514 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 514 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 514 Commercial St. is a 2-story, 2-bay firehouse converted to residential use; gable-front roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, partial cornice returns; exterior is clad in wood shingles; fenestration includes single 6/6 replacement DHS windows with storms; primary entrance is a modern overhead garage door with a cornice on the front facade; cupola at rear roof ridge with paired brackets under eaves; rear facade contains exterior brick chimney that interrupts cornice and a secondary entry.

Historical Narrative: As per Tom Boland (1994): On March 7, 1835 the Fire Department was created through a vote of town meeting. In 1850, another engine was purchased and established in the former firehouse at 351 Commercial Street. In May of 1859, A Board of Engineers was formed to expand the Department and oversee the acquisition of more equipment and the construction of five new stations. The first fire chief was E.G. Loring. The dates of these equipment purchases were: No. 1 (117 Commercial) 1868 No. 4 (189 Commercial) 1868 No. 5 (514 Commercial) 1869 No. 2 (252 Commercial) 1871 All of these firehouses were built in the same style and are quite similar. Number 514 Commercial Street, then called Engine #1, was the repository for the Ulysses Engine, a 5 1/2 cylinder 16 stroke engine, built by the Messrs. Hunneman & Co. of Boston Highlands. The house was erected at a cost of $1200. The house is currently called Engine 5. In 1993 The Fire Department suspended operation in all the stations (except #3, a slightly later station which houses an ambulance, and #5 which houses an antique engine) and centralized equipment at the new Shank Painter Fire House.

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. Provincetown Advocate. November 11, 1984. Resident Directory. W.F. Richardson & Co., 1886. Sanborn Fire Insurance Company. Map, 1889. Sanborn Fire Insurance Company. Map, 1902.

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)