Where Everybody Knows Your NamePhoto courtesy of Aunt Leah, photographer Jack Weinhold 

 

Who can forget the classic scene in the 1980’s famed sitcom Cheers when Hillary Norman Peterson (yes, that was his character’s full name!) burst through the front door and everyone in the building erupted into a resounding “Norm!” That guy had to feel like king of the bar.

It’s comforting to be known by name isn’t it?  The real estate business provides a great opportunity to become quickly acquainted with people.  I’ve loved getting to know many of our homeowners, tenants, property managers and vendors. As a new year-round resident, one of my favorite things about settling into Nantucket has been the opportunity to meet new friends and neighbors…to learn their names and for them to learn mine. Slowly, I’m beginning to put names and faces together, but I confess some are much better at this than me.  The girls behind the Nantucket Pharmacy counter greet me by name, the friendly customer service girl at the bank is always ready with a personal hello and even the folks at Holdgate’s Laundry now pull my shirts off the rack without asking for my phone number.

This quiet season has been a great opportunity for my husband and I to develop friendships with people in local businesses and restaurants.  Friday nights at Fifty-Six Union are fun because we have an opportunity to chat with Peter, Wendy and Rose (the sweet bartender who now knows both my name AND my favorite cocktail!)  It goes beyond idle chatter.  They ask about our kids and we love hearing stories about the new puppy.  Sunday afternoon’s we pop into the Even Keel for a coffee or light brunch and spend some time catching up with Marshall.

Adults aren’t the only ones who become known by name here.  Years ago when our daughter Ashlie was just five years old, we arrived on the island in early June. Ashlie insisted we stop in to her favorite spot, Aunt Leah’s Fudge, to grab a “snack” before heading home.  In true Aunt Leah fashion, she greeted us with a warm smile and a free sample from behind the counter. And then she said, “Hi Ashlie, how was your winter?” Yes, I am aware it is really sick and wrong that my daughter has island notoriety at the local fudge shop. Apparently, she had spent the previous summer frequenting the store on her many trips to town with her brother.  The good news is, because of Ashlie’s consistent loyalty to Aunt Leah and her fudge, my husband and I are also on a first name basis when we visit the shop.  We’re “Ashlie’s Mom” and “Ashlie’s Dad!”

Names are part of Nantucket’s heritage.  Several businesses and streets bear the names of Nantucket notables.  House names are boldly engraved on a quarterboard above the front door.  No matter the size, virtually every boat in the harbor proudly displays her name for all to see.  Even many of the menu items and cocktails at the local restaurants boast fun island names.

So, if you would like to get away and come to a place where “troubles are all the same and they’re always glad you came”, plan now to come spend a few weeks or the entire summer in Nantucket “where everybody knows your name!”

Cheers!

Shellie Dunlap

Shellie Dunlap