Major Bibliographical References (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) Previous documentation on file (NPS): Primary location of additional data: _ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 x State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency _previously listed in the National Register - Federal agenc! - previously determined eligible by the National - Local governmen Register - University _ designated a National Historic Landmark x Other _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey Name of repository: # Sears Memorial Library _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page 1 Narrative Statement of Significance Introduction The Jacob Sears Memorial Library was constructed in 1895 through the generosity of Jacob Sears, a lifelong resident of Quivet Neck in East Dennis. His bequest provided for construction and endowment of a combination library/memorial hall building to improve the breadth and quality of local educational opportunities. Sears' gift brought Dennis into step with scores of other communities that were enjoying the fruits of expanded economic opportunity and exposure to a broader world view.
Construction of increasing numbers of social/lecture halls and libraries in the second half of the 19*h century reflected a growing appreciation for books and abstract knowledge as well as increased leisure time for communal entertainment. From the beginning, the Jacob Sears Memorial Library served a dual function. First, it encompassed space for a lending library, thus providing a permanent home for a library association that had been established in 1866. In addition, it provided a stage and hall for lectures and other educational and cultural activities to supplement programs offered by the public schools. The library portion of the building and the library association that preceded it are both the earliest examples of their type within the town of Dennis.
The Jacob Sears Memorial Library, along with the East Dennis Methodist Church (now the Evangelical Free Church of East Dennis) across the street, have served as the institutional focus for Quivet Neck, and have also been important to the surrounding village of East Dennis for over 100 years. The building has served as a library and memorial hall since it opened in 1896. The Jacob Sears Memorial Library is a well-designed and well-preserved example of the Shingle Style, a mode used most extensively for turn-of-the-century summer residences. It was also used for a variety of other building types on Cape Cod, including the West Falmouth Library (1895; NR), the Megansett Casino in North Falmouth (1901), and the Wianno Club in Barnstable (1881; NR). The noted Boston architectural firm of Rand & Taylor, later known as Kendall, Taylor & Company, designed the Jacob Sears Memorial Library.
The builder was J.M. Kellaway of Newton Centre, MA. The building has been well maintained over the years and has no major alterations to either the exterior or interior. Library functions have crept into the memorial hall space over time, but it has been accomplished largely through moving furnishings such as bookshelves, rather than installation of partitions and drop ceilings. The Jacob Sears Memorial Library possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. It meets NR criterion A for its central role in village life, and criterion C as an excellent example of the Shingle Style designed by a prominent Boston architectural firm. The building is significant on the local level with a period of significance extending from 1895 - 1959 (fifty year cut-off date established by the National Register criteria).
In addition to individual NR eligibility, the library is a centerpiece of a potential Quivet Neck NR District. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page2 Local and Regional Context Dennis was settled in the mid-17th century as part of the neighboring town of Yarmouth. It was set off as grown to approximately 1,000 divided among five villages, including Dennis Village and East Dennis on Cape Cod Bay to the north, South Dennis on the upper Bass River, and West Dennis and Dennis Port on Nantucket Sound to the south. Like most Cape Cod towns, Dennis flourished after the American Revolution, largely on the strength of a diversified maritime economy.
Population growth was rapid, rising to a peak of 3,662 in 1860. Growth of the established north side continued through the mid 19th century. Dennis Village (Nobscusset) remained as the primary institutional focus, while East Dennis developed as a regionally significant center for saltmaking and shipbuilding. John Sears initiated the saltmaking industry here, obtaining a patent for solar evaporation in 1799. By the 1830s, saltworks covered much of the Cape Cod coastline. For the first time however, significant maritime growth shifted to the south side, which had better facilities for the larger vessels of the period and more direct access to fishing grounds and coastal market routes. Bass River, which is Cape Cod's largest watercourse, attracted unusually intense development to the adjacent villages of South Dennis and West Dennis.
Southside growth in Dennis was formally recognized in 1815 with establishment of the South Parish. Quivet Neck is one of many sizeable portions of upland that protrude into Cape Cod Bay from surrounding saltmarshes along the peninsula's north side. These necks of land were prized locations for early settlement because of their upland nature and their proximity to both Cape Cod Bay and saltmarshes. The varied environment allowed for agriculture as well as the numerous maritime activities - fishing, shellfishing, small-scale shipping and shipbuilding, harvesting of salt hay, and hunting - that sustained the early regional economy. Economic and population growth were accompanied by greatly expanded opportunities for socialization and education. Following state mandate, Dennis constructed modern, graded schools in all five villages between 1858 and 1867.
