Nomination for Poor House and Methodist Cemetery

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) RECEIVED 2280 OMB No. 1024-0018 4 7 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service JAN : 0 1998 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form VAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACE VATIONALPARK SERVICE This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions.

Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name_POOR HOUSE AND METHODIST CEMETERY other names/site number_Falmouth Work House; Poor Farm; Town Infirmary; Falmouth Artists' Guild 2. Location street & number 744 MAIN STREET city or town FALMOUTH n/a not for Publication N/Avicinity state_MASSACHUSETTS code_MA county_BARNSTABLE code_001 zip code 02540 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this nomination - request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60.

In my opinion, the property Smeets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significan ] nationally O statewide [ locally. (O See continuation sheet for additional comments.) mudih S. MaDonoxKL Signature of certifying official/Title Judith B. McDonough, Executive Director 122.03 Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the Nationai Register criteria. (O See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. Natjonal Park Service Certification , hereby certify that this property is Sentered in the National Registe - See continuation sheet. - determined eligible for the National Register - See continuation sheet.

- determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): for eamN. Beall Date of Action 2.26-98 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Name of Property 5. Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) _private X public-local _ public-State -public-Federal Barnstable, Massachusetts County and State (Check only one box) X building(s) _district _site - Structure -object Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 1 1 Name of related multiple property listin Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing buildings sites _structures objects Total 2 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register N/A 6.

Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) GOVERNMENT: Alms House, Poor House, Work House, Poor Farm, Town Infirmary COMMERCE: Tavern FUNERARY: Cemetery Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) RECREATION: Artists' Guild FUNERARY: Cemetery 7. Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) Georgian Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundationConcrete, stone walls. Wood Shingle, clapboard roof other Asphalt shingle Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) (See continuation sheet) NPS Form 10-900-a nited States Department of the Interic ational Park Servic National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 7 7.

Narrative Description Page 1 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts building was purchased by the town, moved to its present location, and converted to use as the local Poor House. The building's unusually large scale probably reflects those two public- oriented historic uses. In most other ways it is typical of the region and the late Colonial to early Federal period. The wood-frame structure rises 2 1/2 stories from a granite block foundation to a gable roof with paired interior brick chimneys. Exterior sheathing consists of wood shingles with minimal wood trim and no stylistic detail. The entry is centered on a symmetrical five bay facade and windows contain 6/6 sash. The Falmouth Poor House building exterior has been little altered since the 19th century, while its site and setting have changed dramatically.

The building interior remains as a physical record of its long history and multiple uses. The Methodist Cemetery of 1809 adjoins the Poor House on the west, where it is set off from the busy street by a wooden picket fence. Its level rectangular lot is dotted by trees and about 70 stones dating from ca. 1814 - 1951. The Poor House and Methodist Cemetery survive as the primary historic landmarks at the east end of Main Street which has been transformed into a commercial strip in the modern period. Location and Site of the Poor House and Methodist Cemetery The Falmouth Poor House and Methodist Cemetery are located at the east end of Main Street in Falmouth Village, the primary village of the Town of Falmouth. The Poor House stands close to the north side of the street, nearly opposite Scranton Avenue which leads to Falmouth Harbor.

The building occupies the southwest corner of a large 13.4 acre lot, which extends northward to Dillingham Avenue. In the modern period, agricultural outbuildings and fields that once accompanied the Poor House have been replaced by the Falmouth Police Station located behind the Poor House building, and the Recreational Center sited to the east. Athletic fields and a few ancillary structures now occupy the rear (north) of the site on Dillingham Avenue. hese new uses are accompanied by a paved circulation system and large surtace parking lot hat have dramatically changed the immediate setting of the Poor House building. The large setting has also changed as this end of Falmouth Village has been transformed from a quiet hinterland to a commercial strip.

Nevertheless, the retention of small lawn areas immediately surrounding the building, along with two large trees in the front yard have done much to evoke the historic character of the building and site. The Methodist Cemetery immediately to the west (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a Jnited States Department of the Interio Jational Park Servic National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Section number 7 Page 2 of the Poor House further extends the historic setting in that direction. These two properties remain as the primary historic symbols for a large area. Description of the Poor House Current Exterior Appearance of the Poor House The Falmouth Poor House is built on an unusually generous 48' x 35' rectangular plan.

This large scale probably reflects the building's original use as a tavern, and influenced its eventual choice as the Poor House. It is also possible that the tavern was enlarged in the 19th century to serve its new civic function. The main block rises 2 1/2 stories from a foundation constructed of massive pink granite blocks (possibly from West Falmouth) to a side-gable roof covered with asphalt shingles. Two brick chimneys are centered on the roof ridge. This main block is extended by a two story wing centered on the rear (north) elevation, and a smaller one story wing that extends eastward beyond the wall of the main block. The building is sheathed with weathered wood shingles, with the exception of the east and west sides of the rear wings which have clapboard siding painted gray with white trim.

