In My Footsteps: Trip 45: Dennis, Mass. - Part Two

In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 45: Dennis, Mass. – Part Two

April 21, 2010

            After living on Cape Cod for nearly the entirety of my life it is difficult for me to find places that I either had not known about or had not seen.  On this second trip through Dennis I was able to discover one such place.  The town of Dennis, though settled by Thomas Howes and John Crowe (Crowell), got its name for the resident minister Josiah Dennis.  His saltbox home, the Josiah Dennis Manse, built in 1736, is a must see which functions as a museum as well.  Though it is highly recommended the museum is currently being renovated and will not be opened to the public again until 2011.

            The north side of Dennis has an incredible stretch of beaches that are some of the most popular on the Cape.  My beach of choice is Corporation Beach due to the scenic overlook that gives you a view of the beach below from about thirty feet up(left).  On a clear day you can easily see all the way up the coastline to Provincetown with the Pilgrim Monument standing out against the sky.  Another great view at Corporation Beach happens during big storms.  There is a long rock wall, separating the private homes from the ocean, which runs parallel to the parking lot about fifty feet out.  During these storms it is fun to park and watch the ocean waves crashing up and over the rock wall.  These views are what make Corporation Beach unique. 

Still, if that is not your thing, Chapin Beach offers a different sort of thrill which is off-roading.  The route to Chapin Beach is nearly two and a half miles leading to a very secluded parking lot; though in summer it is extremely crowded.  Those vehicles with the capability may opt to drive out along the beach which extends out to where the Chase Garden Creek Salt Marsh empties into Cape Cod Bay.  From there you have a great view of both Sandy Neck in Sandwich and the close by Grey’s Beach, also known as Bass Hole. 

After hitting the beaches there are more historical sites to see and of course they lie on Route 6A.  Around the intersection of 6A and Old Bass River Road there are a few places close together which makes it a great area to park and walk.  Located directly across the street from one another are two historic places.  The Carleton Hall, built in 1828, was originally created to be a Methodist ‘praying house.’  It was purchased in 1865 by Captain Carleton Howes and a group of local citizens to be used for community activities.  It is still used for that purpose to this day.

Across the street from the Carleton Hall, and next door to the fire station, is the Dennis Union Church(right).  Originally established in 1727 this church still plays the chimes at the tops of the hours.  It is incredible to be there at noon when it is almost as if an entire concert is being played for those in and around the church.  It has a large green in front of it with a gazebo; this spot is a tremendous place to get out of the hot sun, or to just sit and people watch along 6A.

Not more than a few hundred yards from the Dennis Union Church is the famous Dennis Playhouse(left).  It is the country’s oldest professional summer theatre.  Originally a Uniatrian Meeting House the Playhouse was begun by California native Raymond Moore in 1927.  A frequent visitor to Provincetown where he worked in the theatres there Moore desired to have a theatre of his own.  The first performance came on July 4, 1927 and was The Guardsman featuring Basil Rathbone.  In the time since many world famous performers have graced the stage inside the Playhouse or, in the case of Bette Davis, been discovered there.  Ms. Davis worked as an usher in the Playhouse when it opened.  Gregory Peck, Lana Turner, Humphrey Bogart, and Ginger Rogers are just a few of the performers that include shows at the Playhouse on their resumes.

Finally we come to a spot in Dennis that I had never actually been to.  Crows Pasture sits on South Street past the Quivett Cemetery on the east side of Sesuit Harbor.  The road out to Crows Pasture Beach is long, bumpy, and unpaved.  It is recommended that you take it slow, or better yet have a vehicle capable of four-wheel drive.  The scenery is amazing, especially during a first drive out there.  The 138-acre conservation area has many designated parking areas with views of Cape Cod Bay and the neighboring Quivett Creek Marsh(left).  On this trip I witnessed a few people out on the beach at low-tide shellfishing.  It is possible to park and any of the designated areas and taking a walk to the beach or to Coles Pond which sits in the northeast section of Crows Pasture and only a few hundred yards from the ocean.

Though it is relatively hidden to those unfamiliar with it, Crows Pasture is a spot in which a day can easily be spent simply enjoying the solitude and beauty of untouched Cape Cod.  I left there feeling like it was a part of the National Seashore on the mid-Cape; an area large enough to give you the feeling that it looked much the same as when the first settlers gazed upon it for the first time.

Whether taking a walk along Rt. 6A, where nearly everything has historical significance, or enjoying the untouched solitude of Crows Pasture, Dennis is a destination point with limitless possibilities for good times.  I enjoyed taking another look at the amazing sites that are in my own backyard and absolutely recommend any visitor to the Cape take some time to enjoy what this town has to offer.  Have fun and happy traveling!

Directions:  Corporation Beach: From Rt. 6A heading east, turn left onto Corporation Rd.  Follow it to the beach.  Chapin Beach: From Rt. 6A heading east, turn left at New Boston Rd., take quick right onto Beach St.  Continue onto Taunton Ave., turn left at Dr. Botero Rd., continue onto Chapin Beach Rd.  Follow it to parking lot.

