[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 186 (Thursday, December 6, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH ATKINS NICKERSON, JR.

 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I welcome this opportunity to pay 
tribute to the extraordinary life and work of Joseph Atkins Nickerson, 
Jr., of Chatham, MA, a retired builder and prominent local historian 
who passed away on November 23 at the age of 89. Joe lived his entire 
life in the town of Chatham. The only exception was during his service 
to the Navy during World War II.
  Joe was a direct descendent of the founders of Chatham, and he will 
always be remembered for his leadership in preserving the town's 
history. He had an extraordinary ability to recall people, places, and 
dates, and his story-telling skill was legendary.
  Joe was a member of numerous local sports teams in his youth, and at 
the age of 22 he pitched a no hit, no run, no walk, 22 strike-out 
perfect baseball game for the local Chatham team. He was also an 
original member of the Chatham Town Band, and played the clarinet 
beautifully in concerts and parades for over 50 years. His skills as a 
town musician were a great source of pride for all his family.
  Joe served the town in many other ways as well. He was a volunteer 
fireman, a member of the School Building Committee, president and 
historian of the Chatham Historical Society, a founding member of the 
Conservation Association, president of the Boston Glass Club, and a 
member of the Retired Men's Club.
  In recent years, Joe and his beloved wife Gerry worked together to 
write a book, ``Chatham Sea Captains in The Age of Sail.'' Before he 
passed away he was delighted to learn that his long-awaited book would 
be published by History Press, Inc. of Charleston, SC, in February 
2008. I am sure it will be a wonderful memorial to Joe and a delight to 
the people of Chatham and all of us who love Cape Cod. His remarkable 
life and his commitment to the community will continue to inspire us 
all for years to come, and we mourn the passing of this amazing son of 
Chatham.

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