All three sections are very simply trimmed with narrow cornerboards, fascias, and window and door surrounds. The south facade of the main block follows the archetypal Colonial period format of five bays symmetrically organized around a center entrance. In this case, the entrance contains a single- leaf four-panel door with upper glazing, set in a flat board frame with no transom or sidelights. The door dates to the second half of the 19th century, probably the 1870s when a major renovation occurred. The entry is fronted by an open porch that is approached by two massive pink granite block steps. The porch was repaired in 1843 according to town records. All of the other facade bays contain rectangular window openings that are aligned vertically and horizontally. First story windows are headed bý molded lintels. Second story window heads are incorporated into the cornice fascia.

Most window openings contain 6/6 double hung wooden sash; the three eastern windows at the second story exhibit an unusual 3/3 sash composed of long narrow lights. (photo 1) The east side elevation contains four evenly spaced windows at the first and second stories, with two additional, but slightly smaller windows centered in the attic gable. The southernmost window opening at the second story has been blocked with shingles but the painted frame remains in place. The west side elevation is nearly identical, but lacks any sign of windows in (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Section number 7 Page 3 he north bay at either story.

Most of the north elevation is covered by the two rear wings. The wo exposed westernmost bays contain two standard windows at each story. An exposed area between the wings contains paired windows at both stories; the first story pair are headed by a bracketed canted hood that may date from the 1870s remodeling. (photo 2) Current Exterior Appearance of the Poor House Rear Wings Two wings extend from the rear (north) elevation. The larger wing, which measures 20' long by 17' wide, was added in 1842. It is centered on the main block, and rises two stories from a very low stone foundation to a gable roof; a brick stove chimney rises through the rear center of the ridge. The fenestration pattern is irregular with windows of varying size and configuration that reflect change over time.

The wing is entered though a rear door; a wooden fire escape rises along the west elevation to a second entrance created from a former window opening. The smaller wing was constructed between 1888 and 1908. It covers the easternmost bay of the rear north wall of the main block and juts beyond its east wall. This wing rises one story from a high pink granite block foundation to a combination gable and hip roof. It has one door and one window on both the east and west elevations, with a single window on the north side. Sash and trim are similar to that of the main block and other wing. Bulkhead entrances to two partial cellar areas are located on both the east and west sides of the building at the junction of main block and wing. They lead into small independent rooms where the stone foundation materials are clearly seen. Most of the building stands above crawl space.

Current Interior Appearance of the Poor House The interior plan of the main block consists of two very large rooms framing a central entrance/stair hall core with both front and rear stairs rising two stories to the attic. The two chimney stacks flank that core, and jut a short distance into the large adjoining rooms. All fireplace and/or stove openings have been enclosed and the trim removed. The current interior plan and finishes preserve an eloquent physical record of the building's long and varied history. Wood wainscoting, consisting of two wide horizontal boards, is found on most exterior walls, surviving as the building's most likely 18th century element. Exposed tructural members like corner posts, girts, or summer beams that are typical of 18th centur onstruction are lacking, although it is possible that they exist behind later plaster walls an eilings.

In areas where the plaster walls and ceilir athiits. Tsissas arre theplastersaied boardilihiare daorlaed, waseli a ileane erly wel into the 19th century and thus dates to the Poor House period. Areas of earlier plaster and lath (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 7 Page 4 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Throughout the building, the floors contribute some of the most visible evidence of the building evolution. At the first story, floors are covered with a combination of linoleum, wall to wall carpeting, narrow pine boards, and narrow maple boards. The areas of pine flooring have long narrow patches that show where the 8' x 8' cubicle partitions of 1823 were removed in the early 1960s.

The upper story is similar, but somewhat more intact, especially on the east side. Wide (ca. 8" - 14") floor boards remain here, as do a few of the cubicle walls, and one intact cubicle at the northeast corner. Here it is clear that the cubicles were joined by a labyrinth of narrow corridors,thatmany were entered through angled door openings to save space, and that most had no direct access to the heating source represented by the two chimney stacks. The attic is a large open space that shows signs of having been subdivided into cubicles like those of the lower floors. Many four paneled doors that were taken down when partitions were removed in the 1960s are stored in the attic along with a few earlier doors consisting of two wide vertical planks. Changes to the Poor House and its Site See section 8 for additional information.

The Falmouth Poor House building has evolved over time as it has been moved and adapted to new uses. No solid evidence of the building's 18th century tavern appearance has been located, but some surviving building elements clearly date to that early period. Much of its post-1812 history is unusually well documented in town records, providing an invaluable source for interpretation of later building fabric and changes. The building remains today as a well preserved physical record of local, regional, and statewide social policies toward poor and otherwise dependent citizens. The first known major alteration to adapt the former tavern to its new Poor House function occurred in 1823. At that time, the two main stories and the attic were subdivided into 24 cubicles, each measuring 8' x 8', and accessed through a labyrinth of narrow twisting hallways.

The 1840s saw a variety of exterior improvements, ranging from whitewashing the walls, and repairing and reinstalling an old porch, to the addition of a substantial rear wing. Town records state that in 1842 the building was enlarged: Voted that an additional building be put to the rear of such house and uniting (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number 7 Page 5 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Town Clerk William Hewins, writing in 1920, described the mid-19th century exterior of the Poor House as part of his reminiscence of the rapidly disappearing village of his youth: The Town Farm was an old dilapidated white-washed building, with a very neglected appearance.

It was on the same location of the present site. The building remains in town ownership, but has operated under the stewardship of the Falmouth Artists' Guild since the early 1960s. The Guild has made only one major change to adapt the building to their need for studios, classrooms, and exhibition space, by removing most of the 1823 partitions that divided both stories into 8' x 8' cubicles. Some of the cubicles and partition walls remain, most notably in the northeast corner of the second story. Their former presence remains clearly readable in floor patches throughout the building.

Summary of Changes to the Falmouth Poor House and Site 1812 - 1814: Building moved from original Hatchville site, repaired, and fitted up for Poor House use; site fenced; 1823: 1825: 1842: First, second and attic stories partitioned into twenty-four 8' x 8' cubicles; Barn constructed on property; Two story rear wing added to accommodate the growing number of residents, and to separate the insane, the rowdy, and other subcatagories from the general population; 1870: 1878: Major interior and exterior renovation; Agricultural capacity of site expanded with new hen and hog houses, enlargement of the barn, new fences, and grading; 1917: Heat added; (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Section number. 7 Page _ 6 ca. 1964: Removal of cubicle partitions as part of building renovation for use by the Falmouth Artists' Guild. Ths iptiodist tem Mieth ocup Ces an 15,765 square foot lot on the north side of Main Street. commercial development. Burials in this area were reinterred elsewhere in the cemetery, but the development plan was halted. A simple wooden picket fence that is painted white now marks the front of the cemetery. The other sides are not enclosed, although young trees are beginning to form a hedge/screen on the north and east sides. The burying ground is maintained in rough turf, and dotted with numerous maple trees, many of substantial size and age. The ca. 70 headstones are placed in an irregular pattern, but all face south to the street.

They range in date from 1814 - 1951, and are made from a variety of materials including slate, marble, limestone, and granite. They feature typical late-18th and 19th century motifs such as death's- heads, willows, and floral designs. The largest and most elaborate stone dates the to mid-19th century and commemorates members of the Davis family. It is a tall, polished, black granite shaft located near the center of the cemetery. To the west, granite posts (missing iron chains) continue to mark the Bourne and Donaldson family plots. There are no lavish monuments or crypts, testifying to the limited means and restrained nature of its occupants. Members of many well-known Falmouth families are interred here including Bournes, Davises, Donaldsons, Fishes, Hatches, Giffords, Landers, and Swifts. The oldest legible stone belongs to the Reverend Abner Clark: "Born in Salem, N.H.

died in this town in the triumph of Faith with full assurance of hope 2/15/1814 in the 26th year of his age after having spent near six years in the work of the ministry as an itinerant preacher in the M.E.C." It is believed that some residents of the adjacent Poor House are buried here in unmarked graves as well. The small number of stones at the rear of the cemetery suggests that it may be the location of these unmarked graves. Archaeological Description No prehistoric sites are currently recorded on the nominated property, however, sites may be present. Four prehistoric sites are recorded in the general area (within one mile).

Environmental characteristics of the property also indicate the presence of locational criteria (slope, soil (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Massachusettnstable County) Section number 7 Page 7 to a harbor historically, it may have been estuarine at some point in the prehistoric past. In any event, marine related ecosystems and their associated coastal resources are also located in close proximity to the nominated area. Given the above information and the size of the nominated property (less than 10 acres), a high potential exists for the recovery of prehistoric resources in the Poor House locale.

Some impacts, including grading have occurred on the property, however, the extent of these activities is currently unknown. A high potential also exists for the recovery of historical archaeological resources on the nominated property. This portion of Falmouth Village lies near residential, commercial and institutional settlement loci identified for the 17" and 18" centuries, however, none of these activities have yet to be identified in the nominated area. In the cemetery area, however, historic archaeological resources may include structural remains trom the 1811 Methodist Meetinghouse erected immediately west of the Poor House site. The meetinghouse was moved in 1829. Unmarked graves are also likely in the cemetery area, possibly in the rear portion of the lot.

The Methodist Society maintained a relationship with the Poor House even after the church was moved, allowing paupers to be buried in the cemetery in unmarked graves. The small number grave stones in the rear portion of the cemetery has been interpreted as evidence for the presence ot unmarked graves in that area. Archaeological resources may also survive on the Poor House site. Structural remains from outbuildings and occupational related features can survive in the area immediately surrounding the house. At least one barn (1824) and structures for hogs and chickens are reported with the house, however, some may have been located oft the present property in the vicinity of the Police Station to the rear of the Poor House property. Some outbuildings and especially occupational related features may also be located beneath additions made to the Poor House structure in 1842 and 1888-1908.

(end) Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing.) XA Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. XC Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction. _D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Criteria Considerations (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) Property is: A owned by religious institution or used for religious purposes. X B removed from its original location.

