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SPOTLIGHT:
Guidebook Cape Cod ~ Brewster
The Old Mill and Harris-Black House (both circa 1795), Route 6A. An
octagonal smock-type mill shingles in weathered pine and a roof (not
surprisingly) like an upturned boat. The Mill was moved to this site in
1974 and was restored (milestones are original). The 16-foot-square,
one-room Harris-Black House, though diminutive, was once a homestead for
a family of 13 people. It is furnished but the hearth and original
woodwork dominate the interior. Closed November-April.
The Old Grist Mill and Herring Run, Setucket and Stony Brook Roads.
Located at one of Cape Cod’s most serene spots, the water-powered mill
still grinds corn meal (which is for sale). Visitors from mid-April to
early May will thrill to the sight of thousands of alewives—tiny
herring—migrate from Cape Cod Bay to fresh water to spawn. Mill closed
from September to May.
Cape Rep Theatre Company, Route 6A. A repertory troupe which stages
outdoor productions in a tree-locked natural amphitheater. Summers.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, 869 Route 6A. The museum is housed
in a 17,000 square foot building on its own 80-acre site, abutted by 300
acres of town-owned conservation land. There are two floors of exhibits
about the flora and fauna of Cape Cod, including exhibits on whales,
indigenous birds, and coastal change, and several aquaria holding
different species of crustaceans, mollusks, fish, frogs, turtles and
snakes. Several displays are interactive and geared to children.
Special, temporary exhibits enhance the permanent collection. The Museum
also has a library and Museum Store. Also features nature and marine
exhibits, guided field walks, a natural history library, museum shop,
lectures, classes and self-guided walks on 80 acres of forest, marshland
and ponds, all populated by a plethora of avian and other wildlife.
>From May to September, the Museum offers guided canoe and kayak trips
and cruises which explore natural Cape waterways—Nantucket Sound,
Pleasant Bay and Nauset Marsh.
New England Fire & History Museum, 1429 Route 6A. Set on a re-created
19th century common with a picnic area, the Museum features 35 antique
vehicles (including the only surviving 1929 Mercedes-Benz fire engine),
former Boston Pops’ conductor Arthur Fiedler’s private collection of
fire-fighting memorabilia, a dozen mannequins in historical fire-fighter
uniforms, Victorian apothecary shop, animated diorama of the Chicago
Fire of 1871, a historic working forge and medicinal herb garden. Closed
Columbus Day-mid-May.
First Parish Church (aka the Universalist Unitarian Church). Its Gothic
windows and capped bell tower distinguish this circa 1700 Brewster
landmark, known as ‘Church of the Sea Captains.’ It pews are marked with
the names of 99 famous Brewster sea captains. The town purportedly had
more sea captains in proportion to its population than any town in
America.
Crosby Mansion. Many consider the Crosby Mansion to be one of the Cape’s
hidden gems, wrapped in a love story over a century old. Albert Crosby
built this gracious home in 1888 for his wife, Matilda. Interestingly,
the structure was built around the original four-room Cape house in
which Crosby was born. Aside from being a residence, the building has
been used as a music school, a summer camp, and for weddings. A
continuous slide show, exhibits, and tour allow you to learn about the
Crosby family and life in the 1890s. Local volunteers put countless
hours into preservation of the building. The house is maintained by the
Friends of Crosby Mansion and there are no set hours, although the house
is usually opened for the Brewster in Bloom weekend, usually the last
weekend in April or the first weekend in May. Or you can call the number
above to arrange a tour of the building; there is no fee to tour the
house. Crosby Lane (off Route 6A), across from Nickerson State Park,
Brewster (508) 896-3491
Old Higgins Farm Windmill. Built in 1795, this smock-type windmill was
moved from Ellis Landing in Brewster to its current location at Drummer
Boy Park in 1974. It ground its last bushel of grain around 1900 and is
today maintained by the Brewster Historical Society, which opens it to
the public from June to September. The windmill is open weekends for two
weeks in June from June 15 through June 30, and then again for two
weekends in September between September 1 and September 15. In July and
August, the windmill is open Tuesday through Friday, 1 to 4 PM. The
visit is free, but donations are welcome. 785 Route 6A, Brewster (508)
896-9521
Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
Routes 6 & 132, PO Box 790
Hyannis, MA 02601
508-362-3225 |
Website
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