By Jown Downs

 

"Sprays of Salt" was published in 1944 by John W. Downs, one of the only native Shoalers to recount every day living on the Isles of Shoals during the later decades of the 19th century. The author's grandfather, John Bragg Downs, was the last of the "Old Shoalers" to inhabit Star island, holding onto his property until the town of Gosport no longer existed.

Out of print for nearly 50 years, this is the author's story of growing up on Isles. He recalls many adventures on land and at sea -- tales of swordfishing, lobstering, romping with Native American children, shipwrecks, pirate treasure and murder. Downs also includes some family genealogy, especially that of the Caswell, Downs, Foss, Spinney and Odiorne families.

 

Hardcover, 200 pages, illustrated, ISBN: 0914339-59-1