_ C a birthplace or grave. XD a cemetery. _E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. _F a commemorative property. _G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) Barnstable, Massachusetts County and State Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions) Social History Architecture Period of Significance 1812-1947 Significant Dates see continuation sheet Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) N/A Cultural Affiliation N/A Architect/Builder unknown 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

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 _ previously listed in the National Register - previously determined eligible by the National Register _ Local government Library, Town Hall -University _ designated a National Historic Landmark _ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # Falmouth Historical Society _ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # - NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page 1 8.

Narrative Statement of Significance Poor House and Methodist Cemetery almouth (Barnstable County lassachusett crossroads in the interior Falmouth village of Hatchville. In 1812 - 1814, the tavern was purchased by the town and moved to its present site in Falmouth Village to centralize and upgrade facilities for poor and otherwise dependent citizens. The site was donated by the newly formed Methodist Society, adjacent to their cemetery and church. When municipal use of the Poor House ceased in 1960, the town retained ownership, and the building was happily reborn as the new home of the Falmouth Artists' Guild. Today, it is one of the few extant poor house buildings in Barnstable County. Its continuous post-1812 history of municipal ownership and public use have helped to preserve more of its historic character than most other examples.

In addition to its strong and multi-layered historical associations, the Poor House building has considerable architectural significance as an unusually well preserved and well documented poor house. The current building fabric preserves a physical record of the property's long and varied history, with most elements reflecting the primary period of significance from 1812 - 1920. Remnants of the 1823 interior subdivision into 8' x 8' cubicles, provide an especially tangible record of 19th century attitudes toward the poor. The Poor House remains as Falmouth's oldest municipal building, and one of the oldest buildings of any type in the community. The social history and physical presence of the Poor House is reinforced by the adjacent Methodist Cemetery where some of its former residents are believed to be interred.

The cemetery is the oldest property in continuous Methodist ownership in New England, and may be the second oldest in the nation. It remains as the only extant record of the origins of the Methodist faith in Falmouth, the church having been moved and then replaced. Together, the Poor House and Methodist Cemetery remain as the primary surviving symbols of the historic character of East Main Street. They possess integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and associations, and meet criteria A and C of the National Register of Historic Places.

The property is significant on the local level, with a primary period of significance extending from 1812 - 1920, and a more general period of significance embracing its eriod is focused on the building's us uses were the most enduring and well documented, and because the present building and site are most closely associated with that time period. The tavern use (pre-1812) is not well documented and occurred on a different site in a building whose exterior and interior configuration is unknown. The later Town Infirmary use (1920 - 1960) represented a period of (continued) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Poor House and Methodist Cemeter -almouth (Barnstable County Massachusetts Section number 8 Page 2 decline, while the Artists' Guild use (post-1963) has occurred within the last 50 years.

The dates of the cemetery parallel those of the poor house. Massachusetts was a national leader in the 19th century in a wide variety of social reform movements, many of which related to the proper care of dependent citizens. Throughout the primary period of significance, town records refer to the property as the Alms House, the Poor House, the Work House (after 1826), and the Poor Farm (after 1880). As implied by these alternative names, the Poor House remains as a tangible symbol of changing attitudes toward the poor, including who and what they were, along with the nature and extent of appropriate public support. These local changes mirror similar shifts at the state and national levels as well.

Care of poor and otherwise dependent citizens has been considered a public responsibility in New England from its earliest settlement period, and until the 20th century that responsibility was carried out at the local level. In Barnstable County for example, in 1683 " ...... the court ordered that the selectmen in each town'shall take care of the poor in their respective townships, the town to provide for the expense." (Freeman Vol. I: p. 306) During the Colonial period, many towns cared for the poor by "placing out" or "auctioning" them to citizens who offered the lowest bids for their care. In some cases, the poor were offered assistance in their own homes. At that time, and throughout much of the 19th century, "poor" was a catch-all phrase that encompassed a wide range of conditions that might render persons unable to support themselves.

The "poor" included orphans and widows, the chronically ill and alcoholic, the aged and infirm, and the physically and mentally impaired. Those who were able to perform some useful work to offset the cost of public support were often required to do so. Most Barnstable County towns established poor houses. Barnstable and Sandwich were first, oth replacing 18th century buildings in the 1820s; none remain. Provincetown was third whe t converted an 1801 small pox hospital to poor house use in 1806. Falmouth was fourth with it purchase of Peter Yost's tavern in 1812. Most other local poor houses in the region date to the 1830s and 1840s when the county population peaked. These include Eastham (ca. 1825), Wellfleet (ca. 1830), Orleans (1831; replaced 1873), Yarmouth (1835), Dennis (1837), Brewster (1838), and Truro (1840 - 1845) (Deyo 1890).

The Brewster, Eastham, Falmouth, and Wellfleet saiy, m xi Canpe Cod po oue a necesan par of most onetuit es of amyime (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a Natieda aars Department of the interior National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Section number 8 Page 3 Falmouth appears to have followed the typical path of "auctioning" and "placing out" the poor support directly from the town. In 1800, the town appointed a committee of five ".... to see what method the town will take for supporting the poor ....

