by Diane Alter
THE “INKWELL,” OFFICIALLY KNOWN as Town Beach in Oak Bluffs, stands as a testament to the resilience and pride of the African American community on Martha’s Vineyard. This beach, frequented by African Americans since the late nineteenth century, symbolizes a rich history of perseverance and community. The beach has become one of the most famous in the US and holds a significant chapter in the broader story of Oak Bluffs, a place that has long been a sanctuary for Black Americans.
In the late eighteenth century, Oak Bluffs began to attract visitors through Methodist and Baptist revival meetings. These gatherings laid the groundwork for what would become a bustling summer resort community. Early white visitors to MV were soon joined by African Americans and their legacy persists, with much of their originally owned property still owned by their descendants.
In the 1920s, African American residents began offering accommodations in their cottages, drawing visitors from major Northeastern cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Women played a pivotal role in this burgeoning hospitality industry. Notably, Shearer Cottage, founded by Charles and Henrietta Shearer in 1912, became a cornerstone of African American tourism on the island. Initially starting as a laundry in 1903, the Shearers’ enterprise grew into a renowned summer inn that remains family-run into the twenty-first century. Post-World War II prosperity saw an influx of middle-class Black families to Oak Bluffs.
A f f o r d a b l e rentals and cottages, priced under $30,000 between the 1950s and early 1970s, allowed many to establish a permanent or seasonal presence. By 2010, these properties appreciated significantly, with values skyrocketing fifteen to twenty times their original prices, solidifying Oak Bluffs as one of the wealthiest Black resort communities. The African American leisure community has flourished, spreading across Martha’s Vineyard.
This vibrant community is united by family ties, university affiliations, sororities and fraternities, and professional networks. Among the notable vacationers to grace Oak Bluffs are President Barack Obama and his family.
Today, the Inkwell remains a beloved gathering spot, where groups meet for early morning swims and coffee, embodying a spirit of community and continuity. From its origins as a symbol of exclusion, the Inkwell now represents a powerful emblem of pride, reflecting the enduring legacy and vibrant culture of African Americans on Martha’s Vineyard.