(see West Dennis Graded School; NR 2000) Municipal efforts were supplemented by private endeavors that resulted in several handsome community meeting halls. Liberty Hall (pre-1844) and Worden Hall (1866; East Dennis) are surviving examples. The Massachusetts Historical Commission's regional study of Cape Cod and the Islands notes that three regional towns constructed libraries in the 1860s and 1870s including Brewster (1868; Stick Style), Yarmouth (1870), and Orleans (1877; Tudor Revival). The East Dennis Library was part of a second wave of library construction that occurred in the 1890s, and also included Chatham (1896; Romanesque Revival), West Falmouth (1895-96; Shingle Style), Eastham (1897), and Bourne (1897; Colonial Revival) (MHC 1987: 221-222).
The best known architects designed the two Shingle Style libraries: the Boston firm of Rand & Taylor in Dennis, and Stephen Earle of Worcester in West Falmouth. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page - 3 In the 1860s, the Cape Cod region was in the early stages of a long period of economic decline and opulation loss that lasted well into the 20th marulamie nldstrhas -asted viel, sho thui 20g, fthing, 1 was ng, aipd satmhay idec linh af had vaeied post- Revolutionary growth and prosperity. Cape Cod's peripheral location and especially its lack of deep harbors to accommodate larger ships were the principal causes.
Between 1870 and 1915, Dennis experienced one of the sharpest rates of population decline in the region, losing 44% of its residents. By 1915, the population had fallen to 1,822. The decline ended in the 1920s, when the transportation freedom offered by private automobiles made Cape Cod more accessible to both tourists and residents who appreciated its quaint character, extensive coastline, and abundance of recreational activities. The Dennis population grew by nearly 20% between 1920 and 1930, and reached 2,015 in 1940. Steady and sometimes overly rapid growth has continued in the years since. Dennis has three other libraries in addition to the Sears Library. All of them date to the economic turnaround of the 1920s, which allowed the town to begin appropriating money for village libraries.
The West Dennis Free Public Library Association was organized in 1920, and the present bullding was constructed in 1923. The South Dennis Free Public Library was organized in 1918, replacing an earlier library association. After incorporation in 1928, the library moved into the former home of John Rose, which had been willed to the village for that purpose by Captain Jonathan Matthews (1850-1926). The Dennis Library Association dates to 1873, but its current home dates to 1924 and is dedicated to the veterans of World War I. All four village libraries have received annual support from the town since 1922, but have remained as independent entities (Reid: 602-603). Jacob Sears Memorial Library The origins of the East Dennis library on Quivet Neck date to 1866, when William F. Howes developed a plan for a library association.
The library was initially housed in private homes until 1870, when Nathaniel Myrick made a donation of $500. This precipitated changes in the association and a move to more permanent quarters in Worden Hall on the Old King's Highway. Captain Prince S. Crowell made a similar donation at about the same time. While located in Worden Hall, the library collection grew to about 1,200 volumes. Circulation was initially restricted to members who paid 50 cents in annual dues. An even more generous gift from the estate of Jacob Sears provided the means for construction of a permanent, purpose-built library and memorial hall. Jacob Sears was born on May 5, 1823, in a house built by his father Daniel at 66 Sea Street on Quivet Neck in 1820. He grew up in the area and attended the East Dennis public school on the corner of School and Center streets.
Sears was a successful farmer and cranberry grower (28 bogs were cited in his 1871 will) and had business investments in shipping and railroads. He was particularly noted for development of an improved packing method that preserved more cranberries from shipping damage. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page Jacob married his next door neighbor, Olive Frances Kelley (7/18/1840; Harwich-1892) on April 29, 1860. Jacob and Olive moved into Jacob's family home located at 66 Sea Street, about one-fifth of a mile from the library.
Olive's father, Stillman Kelley, was a successful mariner who retired from the sea in 1849 and moved to East Dennis where he opened a wharf-side store. At the same time he built a new house at 78 Sea Street. Both of the houses at 66 and 78 Sea Street remain standing today. Sears was distrustful of the new school system of the 1860s, which replaced 14 one-room schoolhouses with five larger graded schools, one in each of the town's five villages. Specifically, he mourned the loss of the old district school on Quivet Neck that he had attended as a boy.
