148 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 148 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 148 Commercial St. is a 3-story, 5-bay multi-family dwelling with commercial space; hipped roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, two interior brick chimneys; exterior is clad in asbestos shingles; building sits on a brick foundation, the basement was raised a full story during the nineteenth century; fenestration includes 2/1 DHS on the front facade with 6/6 and 2/1 DHS on the side facades; primary entrance is accessed by original paired doors with storm doors; 2-story open porch on front facade is supported by chamfered wood posts and struts on the 1st story and Tuscan columns with spindlework balustrades on the 2nd story, "F Gaspa" in 2nd-story spindlework; 2nd-story porch entrance was originally the primary street-level entrance, now accessed by a replacement door with storm door, single-light transom and stained glass sidelights; secondary entrance in basement level has been filled with brick; yard is enclosed by a white picket fence.

Historical Narrative: As per Tom Boland (1994): The structure is one of the few "captains'" houses located in this area of town. Shown on the 1836 map, it was owned by H. Nickerson in 1858. By 1880, the owner is noted merely as Smith. The owner is still noted as S. Smith in 1907. The name Gaspa, on the porch alterations, implies that the porch, and possibly the basement level, were added subsequent to 1907. Occupant says bake oven found inside during restoration work. Former owners used to bake bread and sell if from the front window. Rose bush in front yard is approximately 85 years old. Brick foundation raised sometime in the nineteenth century. Mr. Caspa was a whaling fisherman. Currently "Tristan Gallery" (2003).

Bibliography and/or References: Barnstable County Atlas., 1880. Barnstable County Atlas., 1907. Cape Cod Directory, 1901. The Extremity of Cape Cod. Map, 1836. H.F. Wallings Co. Map of Provincetown Village. Atlas, 1858. Resident Directory. W.F. Richardson & Co., 1886. Resident Directory. W.H. Hopkins, 1889.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)