Welcome. Edgartown News was born from the simple fact that I have ink and Dektol in my veins and I need to write and photograph more than I need air or food, and from my love for this little town where I grew up and raised my family, the town I have left a few times but can't quite shake for good. Here you will find the wanderings and musings, photographs and commentary; the people, places, and happenings - past and present - of a small island town: my home town.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Prepare Ye

I've had my eye down on Main Street the past few nights - looking for, missing, and wondering about - the town's annual Christmas display. When I was a little girl, Bob Bassett and his father-in-law, Bill Silva, would be downtown stringing the wires for the trees the weekend after Thanksgiving. In later years, Bob's son Tom and crew - including Tom's son Jake and brother-in-law Danny Kaeka and Dan's son, Finn, took over the task, and as was the tradition, always on the weekend after Thanksgiving. You could practically set your clock to this annual event (and if you're keeping track, that's four generations of Christmas light stringers).

At last, Monday morning - a perfect day for working outside, as it happens - found the Christmas crew out in full force.


Christmas in Edgartown, Bob Bassett, Tom Bassett, Christmas display in Edgartown


Christmas in Edgartown, Bob Bassett, Tom Bassett, Christmas display in Edgartown


Christmas in Edgartown, Bob Bassett, Tom Bassett, Christmas display in Edgartown
Ed Willoughby and Stephen Woodbury of the town's highway crew carefully prepare the stands and fit each tree to its stand. These unique lattice-work stands have been holding the town's Christmas trees since at least 1950, making them (and me) practically antiques.

Christmas in Edgartown, Bob Bassett, Tom Bassett, Christmas display in Edgartown
After just the right amount of whittling, the tree fits perfectly into the stand.

Christmas in Edgartown, Bob Bassett, Tom Bassett, Christmas display in Edgartown
Ethan keeps a watchful eye on the activities, and more importantly, he keeps his eye out for any interesting trucks or police cars that may be in the area.


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