Thus, Sears, who was childless, drew up a will that stated that following the death of his wife Olive, the proceeds of his estate should be used "for the benefit of the inhabitants of East Dennis and vicinity, for educational purposes, one-third part of said property to be appropriated for a building and appurtenances which shall be located on Quivet Neck, in East Dennis, and the other two-thirds is to be a fund for the support of said institution..." Jacob died in 1871 and Olive in 1892. At that time the estate was valued at about $23,000. Jacob's siblings contested the will in a case that went to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 1893. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935) was a member of that court at the time, serving as an associate justice from 1888-1898, and chief justice from 1899-1902. Holmes, Jr. is best known for his service as an associate justice of the U.S.
Supreme Court from 1902-1932. The 1893 State Court, with Holmes, Jr. as a member, ruled that the will "constitutes a good gift to charity and may be executed as a valid charitable trust." Milton P. Hedge, Henry H. Sears and O. Walter Hall, all residents of Quivet Neck, were appointed trustees of the bequest. The court also formulated a process to carry out and administer the intent set forth in Sears' will: One-third part of the said trust property, as near as may be, shall be appropriated and used for the purchase of a tract of land the erection of a building and appurtenances thereon, to be located upon said Quivet Neck. Said building shall be provide with a suitable hall fitted and adopted for the giving of lectures, and with suitable rooms fitted ad adopted for the maintaining of a library.....
The building, its programs, and its endowment were to be administered by a Board of Trustees and a five- member Advisory Committee, all to be residents of Quivet Neck. Use of the facility was free to all Dennis residents. Programs on subjects not taught in the Dennis public schools, such as music, were emphasized (Yarmouth Register 5/20/1893). A parcel of land on the south side of Center Street, nearly opposite the East Dennis Wesleyan Church, was purchased from Barnabas H. Sears on June 15, 1895 for a cost of $250 (Aseltine: 9). Photographs of the period show the land in apparent pasture use. The Yarmouth Register, which reported on the new building on July 18, 1896, stated that the plans were prepared by Boston architects Kendall & Stevens, (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 . Page 5 who were currently known as Rand, Taylor, Kendall & Stevens. State Public Safety Commission records identify Rand & Taylor as architects. Construction of the building was initiated on September 3, 1895 under the supervision of J. M. Kellaway, a contractor from Newton Centre, MA (Aseltine et.al.: 9). The building was quickly completed for a cost of $3,500 (Aseltine et.al.: 9). On May 23, 1896, the inhabitants of Quivet Neck met at the library to choose trustees and discuss other related matters. They voted to name the building the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. The library portion of the building was opened on July 3, 1897. At that time, there were 254 books on hand and another 1,103 in circulation.
By 1967, the collection had grown to approximately 7,000 volumes (Sears 1967: 2). The formal dedication of the building occurred on July 10, 1896 (Aseltine et.al.: 9; Yarmouth Register 7/18/1896). The ceremony included a speech by Mr. Samuel L. Powers of Newton who had married into the local Crowell family. He identified many examples of self-made men who taught themselves through reading. Orchestral music and two vocal soloists rounded out the program. Each year, at least one lecture was scheduled to carry out the terms of the will and trust. The trust that Jacob left to support the library has a current value of approximately $550,000. The library was incorporated by Chapter 254 of the acts of 1908, allowing state funds to be used in its support. This act reinforced the Supreme Court's 1893 interpretation of Jacob Sears' will.
It appointed three trustees and established an advisory committee of five to be elected each year to advise the trustees. Annual meetings were set for the month of May. Any resident of Quivet who was at least 21 years of age was eligible to vote at the meetings, including both men and women. Four uses were established for the income produced by the Jacob Sears trust. 1. For the expenses of said Trust 2. For the establishing and maintaining of a library 3. For the instruction of classes in music or in such branches of study as are not taught in the public schools of said Dennis 4. For courses of lectures to be given from time to time in the Hall of said Library. Mrs. Nathan Sears, a retired schoolteacher, was selected as the first librarian, serving for 26 years until she was succeeded by Mrs. Braddock N. Kelly in 1922. Mrs. Dean S. Sears. assumed the position in 1939, followed by Mrs.
