BlockFrom the form
The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.
NPS Form 10-900 (F . 10-90) OMB No. 1024-0018 RECEIVED 2280 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service APR 2 9 1999 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NAT. REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK SERVICI This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National egister of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by enterin he information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural lassification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrativ 1.
Name of Property historic name BRIDGE ROAD CEMETERY other names/site number 2. Location street & number BRIDGE ROAD -_not for publication city or town EASTHAM vicinity state_MASSACHUSETTS code_MA. county BARNSTABLE _ code_001 _zip code _02642 3. State/Federal Agency Certification s the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, I hereby certify that this 2 nominatio J request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register o Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the propert) * meets - does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significan - nationally O statewide & locally.
(- See continuation sheet for additional comments.) 4/20499 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. (O See continuation sheet for additional Comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title State or Federal agency and bureau 4. Natjonal Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: Wentered 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): Date H.Beall Date of Action 5:27.99 Bridge Road Cemetery Name of Property 5.
Classification wnership of Property Check as many boxes as apply _ private X public-local _ public-State _ public-Federal (Check only one box) -building(s) district X site _ structure _ object Barnstable, MA County and State Number of Resources within Property (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) Contributing Noncontributing 1 building sites _ structures objects Total Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a multiple property listing.) n/a 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) FUNERARY: Cemetery 1 Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) FUNERARY: Cemetery 7.
Description Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions) n/a Materials (Enter categories from instructions) foundation walls roof other GRAVESTONES: slate, sandstone. Limestone, marble, granite Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) OMBApproval No.1024-0018 p05Fo 10200a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 7 1 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA Page 7. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION The Bridge Road Cemetery is located in central Eastham, on the west side of Bridge Road, south of its intersection with Samoset Road. Eastham is the oldest of several towns in the region known as Lower Cape Cod.
Orleans to the south and Wellfleet to the 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 Bridge Road Cemetery is roughly rectangular in form, encompassing 1.4 acres of land. The east side, fronting Bridge Road, is defined by a granite post and iron rail fence. Twin openings that provide entrance for vehicles and pedestrians are roughly centered on the fence; hooks that remain on the posts mark the former location of gates or chains. The other sides lack formal demarcation, but are partially enclosed by a variety of trees, most of which appear to be volunteers. A power line right-of-way, and former railroad tracks run behind the cemetery along its west side.
Beyond is Herring Pond which can be seen from many points within the cemetery. It is separated from the road by a grassy strip. Parking is alongside the road with no formal lot provided or needed on this moderately traveled way. A contemporary wooden sign bearing the name Bridge Road Cemetery, along with a brief history, is centered behind the front (east) fence. The cemetery is surrounded by a residential neighborhood of low to moderate density. Most of the houses date to the post-World War II period when the local and regional populations began to rise after a century-long hiatus. The Bridge Road Cemetery marks the site of Eastham's second meeting house and town center in the same way that the Cove Burying Ground (see NR form) marks the location of the original 1640s meeting house and settlement.
The new cemetery on Bridge Road was laid out along with the second Congregational Meeting House in 1720. The earliest stone is dated 1754, probably because burials continued at the Cove Burying Ground until 1770. Similarly, the Bridge Road cemetery remained in use until 1886, well after a third cemetery was created in 1830, when the town center and Congregational Church were moved northward once again. The cemetery and the former Parsonage/Crosby Tavern (1955 Bridge Road; c. 1720; MHC #62) remain as the extant symbols of the 18th and early-19th century town center. Many of Eastham's 18" and early-19t century residents are buried in the Bridge Road Cemetery. Prevalent family names that appear on gravestones include Atwood, Brown, Clark, Cobb, Cole, Collins, Freeman, Myrick, Pepper, Shaw, Smith and Snow, with the Doane and Knowles families especially well represented.
