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NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) OMB No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service RECEIVED 2280 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form APR - 7 1999 HAT REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES IOMAL PARK 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 Históric 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 COLLINS COTTAGES HISTORIC DISTRICT other names/site number 2. Location street & number 150 STATE HIGHWAY _ not for publication city or town EASTHAM vicinity state MASSACHUSETTS .code_MA county_BARNSTABLE code_001 .zip code 02642 3. State/Federal Agency Certification E-meets D does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant - nationally O statewide Nocally. (D See continuation sheet for additional comments.) sudit B.MeDononal Signature of certifying official/Title Judith B.
NheDonough, Executive Director 3/31/99 yDate Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer State or Federal agency and bureau In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title Date State or Federal agency and bureau 4. National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: W entered in the National Register - 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): Signature of the Keepe Vatuili Anduus Date of Action 5/20/99 Collins Cottages HD Name of Property 5.
Classification Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply) Xprivate _public-local _ public-State _public-Federal Barnstable, MA County and State (Check only one box) _buiiding(s) x district _ site _ structure -object Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC RECREATIONAL Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 8 1 _building sites 1 3 structures _objects 9 4 Total Number of contributing resources previously lister n the National Registe n/a Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) DOMESTIC RECREATIONAL 7.
Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) LATE AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY: Craftsman No Style Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation_concrete, wood pile walls wood shingle roof other wood shingle, asphalt shingle Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) NPS Form 10-900-a 8-86 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - N 1 Page - Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass. 7. DESCRIPTION The Collins Cottages Historic District is located in the southeasterly part of Eastham, on the east side of the State Highway (U.S. Route 6), immediately north of the well-known Orleans rotary.
State Highway is a four-lane, two-direction highway that follows the course of the colonial Old several towns in the region known as the Lower Cape. Orleans to the south and Wellfleet to the king st lieway ho prion rom as tno lower trape oileant to King's Highway; the primary regional roadway throughout its history. Eastham is the oldest of north are both offshoots of the original Eastham settlement. Like most of the towns in this "narrow land," Eastham spans the entire area between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Cape Cod Bay on the west. The Collins Cottages Historic District occupies a 2.7-acre wedge-shaped parcel of land that slopes downward from State Highway on the west to the shore of Town Cove on the east. The district is approached at its northern end by a paved driveway that descends sharply from State Highway to Collins Landing.
The access drive and public landing are not included in this district. An older segment of the highway that pre-dates the mid-20th °entury rotary provides secondary access to the district from the south. The district includes a total of 13 resources. The nine contributing resources are the seven cottages, a fieldstone seawall, and a shucking house. The four non-contributing resources are a four-car garage, two wooden docks and a concrete boat ramp - all are non-contributing due to their age of less than fifty years. Their functions, locations and general appearance all clearly relate to the history of this district. One of the wooden docks (NR map #C), replaced a similar element which existed during the period of significance.
The character of the general surroundings is typical of the State Highway area, consisting of a mix of residential and commercial properties, with most of the latter related to the prevailing summer resort trade. Immediate neighbors, including those adjacent to and on the opposite (west) side of the State Highway, are almost entirely residential, and date from the 19"and 20" centuries. Among those nearby properties are the Capt. Abner Lincoln Rogers House/Fisk Farm (155 State Highway; 1890; MHC #1) which stands at the Orleans rotary, the Heman Smith II House (245 State highway; 1750; MHC #2), the Caleb Sparrow House (305 State Highway; 1856; MHC #3), and the Walker Homestead (315 State Highway; 1858; MHC #4). Internally the site is organized around an unpaved driveway that connects the two entrances (photo #2).
Within the district the driveway is surfaced in the regionally popular mixture of crushed shells and stone. Beginning at the north end, the driveway runs south from the paved Collins Landing access drive (not included within the district), passing between the Shucking House (map #9) and Cottage #1 (map #1). It then curves upward in a southwesterly direction between Cottage #1 and Cottage #2 (map #2). It then continued southerly, paralleling State Highway, behind (west of) Cottages 2-6 (map #2-6). A spur terminates at the four-car Garage (continued) OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 R0SFO 10900-1 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 2 Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass. Section number.
Page (map #A), while the drive itself turns westerly and passes Cottage #7 (map #7) on its way to joining the bypassed segment of State Highway. The site is landscaped with native materials that require minimal maintenance and harmonize with their surroundings. Open lawn areas are covered with tough grasses, and punctuated by the dark vertical form of occasional cedar trees and masses of colorful rosa rugosa. This type of landscape was characteristic of Cape Cod during the first half of this century, and predates the modern preference for manicured landscapes that require constant water and maintenance. It continues to provide an appropriate setting for the historic structures. (photo #1,2) An important site element is the mortared fieldstone seawall (map #8; photos #1-2) that separates the lawn from the sandy shore of Town Cove.