Lambert Lynn, who served from 1973 to 1983. Mrs. Cynthia Hotaling became the librarian in 1984. The single person who is most strongly associated with the library over time is Dean S. Sears, whose wife Esther was librarian from 1939 to1973. Dean began working at the library at the age of sixteen for 50 cents per week, In 1930, he was appointed a trustee and later named clerk and treasurer, positions he held until 1978. He was honored by the trustees and advisory committee with a steeple clock that remains in the library. The clock is currently on the fireplace mantle within the front sitting/reading room. Dean and Jacob were not related. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page 6 The Jacob Sears Memorial Library has been the scene of many and varied events over the years. One of the most notable occurred in 1928, when according to her autobiography, "The Lonely Life," Bette Davis came to Dennis hoping to act at the Cape Playhouse. She was offered ushering duties instead. Then, according to the autobiography. " ...in July, I was asked to join the Junior Players and played Elise Benedotti in 'The Charm School,' which we presented at Sears Memorial Hall in East Dennis. It was a benetit performance for the Methodist Church. We were such a success we were invited to play in three or four nearby towns" (Aseltine et.al.: 11).
The Ladies Aid Society held their early meetings in the hall, and used both the grounds and building over the years for their summer fairs and Christmas teas. Special events such as these continue today. In turn, the Ladies have been major supporters of the library, with members serving as librarians, volunteers, advisors, and officers. Special events held in the Memorial Hall were reported on frequently in the Yarmouth Register, indicating the important role the building exerted on the community. Sometimes the topic was serious, as when Rev. R. J. Sprague closed the 1897 season with a lecture on immigration that was well attended and heartily applauded (Yarmouth Register 4/3/1897) or when W. Hinton White presented an illustrated lecture entitled, "In Neptune's Realm"(Yarmouth Register March, 1897). Other events were more purely entertainment as reported by the local papers.
(undated and untitled news clippings) The following is one example: "The hall was crowded and one of the most unique entertainments ever given in town was enjoyed. The program consisted of an up-to-date exhibition of magic and prestidigitation by Prof. W. E. Floyd of Boston. His tricks and illusions were original, and he is extremely skilful in feats of sleight-of-hand. He was assisted by Mrs. Floyd, who presented an act termed mnemonics, which delighted and mystified everybody." The library continued to play an active and diverse role in village life well into the 20th century, with events ranging from piano recitals (Cape Cod Standard Times, August, 1948), to providing space for the final round of the Second Annual Cape Cod Summer Duplicate Bridge Championship (nd).
The annual East Dennis Community Agricultural Fair was held at the Memorial Hall and Hedge Homestead barn in 1946-1949, and perhaps other years, sponsored by the county's 4H Clubs, the Cape Cod Milk Goat Breeders' Association, and the Cape Cod Extension Service. Exhibits held in the Jacob Sears Memorial Hall filled all available floor space, including the stage. The Jacob Sears Memorial Library was always one of the primary sites for an annual historical and social event in East Dennis, known by various similar names such as Reunion Week, Home-Coming Week, and Old Home Week.It was held in late July through early August from at least 1932 to 1941. These events (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 _ Page L were sponsored by Dr. Atwood, pastor of the church across the street for twelve years. When Dr. Atwood left Dennis, the event stopped. Each yearly event revolved around a single historic theme and included suppers, lectures, concerts, motor trips to other parts of Cape Cod, and clambakes. The Cranberry and Reunion Week of 1933 featured a cranberry supper put on by the Ladies Aid Society that attracted a record crowd of 250. The meal was followed by a lecture and moving picture show that chronicled the regional cranberry industry. A well-attended concert by the Federated choir of Sandwich was held later in the week.
"The Toilers of the Sea" theme in 1935 included an address on the Fishing Industry of Cape examined "Historic Interests and Industries" on Cape Cod. Memorial Hall hosted Red Cross Day and the annual Song Fest on consecutive days. The Cape Cod Standard Times reported on a variety of events held at the Memorial Hall in November and December, 1952. They included square dancing, an annual potluck supper, and the Community Christmas party. In October of that year classes on furniture refinishing and rug hooking were held. Today, the Jacob Sears Memorial Library continues its role as a visual, educational, and social center for Quivet Neck. The library is open year-round to serve the village's primarily year-round population.
Architectural Significance The style of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library at the time of construction was referred to as "modified French Chateau as a type of modern architecture" and as "modern architecture." Today it would be called Shingle Style, an architectural desien mode that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was especially in summer resort areas like Cape Cod where its subtle simplicity complemented the casual lifestyle embraced there. The Shingle Style is an American original, born of admiration for the early Colonial period, and tempered by delight in the asymmetries and interweaving of interior and exterior spaces typical of the English Queen Anne style.
Previously, American architects and builders had looked to England and Europe for inspiration and had followed their example as closely as possible within the restrictions imposed by their circumstances, such as wood rather than masonry materials and less money to devote to building. The Shingle Style also reflects America's growing independence from the Old World. The primary hallmark of the Shingle Style are exterior walls that are cloaked in a uniform covering of veathered wood shingles that are sometimes applied in decorative patterns to emphasize specifi irchitectural features. Broad, dominant roofs take gable, hip, and gambrel forms, and often sweep dowi from the ridge without a break to visually gather verandahs and porches into the mass of the building. Conicalvice ed turirel arlurf eh usied lo enivenxte masnd ing rior spares. 5, crossal baes, and himleys.
Thus, massing and native materials take the place of columns, pilasters, and pediments as arbiters of style. All of these elements appear in the Jacob Sears Memorial Library. (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 8 Page 8 Characteristic elements include the low, sheltering sweep of the dominant roofline, which falls from the roof ridge to become the roof of the main entrance porch. Others are the continuous wood-shingle exterior without fascias, cornerboards, or other trim elements, the low-rise rounded towers defining the front corners, and the triple-front dormers that break through the roof to gables with shingled diamonds.
Historic photographs showing a weathered, rather than painted shingle exterior, present an even stronger picture of the Shingle Style than the white paint that appears today. The librarywas designed by Rand& Taylor, composed of George Dutton Rand and Bertrand Taylor (1860-1946). It was a respected late 19t*-century Boston architectural firm with many important private and public commissions to its credit including the Gothic Revival-style Worcester State Hospital (1870), and the Queen Anne-style Winchester Town Hall (1887). Their turn-of-the-century successor firm, Kendall, Taylor & Stevens, and later Kendall, Taylor & Company, produced a wide variety of building types, but specialized in hospital design. Henry Kendall was born in New Braintree, MA, studied architecture at M.I.T., and trained in the office of William G. Preston.
From 1879 to 1889 he served as Assistant to the Supervising Architect of the Treasury. Albert Kendall, who was Henry's son, graduated from Harvard in 1905, and trained in his father's office, soon becoming a partner. Mr. Taylor was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, trained in the Boston office of Ober & Rand, and attended classes at M.I.T. Other partners in this firm included Edward F. Stevens (1860-1946) and George Dutton Rand. In addition to their Massachusetts state hospital and school work, the firm designed buildings at the New Hampshire Hospital for the Insane; Hitchcock Hospital at Hanover New Hampshire; the City, Homeopathic, and Corey Hill Hospitals at Boston; and the Newton City Hospital (Withey 1970: 339-340, 590).
Archaeological Significance While several pre-Contact period Native American sites have been identified in the Dennis area, especially along the Bass River, few sites have been systematically studied, resulting in limited interpretative data usually confined to locational and typological information. As a result of these limitations, any surviving sites in the library locale could potentially be significant. Pre-Contact period sites in this area have the potential to contribute information relating to Native American settlement and subsistence in the town of Dennis, especially in the northern portion of town along Cape Cod Bay, and on a larger scale along the Bass River/Mid-Cape areas.
Native sites in the area may contribute important information related to pre-Contact land use in the Bass River and Mid-Cape areas, where settlement during that period has been documented through extensive representation in surface artifact collections. Pre-Contact period sites on library property may also contain information that documents the relationship of sites located in this area to subsistence and settlement located to the south along the Bass River drainage or to sites along the Cape Cod Bay estuaries and shoreline. Ancient sites in the area may contain information that contributes to our knowledge of Native subsistence techniques in upland and marine- related environments. (end) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 9 Page1 9. Jacob Sears Memorial Library Bibliography Aseltine, Mary and Florence Bennett, Cynthia Hotaling. History of Libraries. Unpublished manuscript; lecture presented to the Ladies Aid Society, January 4, 1894 Barnstable County Probate Records. Will of Jacob Sears, 1871. Cape Cod Standard Times. "Events Scheduled at East Dennis Hall". October - December1952. Chapter 254/Acts of 1908. An Act to Incorporate the Jacob Sears Memorial Library. 1908. Deyo, Simeon L. History of Barnstable County, Mass. Chapter XVIII. H. W. Blake Co. N. Y. 1890. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Historic & Archaeological Resources of Cape Cod & the Islands. 1987. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Inventory B Forms for Jacob Sears Memorial Library. 10/2002, 1969.
