Martha's Vineyard Island gained famed as the place Jaws was filmed, and as President Clinton's and President Obama's vacation spot. But, "The Island" (as those who know and love it call it), has had a long, rich history. For me, it was - is - always will be a member of my family. For more than seven generations, we have journeyed to that picturesque spot, and it was pivotal in the shaping of my psyche and the nurturing of my soul. Today, some of the special places and events of my youth remain; others have been consigned to history. Within these slim pages, I share with you the joys, the pains, and the truly unique nature of this small piece of New England.