96 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 96 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 96 Commercial St. is a 2-story, 3-bay Greek Revival-style dwelling; side-gable roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles; interior brick chimney at roof ridge; exterior is clad in clapboard; fenestration includes single 6/6 DHS windows with operable shutters; primary entrance in center bay is accessed by recessed wood panel door with storm door, sidelights, and fanlight; modern wood deck in front of building; heavy entablature supported by corner pilasters; rear addition with 3-bay cottage facing Mechanic Street; gable-front section also facing Mechanic; side-gable cottage section has central entry with pane-and-panel door, storm door, and 2-light transom; 2 gable dormers; 6/6 DHS; gable-end section has entry porch supported by turned posts; replacement door; 15-light casement on 1st story and grouped 12-light casement with exaggerated fanlight above; exterior wood staircase on rear facade; renovation ongoing - interior.

Historical Narrative: As per Josephine Del Deo (1976): "Dr. Vannenar Bush, 'the engineer who marshaled American technology for World War II and ushered in the Atomic Age' was the offspring of Provincetown fishing families. His grandfather on his mothers' side was Lysander Paine who was a member of the fishing firm of J. & L.N. Paine starting in 1861. (The Paine Wharf was directly opposite their property and is now an empty lot. The Trap Shed, which was nominated for Landmark status in 1974 and was destroyed by Bernard Benkovitz was originally situated on the land opposite Lysander Paine's house at 96 Commercial St and was probably built by him. The late Dr. Bush's other grandfather was William Bush who lived at 452 Commercial St. and whose shed on the waterside is now the Flagship Restaurant (91-P)_. Vannevar Bush was appointed head of the Office of Scientific Research and Development by President Roosevelt in 1941. In that position the mass production of sulfa drugs and penicillin was achieved. In the same office, Bush supervised the research that culminated in the building f the atomic bomb. In 1957 Bush became the chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of technology Corporation (See appendix, Folio B) The son of William Bush was Rev. Perry Bush who was the minister of the First Universalist Church of Provincetown for many years. His distinction as an outstanding minister and citizen is well documented. The sister of Dr. Vannevar Bush is Edith Bush, Professor for many years at Radcliffe College. Miss Bush is still alive today, although in poor health in her middle nineties. This distinguished family is certainly one of Provincetown's most important and has had a continuing history of community involvement since the early 1800s. Lysander Paine not only owned fishing schooners, he also operated a stagecoach business and was Clerk of the Board of Fire Engineers in 1869 President of the Seamen's Savings Bank. Because of the enormous span of historical interest and variety of themes this house represents, it is very worthy of Landmark status. Its architecture alone is a beautiful example of Greek Revival at is purest and best." Jennings, Herman "Provincetown" Bryant, George, Statement to Rear Admiral J. P. Stewart, Com. Fist Coast Guard District, Boston Ma, Aug 1, 1975 Nancy Paine Smith, author of "The Provincetown Book" and "Our Heritage" plus several other local histories in also a descendent of Lysander Paine family.

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Commercial Street (Provincetown, Mass.), Dwellings, and Historic Districts--Massachusetts--Provincetown

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)