Massachusetts Historical Commission. Town Reconnaissance Survey Reports. 1985. Old Home Week at East Dennis (also known by similar names). At least 1933-1941. Reid, Nancy Thatcher. Dennis, Cape Cod From Firstcomers to Newcomers 1639-1993. Dennis Historical Society. 1996. Sears, Mrs. David. The Jacob Sears Memorial Library of East Dennis: the past history and a hopeful look into the future. May, 1967 Sears, Dean. Jacob Sears Memorial Library. Unpublished manuscript 3 pages. Withey, Henry F. and Elsie Rathburn. Biographical Dictionary of American Architects. Los Angeles: Hennessey and Ingalls, Inc., 1970. Yarmouth Register. May 20, 1893. "Bequest to East Dennis". July 18, 1896. "Jacob Sears Memorial Building." April 3, 1897 (continued) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA Section number 9 Page2 County Maps and Atlases Map of Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties. Henry F. Walling. 1858. Atlas of Barnstable County. George H. Walker & Co. 1880 Atlas of Barnstable County. Walker Lithograph & Publishing Co. 1908 Land Plans Eagle Surveying, Inc. Plan of Land in Dennis, MA. Prepared for Eastman Nominee Trust. 5/2/2000. 1.04 acres. Scale 1" = 30' Sweetser, Stanley R., Inc. Plan of Land in Dennis, Massachusetts as prepared for Marjorid Milano. 10/20/1993. .97 acres. Scale: 1" = 30' Sweetser Engineering. Plan of Land in East Dennis, Massachusetts as prepared for Jacob Sears Memorial Library Corporation. 4/18/2000. Approximately .403 acres. Scale: 1" = 20'.
http://capecodhistory.us/Deyo/Dennis-Deyo.htm (end) Jacob Sears Memorial Library Name of Property Barnstable,MA County, State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property less than one acre UTM References See continuation sheet (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 12209 404580 4622190 Easting Northing "Zone Easting Northing 3. Zone Easting "Zone Easting _ See continuation sheet Northing Northing Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By name/title_ Candace Jenkins, consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization.
Massachusetts Historical Commission date October 2009 street & number 220 Morrissey Boulevard _telephone_617-727-8470 city or town Boston _ stateMA _ zip code_02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.) name Trustees of the Jacob Sears Library Association street & number Box 782 telephone city or town East Dennis state MA _ zip code_ 02641 Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.0. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503. IPV. 10m00-900 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number10 Page OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA 10.
Geographical Data Verbal Boundary Description The boundary for the Jacob Sears Library encompasses the entire Lot #12 on Assessor's Sheet #398. Verbal Boundary Justification The nominated area includes all land historically associated with the library. (end) NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number photos Page 1 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Jacob Sears Memorial Library Dennis (Barnstable), MA List of Black & White Photographs Photographer: Carolyn Weiss Location of Negatives: Jacob Sears Memorial Library Date: early spring 2006 Roll 1: Exterior Views Facing west on Center Street. The Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building is on south (left) side of road, nearly opposite the Evangelical Free Church of East Dennis (originally the East Dennis Methodist Church). 2.
Facing south to the main front façade (north) of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 3. Facing southwest to the main front façade (north) of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 4. Facing southeast to the main front façade (north) and west side elevation of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 5. Facing north to the rear elevation (south) of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 6. Detail view of the main entrance (west end of front façade) of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 7. Detail view of the trio of long wall dormer windows (east half of front façade) that light the main hall of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Building. 8. Interior: main hall, facing east toward stage. 9. Interior, reading room, facing west toward fireplace.
(end) NITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIO JATIONAL PARK SERVICI NATTONAE ALUATION ETURN SHEG PLACES REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME: Sears, Jacob, Memorial Library MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Barnstable DATE RECEIVED: 10/09/09 DATE OF 16TH DAY: 11/11/09 DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: DATE OF PENDING LIST: 10/27/09 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 11/22/09 REFERENCE NUMBER: 09000934 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL:N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: COMMENT WAIVER: N ACCEPT REJECT 11:18-09 DATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS : Entered in The Natonal Regtbter Historlc Places RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments I/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.
Photo #1- Neg.#1-10 Jacob Seak, Menorial librang 23 Centurst-Dennis, MA Barustable Corunty Carolemn Weiss - Spriny 200k Negalive at librany Fachy west on Ceuter Street; librny on left Photo #2 - Neg. #1-2 Bamstable Countes Cardlyn Wweiss - early Spring, 2006 Negative at library Facing south to primary lacadk Pholo #3-Neg.41-4 Jacob sears Memorial Librany 3Center St. - Dennis, MA Bamstable County Cardyn Weiss- early spring 2006 Negative at Librany Faciny southwest to primany tacade Photo #4-Neg. #1- Jacob sears Memonial Librans 23 Lenter St- Dennis, MA Barnstable Couny Carolyn Weiss-eatly spriny 2006 Negafive at libran Poery southeast fomain lacadet eas west side elevalt Photo #S-Neg#1-12 Jacob Sears Menorial Library 23 Center St.
