332 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 332 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 332 Commercial St. is a 3-story, 3 bay, Second Empire-style municipal building; mansard roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles and has pedimented dormers, with paired cornice brackets under the eaves; exterior is clad in clapboard siding; building sits on a brick foundation; fenestration includes 2/2 DHS with storms, windows have pedimented and segmental-arched lintels with end brackets, inoperable louvered shutters; central tower with center gable modillioned cornice; primary entrance located in center bay is sheltered by a 1-story flat-roof entry porch supported by square columns and pilasters, entry porch has modillioned cornice and end brackets, and is reached by brick steps; poured concrete wheelchair ramp with metal railing at east side of porch.

Historical Narrative: As per Josephine Del Deo (1977): This building has been in continuous use as a public library since its dedication in 1874. Given to the Town by its original owner, Nathaniel Freeman, it remains the property of the Town as long as its use is for library purposes. It is clearly one of the oldest public libraries in the country and was designated for Landmark status in 1975. The Town has undertaken its complete renovation, and at this time, its completed interior and additional stacks in the rear are nearly ready for occupancy. The exterior details have been retained and the original cupola restored in the renovation process. Quoting from the Walking Tour No. 1, The Center of Provincetown, "Provincetown 's Public Library was officially opened on Saturday, June 13, 1874. The Mayflower Division of Sons of Temperance contributed $300 to the Town in 1863 for a Public Library fund. By the time the Library was built, this amount had increased to $522.22. At an annual town meeting 1872, $25 was appropriated to purchase and bind copies of the Boston Daily Advertiser for one year. The dog tax collected for four years was assigned to the purchase of books." In 1874, Nathaniel Freeman deeded land a three-storied building to the used as a library on the first floor, a Y.M.C.A on the second floor and a photographer's shop (or any other reputable business) on the third floor to help keep the building and grounds in order. The Town appropriated $2,000 and $1,000 was raised by subscription. The library started off with 2,202 volumes. By 1890 there were 4,039. Today there are 19,000 volumes. During renovation, the old furnishings of the library and old bookcases were moved to the Provincetown Heritage Museum for storage. A portion of the lower floor of the Museum depicts the library as it was about 1900. Library currently being moved to 356 Commercial St. (2004)

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)