"See, in the latter part of my grandmother being at the lighthouse, President Roosevelt was off the backshore in a government boat on a vacation.  They told him about her being the only woman lighthouse keeper in the country.  He said he would like to meet her.  So, they brought him around, around Provincetown and into Wellfleet Harbor.  They rode him ashore.  He shook hands with my grandmother."

Howard Clifton Atwood's life was a rich tapestry woven with the threads of New England's maritime history and the personal stories of a family deeply rooted in the American experience. Born in the coastal town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts, Howard was the descendant of a family whose lineage could be traced back to the early settlers of Plymouth. His life was a reflection of the sea's influence, with his grandfather serving as a lighthouse keeper, a role that was crucial for the safety of ships navigating the treacherous waters off the coast. His grandmother, too, held the unique distinction of being the only woman lighthouse keeper in the country, a testament to the Atwood family's resilience and pioneering spirit. Howard's upbringing was steeped in the traditions of coastal and rural life. His great-uncle introduced him to the rhythms of the countryside as they worked together, delivering milk to the local community. His uncle imparted the patience required for tending an asparagus garden, a skill that connected Howard to the land and the cycles of nature. Beyond the confines of Wellfleet, Howard's family history was marked by tales of endurance and adaptability, such as his great-grandfather's imprisonment during the War of 1812 and his parents' experiences in the bustling city of Boston. Howard himself contributed to the war effort in World War One, building ice machinery and refrigeration systems in France, showcasing his ingenuity and dedication to service.

Scope and Content Note
October 3, 1977:  In this interview, Mr. Atwood provides a comprehensive account of his ancestral ties to Steven Atwood of the Plymouth Pilgrims and the subsequent migration to Wellfleet. The Atwood lineage has been rooted in the Wellfleet area since Steven's relocation. Mr. Atwood delves into the family name's origin, signifying those dwelling near the woods. The narrative encompasses details about his maternal grandmother, Sarah A. Cleverly, and highlights his paternal grandfather's first wife, Eliza Nickerson, and her connection to the tragic loss of the Portland Ferry at sea. The interview further explores the experiences of Mr. Atwood's grandfather, William Newcomb Atwood, during the Civil War, his subsequent role as the Keeper of the Mayo Beach Lighthouse, and the historical significance of his grandmother becoming the first woman light keeper in the U.S. The routine at the lighthouse, including tasks such as cleaning lamps and replacing kerosene, is vividly described. Memorable anecdotes include Theodore Roosevelt's visit during his tenure as Civil Service Commissioner and the construction of a new lighthouse and tower in 1877. Mr. Atwood reminisces about his childhood experiences, including helping with the construction of a dike and witnessing high tides that surrounded the earlier lighthouse. The interview concludes with recollections of challenging times, such as children having to swim home during high tides and the impactful stories shared by his father about those events.

October 4, 1977:  This interview with Mr. Atwood offers a rich narrative that spans generations and diverse experiences. Beginning with his Great Grandfather Cleverly's tale of capture by the British during the War of 1812, the interview unfolds to describe a family legacy deeply rooted in Wellfleet. Mr. Atwood shares insights into his maternal grandfather Snow's life as a cook on a banana boat owned by the Baker family, founders of United Fruit. The narrative then shifts to his parents, Mary Kate Snow and John Kemp Atwood, who migrated from Boston to the Cape after World War I and acquired the Al Davis Meat Market. The interview provides vivid recollections of Mr. Atwood's summers on the Cape, featuring details like milk deliveries via horse and wagon, work on his uncle's asparagus farm, and witnessing special trains bringing dignitaries to the dedication of the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown. His memories extend to working on a salt hay farm, offering unique insights into its use for horse bedding and feeding. Mr. Atwood delves into the challenges of locomotives causing brush fires between Truro and Wellfleet and reminisces about Billingsgate Island, once home to 22 families and a lighthouse. The interview also captures Mr. Atwood's wartime experiences during World War I, where he served in the Quartermaster Corps, contributing to the construction of a refrigeration plant in Brest, France. His account includes details about building massive concrete blocks for cold storage buildings, adding a valuable perspective on wartime logistics and infrastructure.