580-582 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 580-582 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 580-582 Commercial St. is a 2-story; 5-bay, full cottage dwelling; side-gable roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles; shed dormer on rear roof slope; center brick ridge chimney; exterior is clad in clapboard siding with wood shingles on the secondary facades; fenestration includes 2/1 and 6/6 wood DHS, 2/1 wood DHS in shed dormer; simple wood trim around windows; primary entrance is accessed by a plank door with window cutout, pilasters with ancones (fluted capitals), fanlight; rear plank door. Side ell has side-gable roof; center brick ridge chimney, 2/1 and 6/6 DHS, secondary entrance centered in 5-bay facade with multi-light wood storm and simple surround with entablature; wood steps to each door. Shed-roof, 1-story rear section on rear of side ell is lit by 2/1 DHS.

Historical Narrative: As per Mary Avellar (1977): Ell is 100 years older than main house. This has been the residence of Ted Robinson writer and journalist who was an integral part of the art community for years. His wife still occupies the premises at 582. Robinson is responsible for the definitive history of the Beachcombers Club, which was published in 1945. Built by Burns family - last lighthouse keepers. "The Big House" also owned "Merry Meeting" across the street." As per Tom Boland (1994): Shown in 1858 map as being owned by J. Weeks and later in 1880 by J.W. Snow, it is impossible to determine where the later half of the house at 580-582 Commercial was relocated from if that is the case. It may have merely been added, moved from a location nearby or floated over from Long Point. In 1907, it was owned by Mrs. E. Winslow. In the early 20th century, this house was home to Ted Robinson, a writer and journalist.

Bibliography and/or References: Barnstable County Atlas. Atlas, 1880. Barnstable County Atlas. Atlas, 1907. Cape Cod Directory, 1901. The Extremity of Cape Cod. Map, 1836. H.F. Wallings Co. Map of Provincetown Village. Atlas, 1858. Provincetown Advocate. November 11, 1984. Resident Directory. W.H. Hopkins, 1889. Resident Directory. W.F. Richardson & Co., 1886.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)