Welcome to the Winnetu Bee Journal! February 7, 2024 Massachusetts State Apiary Inspectors were out to The Vineyard today to inspect the “dead-out” on the west colony. Good news is that nothing traumatic was found…except the dead bees. Stored honey supply was good, varroa mite test found 2 per 300 – very much at acceptable levels. Interestingly there was a lot of queen cells which are larger than a typical bee cell – that are very distinctive, like a shelled peanut attached on the honeycomb and a lot of drones (males). The suspicion is that the queen was laying drones at a much higher percenta ..read more

September 25, 2023 Throwback to the 1952 M.V. Fishing Derby A few years ago while rummaging around on the internet we found a 16mm Kodachrome home movie from 1952 for sale. The handwritten label on the film canister read “Fishing on Martha’s Vineyard. Rocky, Fisi, Squitz, Dom, & Bulger. 1952”. We bought it and waited patiently by our mailbox. When the time came, we fired up an old projector and were amazed at the luminous and colorful moving picture that took us back in time to October 1952 when five friends (presumably the aforementioned “Rocky, Fisi, Squitz, Dom, and Bulger ..read more

Oak Bluffs Through the Years Take a step into the past with this historic video courtesy of the Vineyard Gazette’s TimeMachine project, a digital archive of multi-media from the archives of the island’s oldest broadsheet. Oak Bluffs has long been the beating heart of summertime on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s here in the mid 19th century that the island’s first summer tourism activity took hold of the popular American imagination. Today, Oak Bluffs maintains the same reputation for summer fun that the town’s popularity was built on more than 150 years ago. The country’s oldest carousel, the Flying ..read more

Oak Bluffs: from Sheep Pasture to Summer Colony This week we’re taking a look at the evolution of Oak Bluffs from sheep pastureland and religious campground to summer colony and the political machinations of its struggle for independence from Edgartown. Oak Bluffs as we know it today started with the first camp meeting organized by six men from the Edgartown Methodist Church, led by Jeremiah Pease. Pease and his affiliates had found a “venerable grove of oaks” in a sheep pasture in the northern part of Edgartown, today’s Oak Bluffs.  The fate of the sheep is not recorded, but the first me ..read more

Take a Ride Back in Time Through Downtown Edgartown Take a trip back in time with a one-of-a-kind artifact courtesy of the Vineyard Gazette’s TimeMachine. This 1925 home movie of a ride through downtown Edgartown is the earliest known motion picture footage of the town. It’s filled with plenty of sights you’d recognize today. From the Old Whaling Church to the former Kelly House, the Old Brick Bank, and the captains homes along North Water Street, the stately grace of downtown Edgartown is as evident then as it is today. Narration by lifelong Edgartown resident S. Norton Bailey brings the sig ..read more

Martha's Vineyard Museums & Galleries Martha’s Vineyard, the enchanting island off the Massachusetts coast, is not only known for its stunning beaches and scenic trails but also for its thriving art scene. As a guest at the Winnetu Oceanside Resort, you’ll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the island’s galleries and museums, immersing yourself in a world of creativity and inspiration. Downtown Edgartown is a treasure trove of art galleries, offering a diverse range of styles and mediums. Stroll along the charming streets and discover a myriad of galleries showcasing local a ..read more

Discover the Six Towns of Martha's Vineyard (plus a few villages too...) Explore the enchanting towns of Martha’s Vineyard! Each town possesses its own distinct character, adding to the island’s vibrant character. Here are a few of the special qualities that make each town a must-visit destination. Edgartown: Step into the historic streets of Edgartown and be transported to a bygone era. Known for its stately white houses, beautifully manicured gardens, and picturesque harbor, Edgartown exudes classic New England charm. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit art galleries, and indulge in ..read more

Martha's Vineyard Trails & Bike Paths Martha’s Vineyard, the picturesque island off the Massachusetts coast, offers more than just beautiful beaches and charming towns. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a plethora of hiking and walking trails as well as scenic bike paths waiting to be discovered. Lace up your hiking boots, rent a bike, and get ready to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty. For those seeking a peaceful hike, the Polly Hill Arboretum in West Tisbury is a must-visit destination. This serene oasis boasts a network of trails that wind through diverse la ..read more

Island Spotlight: Patrick Ahearn of Patrick Ahearn Architects     This week we speak with architect Patrick Ahearn, founder of the architecture firm Patrick Ahearn Architect with locations in Edgartown and Boston.  Patrick has been a committed member of the Martha’s Vineyard community providing architectural tours of Edgartown. He recently launched a series of free lectures called, Patrick Ahearn’s Studio, highlighting Patrick’s personal influences and fundamental considerations that should appeal to future architects and enthusiasts alike. What is someth ..read more