6 Soper St

Historic District Survey information for 6 Soper St

Architectural Description: 6 Soper Street is a 1-story, 5-bay center entry cottage. Brick chimney on rear roof slope. Historic multi-light and panel entry door with storm. Flat hood with modillions, modillioned knee braces, and carved ceiling detail. Modern stoop with iron rails accesses entry. 2/2 DHS windows. 1-story gable addition on south end. 5 bays with central entry on gable (south) end. 2/2 DHS windows. Wood steps and deck across facade; spiral stair to deck at 2nd story. Single-leaf door with flanking 1/1 DHS windows at 2nd story, accesses deck here. Aluminum siding on half of north facade. Garage is 1-story, with one garage bay and one shingle-clad bay; front-gable roof.

Historical Narrative: As per Josephine Del Deo (1977): "This house has had only two owners since its construction c. 1825. It was originally the residence of the Sold Dyer Nickerson family. The authentic setting of this family is still in place including furniture and clothing (the bride's dress is still carefully preserved in the upstairs bedroom). Wallpaper from Europe and carpeting is the original wallpaper and rug from the time of construction. The interior of the house is almost totally preserved and uniquely valuable for this reason. Although the exterior is an excellent example of an altered Cape it is the combination of exterior architecture and interior preservation which make this property eligible for Landmark designation. History of Samuel T. Rich, present owner: Samuel T. Rich was born on Bangs St. in the house at the rear of 452 Commercial. He grew up in 151 Bradford St.., the home of F. Salvador at the present time. His grandfather owned a ship's chandlery and his family were, for many years, residents of Truro. Mr. Rich is a descendent of the Mayflower through the Hopkins line, and his ancestral line in England is through the Earl of Warwick, from whom he is directly descended. Samuel RT. Rich's father. Also Samuel Rich, is one of the three men that Hawthorne painted in his painting, "The Three Selectmen". The other two men were Herman Cook and Sol Dyer Nickerson. All three were in their eighties when the painting was done. Samuel R. Rich was captain of a yacht owned by Mr. Houston of Philadelphia for 51 years and bought the present house form the Sol Dickerson family in 1931. Mr. Rich's interesting account of his working years is on a tape made by Josephine Del Deo in March, 1976. He has a rich knowledge of the town's history and is perfectly clear and sharp about every detail although well past his ninetieth year." NOW RENTAL PROPERTY - INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ALTERED

Bibliography and/or References: personal interviews: Mary Avellar and Josephine Del Deo. P.H.D.S. 1974 and 1976.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)