That committee recommended: ....that the town empower the Selectmen or any other person whom they shall choose either to hire or Purchase if to be found a House which shall be fitted up for the reception of such persons as apply to the Town for assistance also to provide some suitable person to take care of those who go into the House to see that they are employed in such useful occupation as they are capable of. Thire l houise esuç cha towse wes to larenty not Oouns, asdbetween 1803 and 1807, thé tom to Such a house was apparently not found, and between 1803 and 1807, the town voted against rental or purchase of a Poor House. A payment of $20 to Thomas Nye for his house in connection with the poor was recorded in 1809, but this seems far to small an amount to represent a rental.

County historians Frederick Freeman and Simeon Deyo both state that a Poor House existed on Shore Street in the very early 19th century, but that information is unsubstantiated by the primary source of town records. In addition, former town clerk, William Hewins does not mention this use in his 1920s description of buildings that stood on Shore Street It was not until the March and May town meetings of 1812, that positive action was taken.

On March 9 the Committee was authorized to "receive proposals for building the poor house", or "to buy or hire the house of Peter Yost if they see fit." On May 16 it was voted that: The Committee appointed to purchase or hire a suitable house for the Reception of the Poor have attended the same and report as follows: that is; have purchased an house near the East End Meeting House (1797), of Peter Yost, for which we have agreed to give three hundred and eighty dollars. The Tavern was constructed ca. 1769, on a site about 4.5 miles north of its present location, in the interior village of Hatchville. The Hatchville site was an important local and regional crossroads, supporting the building's early use as a tavern.

The tavern faced Sandwich Road, which was a major thoroughtare connecting Falmouth Village (primary settlement of the Town of Falmouth) with the neighboring town of Sandwich, and the more distant county seat at (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery almouth (Barnstable County) lassachusett Section number 8 Page _4 Barnstable. Intersecting roads including Carriage Shop Road, Meeting House Road, Thomas Landers Koad Davisrile, alesi da iaolivi and Noriha Falmoale Contre eioa otie Baslead orMingHouse In March, 1813 the town voted to move the newly acquired Poor House to Falmouth Village.

A committee of three was chosen to select an appropriate site, and to oversee a subscription campaign to pay for the move and associated expenses. In April, the Town: Voted to accept the report of the Committee on the subject of the poor house fixing it on the Society Land Mr. Lincoln lift [lived] on during his ministry. Other entries refer to this as the parsonage land. The Society cited above is most likely the Methodist Society organized in 1808 and formally organized in 1811. Early Methodist services were held in the home of General Swift (immediately east of the Poor House site). The Society established a cemetery ca. 1809, and erected a meeting house in 1811 on the land of early member and pastor, Dr. Hugh George Donaldson.

(immediately west of the Poor House site) The relationship of the Methodist Society and the Poor House is somewhat confused by the fact that the Reverend Henry Lincoln (1766 - 1857), cited in town records, was minister to the Congregational Society for 33 years (1790 - 1823). In any event, the Poor House was moved, set up next to the Methodist cemetery, and repaired under the supervision of Thomas Lawrence as agent for the sum of $342.45. The Methodist Society apparently retained a connection with the Poor House even after their church was moved in 1829, allowing paupers to be buried in their cemetery in unmarked graves. In March, the 1814 town meeting debated about the management of the poor, and whether they many were lodged at the Poor House, and how many remained elsewhere. It was also voted to fence the site immediately.

The town's poor did not became an important topic of debate again until 1823. Still at issue were their numbers, along with the best method and lowest cost of providing proper care. That (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Page 5 that "It is not the Town's duty to respond to requests for help unless the named person receive it at the Town Poor House". A larger building was not mentioned again, and it is unclear how all of the town's poor were accommodated.

Continuing entries in later reports under the heading of "Expenses of Town Poor Out of Almshouse" suggest that the policy adopted at town meeting was not of long endurance, and/or was not strictly enforced. As part of the process of consolidating care, a committee of six was appointed in 1824 to visit the poor and take inventory of any possessions that could be brought to the Poor House with them. A committee of three was chosen to lay in supplies, and still another committee of four was established to actually "remove the poor to the Poor House". In 1825, it was voted to place a tamily in the Poor House to care for its residents, and Nymphas Davis was allowed to live there without expense in return for acting as caretaker. In addition, a 16' x 18' barn was constructed to promote self-sufficiency.

The public expense of caring for the poor, and ways to encourage or require them to contribute to their own support took center stage in 1826 when the town considered creation of a Work House, and a board to be called the Overseers of the Work House. The rules and regulations for the workhouse included the following provision: In case any person shall refuse, be idle or not perform such reasonable task r stint as shall be assigned, or shall be stubborn and disorderly, sucl erson shall be confined in solitude on coarse or very simple foods, or b put out to hired labor for such term of time as may be judged necessary." The Work House appears to have been established in addition to, rather than in place of the Poor House. Both terms appear in town records along with the third term of Alms House which was used for all formal reports to the state.

