289 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 289 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 289 Commercial St. is a 2-1/2-story, 3-bay commercial building; gable-front roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, exterior rear brick chimney with terra cotta cap; exterior is clad in vinyl siding with brick facing on bottom of front facade and wood shingles on the south facade; gabled 3rd story added to roof; fenestration includes 1/1 wood windows, bay windows containing single-pane wood windows with fluted pilasters, inoperable wood shutters; 2nd-story overhang; primary entrance is located in center bay of modern storefront and is accessed by a wood pane-and-panel door reached by modern brick steps; south side of building is only 2 stories tall.

Historical Narrative: As per Tom Boland (1994): The earliest known structures of the area are 250 and 280. 250 Commercial is listed as the office of Dr. John L. Lothrop, who also had a pharmacy here, in the 1858 atlas. By 1875, the building had become Adams Pharmacy which still exists to this day and is the oldest business in continuous operation. The building in 1880, however was still owned by a J.M. Croker. By 1901-1907, the site was owned by John D. Adams himself. Historic photographs from the turn of the century indicate that the storefront remains unchanged in form. 299 Commercial Street was constructed between 1858 and 1880. In 1880, it is listed as the property of F. Small. By 1901, M.J. Davis is noted as owning and operating a small business from here and in 1907, the site is listed as Manuel J. Davis, hairdresser. The site of 277 Commercial Street was owned by D.D. Smith in 1880. In 1901, the current building was run as a restaurant by Emma F. Howes.283-289 Commercial Street was owned by S. Nickerson in 1880. As of 1901-1907, these buildings were operated as a livery by James Campbell. Mr. Campbell is noted in 1890 as working as a teamster or jobber.280 Commercial Street was owned by S. Nickerson in 1880. By 1901-1907 the property was owned by Angus McKay, a dealer in dry goods, boots, etc. In 1880, 269 Commercial Street was owned and operated by D. Conwell. The shop, in 1886, is listed as a millinery, and in 1890, a millinery run by Miss Lucy Paine is noted to exist across from Town Hall.

Bibliography and/or References: Barnstable County Atlas., 1880. Barnstable County Atlas., 1907. Cape Cod Directory, 1901. The Extremity of Cape Cod. Map, 1836. H.F. Wallings Co. Map of Provincetown Village. Atlas, 1858. Jennings, Herman A. Chequocket or Provincetown. 1893. Jennings, Herman A. Provincetown. or Odds and Ends from the Tip End. 1890. Resident Directory. W.F. Richardson & Co., 1886. Resident Directory. W.H. Hopkins, 1889.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)