Letters from the Past: The Life of Sam Shepard at Windjammer

At the March 2025 meeting, held inside the historic Windjammer house, the audience was treated to a theatrical and heartfelt portrayal of Sam Shepard, a prominent 19th-century figure in Port Stanley’s history. Craig Cole, performing in character, brought Shepard’s life and letters to vivid life—revealing personal love stories, early trade ventures, political tensions, and moments of national mourning through documents found in his old home.

Key Points from the Presentation:

• Craig Cole appeared as Sam Shepard, wearing the original Shepard top hat, traditionally awarded to the first ship into the Port Stanley harbour each spring.
• The performance was set at Windjammer, the home Sam and his wife Mary built and where the letters were said to be discovered in an old desk drawer.
• Shepard’s letters spanned from 1863 to 1871, and included correspondence to:
  • His wife Mary, expressing deep affection and family concerns.
  • His business partner Yarington, who had moved to Nevada and invited Shepard to join him.
• Shepard shared frustrations about profit margins from grain deals and confessed to buying gold with his earnings, which didn’t always yield returns.
• The letters gave insight into travel expenses in Chicago, including:
  • $3/day for a hotel room
  • $0.15 for a shave or boot polishing
  • Cigars for $0.03
• Historical side notes included:
  • The first dried apples shipped to England by Shepard.
  • Henry Bostwick, son of John Bostwick, drowned in Lake Tahoe after also relocating to Nevada.
  • A Port Stanley procession honoring President Lincoln after his assassination.
• Local fears surrounding Fenian raids in the region.
• Occasional trips aboard the Mary Rose, the family’s ship.
• Shepard and Mary had two sons: John and Francis (Frank).
• Yarington’s extravagant wedding and their political commentary, especially regarding Sam Price, the local Justice of the Peace, were also included in the readings.
• The event concluded with applause for Craig Cole’s engaging, informative, and imaginative storytelling.

Gallery: