The newly-formed Falmouth Preservation Alliance made its first neighborhood association presentation to the Old Stone Dock Association (OSDA) on December 9th.
It was a fitting way to begin since the first neighborhood they selected was also the site of the first settlement in Falmouth. Prior to the Proprietors’ arrival, the Wampanoag’s often used the area for their encampments because of the many natural features that offered a salt pond, a freshwater pond, and access to the ocean.
The Alliance’s three areas of focus are historic structures, cultural resources, and heritage landscapes. The OSDA neighborhood abounds in every category. The Alliance came to the OSDA to talk about their mission and identify OSDA concerns for historical sites that are or might become endangered.
The neighbors present had no hesitation in naming their priorities. Chief among them, naturally, is the Old Stone Dock itself. The original dock was built in 1801 and destroyed by a hurricane in 1815. The present Old Stone Dock was built in 1817 and functioned as a commercial wharf until it was destroyed by the Hurricane of 1938. The remnants of the dock define the boundary of the “Kiddie Pool” at Surf Drive Beach. The OSDA discussed plans to partner with the Alliance to create a community-wide celebration for the bicentennial of the Old Stone Dock in 2017.
Other features of mutual interest were the preservation of the long stone walls that line Mill Road, and the Old Burial Ground at the intersection of Mill Road and Locust Street that holds the remains of some of Falmouth’s original settlers.
Three bronze tablets identify cultural sites. One is located at the Old Stone Dock site, another is at the Fresh River Inlet, sometimes referred to as “Falmouth Rock.” It lists the names of the original Proprietors who landed in Falmouth in 1661 and chose to settle on this site.
The third tablet is on a large glacial rock in the triangle of land at the head of Mill Road, opposite the Old Burial Ground. It marks the Mariners Memorial, dedicated to the seafarers of Falmouth in 1907. The OSDA has worked with Rocky Gomes, the Director of Parks and Recreation, to groom the site for better visibility of the cultural landmark.
In discussing historical structures, the OSDA stated their policy of neutrality on personal property. Any structures they support would have to be public property. It is clear that the Ellen T. Mitchell Bath House is not historic, however, the site of the current structure is the site of a Victorian-era “bathing casino” that was destroyed in 1938. It was agreed that the site could be appropriate for a marker of recognition.
Falmouth’s cultural resources include the many estuaries and ponds that line Vineyard Sound. The current Fresh River was previously called Herring Run for its active fish population. Years of sediment build up and overgrowth between the ocean and Sider’s Pond will need to be addressed to preserve this dominant link to our commercial heritage.
Some OSDA members in the audience are owners of historic homes and welcomed the ready guidance of the Alliance in helping them move forward with their plans to improve their property. This is the mission that many residents welcomed when the Alliance was introduced in October. The broader discussion of the evening showcased the breadth of support the Alliance can provide to whole neighborhoods.
The meeting concluded with much enthusiasm for the enrichment their collaboration can bring to the residents and visitors to Falmouth.
The Preservation Alliance provided the following documents to share with our members.
1. Click here to download and complete the Falmouth Preservation Alliance Questionnaire for the OSDA.
(Similar article was printed in the Falmouth Enterprise on 12/19/14)