Nymphas Davis, who had been the supervisor of the Poor House, also served as master of the Work House. Mayhew Baker (b. 1822) of Davisville was appointed keeper in 1869, and served until ill health forced him to resign in 1890. Lemuel Howland served in the intervening years. (Deyo 1890: 638, 678) Establishment of the Work House, and distinction of the able-bodied poor, reflects the general trend toward classification of the poor that was occurring throughout the nation in the 19th (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Fassachusearnstable County) Section number 8 Page 6 century, a movement in which Massachusetts was a leader.

Local classification is hinted at in the This early recognition that the "poor" were actually made up of distinct classes, was succeeded by more concrete developments. These include the creation of special quarters for the unruly and the insane in the new rear ell of 1842, and boarding some insane at the state asylums that were established to improve their care and treatment in the second half of the 19th century. A moving testimonial to the state legislature by reformer Dorothea Dix that documented the horrific treatment of the insane at many local poor houses, was a key factor in the creation of these state facilities. Falmouth town records include specific entries for expenses related to the support of local residents at the state asylums in Taunton and Danvers.

In 1877 the cost of boarding two persons at the Taunton Lunatic Hospital (established 1851, and the closest state institution to Cape Cod) was $571.00. The records also refer to the state Reform School (probably the Massachusetts State Reform School/Lyman School of 1847 in Westborough) where the cost of boarding one person in 1877 was $91.99. Despite earlier concerns about the size of the Poor House, the numbers of poor, and the policy of oftering care only at the Poor House, the building was not enlarged or substantially improved until 1842 when it was: Voted that an additional building be put to the rear of such house and uniting with it --- 20 feet in length and 17 teet in breadth .... and so constructed .... as the lower room ....

may be conveniently occupied as a wash and sinke room -- and also as a suitable place for the confinement and punishment of the refractory and unmanageable -- and the upper story ... to be divided into lodging rooms for the insane --- and such other inmates ... as require to be kept separate from inmates generally therein. Town records indicate that the Poor House received regular maintenance in addition to the major interior alterations of 1823 and the new rear ell of 1842. For example, the exterior was whitewashed several times. Unusually comprehensive repairs to the Poor House were made in the mid-1870s when carpenters and masons were hired to repair or replace doors, windows, blinds, hinges, pipe, hair plaster, paint and wallpaper, an iron sink, and a stone door step. In addition to the building repairs, many new furnishings were purchased for a total cost of $218.15.

These included several iron bedsteads and one dozen quilts, 24 spindle bentwood (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts The site was enlarged and improved on a regular basis as well. Most efforts were focused on maintaining perimeter fences. Other site improvements enhanced the abilities of the poor to contribute to their own support by producing items for their own use, and for sale. This trend is closely related to the establishment of the Work House in 1826, and to ongoing concerns about the relatively high level of expenditures required to support the poor. Residents of the Poor House began to produce goods for sale in the 1840s.

In 1878 the agricultural capacity of the property was enhanced by the addition of a hen house and hen yard, a hog house, new and repaired fences, alterations to the 1824 barn, painting of various structures, and grading of the land for a total of $311.66. These improvements led to another name for the property, the Falmouth Poor Farm. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the poor farm produced potatoes, hay, barrels, fowl, eggs, milk, cream, beef, pork, butter, and strawberries for both internal consumption and for sale. During this period, the numbers of Poor House residents steadily dropped, and more transients were included. In 1875 for example, the average daily number was 12, a number that was expanded during the year by 56 tramps who were accommodated on a short term basis. Poor House records also chronicle the issue of the settled vs.

the unsettled poor which distinguished a community's long-term residents from newcomers and transients. As increased economic opportunity coupled with major transportation improvements encouraged people to leave their birthplaces, disputes arose about who was responsible for their care in the event of misfortune: the community of birth or that of current residence. Falmouth records include payments both to and from other towns for support of the poor. By 1900, the daily average population at the Poor House had declined to 3.75 while the cost of support had risen to $3,468.26. In 1920, the Poor House was renamed the Town Infirmary, and seems to have functioned primarily as a nursing home. That function ceased in 1960, made superfluous by state and federal public welfare anc Social Security programs.

Soon thereafter, in 1963, the town leased the Poor House building to the Falmouth Artists' Guild, in organization that had informall took responsibility for repair, maintenance, and insurance of a building that was described as (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts 8 During this same period of the 1950s and 1960s, the transition to the modern era was also affecting the Methodist Cemetery. The last known burial occurred in 1951, and in the 1960s the church planned to raise funds by selling the increasingly lucrative Main Street frontage for commercial development.

This portion of the site was subdivided on local assessors maps, and remains reinterred at the rear of the cemetery before the plan was abandoned. Thus, both poor house and cemetery remain among the handful of historic resources that survived the wholesale transformation of East Main Street to a commercial strip in the second half of the 20th century. Archaeological Significance Since patterns of prehistoric settlement and subsistence in Falmouth and in the Upper Cape in general are poorly understood, any surviving sites could be significant. While archaeological research has been active throughout much of the Cape during most of the 20" century, the Upper Cape, including Falmouth has been neglec.ed during this effort.

