299 Commercial St

Historic District Survey information for 299 Commercial St

Architectural Description: 299 Commercial St. is a 2-story, 3-bay, astylistic commercial building; gable-front roof is sheathed in asphalt shingles, partial cornice returns; exterior is clad in clapboard siding with wood corner boards and trim, and brick facing on the bottom of front-facade wall; building sits on a brick foundation; fenestration includes 2/2 wood DHS and 2/1 wood DHS, wood window surrounds, canted single-pane plate glass storefront windows with wood frame; storefront has wood cornice with broad frieze; primary entrance is a central recessed modern metal-framed glass door with single-pane transom and concrete stoop; 1-story shed addition on side with single-pane sliding glass doors, and housing a small business.

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. Currently "Provincetown Portuguese Bakery" (2003).

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

 (Mass. Historical Commission Form B)