'Georgene Mayhew and George Gifford later married and were my husband's grandparents. George was born in 1867, after his father and uncle drowned in Vineyard Sound. George wrote music for the Vineyard Haven Band and was an artist who created the West Tisbury town seal and drew many copies, at the behest of his uncle William J. Rotch. George served as the first West Tisbury Town Clerk for over fifty years. He took over his uncle's stores and opened the Gifford Store in West Tisbury, moving Rotch's small Chilmark store to next door where Georgene opened an ice cream shop. They sold groceries as well as homemade donuts, button shoes, gasoline and nylons. Pictured, from left to right: Georgene O. Mayhew, George G. Gifford, Mable Gifford, Will G. Manter, Adelaide S. Mayhew, Grace E. Vincent.'
Copyright restrictions may apply. Visit blogs.umb.edu/archives/about/rights-and-reproductions for more information.
Contact host institution for more information.