- Dennis, MA Barnstabe Lounty Caralyn Weiss- lartu spriny 2006 Necative at Lisrary Faciynorth to rlar elevation LIBI HO TUE JACOB SEARS MEMORIAL LIBRARY Ploto H6- Neg. #1-19 Jacob Sears Memorial Cibrany 23 Center St., Oennis, MA Bamstable County, Caro ln Weiss-earlay sping 2006 Negativeat Librany Jetzilvisi ol marnentranel; tucin stath Photo#7-Neg.#1-17 Jacob Sears Memcrial Libmary 23 Center St.- Dennis, MA Barustable Counky Barslun Wlerss-early sprins 2006 Negative at Librany Detail veis ol wadldomes on frout lacade; faciny seatt Photo #8- Neg#2-1519) Jacob Sars Memorial Library 23 Center St. - Deanis, MA Center St.
- Dennis, MA Barnstable Counky Carolyn Werss-eallu spriny 2006 Negativz at lebrany Mainhall taliny east toward stage i tEE8e Photo#a-Neg.#2-9,12) Jacob Sears Memorial kibray 23 Conter St.-Dennis, MA Bamstable Counky Carolyn Weiss- eally spring 2006 Negativeat librany Readingroum laciy west toward lire place Trust ITH SCHOOL A 65) 5 RY BECKWITH 8 DAD 3 ILEEN EssAYE 2 CARL Judith @ Richardson Q0 ITWErShiP - D EAMER COUGHANDUR. REALTY TRUST 412 PLEASANT HEDGE FAmILY TRUST STREET 33 39) 3015 MARK GRANT SOTS1A5?
CHURCH 1220/91 FIRST WESLEYAN METHODIST SOCIETy IN BREWSTER RICHARD SIMON 276,001 Townd Dennis Assessor Map sheet#397:Lot 412 Jacob Scars lemorial Libran 25 lenter st ( 1838 33' BI P26-29-58 CENTER BARBARA KINDER QUALifiET personat ce oesi TR STREET JACOB sears memoriai L/IBRARY DOROTHY KING Richard Jeffrey etux A STEVEN KUHRTZ STREET 398 SALO 55 Jacob sears Mumerial libram 23 Center8t. - Dennis, MA Scale: 1'=200' Sweetser Engineenuy April 18, 2000 604-9 FOR REGISTRY USE ONLY LOCUS - CENTER SOUTH ROUTE 6A LOCATION MAP 35 MDE CENTER UNDETNED STREET TOWN WAY 77088 133.00° p:NW CORNER S8 FND.
gip 397 12 141.79 FNC FND NOY -2 P 2 40 FRANKH BARBARAAT EASTIAN RECEIVED ANO RECORDED 5195437E 133.00 IARJORIE MILAN 0470 PG 25 1331.00 95437 BOOK 604 PAGE 9 AREA 7455 SCRE , 133.00° 5770818W BARNABÃS HL SEARS SHOWN OR THAT NEW LINES FOR DIVISION OF EXISTING OWNERSHIP APRH 18, 2000 APRL 18,2000 PROFESSIONAL LAND SURVEYOR PLAN OF LAND IN EAST DENNIS, MASSACHUSETTS AS PREPARED FOR JACOB SEARS MEMORIAL LIBRARY CORPORATION SCALE 1" - 20 APRIL 18, 2000 10 20 40 60 80 SWESTSER ENGINEERING 235 GREAT WESTERN ROAD P.O. SOUTH DENNIS, DENNSMASS FA(S(30B) 395-3063 4700A Jacab Sears Memorial Library 23 Center Street P.O. Box 782 East Dennis, MA 02641 RECEIVED UF JUL 31 2009 NK MASS. HIST.COMM July 6, 2009 To whom it may concern; The trustees of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library strongly support the inclusion of our building in the Historic Register.
Our building is a little gem, tucked away in a quaint New England village. Sincerely, The Trastees of the Jacob Sears Memorial Library tacon/aieton Steve Kuhrtz. yeunAkility Elus toey AA TALOUTH OALEANS BF RECEIVED IJUL 27 2009 MASS. HIST. COMM Town of Dennis Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Committee Town of Dennis Annex, 465 Route 28, Dennisport, Massachusetts 02639 508-760-6127 (fax) 508-364-6289 July 22, 2009 William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Chair, Massachusetts Historical Commission 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125-3314 Dear Secretary Galvin; The purpose of this letter is to convey the unanimous and complete support of the Old King's Highway RegionalHistoric District Committee of Dennis for listing the Jacob Sears Memorial Library in the National Register of Historic Register.
