Brick by brick
Published: June 23, 2011
Bundled up against the January cold, hikers and history lovers joined Sarah Mello-Trudel for last Sunday's walk to the site of the old brickworks in Chilmark. Ms. Mello-Trudel, education and interpretation coordinator of The Trustees of Reservations, provided the history and guided the walkers to the location that can be seen by looking east from the Menemsha Hills Great Sand Overlook.
As an added treat, guests were invited into the home of Nathaniel Harris, the man who built the Chilmark Brick and Tile Company in 1867. Mr. Harris's great grandson, P.G. Harris took over the duties of tour guide and talked about his family's history. The house, which had a thatched roof, was floated here from Nomans Land.
This popular walk must be done in the winter because there are no real trails that lead down to the site. "We use deer trails," said Ms. Mello-Trudel, and they can't be navigated when the trails are leafed out." Also, the organization is considerate of its neighbors and the fact that access to the site is through private property.
All 20 people who made the trek enjoyed the visit, if not the weather.
The next guided walk will be at Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Sunday, Feb. 3, 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Meet at the Winter entrance, Deep Bottom Road, West Tisbury. The walk is free but call to register: 508-693-7662.
