Bravo!

Second, I do wish to share my disappointment with one aspect of the article on Vineyard artists. Clearly, you could not include every single Vineyard artist. [Thomas Hart] Benton and [Allen] Whiting were obvious choices. But, in my estimation, the omission of Ray Ellis is glaring. No artist has surpassed Ellis in capturing every nuance of Island life and beauty. His accomplishments are many! He is represented in the permanent collection of the White House, was chosen to paint the White House Christmas card more than once, has illustrated many books including best sellers with Walter Cronkite, and more. Beyond this, he has donated paintings and money to just about every Island charity. No doubt you are aware of his work for the [Martha’s Vineyard] Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby scholarship fund. Frankly, I am mystified that he was omitted. I kept turning the pages with a smile saying to myself that his painting would be on the next page. Alas, I never got to one.

Again, I loved the issue on balance.

– Scott Ryan, West Caldwell, New Jersey

Anniversary issue

Just got my copy of MV Magazine [May–June 2010] and it looks outstanding. I’m so impressed with the variety of articles that link the past with the present. The highlight for my wife, Joyce, was the photomontage with “real Islanders,” people she can relate to, having lived here since 1969. She got them all right; me, as a fifteen-year newcomer, got one right.

I’m wading my way through, article by article. I love it. You captured both the spirit of the Vineyard today, with stories by Tom Dunlop and James Lengyel, as well as updates from the past, the where-are-they-nows. I’m enjoying every page. Great job. Congrats.

– Tom Dresser, Oak Bluffs

Online comments for Wampanoag article

I really enjoyed reading and rereading the history of the tribe [“Wampanoag Living,” May–June 2010]. Thanks to June Manning for the wonderful story, which needs to be told! What a wonderful tribute to the tribe.

– Jane Anderson, Bluffton, South Carolina

This is a spectacular article, full of fascinating information. You have allowed many of us who would be otherwise ignorant to share the story of a proud and enterprising people.

– Peggy Williams, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I agree that federal recognition isn’t a “panacea” and that it has “polarized” and destroyed “community spirit.”

– Galaphan Peters, Hyannis

The Pease Report is highly inaccurate. Many progressive and successful Wampanoags had already left for Boston and other cities by 1870, so they were not picked up by the Pease Report. On the other hand, many direct descendants of poor black slaves had remained behind in their original communities, and they were catalogued in the Pease Report.

– Monica Peters, Hyannis

It is not just the Pease Report that is inaccurate. All censuses fail at documenting marginalized elements in society. When my ancestors left the Wampanoag reservation for mainstream America, they wanted to escape discrimination. The house that an ancestor purchased had a clause that said it couldn’t be sold to Indians. The state could have taken back the house from him, so he blended in. At that time, America was trying to civilize the “savages” – we were even forbidden to speak our language. We remained closet Indians but we were always proud of our heritage. And then suddenly we find that the government says we aren’t Indians. Worse, the Wampanoag Nation says we aren’t Indians.

– Noah, Hyannis

» Share Your Feedback

Your town





Security Check

Please type the text shown above

Your name


Your Email Address


Your comment

Submit
Feedback

Martha's Vineyard Magazine encourages reader comments, which are published immediately and not edited. Please keep your comments brief and avoid language that may offend others. The magazine reserves the right to remove comments. If you want to report a comment as inappropriate, please contact us.