OKHRHDC The Cummuntuealth of Massachuzetts Huuse uf Representatiues State Huuse, Mustun I2133-1054 LSVA LIUERTARE CLEON H. TURNER STATE REPRESENTATIVE 1ST BARNSTABLE DISTRICT BREWSTER DENNIS YARMOUTH BF RECEIVED NRp4 JUL 31 2009 MASS. HIST. COMM COMMITTEES: GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE UBLIC HEALT- TATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGH ROOM 540, STATE HOUSE TEL. (617) 722-2090 FAX (617) 626-054 kep.CleonTurner@hou.state.ma.u July 22, 2009 William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Chair, Massachusetts Historical Commission 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125-3314 Dear Secretary Galvin, We are writing to offer our full and sincere support for the Jacob Sears Memorial Library's application for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. There are few landmarks in the town of Dennis more deserving than the Sears Library.
Since its founding in 1896, the Sears Library has served the residents of the Quivet Neck area of East Dennis as a congregating venue as well as a lending library. Resident Jacob Sears' generosity has benefited town residents for generations, starting with the Library. A farmer, cranberry grower, and the founder of salt works in Dennis, Sears was an entrepreneur extraordinaire who was determined to give back to the community which raised him. His family lives on in the town, and the effects of his trust are still felt today. His belief in public access to education and educational materials led the Sears Library to be one of the earliest public lending libraries in Dennis. In addition, another purpose of the Library, at the time of its founding, was to provide educational forums on matters not covered in public schools.
The Library has also been a meeting place where important social and political issues are discussed, friends gather, and townspeople are entertained. In a historical twist, the original relatives of Sears opposed his trust to benefit the public. Before becoming Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, then State Supreme Judicial Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. and his colleagues ruled that Sears' gift was indeed valid, preserving until today the Library for all residents and visitors to Dennis. Finally, in addition to the many contributions and the history of the Library, the building itself should be noted as a standing example of times past. A "Shingle Style" design, it reflects the building styles of the times and was used in many other Cape Cod public buildings.
The Library has been well-maintained and it is our hope it will continue to serve the community for many more generations to come as a community building, library, and portal to another time. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We ask you give the Sears Library your full consideration for naming to the National Register of Historic Places. CLEON H. TURNER STATE REPRESENTATIVE 1" Barnstable District Kobet Alaey ROBERT A. O'LEARY STATE SENATOR Cape and Islands District RECEIVED IJUL 30 2009 MASS. HIST.COMM NRfile Town of Dennis P.O.
BOX 2060, SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660-1614 / Telephone: 508-394-8300 - Fax 508-394-8309 July 28, 2009 William Frances Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Chairman Massachusetts Historical Commission 220 Morrissey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125-3314 Dear Secretary; This letter is intended to inform you that the Dennis Board of Selectmen strongly support the request from the Jacob Sears Memorial Library Board of directors to establish the Jacob Sears Library as a national treasure by the issuance of distinction in the National Register of Historic Places. The Jacob Sears Library is a landmark building within Quivet Neck. It truly is a treasure in our community. If this office can be of any additional assistance please contact me at (508) 760-6148. Respectfully Submitted, taRmeCunni Paul R.
McCormick Chairman, Dennis Board of Selectmen Original on Recycled Paper RECEIVED 2280 OCT 09 2009 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the CommonwealthNATONAL PARK SERVO PLACES Massachusetts Historical Commission October 2, 2009 Mr. J. Paul Loether, Chief National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8* floor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Mr. Loether: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: Jacob Sears Memorial Library, 23 Center Street, Dennis (Barnstable), MA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer. The owners of the property were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 30 to 45 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment.
Four letters of support have been received. Sincerely, Betsy quedling Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission Enclosure CC: Paul McCormick, Chair, Board of Selectmen Nancy Thatcher Reid, Dennis Historical Commission Candace Jenkins, Consultant Willette Murray, Dennis Planning Board State Senator Robert O'Leary State Representative Cleon Turner Sarah Korjeff, Cape Cod Commission Trustees, Jacob Sears Memorial Library Peter Lomenzo, Chair, Old King's Highway Regional Historic District Commission 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc
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