524 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 524 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 524 Commercial St. is a 2-1/2-story, 4-bay dwelling; gable-front roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles; partial cornice returns; interior brick chimney at roof ridge; exterior is clad in wood shingles with wood corner boards and trim; fenestration includes single 12/12 DHS wood windows with wood surrounds and operable louvered shutters; primary entrance is accessed by a storm door; door surround includes brackets with pendants supporting flat hood; 1-story, hipped-roof full-width open porch supported by square posts with scrollwork knee braces is reminiscent of the Queen Anne style; wood porch deck has lattice skirting; rear ell with 2-story section and 1-1/2-story section, 6/6 DHS.

Historical Narrative: Plaque - "Birthplace of Commander Donald B. MacMillan, Arctic Explorer. Occupant says this tablet placed by the Research Club of Provincetown, MA 1926" Been in the same family since the Civil War. As per Mary Avellar (1976): "This house is the birthplace of Rear Admiral Donald B. MacMillan, explorer who accompanied Peary on his successful expedition to the North Pole. It is, therefore, eligible for Landmark designation. The importance of Admiral MacMillan to Provincetown cannot be overemphasized. He was a native son, and his accomplishments in the fields of exploration, education, and navigation are thoroughly documented (see East End Album). The Pilgrim's Monument Museum has a full display of Admiral MacMillan's memorabilia from his frequent expeditions to the North, both with Peary and on subsequent voyages. His Book, Arctic Odyssey, tells a fascinating story of his adventures with Peary and of his later adventures in this schooner "Bowdoin". Of all the important me whom Provincetown can lay claim to, 'Mac' as he was affectionately know, is perhaps our most distinguished. House once served as barracks for Harvard students mustered in the Civil War."

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)