Despite an ominous forecast, the 4th annual Taste of Tashmoo took place on a beautiful evening last Sunday, September 5th at Denys and Marilyn Wortman’s waterfront home. The Wortmans welcomed 65 guests for the two and a half hour event, which began at 5:30 pm, and featured a silent auction, live music, and tastes (aptly noted) from various restaurants and local eateries including the Scottish Bakehouse, Whippoorwill Farm, Norton Farm, John’s Fish Market and the Net Result.
Tickets started at $50 and proceeds went to benefit the Tashmoo Springs Building project.
Just five years ago, this historic town and Island landmark, built in 1887 following a major town fire, was nearing its end. The Tashmoo Springs building was falling down, and risked being torn down until a local committee was appointed to explore means of raising money to protect and restore the important emblem. Over the past few years, the committee successfully received grants from the Historical Commission, the Permanent Endowment Fund, and the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club, among other organizations, in addition to private funds.
The re-building process is now more than halfway complete. With new windows built and chimneys stabilized, the committee is currently undertaking archeological surveys before further steps, and looking for a meaningful future for the building.
Lorraine Wells co-chairs the committee, founded in 2005, along with Denys Wortman. She appreciates the Tashmoo Springs Building for its rich and diversified history, which boasts colonial, tribal, and municipal significance.
According to Ms. Wells, meetings will be held this fall, where the committee welcomes possible purposes for the building’s use. Current ideas include an environmental science center, a dance or art studio, and a theatre camp, all of which embrace the nonprofit purpose the committee hopes to further. Visionaries are welcome and encouraged to participate.
If the community is as successful in its efforts this fall as it was Sunday night, the Tashmoo Springs Building will no doubt have a bright future. “It was just a lovely evening,” Ms. Wells says. “We’re so appreciative of the support.”