Limited amateur artifact collections are available for the town, and, when present often lack locational and contextual information reducing their value for understanding the nature of settlement and change within the town. Limited numbers of professional archacological surveys in the town have also rarely included substantial excavations and have focused on their immediate area with little interpretation of the role of iocal sites and issues of regional prehistory. The above information indicates the systematic study and interpretation of any surviving sites in the town can be important in better understanding the prehistoric settlement and subsistence in Falmouth and in the Upper Cape locale.

Prehistoric sites in the Falmouth locale can contribute information relating to a number of potential research topics, many of which are directly related to the town's location in a coastal area and its glacial history. Cape Cod's human settlement history of approximately 11,000 years combined with sea levels considerably lower than today following deglaciation created an environment in which human populations adapted to changing resources at first characterized by an inland area which increasingly became coastal as the sea level rose until it basically stabilized approximately 5,000 years agc. Prehistoric sites in the Falmouth area can contribute information relating to Native tool technologies and the effects of raw material availability.

The lack of bedrock lithic source areas on the Cape and Falmouth resulted in Native peoples trading for raw materials or adapting to cobbie technologies and exploitation of lithic sources available in local glacial outwash. Prehistoric sites in the Poor House locale nay contain information indicating the extent to which locally availabie outwash deposits were used as source areas for local tool manufacture. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Section number 8 Page 9 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Vassachusetts he 1811 Methodist Meetinghouse and occupational features related to its use.

Archaeological testing can also determine the location of unmarked graves reported in the cemetery, possibly i and the role Falmouth played in the general trend towards the classification of the poor that was occurring nationally in the 19" century, a movement in which Massachusetts was a leader. Information may also be present indicating the extent to which Methodists were also involved in this movement. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a Jnited States Department of the Interiol Vational Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 oor House and Methodist Cemeter almouth (Barnstable County Massachusetts Section number 8 Page 10 Significant Dates ca.

1769 Poor House building constructed as the Peter Yost Tavern; 1801 housc oted to have three Oversers of the Poor and to empower them to "hire a 1803-1807 1812-1813 town voted against rental or purchase of a Poor House; Peter Yost tavern was purchased by town and moved to present site in Falmouth Village to centralize and upgrade facilities for poor and otherwise dependent citizens; ca.

1809 1811 1823 establishment of Methodist Cemetery; construction of Methodist Church adjacent to Cemetery; moeas sino& unbered 69; exising building subdivided into 24 cubicles, each 1825 1829 1840s 1842 1870s 16' x 18' barn was constructed to promote self-sufficiency; Methodist church building moved west on Main Street; residents of Poor House began to produce goods for sale; 20' x 17' rear ell built to house insane, refractory, and unmanageable; refurnishing and numerous repairs to Poor House; some residents boarded at state hospital and reform school. 1878 agricultural capacity of Poor House/Farm enhanced by adding hen house and yard, a hog house, new and repaired fences, alterations to the 1824 barn; 1920 1960s Poor House renamed Town Infirmary; functioned like nursing home; nuiss aluid.

Some raves in Met odist Cemezsrd buse do ain Street aoved vhen church planned to sell portion of site; never done (end) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County Massachusetts Section number 9 Page 1 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Bibliography Buxton, Beatrice. F. Town of Falmouth Poor and its Alms House. Unpublished research. 1997. Deyo, Simeon (ed). History of Barnstable County, Mass. H.W. Blake & Co. New York. 1890. A detailed Cape-wide history with chapters devoted to each town. Dunkle, William. Town of Falmouth Poor and its Alms House. Unpublished research. 1997. Falmouth, Town of. Various Town Records maintained at the Falmouth Historical Soc. archives.

Town Reports 1799 - 1818 Town Meeting, March 7, 1814. Town Records. V. 2: Overseers of Poor 1750 - 1811; 1783 - 1836; 1800 - 1852, Box 1,2. Falmouth Receipts and Records, reel 7, 1773 - 1823. Falmouth Proprietors' Records and Treasurer's Records to 1813; 1842 - 1891. Orders and Regulations 1826 - 1841; 1826 - 1847; 1826 - 1865; The Poor 1818 - 1829; Work House Records 1826 - 1841; Expenditures 1829 - 1860; 1836 - 1867. Census 1850. Annual Reports. 1865; 1873 - 1900 (incomplete) Freeman, Frederick. The History of Cape Cod.. Vol. I, The Annals of Barnstable County and of its Several Towns. Vol. II, The Annals of the Thirteen Towns of Barnstable County. Yarmouthport, MA: Parnassus Imprints, 1965 Reprint of 1858-62 original. Geoffrey, Theodate. Suckanesset: Wherein May be Read a History of Falmouth, Massachusetts: 1661-1930. The Falmouth Publishing Co. 1928. Hewins, William.

Falmouth in 1850. typescript. Falmouth Historical Soc. D#243-#1. 1924. Jenkins, Candace. Falmouth Village: 1850-1976. typescript. 1977. Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Hospital and School System. Multiple-property format National Register nomination form. 1993. Massachusetts Historical Commission. Reconnaissance Survey Report: Falmouth.. 1985. Historic and Archaeological Resources of Cape Cod and the Islands. 1987. Poor House/Almshouse MACRIS list. 1/97. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number _ 9 Page_ 2 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County Massachusetts Smith, Mary Lou (ed). The Book of Falmouth, A Tricentennial Celebration: 1686-1986. Falmouth Historical Commission. 1986. Todd, Gordon and Alice.

Methodist Society Burial Ground: Search and Tabulation. Nov. 1985. Maps, Plans, 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 Sanborn Insurance Atlas. 1914 Sanborn Insurance Atlas. 1930, corrected through 1965. (END) Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Name of Property Barnstable County, MA County and State 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property ca. 1.25 acres UTM References See continuation sheet. (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet) 1.

19 Zone 365260 Easting 4601220 Northing Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing - See continuation sheet 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, Preservation Consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, MHC, National Register Director organizationMassachusetts Historical Commission _date _January 1998 street & number_220 Morrissey Boulevard telephone 617-727-8470 city or town_ Boston state MA _ Zip code_02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets - Maps 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 Town of Falmouth / John Wesley Methodist Church, Inc. street & number 59 Town Hall Square / 270 Gifford Street 508-548-7611 (town) telephone_ 508-548-3050 (church) city or town_ Falmouth state_MA _ zip code - 02540 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, V nington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Jnited States Department of the Interio lational Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Poor House and Methodist Cemetery Falmouth (Barnstable County) Massachusetts Section number 10 10. Geographical Data Page 1 Verbal Boundary Description The boundaries of the nominated property include the Falmouth Poor House and adjacent Methodist Cemetery.

The Poor House building occupies the southwest corner of a large 13.4 acre lot. In the case of the Poor House, the nomination is confined to the building and its immediate environs as defined by Main Street (south) and paved access/ circulation roads (north and east). These boundaries maintain small areas of turf on both sides of, and in front of the building. Two trees on the front lawn area and one near the southwest corner, help to maintain and enhance historic character. In addition to the Poor House and portion of its lot as described above, the nomination includes the Methodist Cemetery which abuts the Poor House lot on the west side. The boundary conforms to the north, south, and west cemetery lot lines.

The boundaries of the proposed Falmouth Poor House and Methodist Cemetery nomination are shown on the attached Town of Falmouth assessors maps (sheet 39, 1"= 200', corrected through 1/1997; sheet 47B; 1" = 100'; corrected through 1/1997). Verbal Boundary Justification The boundaries of the nominated property include the Poor House and Methodist Cemetery for two reasons. One is their close early historical association. The other recognizes that they are are 19th century survivors on East Main Street, an area that has evolved into a typica ommercial strip in the mid to late 20th century. These adjacent properties reinforce each other ability to transmit an image of the past in an area that otherwise retains few signs of the pre- modern era.

(end) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY NAME : Poor House and Methodist Cemetery MULTIPLE NAME : STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Barnstable DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 1/30/98 2/25/98 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 2/09/98 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 3/16/98 REFERENCE NUMBER: 98000147 NOMINATOR: STATE REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN REJECT 2.26.98 DATE ABSTRACT / SUMMARY COMMENTS: Entered in the National Register RECOM.

/CRITERIA REVIEWER TELEPHONE DISCIPLINE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N Falmouth PoorFarm, Bainstable Crinly, MA lacing NW; showmy Sand E elevatiles 3|1997 CandaceJenkins I7Sladest. Bilment MA Photograph 1 Falmouth Poor Farm Banskalle Counly, MA YaeryE: showry Welevatin 3/1997 ('anclace Jenkius 17 Slade St, Beliuont MA Photographe 2 Falmouthi Poor House + Methodiss Cemety Bainstable Counly, Mass. Paciny E fom in sicte cemetuy to W.builden elevaition Candace Senhins 17 Slade St. Bilnunt, "IA Photo 3 Falmuuth Poor Heusct Methodist Cne Banstable County, MA Andeery laciny Nh 8/97 CandaceJenlius 17 slade st. Bilmnt, MA pholo 4 Falmunth Poor House + Methodist Bamstäble Counly, MA cemetuy lacey NE 8/97 CandaceJeuluns 17 SladuSt.

Belmunt, MA photo 5 TATE) 91TE The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission January 27, 1998 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service Mail Stop 2280, Suite 400 1849 C Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20240 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination for: Poor House and Methodist Cemetery, 744 Main Street, Falmouth (Barnstable Co.), 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 property in the Certified Local Governmen community of Falmouth were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 60-120 day before the meeting.

Sincerely, Betay Fredherg Betsy Friedberg, National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission CC: Mary Lou Smith, Chair, Falmouth Historical Commission Virginia Valiela, Chair, Falmouth Board of Selectmen Candace Steykins, Preise Cation onsul2zan ifford Street, Falmouth Ann Sears, 96 Locust Street, Falmouth 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 - (617) 727-8470 Fax: (617) 727-5128 TDD: 1-800-392-6090 Website: www.magnet.state.ma.us/sec/mhc