BackBlog

15 Jan 2013

Dream Big on Nantucket

Dream Big on Nantucket

Remember that classic scene in the movie “Field of Dreams” when Ray Kinsella (aka Mr. Dreamy himself Kevin Costner) is walking through his Iowa corn field and hears “A Voice” whisper “If you build it, he will come.” His wife is skeptical, but allows him to plow under the corn and build a baseball diamond. As with many dreams, Ray is not immediately successful. He faces skepticism, criticism, dozens of obstacles and financial ruin. Although he’s unable to fully realize the end result of his endeavor until it’s completed and in spite of the enormous toll it takes on him, Ray stays the course. In the end, he builds it…and sure enough they come.

It’s this sort of undeterred tenacity, dedication and big dreaming that defines how most things get done on Nantucket. Spend some time talking to long time Nantucketers and you discover there are many great examples of fulfilled dreams that make our island great. The newly renovated Dreamland Theatre is just one terrific example in a long time history of realized dreams. The building was originally built in 1832 as a Quaker Meeting House. In 1911 the space was renamed the Dreamland Theatre, renovated and reopened in 1922. It was Nantucket’s primary entertainment venue for over 80 years. In 2007, the Dreamland Foundation, through the generosity of private donors, purchased the building and restored the theater to its former glory.

I’m certain the original builders in 1832 and those doing the restoration in 1911 weren’t 100% positive that if they followed their dreams and “built it” that anyone would come. But history shows their dreams were spot on. Certainly the Dreamland Foundation has faced its share of obstacles, skepticism and hiccups…and yet Nantucket is a better place today for having this fabulous historical venue where families can enjoy movies, classes, live entertainment and a large elegant facility capable of hosting everything from wedding receptions to birthday parties. As I sat in the theater the other night munching popcorn and watching a movie about another great visionary (Abe Lincoln,) I was overcome with gratitude to live in a place replete with big dreamers.

I’m an Iowa girl, so you know my favorite line in Field of Dreams was when Kevin Costner responded to the question, “Is this heaven?” with “No, this is Iowa.” Now that I call Nantucket home, I’m one of many who believe this little island is pretty close to heaven too. As we march into 2013 and prepare to celebrate Martin Luther Kings birthday, why not dream big and make a Nantucket vacation or your very own Nantucket home part of your wish list for the New Year? Take a leap of faith, silence the naysayers, invite along some fellow dreamers and make your dream a reality.

Dream on.

Shellie Dunlap

Share:
Related Posts
  • 26 Apr 2011 Nantucket Historic Properties Timeless Nantucket’s Oldest House – 1686 Clich An oldie but a goodie. Definition 1. Something from the past that makes you feel good. I have a confession to make. I’m one of those spoiled baby boomers who LOVES new stuff. A new sweater or a new pair of shoes makes me a happy girl. When... Continue Reading
  • 23 Oct 2012 Kidding Around on Nantucket There’s nothing like a group of enthusiastic energized school kids to put a smile on your face and remind you to pause for a moment and view the world through their lens. The exuberant group of kids in the photo above were gathered on the steps of the Pacific National Bank just outside my office... Continue Reading