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Nantucket is known for it’s cobblestone streets. The cobblestones in the streets of Nantucket’s historic district were actually ballast stones used to keep ships coming to Nantucket for whale oil stable and seaworthy when they were empty. When the ships would arrive at Nantucket to take on a load of whale oil they would empty their ship of ballast stones and these were used to make the cobblestone streets. Cobblestone streets are not friendly to riders of skateboards or rollerblades.
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Comments: cobblestone streets
Hi-
I was aware of the function of the Cobblestones. However, NOW I am wondering WHERE the whalers stored their whale oil? Wooden Barrels or Large Tuns? I have sailed 13,000 Nautical Miles in the 3 sailboats I have owned and am familiar with Nantucket-that is where the New England Fog Factory is. One in Maine too-ayyyuh!
2 Years ago I awoke from a 3 Month Coma to find my leg gone and that I had had a Stroke. I found no “Classy” Walking Sticks, so I taught myself how to use a lathe and now I am a Master Turner, making Canes from Exotic Woods. I was lead to your site because i was researching a Nautical item to carve for the handle of a Cane. I have many canes in my own personal collection; many are whale teeth and pre-1947 Ivory.
Thanks so much!
JimPosted by JIM "PEGLEG" FAY from NORFOLK, MASSACHUSETTS on 04/08 at 07:23 PMTo answer the question a cooper or barrel maker was one of the most prized posistions during this time. there barrels were used to store the oil, transport water, ale, wine most fluids. Along with Whale oil: Sunseed oil, Olive oil, and I belive Elder berry oil were all transported along with the Whale oil. Each had there own market and were readily availible and manufactured in the United States.
My queston is what years were the stones brought over and when was the choice made to use them for paving over erosion.
Posted by Reed D. McPhail from Ames Iowa on 04/25 at 06:21 PM