Most of these families have remained prominent in Eastham and its several daughter towns through the present day. The Bridge Road Cemetery landscape consists of gently rolling terrain that is maintained in rough turf, and dotted with a few cedar and pine trees of moderate size and age. Gravestones are lightly scattered throughout the cemetery with the densest concentration in the southeast quadrant characterized by a slightly higher elevation. All of the headstones present their carved faces eastward to the road. The vast majority of marked graves include footstones as well as (continued) pors form 10200 a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 2 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA Section number. Page headstones.
Most stones are made of slate which was the primary material used for New England gravestones in the Colonial and Federal periods, although a few are fashioned of other materials that became popular in the 19' century. Those materials include sandstone, limestone and marble. Together, these stones provide a comprehensive picture of gravestone art from the mid-18th to the mid-19th centuries. Many of the earlier stones display the winged skull or death's head motif that characterizes the Colonial period in New England. However its real value lies in its rich collection of Federal period motifs such as the winged cherub and urn and willow. Several stones have been identified as unusually fine works produced by noted Boston stone carvers such as H.C. Geyer, William Codner and/or the Codner Shop, Nathaniel Emmes, Lemuel Savery, Bartlett Adams, and the Washburn Shop.
Together these stones provide an excellent opportunity to understand the major changes in funerary art and taste that took place after the Revolution. (Epitaph & Icon: 65) Gravestone Descriptions The cemetery was divided into quadrants as a locational aid during the 1975 survey by Kenelm Collins. Quadrant maps that were prepared as part of that survey to pinpoint specific locations - the numbering system for each quadrant begins with the number 1 preceded by the applicable cardinal points (NE,SE,SW,NW). The southeast quadrant is the densest and most diverse, containing 98 headstones - over half the cemetery total. A full range of death dates and stone types are found here, while members of the Knowles and Doane families are especially prominent.
The southwest quadrant is the most limited, containing only three headstones that mark the graves of four Smith family members who died between 1817-24. The northwest quadrant contains 43 headstones, all from the first half of the 19t century and belonging to several families. This section also contains a 1765 footstone and a 1933 stone whose presence is a mystery, since no recorded burials took place here after 1886. The northeast quadrant contains 28 headstones, among which are the earliest (1754-59) and newest (1886) in the cemetery. Representative and especially distinguished individual stones are described below in roughly chronological order, with some groupings by family and carver. The earliest slate in the cemetery belongs to Mrs. Mary Freeman(1721-54; stone NE 11). It has been identified as the work of the Codner or Emmes Shops.
It is a fairly small stone with a simple foliate border and a roundish winged skull in the tympanum. Mary died on October 18, 1754 at age 33. The adjacent stones of John Atwood (d. 1759; stone NE 12), Treat Knowles (d.1765; stone NE 13), and Martha Snow (d. 1765; stone NE 14) are similar. Another early slate, this one erected in memory of Mrs. Sarah Remick (1719-1774; stone NE 1) is also attributed to the Codner Shop. It is a small stone with a foliate border, and a winged skull in the tympanum. Sarah, the wife of Christian Remick, died December 2, 1774 at age 55. (continued) OMB Approved No. 1021-0018 IPS Form 10-900- 186 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 3 Section number - Page OMB ApprovelNo.
1024-0018 Bastam (Barstabe Co., MA An especially fine early slate, marking the grave of Nathaniel Atwood (1713-1769; stone SE 85) has been unmistakably identified as coming from the workshop of distinguished Boston carver William Codner, who died six months after Nathaniel. "The august, even pompous wigged head, and the well-carved wings and borders are typical of Codner's work." (Epitaph & Icon: 67) According to the inscription, Nathaniel died on March 28, 1769 at age 56. The grave of another Nathaniel Atwood (1778-1803; stone SE 91) has been attributed to Abraham Cotner. (Fannin) It is a fairly large stone with a complex profile that adds reverse- curve shoulders beneath a low tympanum. The thinly inscribed tympanum contains a small urn framed by parted draperies. According to the inscription, Nathaniel died December 22, 1803 at age 25.
Another of the early slate headstones, erected for Jonathan Doane, Esquire (1702-1780; stone SE 54) is thought to be the work of carver H.C. Geyer. Identifiable characteristics include the round, hollow eyes, inverted heart-shaped nose, and oversized teeth taking up the entire jaw area. "Its very direct and plain skull and crossbones stare from a small round tympanum above a plain, square stone. The skull is not anatomically correct, but its hollow eyes have considerable impact." (Epitaph & Icon: 67). According to the inscription, Jonathan died on January 24, 1780 in his 78t* year. Another late 18th century slate headstone, erected for Samuel Doane (1697-1778; stone SE 84; photo #3) may also be the work of H.C. Geyer. It is "an interesting attempt to reanimate the winged skull motif, which was fading at the time, even on the conservative Cape.
The teeth are particularly and grotesquely prominent." (Epitaph & Icon: 67). According to the inscription, Samuel died on August 25, 1778 in his 81st year. The slate headstone of Alice Freeman (1777-1779; date on stone SE 20 illegible) may be yet another example of Geyer's work. It displays the "same huge upper incisors and the same inverted heart nose, although here it is elongated" (Epitaph & Icon : 67) as the Samuel Doane stone. Alice, who was the daughter of Barnabas and Bethia Freeman, died on February 1, 1779 at the age of two years. She is buried with her parents. Her father Barnabas Freeman, Esquire (1737-1781; stone SE 19) died only two years after his daughter on January 17, 1781 at age 44. His wife Bethia Freeman (1741-1816; stone SE 19A) survived to age 75, dying on May 9, 1816 toward the end of the epidemic that swept Eastham.
Barnabas' stone carries an especially flattering and moving epitaph. The slate headstone of Jonathan Cole (1717-1791; stone SE 97) is thought to be the work of an as yet unidentified Boston carver. (Fannin) It is "another variant of the very toothy, not very artful winged skull, late in the life of the style." (Epitaph & Icon: 67) According to his inscription, Jonathan died November 9, 1791 in his 74** year. Several slates are thought to be the work of carver Lemuel Savery. The headstone erected for (continued) MPS Form 10-900e (3-80) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number - 7 Page 4 OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA Col. Willard Knowles (1711-1786; stone SE 21) is typical.
"It shows a transition between the rounded 'head and shoulders' stones of earlier years, and the more common square-topped stones of the nineteenth century. This type has a small round tympanum with a rather matter of fact winged skull squeezed tightly into it." (Epitaph & Icon: 68) Other slates of this form attributed to Savery include those of Elijah Knowles, Esq. (1747-1795; stone SE 9) with its small rounded base curve echoing the upper curve of tympanum, Deacon Edward Knowles (1712- 1799; stone SE 10), Mrs. Mary Doane (1704-1772; stone SE 74) and Isaac Doane (1666-1755; stone NE 18). Deacon Knowles' stone bears a variant of a very popular epitaph: "As you past by and cast an eye, As you are now so once was I." A grouping of stones in the southeast quadrant testify to the tragedy that surrounded the personal life of the Rev. Philander Shaw, whose ministry spanned the years 1795-1838.
The stones memorialize his first wife Dorcas who died at age 19, as well as four young children by his second wife Lucy. The Reverend and Lucy are apparently buried elsewhere. An especially large and handsome stone was erected for his young first wife Dorcas Shaw (d. 1797; stone SE 11) shortly after the Revolution. This stone, which may have been carved by the Washburns or Bartlett Adams: '...represents quite another world of art and taste from those at the Cove Burying Ground. The Shaw stone is both restrained and energetic. The restraint appears in the excellent low-relief carving, the quiet, serene winged cherub, the small plain borders; the only remnant of gourds or leaves is springs and a flower above the head.
The energy is in the lines of the triple-indented tympanum, electric and upward-moving." (Epitaph & Icon: 66) The verbal excess of the epitaph is characteristic of the period. It clearly identifies the esteem in which Dorcas was held, and the deep sorrow of both family and friends. The remains of Mrs. Dorcas Shaw, The amiable and virtuous consort Of the Rev'd Philander Shaw Of this Town, who in the joyful hope Of rising to a glorious immortality, Died of a languishment July 17th, 1797 In the 19t year of her age. Smitted friends Are Angels sent on errands full of love. For us they languish, & for us they die: And shall they languish, shall they die in Vain (continued) : OMB Approval No.
1024-0018 pos Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number Page 5 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA "The quotation is from the Night the Third of Edward Young's Night Thoughts, the epitome of the 'graveyard school' of poetry, immensely popular both as poem and as epitaph-quarry in eighteenth century merica. The passage quoted forms part of an argument on the alue of death, and the folly of mourning dead friends. 'Languishmen is a quasi-medical term for any lingering illness, though in this era it would probably have meant consumption, i.e. tuberculosis." The small Philander Shaw (d. 1800; stone SE 12) headstone memorializes the seven-week-old infant of the Rev. Philander and his second wife Lucy.
It displays a beautifully carved cherub that could also be seen as a portrait of the child. The cherub's face is also identical to the one seen on Dorcas' stone. Nearby are the stones of several other children including four year old Dorcas Doane Shaw (d. 1804; stone SE 23), the three year old Joseph C. Shaw (d. 1816; stone SE 35), and nine year old Oakes Shaw (d. 1816; stone SE 34). Joseph and Oakes died in the epidemic that swept through Eastham in 1816. The headstone of Warren Sparrow (d. 1812; stone SE 13) speaks of a tragic drowning that took the life of a young child aged two years, four months and twenty-four days. It is carved" pure simple style like that of Dorcas Shaw.
It exemplifies the lighter incision, lower relief, and pleasanter aspect of gravestones of the early nineteenth century." (Epitaph & Icon: 66-67) The stark epitaph from Job 14:2 contrasts with the sweet image of the cherub above. It reads "He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not." The headstone of Emeline Knowles (d. 1811; stone SE 16) memorializes the daughter of Jonathan and Rebecca Knowles, who died at eleven months, seven days. This unique slate presents: "...an odd combination of a genuinely crude and (to our eyes) ugly, cherub motif, with a large and attractive slate and well-carved epitaph. This cherub looks gloomy, even grumpy and pained.
It is a thinly Incised, almost a caricaturish doodle, with an odd lined mass of hair (or nightcap?) above the forehead." (Epitaph & Icon: 66) A contemporary stone erected for Mary Doane (1735-1811; stone NW 25; photo #2) has been attributed to an unknown Boston carver. (Fannin) The stone has a complex profile that adds reverse curve shoulders beneath the tympanum. The simple, flat incised carving is limited to a parted drapery motif in the tympanum. Mary, the wife of Solomon Doane, died March 1, 1811 at age 76. Solomon appears to be buried elsewhere. The striking headstone of Capt. Michael Collins (1755-1828; stone NW 1) is a large and well executed example of the urn and willow motif that dominated the early to mid-19t century.
The (continued) VPS Form10-900v United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 Section number Page. OMB Approvel No. 1024-0018 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA epitaph reads "Man shall rise again, triumphant from the grave to endless bliss and immortality; Delightful thought! This softens the toils of life, and we on Death as our best friend." Collins died on June 23, 1828 at age 73. His wife Elizabeth Collins (1757-1833; stone NW 2) who died on June 5, 1833 at age 76 lies next to him, memorialized with a small, simple marble rectangle. The graves of Harding Knowles, Esq. (1778-1826; stone SE 58) and his wife Betsy Knowles (1775-1853) are marked by a single marble stone.
A single marble stone (SE 15) also serves two young children of Samuel and Hannah Knowles: Robert Knowles, who died April 17, 1803 at age five months, twenty-five days, and an unnamed infant daughter. The parents are buried elsewhere. Captain Joshua W. Nickerson (1868; stone NE 10; photo #4) and his wife Mercy Nickerson (181; stone NE9; photo#4) rest side by side in graves marked by marble head and footstones. The headstones are especially handsome with their granite bases, low-arched tops, boldly chamfered edges, and carved sheaves of wheat set in recessed oval panels. Their son William H. Nickerson (d. 1838; stone NE 8) died at age two years and eleven days.
His grave is marked by a small marble stone whose poignant epitaph reads "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Modern Period One stone (1855-1933; stone NW 32) was erected in the mid-20th century even though general usage of the Bridge Street Cemetery ceased in 1886.It reads Emily Carter Alexander, Born May 22, 1855 in Arisaig, Scotland, Died August 22, 1933, At Nauset Light, In the 78** year, Of her age. Alice Baldwin Alexander 1890-1971. It is an overly large dark slate stone with round arched top. Material, form, and wording all deliberately drawn on archaic forms. Both the Cove Burying Ground and Bridge Road Cemetery have been surveyed several times. The latter was surveyed by Stanley W. Smith, assisted by Edward M. Whorf and John W. Willard in May 1905, by Kenelm and Glenn Collins of Eastham in 1975-76, and by Fannin/Lehner of Concord in late fall 1997.
The stones of four graves recorded in 1904-05 had disappeared by 1976. They include Azubah Smith (d. 1820; SW), Betty Smith (d. 1805; SW), Treat Knowles (d. 1768), Elisha Warren Cobb (d. 1883) and Emily Carter (d. 1933; NW). The stone that marked the grave of Rev. Samuel Treat (1647-1716/17) was removed to the Snow Library in Orleans where it was subsequently destroyed by fire in 1952. Kenelm Collins, in his 1976 survey, noted that many stones had been badly damaged by the weather, especially those made of marble. In addition, some slates were broken and missing pieces due to freeze/thaw cycles. While he was able to locate most of the stones recorded in 1905, their identification was sometimes the result of deduction. He began repairing stones with fiber glass in 1975.
The town hired preservation consultant Minxie Fannin to reevaluate the condition of stones in both the Cove Burial Ground and Bridge Road Cemetery in late fall 1997. He report records existing conditions and makes recommendations for repair and maintenance. (continued) posfor 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet 7 Section number Page 8 OM8 Aaproval No. 1024-0018 Bridge Road Cemetery Eastham (Barnstable Co.), MA Archaeological Description While no prehistoric sites are recorded within the Bridge Road Cemetery, sites may be present. Thirty-four prehistoric sites are recorded in the general area (within one mile) of the cemetery.
Most sites are located around the periphery of Nauset Harbor/marsh with lesser site densities along the Cape Cod Bay shoreline, related tidal creeks and marshes and around inland freshwater ponds. Environmental characteristics of the cemetery also represent locational criteria that are favorable for many types of prehistoric sites. The nominated property includes a well- drained, level to moderately sloping land surface in close proximity (within 1000 feet) to wetlands. Herring Pond, which contains runs of anadromous fish, lies immediately west of the cemetery with Mill Pond and related wetlands located a short distance to the east. Given the above information, a high potential exists for locating prehistoric resources in the vicinity of the Bridge Street Cemetery.
In general, however, the potential for locating significant prehistoric resources within the cemetery is low due to the relatively small size of the cemetery (1.4 acres) and the relatively deep impacts from graves represented by 172 stones, some of which represent multiple internments. A high potential exists for locating historic archaeological resources within and near the present boundaries of the Bridge Road Cemetery. Further documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing can identify the locations of unmarked graves and reaffirm the associations and orientations between grave stones and actual graves. Known and unmarked graves may represent the most common archaeological resource type in the cemetery. Individual graves may include skeletal remains in addition to clothing and personal items interred with each individual.
Funerary objects including coffin remains and artifacts associated with initial internment(s) and later memorials may also be present with individual or groups of graves. A grave shaft discernable in the soil stratigraphy should be present with individual and multiple internments. Posts molds may also be present from older fence lines, which marked the boundary of the cemetery. Archaeological testing may also identify head and foot stones, which are overgrown and presently not visible on the surface. (end) : Bridge Road Cemetery Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance