374 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 374 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 374 Commercial St. is a 2-1/2-story, 3-bay astylistic dwelling converted to residential use; gable-front roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, gable dormers, small wood cornice; exterior is clad in wood shingles with wood trim, clapboard siding on the gable dormers; building sits on a raised brick foundation; fenestration includes 6/6 replacement DHS windows on the 1st floor, 6/6 replacement DHS in the gable end, and replacement fixed-pane windows with triple awning window transoms at 2nd story, inoperable shutters; central entry is partially below grade and is sheltered by a gabled hood; left side facade contains wood staircase and deck to secondary entries.

Historical Narrative: As per Josephine Del Deo (1977): The owner's history of the house includes the fact that it was originally sitting by itself along the beach with no other houses nearby, especially no houses on the shore side. It was in use originally as a fisherman's boarding house. The small rooms under the eaves upstairs attest to this use. It faces west because of its isolation. There was no street at the time it was built, and the fishermen came up directly form the beach. Its interior boasts wide floor boards and very wide paneling, some boards being as wide as 30" in the upstairs hall. The stairs are traditionally steep and the railing is pine. There were originally five fireplaces in the house, but these are presently boarded. The original doors and all the wainscoting is intact. The sills are low and, of course, crooked. The door frames are crooked and high against the ceiling and the corner posts, as in the house at 72 Commercial, are part of the room's interior decoration. All the wall woodwork is now painted, but the original wood is in place in every room and has not been altered. The house is certainly part of the 18th century, but the exact year of its construction is, to date, unknown. Two previous owners were Berry and Crocker. The present owner purchased it from John Francis. House has been converted to commercial use and its exterior further altered.

Bibliography and/or References: Interview with owner, March 14, 1977.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)