Crows Pasture:  From Rt. 6A heading east turn left onto School St.  Take first right at South Street.  Follow it past the cemetery on the right.  Entrance to Crows Pasture is straight ahead, remember road is dirt so drive carefully.

References:  Cape Playhouse     

            Dennis Historical Society

            Dennis Chamber of Commerce

Dennis on Dwellable

In My Footsteps: Trip 14: Brewster, Mass.

In My Footsteps

Christopher Setterlund

Trip 14: Brewster, Mass.

January 28, 2010

            Brewster is a classic small town with a mix of the modern and the quaint.  It may have the most natural beauty of any town on the mid-Cape with the Natural History Museum as well as Nickerson State Park which will be addressed in its own article.  First incorporated in 1803, carved out from the northern part of Harwich, Brewster was named for William Brewster one of the leaders of the Pilgrims.  The sights and history start almost immediately when you cross over into Brewster from Dennis.  This little village is also filled with cozy Bed & Breakfasts that look like they are straight out of the 19^th Century.  The best part is that you do not have to travel very far to find natural and historical beauty.

            On Rt. 6A as you cross into Brewster you come across Drummer Boy Park which houses the Old Higgins Farm Windmill(left).  It was built in 1795 and has been moved several times before winding up in its current location.  Also on the Drummer Boy Park grounds is the Harris-Black House also built in 1795.  The park area is grassy and wide open, perfect for recreation and picnicking. 

            Almost immediately after exiting Drummer Boy Park you will find the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.  There are trails on the south side of Rt. 6A that take you across a marsh and into the surrounding woods.  The Natural History Museum itself is filled with amazing exhibits featuring the local wildlife and ecology.  It is open everyday during the summer and most days during the spring and fall.  It is what is behind the museum that truly makes the trip memorable, a prime example of what the Natural History Museum’s exhibits are all about. 

            Located across Quivett Creek Marsh and only accessible at low tide is Wing Island.  The John Wing Trail which begins as a series of boards across the mucky marsh leads you across the wooded land and out to Cape Cod Bay is named for John Wing.  Wing was the first white settler to live within the boundaries of what was old Harwich in 1656.  The island trail has several openings which allow a broad view of Quivett Creek Marsh and Cape Cod Bay(right) simultaneously.  The land is filled with birds, butterflies and sweet smelling flowers during the warmer months but it is still an amazing piece of natural beauty during the winter.  Remember that the marsh trail leading to Wing Island is submerged during high tide so check the charts before heading out there.  Paine’s Creek is visible from the beach at Wing Island but in order to get to the beach you must leave the Natural History Museum and head down 6A.  It is a great swimming beach as it is on the bay side of the Cape and therefore has less surf.

            If you follow Paine’s Creek Road to Stony Brook Road you will find a pair of well known attractions.  The Stony Brook Herring Run(right) is a popular site for children and adults alike, especially during the spring when the herring spawn.  During the spring the narrow brook is choked with the fish but as tempting as it may seem, taking them from the grounds is not permitted.  However, it does not have to be spring to enjoy the herring run.  Lower Mill Pond empties through the herring run and out into Paine’s Creek and the series of ‘fish ladders,’ a sort of man made funneling system for the fish, make a constant rush of water that overpowers most other sound.  There is also an old wishing well on the grounds and a walking bridge over the brook that allows for tremendous views of the natural beauty no matter what the season.

            Across the street from the herring run is the Stony Brook Grist Mill(left).  The original mill was 200-years old when it burnt to the ground in 1871, the current mill was built on the original foundation two years later.  It houses a museum inside and is still in operation despite being nearly 140-years old.  The mill has an amazing wooden wheel affixed to its side; this spot is a very popular photographic site.

            A beautiful place to stay and a beautiful place to explore, Brewster holds many natural and historical attractions.  It should be a destination for any traveler wishing to visit Cape Cod.  Any time of year you can enjoy all of the sites Brewster has to offer.  Have fun and happy traveling!

Directions: Drummer Boy Park: On Rt. 6A travel east into Brewster.  The park is located shortly after entering the town on the left side.  The windmill stands on the left side of the park with the Harris-Black house sitting behind it.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History & Wing Island: On Rt. 6A travel east into Brewster.  The Natural History Museum is a very short drive from Drummer Boy Park and is designated by a large sign.  Wing Island is behind the museum across the marsh, accessible only at low tide.

Paine’s Creek: On Rt. 6A travel east, pass Drummer Boy Park and the Natural History Museum.  Bear left onto Lower Rd. and take first left onto Paine’s Creek Rd.  Follow road to beach parking lot.

Stony Brook Herring Run & Grist Mill: On Rt. 6A heading east turn right onto Paine’s Creek Rd.  Turn right onto Stony Brook Rd.  The herring run and mill are 1,000 feet away.  Parking is on herring run side of road.

References: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

            Brewster Historical Society

            Cape Cod Herring Runs
           Brewster By the Sea Bed & Breakfast

Ocean Edge Resort on Dwellable