Approximately 18" high by 12" wide, it serves as a combination retaining wall and seawall. It was constructed in 1936 to define the upland portion of the site from the littoral zone, and to control erosion of the upland area. OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Cottages The district is dominated by the seven early-20* century cottages, which provide its name. Sox are roughly aligned along the driveway that served the property. Cottages 1-6 were constructed in 1928-29. They are arranged to take advantage of unobstructed views of Town Cove, and are staggered so as to provide individual privacy. Cottage #7 was built in 1946, and is set further back from the cove. Its view is now blocked by a later garage (1958; map #A) and Cottage #6. Landscaping is confined to a few small shrubs and cedar trees.
The cottages, which are designed in a craftsman style idiom, express diversity within the theme of unity. They are unified by their overall simplicity, generally small scale and one story in height, wood-frame construction with weathered wood shingle siding, and low pitched roofs with exposed rafter ends. Windows generally contain 6/1 wooden sash which is typical of the early 20# century. Cottages 2-6 have generous verandas that extend across their east elevations, facing the cove. Typically the verandas are supported on pilings to accommodate the sloping site. Solid shingled rails support simple wooden posts that rise to low hip or gable roofs with exposed rafter ends. Expansive wall openings are fitted with both screens and windows, which can be interchanged according to the season. Simple wooden stairs with open rails descend from the verandas to the yard.
Some of the materials used in the cottages are recycled from chicken coops that previously stood on the site and from the former Chatham Naval Air Station. The cottages are accompanied by small exterior gas tanks, which provide fuel for the kitchen stoves. The cottages are distinguished by differing plans, the presence and location of wings, window sizes and locations, and roof type (hip or gable). In many cases the differences are related to the number of bedrooms contained within each cottage. The smallest cottages contain two bedrooms (Cottages #6-7) while the remainder contain three bedrooms. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-8 (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 3 Section number Page Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass.
The cottages were planned to meet the needs of temporary vacationers. Main entrances are located on rear (west) elevations to provide easy access for visitors unpacking their cards. Most open into small kitchens so that groceries can be put away easily. Generously sized screened verandas extend across front (east) elevations to take advantage of sweeping cove views and to extend the common space of the living rooms. Small bedrooms are clearly designed for sleeping only, and are subsidiary to the larger central living rooms where families could partake of joint activities. Several living rooms are finished with wood wainscoting salvaged from the Chatham Naval Air Station on the walls and/or ceilings. Large stone fireplaces which provide heat and cheer on occasionally chilly nights are another characteristic feature.
Large expanses of windows and doors are found on east walls taking advantage of the view and access the veranda. Each cottage also contains a small bathroom. Cottage #1 (1928-29, map #1; photos #2, 8) Cottage #1 is the only one of the seven that has seen any substantial alteration. The changes were made in 1938 to accommodate Bernard C. Collins and his family when they returned to year- round residency in Eastham. Like Cottages #2 and 6, the original portion of Cottage #1 was built on a rectangular plan with its gable ends facing State Highway on the west and Town Cove on the east. The main block was extended by a small gable roof wing on the south side. A screened veranda wrapped around the north and east sides.
The cottage was shingle-clad and rose one story from a high masonry basement that was designed to house the shellfish shucking operation prior to construction of the Shucking House (map #9) in 1940. The primary changes involved extending the south wing, adding a deck in front of the new wing, and enclosing its veranda to gain extra interior space. The paired and pictured windows on the east gable end hint at its veranda origins. The original character of Cottage #1 remains readily apparent in its small scale, weathered wood shingle siding, gable roof with exposed rafter ends, and general air of simplicity. It had achieved its current appearance by 1947 and probably well before. Cottage #2 (1928-29; map #2, photo #1) Cottage #2 contains three bedrooms.
It is built on a simple rectangular plan, and rises one story from a concrete block foundation to a low-pitched gable roof with exposed rafter ends. The walls are covered with weathered wood shingles, and the roof with asphalt shingles. The south elevation contains two windows with 6/1 wooden sash. A shallow wing extends from the north elevation. The main entrance is located on the rear gable end (west), while a veranda extends across the east gable front facing Town Cove. The veranda is supported on concrete block pilings to accommodate the sloping site. A solid shingled rail supports simple wooden posts that rise to a low hip roof with exposed rafter ends. A simple wooden stair and open rail descends from the south side of the veranda. OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 (continued) MPS Form 10-900- 8-86 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 4 Section number. Page Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass. Cottage #3 (1928-29; map #3; photo #2) Cottage #3 consists of a main block with lateral wings. The entire cottage is covered with weathered wood shingles and rises one story to hip roofs with exposed rafter ends. A chimney rises through the roof of the wing near its intersection with the main block. Here the veranda runs along the north side of the cottage, projecting forward from the shallow wing toward the cove. Cottage #4 (1928-29; map #4; photos #1 and 2) Cottage #4 consists of a main block with several small wings on the south side.
The entire cottage is covered with weathered wood shingles and rises one story to hip roofs with exposed rafter ends. It retains its original locust post foundation. A chimney rises near the center of the main roof. The typical screened veranda extends across the east end of the main block. The foundation area is screened with a wooden lattice. Stairs descend from the center of the veranda. It wooden rail has been replaced with one of wrought iron. Cottage #5 (1928-29; map #5; photo #1) Cottage #5 is sited closest to the cove. It is built on a simple rectangular plan, and rises one story from a concrete block and locust post foundation to a low pitched gable roof with exposed rafter ends. A small gable roof wing is attached to the south elevation. The walls are covered with weathered wood shingles and the roof with asphalt shingles.
Unlike the other gable roof cottages in the district, this one does not face one of its gable ends to the cove. Here the east-side roof sweeps outward at a lower pitch than the main roof to encompass a full-length veranda. Cottage #6 (1928-29; map #6; photo #1) Cottage #6, which is located along the south property line, is similar to Cottage #2. It consists of a main block with a north-side wing, both of which rise one story to gable roofs. A full-length veranda extends across the east gable end of the main block. The cottage is sheathed with weathered wood shingles. Cottage #7 (1946; map #7) Cottage #7 is located near the southwest corner of the site. It was constructed almost twenty rears after its companions and is the only cottage that does not face Town Cove. Otherwise i ollows the typical pattern of small scale, one story height, gable roof, and weathered woo shingle siding.
OMB Approvel No. 1021-0018 (continued) NPS Form 10-900-8 (8-867 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass. Section number. Page Shucking House (1940; map #9; photos # 2,3,7) The Shucking House occupies the northeast corner of the district, at the foot of the primary entrance off State Highway and adjacent to Collins Landing. Reflecting its historic and present use, it stands directly at the water's edge. It was constructed in 1940 to expand shellfishing operations that had formerly been housed in the basement story of Cottage #1. Its small scale, one story height, gable roof, weathered shingle siding, and overall simplicity harmonize with the cottages described above.
Garage (1958; map #A) The garage stands at the south end of the district, at the foot of the internal drive, between Cottages #6 and 7. Like the cottages it is a simple, small-scale, wood frame building that is sheathed with wood shingles and rises one story to a gable roof. Four bays equipped with original overhead doors are spaced across the north façade. The appearance of the garage harmonizes with the design of the cottages as described above, while its auto-related use is related to an important aspect of the district history. It is considered non-contributing because it is less than 50 years old. Docks (map #C, D) Two wooden docks extend over the narrow littoral zone in the northern third of the district. They are placed there to serve the boating activities associated with the Shucking House.
They consist of round pilings, diagonal cross-bracing, wood plank decking, and a simple rail. Boat Ramp (map #B) The boat ramp is located at the southwest corner of the site. It consists of a concrete slab with slightly raised edges that slopes downward over the shore into the water. Effect of Modern Change The Collins Cottage Historic District remains as a remarkably intact example of an early 20-th century cottage colony, a property type that typified Cape Cod during that time period. Alterations to individual buildings as described above have had a minimal effect on the integrity of the district as a whole. The preservation of a typical period landscape is very unusual and greatly enhances the effect of the buildings. Very few well-preserved properties of this type remain in a region that has undergone intense development pressure in the second half of the 20th century.
In Eastham the population has risen from 582 in 1930, the year after the Cottages were completed, to 4,462 in 1990. Continued ownership by the family that built the colony is also very unusual. OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a (8-86) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number. 7 Page _6 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Collins Cottages Historic District Eastham (Barnstable Co.), Mass. Archaeological Description While no prehistoric sites are recorded within the district, sites may be present. Eight prehistoric sites are recorded in the general area (within one mile). Environmental characteristics of the district represent locational criteria (slope, drainage, distance to wetlands) which are favorable for many types of prehistoric sites.
The district includes a well-drained, level to moderately sloping terraced landscape adjacent to the Town Cove on the eastern side of the district. Marshlands are also present within 1000 feet of the district to the north and west. Each of these wetlands and their surrounding upland environments would have provided a wide variety of floral and faunal resources available for exploitation by Native Americans. Potential sites may include both habitation sites as well as special purpose activity type sites. Historic period development of the property has probably impacted any potential Native American sites in the district, however, the extent of these impacts is presently unknown. Impacts related to chicken coops, originally present on the property, were probably limited to superficial or shallow soil deposits.
With the exception of Cottage #1, which has a basement, and related septic systems, seasonal cottage construction also probably impacted only superficial areas. Given the above information and the size (2.7 acres) of the district, a moderate to high potential exists for locating prehistoric resources within the district. Structural, artifact and feature remains may survive from chicken coops which predated cottage construction in the area. Occupational type features (trash pits, privies, wells) may also survive related to construction and occupation of the cottage colony. Refuse deposits may also be present related to shellfish operations conducted in the area throughout most of the 20" century. Remnants of pilings from earlier wharves may also be present in shoreline areas.
Stratigraphic evidence might also exist from Jeremiah's Gutter, an early 19"h century transportation related canal designed to connect the waters of Cape Cod Bay and the Town Cove. The exact route of the canal is unknown, however, it likely met the Town Cove in the district area or a short distance to the south. Conflicting accounts are also present that the canal was ever completed. (end) Collins Cottages HD Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance